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In the 'Nic of Time: Picnic Hamper Essentials | Taste Blas

  • Jonno Mack
  • Jun 16
  • 3 min read

 Melin Tregwynt Mill
 Melin Tregwynt Mill

Now that summer’s finally arrived, Jonno Mack picks his picnic essentials.


One of the most important ingredients of the perfect picnic isn’t actually the food or drink to be found in your hamper – don’t forget to first pick your dream destination for your alfresco afternoon excursion. This all depends on your starting location in Wales, and whether or not you’re keen to accommodate a short jaunt or even a road trip into your plans. Here’s a brief suggestion of picturesque picnic places whether you’re thinking North, Mid Wales, or South!


Starting from the North, if you want to be surrounded by peaks of greenery then try Coed Moel Famau in the Clwydian Range – otherwise Llandudno Beach can provide the perfect scenic seaside backdrop to your meal. For Mid Wales picnickers, we recommend taking in the grandiose sights of Powis Castle and Garden, or enjoying the serenity provided by Lake Vyrnwy in Powys. Finally, for those in the South, why not enjoy a feast among the flowerbeds in Colby Woodland Garden in Pembrokeshire, or Dyffryn Gardens in Cardiff.


As for your picnic blanket of choice, how about a soft and luxurious one sourced locally Wales’ own Melin Tregwynt Mill? Now that you’ve picked your location and are sitting comfortably, we can begin filling your hamper with a hearty selection of food and drink.

Welsh Carmarthen Ham
Welsh Carmarthen Ham

Top of most people’s list for a perfect picnic is tucking into a freshly made sandwich – Crwst Bakery’s sourdough is hard to beat and what better filling than a Welsh Carmarthen Ham and Caws Cenarth Brie combo? For something more traditional, swap the ham and brie for a thick slice of Welsh PGI Beef topside or Welsh leg of lamb. If you feel like spicing things up try an Eastern (and veggie) take on a picnic staple and throw some Samosa Co Scotch Eggs into your hamper. Eggs and ham are a famous deli duo after all! For vegan picknickers, The Parsnipship’s Moroccan Cashew & Walnut Roast will ensure they don’t feel left out.


To complement the sandwiches and scotch eggs, cheese and biscuits are another staple that needs to be added to your shopping list. Search out Cradoc’s crackers or, recently launched, Shepherds Biscuits and add some of the many excellent Welsh cheeses such as Dragon Cheddar Cheese, Caws Teifi’s Celtic Promise or Caws Cenarth’s Dewis Da collection of classics, to your shopping list. To accompany this classic combo add some Parsons Pickled Onions or something more exotic from the range of Celtic Preserves Pickles if you’re feeling adventurous.

Dragon Cheddar Cheese
Dragon Cheddar Cheese

No picnic is complete without some sides. Take the time to prepare a deliciously fresh and creamy Pembrokeshire Earlies Potato Salad the day before your trip, so you can enjoy the hearty goodness of some of the nation’s tastiest tats while you’re succumbing to its sights. Sprinkle in a few bags of Jones Welsh Crisps, an array of Do Goodly Dips, and Y Deli Salad Dressing for your salad and homegrown tomatoes and you’ve got yourself a serious spread to share with those you love!

 Do Goodly Dips
 Do Goodly Dips

That’s the savoury components packed, but what about tasty treats that can satiate sweet tooths and round off your hamper nicely? If you’re feeling like indulging in the nation’s favourite bakes then pack out a pack of Bodnant Welsh Cakes or Popty Bara Brith, or otherwise why not enjoy the fun of making your own homemade traybake to enjoy at your picnic spot. If you’re feeling like making more of a fancy celebration of your excursion, a good shout would be coupling all the ingredients of Cream Tea with some fresh Gower Strawberries. Think scones, Daffodil Clotted Cream and your jam of choice from Pantri Swswen or Radnor Preserves!

Finally, what to wash it all down with while you’re drinking in the sights and sounds of your chosen picnicking vista? Factoring in a potential road trip, we’ve narrowed your choices down to a sumptuous selection of non-alcoholic beverages that will be sure to quench your thirst and complement your hamper at the same time. There’s nothing quite like the crisp and fiery taste of a Brecon Carreg Ginger Beer on a sunny day, but if you’re after something a bit milder but still delightfully refreshing then the selection of Radnor Hill’s Pressés has you covered. If you’re more of a traditionalist then a nice homebrew flask of Welsh Brew Tea or one of Morgan’s Brew Tea’s exotic varieties will add a warm and cosy finishing touch to your grand day out!

 
 
 

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