MAYFAIR PICNIC GUIDE: OUR FAVOURITE GREEN SPACES & GOURMET DELIGHTS
8th June 2025
Wander through Mayfair on a sun-drenched afternoon, and it’s easy to be swept up by the allure of designer boutiques, five-star hotels, and private members’ clubs. But long before it became one of London’s most exclusive enclaves, this patch of the city was open pastureland - its name derived from the rambunctious May Fair once held here each spring.
Echoes of its agrarian past remain in street names like Farm Street, Shepherd Street, and Hay Hill, quiet nods to a time when livestock roamed where luxury cars now idle. Today, those same green spaces, including Mount Street Gardens, Berkeley Square, Grosvenor Square, offer not only rare moments of calm, but a chance to reconnect with Mayfair’s pastoral origins. To picnic here is to embrace both sides of its legacy: the timeless elegance of modern Mayfair and the rural charm that quietly endures beneath it.
Mayfair’s glorious green spaces offer the perfect backdrop for a luxurious summer picnic. Mount Street Gardens exudes tranquility, with its sculpted beds, magnificent trees, and views of beautiful St. George’s Church - ideal for a quiet glass of English sparkling. Grosvenor Square, once the heart of diplomatic London, now invites relaxed afternoons beneath grand London plane trees. Berkeley Square, framed by centuries-old trees, hums with historic charm and understated glamour. For a chic twist, Brown Hart Gardens offers elevated views and an urban oasis above nearby Duke Street.
Green Park, where royalty once strolled, offers generous open lawns bordered by mature trees, perfect for a larger gathering. Hanover Square, newly restored, features refined planting and thoughtful design, whilst South Audley Street Gardens remains a discreet gem, tucked behind handsome façades. Curzon Square Gardens brings classic elegance and Upper Grosvenor Gardens whispers leafy serenity, just moments from Mayfair’s finest hotels.
There will be no ordinary sandwiches here - picnicking in Mayfair calls for a menu as refined as its surroundings. From delicate pastries to artisanal cheeses and perfectly chilled English sparkling wine, these gourmet delights are curated for leisurely afternoons beneath the plane trees and roses. Whether you’re squeezing in a working lunch in Mount Street Gardens, or lounging on the lawns of Grosvenor Square, each bite will bring a little luxury to your blanket.
Lea Insulated Picnic Basket, £120
Elegant and practical, the LEA Insulated Picnic Basket from Daylesford is ideal for summer outings. Its spacious wicker design includes a zippered insulated lining and a removable wooden lid that doubles as a cutting board or serving platter - perfect for keeping gourmet treats cool in London’s most refined green spaces.
Tweedmill Waterproof Picnic Blanket, £40
Compact, durable, and sustainably made in the UK, the Tweedmill Waterproof Herringbone Walker Companion is ideal for hikes and picnics. Crafted from pure new wool with a waterproof backing, it rolls up neatly with a carry handle. Available from The Royal Parks Shop, it supports the charity that cares for London’s iconic green spaces, so you’ll be giving back to nature and community.
La Boulangerie Robuchon Pastries, from £3.50
Add a touch of France to your Mayfair picnic with artisanal treats from La Boulangerie Robuchon. This artisanal French bakery offers freshly baked breads, brioche, scones, and pastries such as Pain Suisse, Vanilla Danish, Chausson aux Pommes, and Chouquettes - conveniently delivered across London. Pop into Le Deli Piccadilly if you’re on foot, where you’ll find plenty of viennoiseries, breakfast items and more to-go.
Shop online via Deliveroo.
English Cheese Feast, £65
Enjoy an English cheese feast from nearby Paxton & Whitfield in St James: a rich, artisanal selection for 10–12, featuring Sparkenhoe Red Leicester XO, award-winning Stichelton blue, ash-coated Dorstone goat’s cheese, and creamy Little Rollright. Perfect for a picnic in nearby St James’s Square, with plenty to savour and share. Pop into the store to make a bespoke cheese board with the experts for a picnic to remember.
The Best-Sellers by Tracklements, from £18.85
Lovingly made in the heart of Wiltshire, Tracklements has been crafting award-winning artisan condiments for over 50 years - using only the finest natural ingredients, handmade in small batches just as you would at home. This flavourful gift box brings together five of their most popular jars. Packed with character and perfect for elevating everyday dishes, it’s an ideal gift for food lovers or a delicious treat for your own table.
Shop online here.
Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagels, from £3.95
Forman’s iconic London Cure Smoked Salmon meets Brick Lane bagels in this unbeatable East End combo - with the perfect accompaniment of Lemon & Chive cream cheese; royal approval included! Now offering plain bagels and homemade Lemon & Herb Cream Cheese too. Picnic-perfect, whether you’re brunching or buttering up a crowd!
Green Shoots Salads of Curzon
Build your perfect Mayfair picnic salad with over 60 fresh, locally sourced ingredients at Green Shoots Salads, a custom salad bar on Curzon Street. From kale, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to tuna, prawns, and Formans’ oak roast salmon - mix, match, and dress your way. Order online or click and collect from 52 Curzon Street.
Shop online via Deliveroo.
Oato’s Chocoloato & Caffè Latte, £1.50 each
We love Oato’s indulgent Chocoloato Oatshake and limited-edition Caffè Latte, crafted with 100% British oats. Rich, chocolatey and perfectly sweet, Chocoloato shines on its own, or in coffee. Caffè Latte blends smooth coffee and caramel notes in a creamy oat base.
Order via The Modern Milkman.
Nyetimber Cuvee Cherie, £42
Nyetimber’s limited-edition Demi-Sec, crafted from 100% estate-grown Chardonnay, offers a delicate sweetness with notes of honey, bright citrus, and tangerine. Its refined minerality adds freshness and balance, making it an elegant picnic companion. Don’t forget the glasses!
Fieldbar x Fortnum’s Drinks Box, £179
Perfect for summer picnics, the Fieldbar x Fortnum’s Drinks Box, handcrafted in Cape Town, is a stylish cooler with outstanding thermal performance. Exclusive to Fortnum’s in elegant Eau de Nil, it features a durable strap, lockable lid, and 10L capacity. Just add your favourite tipples and head off on your next adventure!
