14th May 2013

Eating food outside is almost guaranteed to make it taste better.  If you live in London, sunshine cannot be taken for granted, but the Great Outdoors can feel a little far out of reach.

The obvious compromise? Head to Hyde Park.  Pack up a picnic along the way, spread your blanket (oversized scarf) on the grass, and settle in with music and trashy magazines.

The picnic food Mecca is Whole Foods, on Kensington High Street.  Three reasons why:

1. They have a cheese ROOM
2. Fresh bread, pastries, salsa, salads, cakes… the list goes on
3. It’s a five minute walk from the park

I walk around Whole Foods with barely disguised glee – if you want fancy crisps, drinks, olives, anything really – do yourself a favour and drop in.  K and I tried to be restrained but still ended up with a generous selection of course.

The olive bar…

Selection of breads – caramelised onion and goats cheese is nearest the front.

This was a little out of date but I love the picture so I’ve included it anyway!

This is what we ate – Courgette and Broccoli Salad with Sesame Seeds, Tomato Salsa, Olives, Focaccia (with Tomato and Herbs), Dip Society ‘Arti-Thyme’ Dip, Guacamole, Korean Chilli Rice Crackers, and Manomasa Chipotle & Lime Tortilla Chips.

Washed down with Firefly Orange and Passionfruit drink.

These tortilla chips are amazing – you have to try them.

The most more-ish snack in the world – the chilli rice cracker.  They go perfectly with a G&T if you fancy it.

K had these Jawbone Jambox speakers with her, which are very loud for their size, and in a snazzy shade of blue.  I want some!

We listened to Flight Facilities, flicked through magazines, and soaked up as much Vitamin D as possible.  It was perfect.

Bring back the sun! (Please?)