Summer is officially picnicking season, and that means scotch eggs, sandwiches and maybe even a bit of bubbly in your glass. But to ensure your al fresco feast goes off without a hitch, you’ll need other essentials too – like waterproof blankets, flasks and, of course, the perfect hamper to store everything in.

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Nobody does open-air dining quite like Fortnum & Mason, and this summer it has everything you need to host the perfect picnic. From classic staples like lunch boxes and cool bags to trendy new additions such as sparkling tea, as ever, you’ll be well taken care of with Fortnum’s.

So, layer on the sun cream and pack your sunglasses – here’s our pick of the best picnic essentials available from Fortnum & Mason this year.


Summer picnic essentials at a glance

  • Fortnum’s hamper tote with waterproof picnic blanket, £145
  • The Fortnum’s lunch box, £25
  • Orange and lemon cold brew infusion tea bags, £8.95
  • Fortnum & Mason flask, £25
  • Piccadilly lemon curd biscuits, £10.95
  • Fortnum’s picnic cool bag, £42.95
  • Fortnum’s Prosecco Valdobbiadene NV, £16.50
  • Traditional scotch eggs, £17.95
  • Fortnum’s 2-person canvas picnic backpack, £195
  • Fortnum’s sparkling tea, £17.95

Best summer picnic essentials to try from Fortnum & Mason this year

Fortnum’s hamper tote with waterproof picnic blanket

Fortnum’s Hamper Tote with Waterproof Picnic Blanket

Fortnum’s is synonymous with luxury hampers, and this handwoven wicker basket is the optimum vessel for transporting all your picnicking essentials. Sporting the iconic F&M branding, it features an insulated inner lining that keeps food and drink fresh for longer. The sturdy canvas and leather strap also ensures everything stays neatly locked in, so you can stow away your spread without worry. Even pre-picnic showers or the odd spillage shouldn’t dampen your outdoor gathering, as the blanket included is fully waterproof.

Buy now for £145

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The Fortnum’s lunch box

The Fortnum’s Lunch Box

Where better to store your scotch eggs and sandwiches than this stylish metal lunchbox? Decorated in Fortnum’s signature colour, it’s topped with a sturdy bamboo lid and colourful striped band, so all your nibbles can be kept safe while you’re on the move.

Buy now for £25


Orange and lemon cold brew infusion

Orange and Lemon Cold Brew Infusion Tea Bags

Nothing says summer like citrus, and this orange and lemon cold brew infusion will keep you refreshed on the warmest and sunniest of days. Simply place one of the silky tea bags into a bottle of water for a pick-me-up on the go, or pop into a jug to share with friends on a picnic. Each box contains 20 silky tea bags.

Buy now for £8.95


Fortnum & Mason flask

Fortnum and Mason Flask

The ideal companion for picnicking adventures, fill this flask with ice-cold beverages or hot tea for chillier evenings outdoors. It’s generously sized so you’ll be well prepared for hours of al fresco socialising, and its insulated interior keeps drinks at the perfect temperature for as long as you need.

Buy now for £25


Piccadilly lemon curd biscuits

Piccadilly Lemon Curd Biscuits

There’s always a sense of collective joy when someone breaks out the biscuits, and these buttery creations from Fortnum’s are sure to get snaffled quickly. They come in a stylish metal tin that can be easily slotted into a hamper, and are made from real lemon curd – so have a zesty, sweet-sharp flavour that’s wonderfully moreish.

Buy now for £10.95


Fortnum’s picnic cool bag

Fortnum’s Picnic Cool Bag

Keeping your picnic treats chilled makes all the difference when it comes to dining outdoors. Made from recycled materials, this fully insulated cool bag takes care of that for you and has ample space for even the largest of feasts. It’s easy to clean, comfortable to carry, and there are plenty of pockets, too, so you can keep bottles and other items well secured while you’re on the move.

Buy now for £42.95


Fortnum’s Prosecco Valdobbiadene

Fortnum’s Prosecco Valdobbiadene

The quintessential Italian aperitif, prosecco is the ultimate companion for a picnic. This sparkling wine hails from the vineyards of the DOCG region, where the grapes are harvested by hand and the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks. What you get as a result is a fine and aromatic prosecco with notes of apricot, white peach, and lemon.

Buy now for £16.50


Traditional scotch eggs

Fortnum and Mason scotch eggs

Scotch eggs are a staple when it comes to British picnics – in fact, we’re not sure it would be a picnic without them. Pop this Fortnum’s box of four in your hamper and you’re sure to be the hero of the hour: each one contains British outdoor-reared pork, wrapped around a free-range egg with a bright orange yolk, and finished with a generous coating of crisp homemade breadcrumbs.

Buy now for £17.95


Fortnum’s 2-person canvas picnic backpack

Fortnum’s 2-Person Canvas Picnic Backpack

This canvas backpack has everything you need for a cosy two-person feast. Made from recycled materials and leather trimmings, you’ll find two enamel plates, two glasses, two sets of cutlery, cotton napkins, a salt-and-pepper grinder, and – perhaps most importantly – a waiter’s friend corkscrew for enjoying tipples in the sun all safely packed inside. Carrying it around won’t be a bother either, as it comes with adjustable straps and a separate leather handle for easy transportation.

Buy now for £195


Fortnum’s sparkling tea

Fortnum’s Sparkling Tea

Ideal for a booze-free picnic, sparkling tea is a brilliant combination of complex flavours and celebration-ready fizz. Fortnum’s own contains an organic blend of its eight famous and rare brews, and the results are light and refreshing. Expect notes of tropical fruits, lemongrass, Darjeeling tea and water mint, with a lingering hint of jasmine on the finish.

Buy now for £17.95


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Discover the best summer picnic essentials now at Fortnum & Mason.

Authors

Natalie BassSenior Digital Reviews Writer

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