Tuesday 8 June 2010

Picnic and Plays at the National Theatre

A few weeks ago I went with a friend to a preview of the National Theatre's Picnic and Plays season at The Deck, which overlooks the Thames.

It wasn't quite as glamorous as this picnic... (styled by Finola Inger)

..but, oh my goodness, the food! For a moment or two I didn't even notice how good it was, as I was too giddy about the yellow and white striped paper bag my Scotch egg came in, and the tiny Kilner jars with potted ham.

The bags were similar to these (these are from Etsy as there are no decent photos to be found anywhere, but you can get them here too, £6.60 for 1,000!) and the teeny jars were a similar size to Jamie's tiny storage jars (£2.50).

The picnic was a foodie's dream - homemade piccalilli, chutney, smoked salmon and fennel salad, cheddar with pecan and raisin bread, asparagus and broad bean salad, and summer berry trifle, all washed down with Pimms and lemonade. It was just a pity we had to rush off and see the play! At £55 it isn't the cheapest evening out, but I highly recommend it as it was such a treat.

Top photos from Flickr.

12 comments:

Masha said...

Oh, that's so cool! We're planing a picnic with 2 friends next weekend. I love the jute bags...

anna and the ring said...

Sounds fabulous. Must investigate!

violet ~ creme said...

Hello! First comment to say, well, hello and that you've inspired me to have a picnic this weekend - weather permitting!

Cheese and pecan bread? Pimms? Pretty little bags for the food? Oooooh.

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

ooh I love it, would love to try it!!! I'll definitely check it out!!

Polly Rowan said...

Oh my goodness this looks so lovely! I would love to do this... I am off to investigate the website.
I really want to buy some of those bags too, but I just don't know what I would do with 1000 stripey bags! They're so pretty though x

Suzanne said...

Those are such cute treat bags!

Callie Grayson said...

mmmmm what a picnic!!
xx
callie

Ellie said...

Lynne - I am loving that trade shop striped paper bag link. 1000 is a lot for just £6.60 - bargainous! They would be perfect for wrapping small gifts, for little wedding favours or party bags!! Great find, thanks! Ellie x :)

Anonymous said...

Oooh I'm so doing a little dance of joy (in my seat) at those little yellow bags! I bet you can guess why :)

Cassie said...

A picnic is perfect as long as it had Pimm's! You cannot beat an English Summer picnic as long as it has cheese, ham and Pimm's!!
xx

Lynne said...

The yellow bags were the best thing about the picnic (which was already amazing.) I had just been thinking of getting red and white striped bags for Papermash so I was so excited when I saw it! Zoe - I bet I can guess...

Unknown said...

How wonderful, I love a good picnic. I bought several little jars just like that one from a shop called Tiger- I think its a Danish shop but there are several branches around London. My nearest one is in Wandsworth. They only cost me 50p each! Here's the link if you want to check it out.

http://www.tigerstores.co.uk/