Goodness knows that all manner of cooking/frying/grilling has been out of the question over the past few weeks. In fact, just about my whole kitchen is gathering cobwebs at this point. Fear not, though, for there is a delectable and fanciful solution; a solution in the form of an indulgent Fortnum & Mason picnic hamper, that is.
For the uninitiated, let me give you the lowdown on what exactly I’m referring to. Fortnum & Mason is an emblem of the British gourmet grocery world, world-renowned for its fine teas, treats, hampers, and gifts. Plus, it holds multiple Royal Warrants as a grocer and provisions merchant to the British Royal Family… so if it’s good enough for the King, it’s certainly good enough for yours truly.
The central jewel in the Fortnum & Mason crown, however, is certainly its iconic picnic hamper collection. Ideal for marking all manner of special occasions or as a gift for a loved one, the department store has a wealth of options suited to a variety of different settings and guest lists, with even vegan guests taken care of.
If, therefore, your stomach is rumbling as much as mine is while writing this, then I shall quit while I’m ahead and get into the meat of things with a list of my top five Fortnum & Mason picnic hamper options for your perusal. Scroll on, and try not to drool on your device.
‘Shoulder picnic for two’ hamper
If you prefer to design the fine foodie details of your picnic yourself, then this Shoulder picnic hamper gives you the option to do just that, but with renewed ease. With all the cutlery, glassware and trinkets you could possibly need – plus a waste bag for minimal mess once you’re all wrapped up – this neat wicker shoulder bag is elegantly accented with leather trims, gold hardware and a fully adjustable shoulder strap.
‘Port and stilton’ hamper
Looking for something indulgent but simple? The ‘Port and Stilton’ hamper might not contain a whole lot of mystery, but it does host a wealth of treats, tipples, and nibbles. Carried in the iconic F&M wicker, this hamper holds a half-bottle of rich and velvety wine, traditional and truffle-infused cheeses and, finally, items for texture and easy pairing.
‘Piccadilly vegan for two’ hamper
Got some fussier feast guests on the invite list? No issue, F&M has a hamper for that too. A plant-powered offering, Fortnum & Mason’s ‘Piccadilly vegan’ hamper caters to both veggie and vegan diners with a delectable selection of vegan breads, salads and wine, topped off with a specially-created dish of cauliflower tacos with cashew dip.
‘Sparkling teatime for two’ hamper
One thing about Fortnum & Mason, is that they don’t mess around when it comes to teatime. Packing three whole centuries of perfecting just that into this ‘Sparkling teatime for two’ hamper, you’d be hard-pressed to find a finer homage to the British tradition of afternoon tea – and you don’t need to lift a finger.
‘Evening with friends’ hamper
If the heat is stopping you from hosting and socialising, the Fortnum & Mason ‘Evening with friends’ hamper is here to eradicate all remaining excuses. Brimming with fine wine, olives, and all manner of goodies, this is the way to mark a celebration – or just indulge in some good ol’ fashioned fun – in effortless style.
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