The complete guide to eating outdoors

Whether you're hosting a laid-back lunch in the garden, camping under the stars or heading to a music festival, we've got delicious ideas and clever tips to help you dine in style, wherever you are. From no-faff feasting to flavour-packed picnic picks, consider this your ultimate guide to all things al fresco.

Assistant Copywriter

Florence Head

Top tips for eating outdoors

Comfort is key: Whether it’s a picnic blanket or stylish fold-out chairs, elevate your outside dining by having somewhere to sit.
Bug off: Keep insects at bay with a citronella candle or a few chopped lemons dotted around your spread. Cover your food with an epicurean cover or tea towel whilst you’re waiting to eat to prevent any uninvited flies to your al fresco dinner.
Wipe out mess: Hand sanitiser and wipes are a must, especially when you’re eating on the go or with your hands. Nobody wants sticky hands after an ice lolly.
Chill out: Freeze bottles of water or juice to keep food cool, and sip on them once they’ve melted.
Pack like a pro: Stackable containers and cool bags keep everything neat and fresh. Remember the napkins, cutlery and a bottle opener (you’ll be everyone’s best friend).

Don’t forget the weather: sunglasses or a raincoat? Maybe both. British weather keeps us guessing, so check the forecast beforehand.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: whether it’s a Blends Orange and Passionfruit drink or our British Strawberry, Mint and Cucumber Soda, make sure drinks are on hand and ice-cold.
Seek out the shade: Pitch your picnic under a tree or bring a parasol – it’ll help keep both you and your food cool.
Keep it tidy: Take all rubbish home, and pack a few spare bin bags just in case.

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What to cook when eating outdoors

Think sunshine flavours, easy prep, and food that travels well – eating outdoors is all about keeping things relaxed whilst enjoying a tasty spread. Whether you're dining al fresco in the garden, feasting at a festival or tucking in round the campfire, we've got flavour-packed ideas to suit every outdoor occasion.

Picnic food ideas

What to eat at a festival

When you’re dancing all day and camping all night, you need food that’s easy to carry, tasty at room temp and mess-free. Here’s what to pack for stress-free snacking between sets:

Hydration station: Pop a few Juicy Vitamin Waters or Vanilla Lattes in your bag, and treat yourself to one of our new cocktail cans when the sun goes down.
Snack stash: Keep hunger at bay with Pretzel Thins, Chocolate-Coated Raisins, a handful of Nut Mix and other handy snacks.
Easy eats: Our Antipasti Snack Pack, Marinated Ploughman's Pot or Mango and Berries Selection are ready to go and require minimal fuss or kit.
Prep ahead: Pick up a Herby Falafel and Tabbouleh salad or prep a Buddha bowl with zingy grains and paprika-roasted sweet potatoes for an energy boost – perfect eaten cold.
Quick clean-up: Pack food in reusable tubs and stash some wet wipes with zip-lock bags to make tidying up a breeze.

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What to eat, dining al fresco

Whether it’s a lazy lunch or a garden gathering, dining outdoors should feel like a mini holiday. Set the table, pour a drink and serve up sun-soaked flavours made for sharing.

Sunshine on a plate: Build a Mediterranean-inspired platter that won't wilt in the sun with Italian Burrata, Isle of Wight Tomatoes, Nocellara Olives and slices of our San Francisco Sourdough. Add Italian Antipasto or Iberico Selection for a flavour-packed finish.
Sizzle into summer: Fire up King Prawn 'Nduja Skewers and smoky Lamb Merguez Sausages on the barbecue for a feast everyone will love – find more inspo here.
Load it up: Pile our Slow Cooked Greek Style Pork Gyros into fluffy Flatbreads with creamy Tzatziki and Red Onion. Create a spread on the table, and everyone can build their own.
Sweet summer treats: Finish with light, fruit-filled puds like show-stopping strawberries and cream tiramisu or a light Summery Berry Cheesecake Pot, found in the Foodhall, for a no-fuss dessert. Here are our best summer desserts to try.
Drinks on the table: Keep it refreshing with sweet yet tart Raspberry Lemonade, or pour a pitcher of English Garden Cocktail, perfect for parties or barbecues.

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What to eat when camping

When you’re cooking under the stars, go for hearty, low-fuss meals that travel well, need minimal kit, and warm you right up.

Make-ahead mains: Prep filling and flavourful dishes like hearty meatball chilli, falafel and harissa stew or potato and cauliflower curry at home, then simply reheat over a stove or fire.
No-cook heroes: Roasted Vegetable Couscous, tins of Tuna or beans, chopped raw veg and a pot of houmous – perfect for mixing into grain bowls or tucking into straight from the tub.
Fridge-free staples: Pack your bag with foods that you can rely on to be fine after a day or so camping. Take Hard Cheese, Cured Meats, Black Olive Crackers, and long-life dips like Red Salsa.
Sweet treats and warming extras: Start the day with a warming Porridge Pot, just add hot water, and wind down with sweet Instant Hot Chocolate, ideal for chilly evenings. For dessert, toast Marshmallows and sandwich them between Milk Chocolate Digestives for gooey campsite s’mores.