Brits are taking their picnic game to the next level with charcuterie boards, homemade sausage rolls and cheese scones.
A study involving 2,000 adults revealed that 11% are keen to wow their friends with a fancy picnic, shelling out an average of £25.80 on outdoor dining food and drink. An even larger 13% spend over £40 on food for such events.
Despite 65% saying the weather is a major factor in making it a great day out, another 36% said the quality of food greatly influences their experience – and with the unreliability of British weather it could explain why Brits are upping their picnic game.
The survey found that 29% agreed traditional picnic dishes are being replaced by more contemporary alternatives. One in five will serve a selection of cured meats when dining outdoors and olives (25%), pate (15%) and sushi (10%) are becoming popular picnic favourties.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also highlighted a growing trend towards homemade picnic foods, with 22% making their own sausage rolls, 17% preparing coleslaw, and 29% bringing home-baked cakes.
One in five (19%) will head to a deli for their picnic supplies, while 15% will visit a local farm shop.
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The study was commissioned by Aspall Cyder, who has teamed up with etiquette coach, Jo Bryant, to offer advice on how to ‘picnic properly’, coinciding with the launch of its new Crisp Apple Cyder slimline can this summer.
Jo Bryant stated: “Whether you’re heading to a picture-perfect spot, on the beach or just popping out to relax in your back garden, here in Britain we love a good picnic.”
“But this new research shows that Brits are ‘poshing up’ their picnics this summer, swapping out some of the traditional food and drinks with other more artisan options and elevating the overall picnic experience for their guests.”
Following Jo’s words, the study showed that it’s not just food getting an upgrade, as cider (15%), prosecco (15%), and iced coffee (10%) are also gaining popularity.
Exactly one in ten said a drink selection which has been properly chilled is critical, with a plastic wine glass (11%) or a tin (10%) among the most favoured drinking vessels.
Samantha Maynard, at Aspall Cyder, commented: “Picnics will continue to be part of British culture, and come rain or shine, it feels like people always find a way to squeeze one in over the summer.”
“Our study shows people are upgrading their picnics so we wanted to help them maximise their al fresco dining by teaming up with Jo Bryant to create an etiquette guide to doing picnics right.”
“Alongside ensuring picnic-perfect food and beverages, putting a bit more effort into all the finishing touches can help make the overall experience feel more memorable.”
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‘PICNIC PROPERLY’ ETIQUETTE GUIDE – ADVICE FROM ETIQUETTE EXPERT JO BRYANT
• Set the scene – Make sure you find a picnic spot that caters to everyone’s needs. Your guests may like the option of a spot with both shade and sun.
• Comfort is king – Everyone needs somewhere to sit, and the traditional option is the trusty picnic blanket. But why not take comfort levels up a notch with a few scatter cushions or, for smaller gatherings, picnic chairs for everyone.
• Smarten up – A picnic is quickly elevated from banal to brilliant with proper cutlery and crockery. Arrange food attractively on serving dishes and add a few good-looking garnishes, like pea shoots or lemon wedges.
• Food for thought – Picnic food should be sophisticated, seasonal and tempting, yet easy to eat. Guests will feel awkward if they are attempting to cut up complex food when balancing a plate on their lap.
• Drink selection – Drinks should arrive pre-chilled and be kept chilled. Loading up a filled ice bucket with individual cans (e.g. cider, pre-mixed cocktails or soft drinks) keeps things simple and allows guests to help themselves.
• Keep cool – While picnic baskets provide a distinctly British feel, they are no good for keeping food or drink fresh. Transport your china and glassware in vintage wicker, but food and drink should be carried in something more practical.
• Leave no trace – It goes without saying that the picnic spot must be left litter-free and clean. Good hosts will subtly collect empty cans and bottles (for recycling), dispose of litter, and clear away dirty plates throughout the gathering.
TOP 30 PICNIC FOODS
- Sandwiches
- Crisps
- Sausage rolls (not vegetarian/vegan)
- Cheese(s)
- Salad
- Tomatoes
- Pork pies
- Quiche
- Cocktail sausages (not vegetarian vegan)
- Scotch eggs (not vegetarian vegan)
- Pastries
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Cucumber sticks
- Pasta salad
- Dips
- Carrot sticks
- Crackers
- Wraps
- Chicken drumsticks
- Houmous
- Cheese twists
- Olives
- Meat pies
- Nuts
- Meat platter / Charcuterie selection
- Pittas
- Cheese scones
- Vegetarian/vegan sausage rolls
- Chutney