Apollonia Poilane’s interpretation of the great British picnic has won us over with its sustainable ‘filet’ (a French net-like shopping bag) and delicious array of items. A nod to Poilane’s Parisian roots, the filet is synonymous with the farmers’ markets and grocery stores of Paris. It gives a chic, yet practical portability to our picnic that is much harder to achieve with an actual hamper, and much more aesthetically pleasing than a bag for life. In hindsight, however, popping it in a cooler might have been handy to keep everything chilled!
What stands out about the Poilâne pique-nique is the food. Smoked salmon, thoughtfully packed with a lemon (bring a knife to cut it!) has a wonderful buttery texture and a subtle flavour that is light and fresh for warm summer days. Marsh Pig’s charcuterie selection contains an impressive portion of tender lomo, wafer-thin bresaola and a punchy fennel salami which complement the cheese selection perfectly. Beillevaire’s trio of French cheeses is also a good accompaniment to the raisin and walnut breads from the Poilâne bakery, with the aromatic pear, date and ale chutney.
The Kefir drink is a unique flourish – not only perfect for those looking for less alcohol content and the health-conscious grazer – but also a perfect mixer in cocktails for a refreshing thirst quencher. The sweet treats to finish the picnic round everything off nicely, as well as covering the spectrum of flavours in one sitting.
While some people may enjoy the time it takes to curate a hamper from artisanal shops all over the UK, our unpredictable weather sometimes leaves us at the last-minute mercy of the grab and go supermarket aisle! Poilâne’s carefully thought out selection adds variety and flavour that makes packing for a picnic convenient, easy and also ensures a sophisticated spread – even for a last-minute al fresco foray.
The Poilâne Pique-Nique for two (£85) includes:
- Smoked salmon with lemon by Smokin Brothers
- Selection of charcuterie by Marsh Pig
- Cheese platter by Beillevaire
- Pear, date & ale chutney by England Preserves
- A Kefir beverage – as a wink to all things fermentation – by Fermentary
- A Chocolate snack bar by William Curley
- Fresh bakes from the Elizabeth Street bakery: signature “miche”, raisin bread, walnut bread plus 2 signature apple tartlets with the irresistible Punitions
Available to order or in-store at 46 Elizabeth St, London SW1W 9PA