Reviewed 05/04/2024
You know summer has arrived when the world’s greatest tennis stars descend on Wimbledon, the strawberries and cream come out and the Pimm’s begins to flow; hurrah!
We’re now into the second week of the tournament, which has seen players sweat under the surprise heat wave (enjoyed by us spectators but perhaps not by the players) and the usual downing of rackets as rain halts play – but of course it wouldn’t be Wimbledon without it!
Whilst we don’t profess to be tennis pundits, we do know a bit about fine British food so thought we’d share our
Top 10 British Food and Drink Ingredients for the Perfect Wimbledon Picnic.
1. It’s always Pimm’s O'Clock when Wimbledon is on!
Of course we had to get the ball rolling with Pimm’s! The essential summer drink, devised by James Pimm in 1823 and - like birdsong, shady oaks, freshly mowed lawns, gazebos, barbeques, cricket, ladies hats and laughter - evocative of summer still today.
Pimm's is available from all major supermarkets or as an elegant wooden boxed gift here.
2. Sparkling Cucumber Drink from Qcumber
We are impressed with this relatively new drink from Qcumber and for us it is the top soft drink this summer. Made from cucumbers, sparkling spring water and natural sugars, this refreshing drink is at its best poured over ice and finished with a sprig of mint. We’ve started mixing it with Pimm’s as an alternative to lemonade, complementing the full flavour of Pimm’s and providing a subtle hint of cool cucumber.
3. Strawberries & Cream
Of course, a trip to Wimbledon wouldn’t be complete without some fresh strawberries and cream! According to a research commissioned by Morrison’s, to enjoy the perfect strawberries they should be eaten in under three minutes and cream should be added at the ratio of one tablespoon of cream for two strawberries.
4. Strawberries & Chocolate
If you’re travelling some distance and don’t fancy dipping into a pot of curdled cream when you arrive for your picnic, Chocca Mocca - the British chocolate aficionados - have created the perfect replacement: their strawberries covered in white chocolate are the perfect accompaniment to Pimm’s or a to good cup of English Breakfast tea.
5. Apricot and Ginger Cake from The Simply Delicious Cake Company
If you think fruit cake is a bit dull, you should give this fantastic cake a go! Full of zingy citrus flavours and stem ginger, handmade the traditional way with proper butter and local free range eggs this cake is all but boring!
6. Snackingham from Serious Pig
Simple but delicious, this air dried ham is a bit too good to share! Created by Georges Rice, pioneer of British charcuterie, using only the finest pork loin infused with a careful blend of herbs and spices before being air dried in the traditional way.
7. Prestat Chocolates
The chocolates of the world-renowned Piccadilly-based confectioner Prestat have been enjoyed by the royal, the noble, the famous and the fashionable since 1902. It’s easy to understand why when you bite into one of their Marc de Champagne Truffles, which remain our favourite truffles of all time.
8. Honey & Almond Biscuits from Artisan Biscuits
Those melt in the mouth biscuits, with their rich taste of honey and subtle hint of almond, are incredibly moreish. Be warned, it is very difficult to stop after only one or two… or three!
9. Grate Britain Cheese Biscuits from Artisan Biscuits
We have yet to found a better cheese biscuit. Small bite-size biscuits made from either Wookey Hole Cheddar or crumbled Long Clawson Stilton, these biscuits are full of flavour and simply perfect with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
10. The Perfect Hamper for Wimbledon
We’ve combined some of our favourite picnic eats and drinks to create a hamper that is perfect for sharing at Wimbledon or simply during a lovely afternoon summer, sitting a shady spot in the garden. Buy one here!
This is our new Garden Party Pimm's Hamper, designed for a perfect picnic at Wimbledon or a lazy afternoon in the sunshine.
