When the sun's shining, take your lunch to go and enjoy a leisurely break by the Serpentine. For the first time, Rivea London is offering a takeaway option of its continental fare, inspired by Alain Ducasse's time spent visiting food markets in Italy and Provence. Satisfyingly simple, the regions' unparalleled ingredients – from datterini tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella to Parma ham – shine through in flavoursome salads and sandwiches made with tigelle, a round, Italian bread originating from Modena.
Rivea London On-The-Go, £19 per person. Available until 31 August; rivealondon.com
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Just a short stroll from Hyde Park, Corrigan's Mayfair has a substantial picnic lunch offering. Like the restaurant, its contents showcases the best seasonal British and Irish fare. Sample picnic classics such as a decadent pork pie (with added Stilton) alongside light and fresh seafood, fish and vibrant vegetable dishes. If you're really pushing the boat out, opt for the luxury service (£1,000), which comes complete with champagne and a personal butler.
For summer, German Gymnasium has created a contemporary take on a picnic befitting of the modern surrounds of nearby, canal-side Granary Square in King's Cross. The restaurant has partnered with Wines of Germany to offer a choice of three varieties (Sekt, Riesling or Pinot Noir), to be enjoyed with a delectable selection of delicacies hailing from the country. Sweets, such as nussecken – chocolate-dipped buttery shortbread topped with apricot jam – and niederegger lubeck taler marzipan treats, are not to be missed. It comes served in a utilitarian steel hamper, accompanied by playful Wayfarer-style sunglasses.
Berlin Picnic, from £48 for two. Available until 10 September; germangymnasium.com
Mount Street Deli
At this Mayfair deli not only can you take away its classic British fare, but also that of its acclaimed sister restaurant, Scott's. The Mount Street Deli Picnic Lunch offers a high-end take on traditional staples, including Cumberland sausage rolls and posh crisps, while the Scott's version is centred on the establishment's well known seafood. In this hamper you'll find lobster accompanied by a summer vegetable salad and smoked salmon with soda bread, to be washed down with a bottle of Pulenta La Flor Sauvignon Blanc.
The Mount Street Deli Picnic Lunch, £45 for two; Scott's Picnic Lunch, £60 for two; themountstreetdeli.co.uk
(Image credit: all rights reserved 2012)
Tom's Kitchen Deli
In the hustle and bustle of Canary Wharf, it's all the more important to find a secluded Thames-side spot to enjoy lunch in peace. Handily, Tom's Kitchen Deli has your catering needs covered, offering a range of bespoke picnics to take away. Choose from various options of homemade sandwiches, crisps or popcorn and flapjacks or brownies made on site, and if time allows add a bottle of prosecco or champagne to your order.
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