Best Picnic Spots In London, England

Thomas Storey

There is no better way than an English picnic to make the most of the summer. We’ve identified the perfect London picnic spots from parks to indoor gems to rooftops. Check them out here.

Secret Cinema in London Fields

London Fields – Broadway Market

Hipster haven London Fields turns into something akin to a open air festival when the weather is really good, and with Broadway Market just a stone’s throw away it has an ideal supply of picnic-y food and drinks. The market has long been a magnet for artisan producers and independent suppliers, and in recent years has truly taken off as a foodie destination par excellence. Highlights include Isle of Olive’s Greek goodies and Cà Phê VN’s Vietnamese Drip Coffee.

Clapham Commons

Clapham Common – Venn St. Market

Clapham Common may be the most popular picnic park in London, as even the slightest hint of sunshine see hordes of flip-flopped Claphamites head to the Common, often with a portable BBQ and a six pack of cider in tow. If they are looking for more intriguing picnic food however, there is always Venn St. Market,. This is a Saturdays-only fresh food market occupying the pedestrianised Venn Street, less than a minute from Clapham Common station. The market specialises in fresh food produce, so it is ideal for those wanted to put together a BBQ, but it also offers extraordinary picnic grub.

Courtesy Roofnic

1. Roofnic

Restaurant, British

Brixton Market
© Karin Bultje/Flickr
Audibly combining what are arguably the two best things about summer, rooftops and picnics, Roofnic is a hidden party in the heart of London. Climb up the secret entrance next to Marble Arch and emerge into an oasis of green grass, little wooden huts, and cozy cushioned corners, all surrounded by flowers and twinkling light bulbs, which are suspended from the marquee there to protect picnickers from the threat of rain. Roofnic features healthy juices, summery floral cocktails, and a menu of small plates, including pulled pork tacos, beef sliders, a ‘manwich’, and lighter dishes of fresh vegetables with honey, wasabi lime, chilli, and feta. For sweet treats there are peanut butter jelly cookies, cheesecakes, and a pudding cup, which is salted caramel, smashed oreos, and chocolate crumble honeycomb. Roofnic has a capacity for 100 people, and will be open every day from 10am to 10 pm.

Brockwell Park – Brixton Village

Brockwell Park is one of London’s hidden gems, a South London idyll filled with beautiful rolling hills, immaculate lakes and a wonderfully preserved Art Deco Lido, which comes attached to an incredible cafe. For picnic worthy goods, try Franco Manca’s sourdough pizzas, Cannon & Cannon‘s cheese and charcuterie or Cornecopia’s deli products. For an extra treat grab a crepe at Senzala Creperie Bar & Café Directions, quite possibly the best creperie in London.

2. Jones Family Project

Restaurant, Middle Eastern

Because this is London, after all, we can’t count on picnic-worthy weather too often. For the days when there’s enough rain and wind to make your blanket fly up, The Jones Family Project provides the answers to your picnic problems. As a part of this restaurant’s innovative pop-up scheme, they have sectioned off a corner of their Great Eastern Street home and turned it into a little countryside location. Fake grass-covered floors and chairs, cushions, and even warm blankets are laid out against a backdrop of fields and flowers. Begin with a summery cocktail before tucking into the huge hamper that is packed to the brim with delicious goodies.

Culture Trip Summer Sale

Save up to $1,395 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

toast-message-image
close-ad
Edit article