London - June 16, 2008

Basket Case

2008 Summer Picnic Guide

Between the sneeze-inducing pollen count and overheated Underground, summertime in London isn’t always a walk in the park.

Find inner peace in the Kyoto Garden, Holland Park (Holland Park Avenue, W8) with an Italian hamper (gazpacho, tiger prawn skewers, fresh focaccia) from nearby Brunello Restaurant at Baglioni Hotel (60 Hyde Park Gate, SW7 5BB; 020 7368 5900).

Take in London’s skyline from the top of Primrose Hill (Prince Albert Road, NW8) armed with Divertimenti’s portable barbecue and organic sausages from Kent & Sons Butchers (59 St. John’s Wood High Street, NW8 7NL; 020 7722 2258).

Be at one with nature in Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens, The Regent’s Park (Inner Circle, NW1) with biodegradable tableware from Nigel’s Eco Store and Carluccio’s antipasti picnic in a reusable cool bag.

Working? Grab a takeaway lunch box from UP Box (7 Ludgate Circus, EC4M 7LF; 020 8968 7514). Alternatively, order fresh fare from Picnic 2 U and hide out in Meanwhile Gardens (Golborne Road, W10) or Rembrandt Gardens (Warwick Avenue, W9).

Who said life is no picnic?