As spring gives way to the warmer days of early summer, we find ourselves drawn to the outdoors. Parks fill with families and friends, and gardens become gathering places again. This is picnic season: a time to indulge in good food, fresh air and joyful company. At Sophie Grey, we believe that the best meals are those shared, and there is something especially magical about eating outside.
We have always embraced food that feels both celebratory and accessible. Whether preparing dinner parties for the fashion elite or baking for local cafés and hotels through our Crazy Baker bakery, we bring the same care, warmth and attention to quality ingredients. This is just as true for an elegant picnic as any of our formal catering events. The perfect picnic doesn’t require elaborate preparation — it just needs fresh, seasonal ingredients and a little thoughtfulness in how they’re packed and presented.
When thinking about what to bring to a picnic, it’s best to start with the season. The markets are full of ingredients at their absolute best in late spring and early summer. Strawberries become sweeter by the day, and vegetables such as asparagus, courgettes, and new potatoes are tender and flavoured. At Sophie Grey, we have always believed in cooking with the seasons. Whether it’s our rustic tarts or handmade cakes, the best results come from working with nature’s rhythm.
For a picnic, savoury dishes should be simple to transport and easy to eat without fuss. A well-made sandwich, for example, can be elevated to something special with artisan bread and fresh, thoughtfully combined fillings. Think of roasted chicken with tarragon mayonnaise, crisp little gem lettuce, or grilled courgettes layered with goat’s cheese and mint. Cold pasta salads also travel beautifully and offer the opportunity to showcase vegetables at their peak. Toss al dente pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes, torn basil, and good olive oil — perhaps add toasted pine nuts for a bit of texture.
Miniature quiches are another staple of the summer picnic. Baked in individual tins, they can be filled with whatever the season offers. Asparagus and spring onion work beautifully together, bound in a soft, creamy custard. These little dishes can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature, making them a convenient choice when dining alfresco.
Of course, no picnic is complete without something sweet. Our background in baking — from launching the Crazy Baker café to delivering pastries to some of London’s finest hotels — means we know a thing or two about desserts. For the picnic hamper, go for treats that travel well and won’t melt in the sun. A fruit tart with a shortcrust base and fresh strawberries is a crowd-pleaser, especially when finished with a brush of apricot glaze. Alternatively, bake a tray of buttery flapjacks or chocolate chip cookies — simple pleasures everyone enjoys.
If you’re bringing a cake, consider something that holds its shape without refrigeration, such as a classic Victoria sponge. The light sponge and jam layers feel perfectly British, and it’s a nostalgic favourite for many. For something a little different, a crumble cake with rhubarb or apple can be sliced and packed in wax paper, ready to be passed around the picnic blanket.
To drink, think refreshing and light. A homemade lemonade with a sprig of rosemary or mint can be made the night before and poured into a glass bottle for easy transport. For those who want something with a little sparkle, a bottle of rosé chilled in a cool bag is never unwelcome. At Sophie Grey, we believe food should be an experience that extends to the little details, like a linen napkin or a proper glass for your drink. It all contributes to a sense of care and enjoyment.
Packing your picnic well is almost as important as the food itself. Use solid containers with tight-fitting lids to avoid spills, and consider wrapping sandwiches in parchment or waxed paper tied with string — not just practical, but pleasing to the eye. Bring a proper blanket and a small chopping board to serve on, and don’t forget a knife for slicing cake. These thoughtful touches turn an ordinary picnic into something more memorable.
At Sophie Grey, our work has always been about creating moments. From dinner parties for the property world’s movers and shakers to teaching home cooks in the comfort of our kitchen, food has been our way of bringing people together. A picnic is another version of that: informal, relaxed, but no less special. With the right ingredients and a touch of preparation, you can turn a simple outing into something worth savouring.
This season, we invite you to embrace the joy of picnicking. Let the sun warm your shoulders, lay out your favourite blanket, and unpack a meal made with love. Whether you’re sharing a quiche made from scratch or a slice of homemade cake, the pleasure of eating well in good company is what it’s all about.
Here’s to a season full of delicious moments — and many picnics to come.