THE ART OF THE URBAN PICNIC
4 ways to picnic in the city from Missy Flynn
Words
MISSY FLYNN
The idyllic summer picnic is a concept baked into our consciousness through classic novels and romantic comedies. This vision overtakes the myriad ways that humans have, and do, eat outside – it isn’t always chequered rugs and rustic hampers, which anyone who has tried to carry a basket of food through the London Underground will know, are wholly impractical for urban environments. In my experience, good food and fresh air is all it takes to make a great picnic – the rest is somewhat negotiable.
There’s nothing more enjoyable than being in nature – the trees and the breeze remind us that we too are seasonal creatures who spend most months of the year searching for the light. When it comes, I like to make the absolute most of it, and that’s usually without my hamper. Because in the city, we adapt. Here are four ways to picnic in the city like a pro.
THE DINNER PICNIC
In urban environments where space is at a premium and a garden is, for most, a luxury, our public parks and green spaces become an extension of the home. For those without proper dining space, the opportunity to eat outside can transform the urban summer experience – there’s no end to the possibilities, which means you can (and should) picnic as much as you can.
A few parks in London offer communal BBQ grills and others may allow you to bring your own, but dinner can just as easily be cooked and packed up from home. The decamping from home to park is fun, and I tend to treat this very much like an extension of my dining room – packing a good blanket to sit on, real glasses, proper cutlery and a meal of a few courses, like a tomato salad with fresh basil and olive oil, followed by a supermarket-bought rotisserie chicken with herby chickpeas and aioli, then pudding of a simple sponge cake decorated minimally with creme fraiche and fruit. Of course, dinner candles for when the sun goes down and a mosquito coil are always on hand, too.
THE POT-LUCK PICNIC
A collaborative effort, the pot-luck picnic can be one of the best outdoor dining experiences. It requires no theme, everyone can bring what they like – a simple salad, something more elaborate like homemade samosas with fresh chutney – or yes, even leftovers from home. Inevitably someone will use it as a chance to show off, and we should let them! This is a nice picnic to share with colleagues, particularly on days when the weather allows for lunch to be taken outdoors, but also those summer days that feel a little grey and need brightening up by a desk picnic inside. Eating with others in this way always creates the perfect opportunity to know more about a person and I’ve found it to be a great ice-breaker in a professional setting.
THE SOLO PICNIC
I’d go as far as to say that this version of a picnic is an act of self-care. This picnic can consist of anything you like and be wherever you like, whenever you like. All that’s needed is you and something delicious. My go-to is always a good Italian delicatessen sandwich followed by some fresh fruit. For location, choose your favourite outdoor spot, whether that’s a quiet community garden or under the shade of a beautiful tree. For me, it’s often at an empty garden bench that I’ve claimed to myself. Don’t let summer pass without indulging in this one.
THE SUSTAINABLE PICNIC
While no one can deny the freedom and joy of an impromptu picnic fuelled by supermarket 3-for-2s, there is an uneasy contradiction to enjoying nature whilst bringing about more of its destruction in the form of plastic waste. My summer sustainability hacks take a bit of prep work and investment, but once you’re set, the satisfaction gained from doing your bit for the environment will make the nature around you feel all the more vibrant. The key is planning ahead – roast some thinly sliced courgettes and onions with garlic, chilli and oil the night before and then toss them with rocket leaves, green beans, good mozzarella and toasted seeds in the morning, taking the dressing with you separately to avoid the dreaded soggy salad. Soba noodles and chopped smoked tofu with sesame dressing is can also be made the night before, and your local grocery store offers much more fresh seasonal eating than the supermarket, so stock up on vegetables – all they need is a sprinkle of salt and drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
One of my favourite picnic sustainability hacks is to reuse packaging – a mini baguette or Vietnamese banh mi is perfectly preserved in an old Pringles tube, while delicate ripe berries and fruits can be transported like precious jewels in egg boxes. Lastly, make fresh iced tea or spritzes in reusable water bottles and flasks – just remember, all rubbish must go!