There is no better setting for after-work drinks than a London park in the sun. With May's scorching bank holiday giving us a taste of summer—and last week's rain now behind us—it's the perfect time to prepare for early office exits and impromptu gatherings. Picky bits, cold drinks, and a royal park: you know the drill. Gather like-minded friends and ensure someone brings Le Bijou.
With a long summer of al fresco socials ahead, you needn't resort to single-use plastics or brave the Central line with a wicker basket at 8am. No throwaway plates or cumbersome hampers here. Read on for our selection of chic, clever, and lightweight picnic accessories to pack for a London park day after work.
Wine Cooler
Huski sets a statement of intent for glam gatherings with a champagne cooler that works straight from your bag. Its vacuum-insulated, copper-lined coolers keep chilled fizz cool and sparkling for up to six hours, with no need for ice or freezing. Most 750ml champagne, crémant, and sparkling wine bottles fit, and it has a detachable bottle stopper built into the base (£64.99, huskicoolers.co.uk). Get more bang for your buck with the wine cooler model (£54.99), featuring the same technology and fitting most standard wine and champagne bottles.
Stackable Tumblers
Unbreakable enamel tumblers look as good on a kitchen table as on a picnic rug and are ideal for compact London homes with limited cupboard space. Available in 22 colours, they cost £9.50 each, or £8.50 when buying six (falconenamelware.com). Alternatively, try Black+Blum's set of four lightweight stainless steel cups, which stack neatly under a bamboo top with a built-in bottle opener. Use the lid as a makeshift chopping board for limes (£39.95, black-blum.com).
Can Coolers
Warm beer or cocktails are never the answer after a long day. Cult-favourite Yeti solves the problem with can insulators in sizes to suit your tipple. The 250ml model comes in bright colours, while the 330ml version is available in black or white (both £25, uk.yeti.com).
Picnic Bag
Black+Blum's casual tote bag is insulated and 100% leakproof, taking you from office or gym to picnic without a hitch. Keep your wine cool in the insulated inner compartment and tuck a laptop in the dry section, away from picnic gear. Up to 13 plastic bottles are recycled to create each bag (£44.95, black-blum.com). For a compact option, check out the brand's insulated bottle bag. It has an adjustable design with a reinforced crossbody or shoulder strap and a secure pocket for phone and keys. Available in four colours, it takes minimal space and shines at festivals (£19.95, black-blum.com). Budget-conscious shoppers will love the Hinza model, a Swedish classic made from hard-wearing recyclable plastic that lasts beyond one summer (from £25, royaldesign.co.uk).
Reusable Napkins
Perfect for picnics or home dining, Caravane's set of four Meli Melo cotton khadi napkins are mismatched in colour but share similar tones and lines. They're stylish and machine washable (£55 for four, caravane.com).
Picnic Plates
More enamel: Falcon Enamelware's light, stackable plates are hardy enough for a bag or BBQ. They're ovenproof, dishwasher safe, and freezer friendly (from £8, falconenamelware.com).
Picnic Blanket
Dock and Bay's colourful, lightweight designs have soft material on top and a water-resistant backing. They fold neatly into a compact carry pouch (from £65, uk.dockandbay.com).
Pocket Flask
For the perfect pocket flask that doesn't scream shooting weekend, this steel Stanley flask from Labour and Wait in Covent Garden is ideal for parkside negronis (£26, labourandwait.co.uk).
Sustainable Cutlery
Ditch wooden takeaway knives for a butter knife from Allday Goods. Handles are made from plastic waste collected from fashion brands, beaches, or Ottolenghi delis and restaurants. London chef-turned-knife maker Hugo Worsley's first batch sold out in 76 seconds (£29, alldaygoods.co.uk).
Portable Wine Tumbler
Huski offers a wine cup with a detachable twistlock stem, so you don't have to balance a glass on a picnic rug. A slider lid prevents spills and insects, while Huski insulation technology and stainless steel keep your drink cold longer. Available in six colours (£24.99, huskicoolers.co.uk).
