International Picnic Day: Delicious Ideas for the Perfect Outdoor Feast

Celebrate International Picnic Day with tasty picnic food ideas, outdoor dining inspiration and tips for creating the perfect summer picnic with family and friends.

Every year on 18 June, people around the world celebrate International Picnic Day, a simple but joyful occasion that encourages us to take our meals outside and enjoy good food in the fresh air.

In an age of busy schedules, constant notifications and meals eaten on the go, there is something wonderfully refreshing about spreading out a blanket, opening a basket of homemade treats and enjoying a leisurely meal outdoors. 

Whether it's a family gathering in a local park, a romantic lunch by a river, or a get-together with friends in the garden, a church picnic, picnics remain one of life's simplest pleasures.

How about a picnic on your back garden? Or in the conservatory or orangery should the weather take a turn to the wet and windy? 

The tradition of picnicking has a surprisingly long history. The word "picnic" is believed to have originated in France during the 17th century, where diners would bring their own food to social gatherings. 

Over time, the idea spread across Europe and became particularly popular in Britain during the Victorian era, when public parks became more accessible and outdoor leisure activities flourished.

Today, picnics are more popular than ever. They offer an affordable way to spend quality time with loved ones while enjoying the beauty of nature. 

They can also be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Some people prepare gourmet spreads with artisan cheeses, charcuterie and chilled sparkling drinks, while others are perfectly happy with sandwiches, sausage rolls and a flask of tea or coffee.

When planning a picnic, food that travels well is key. Classic choices include filled baguettes, Scotch eggs, pork pies, pasta salads, quiches and fresh fruit. Sweet treats such as brownies, flapjacks and homemade cupcakes are also ideal additions. Don't forget plenty of water, especially if you're picnicking on a warm summer day.

International Picnic Day is also a great excuse to explore local parks, nature reserves, beaches and beauty spots that you may not have visited before. Combining good food with a scenic setting can turn an ordinary lunch into a memorable experience.

As more people seek opportunities to slow down and reconnect with family and friends, the humble picnic continues to prove its enduring appeal. It requires little more than good company, tasty food and a patch of grass, yet it creates lasting memories that often outshine far more expensive outings.

This International Picnic Day, why not pack a basket, head outdoors and celebrate one of the most enjoyable ways to eat and socialise?

Norma Launches New Spring/Summer Menu and Sicilian Weekend Brunch in Fitzrovia

Norma is a characterful townhouse restaurant on Charlotte Street, celebrating the bold, sun-soaked flavours of Sicilian cuisine with Moorish influences.

Set across three floors, the space blends old-school Italian hospitality with the charm of a grand café culture found in Sicily, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. 

Norma has become something of a hidden gem in central London, known for its intimate feel, loyal following and quietly refined approach to dining.

The menu reflects Sicily's rich culinary heritage, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, with a focus on seasonality, provenance and generous, flavour-led cooking.

The Menu

For spring/summer, Norma has introduced a refreshed seasonal menu celebrating Sicilian flavours using the best of British and Italian produce. The new dishes balance bold Mediterranean cooking with lighter seasonal ingredients, shaped by the restaurant's Sicilian roots and Moorish influences.

New small plates include burrata with asparagus, endive shavings, almond dressing and truffle, scallops confit with agrodolce truffle salsa and kumquat, and seared tuna with harissa honey, mint salsa and lemon aioli. Signature favourites remain alongside seasonal additions like beef carpaccio with baba ganoush salsa and beetroot-cured salmon with blood orange labneh and fennel pollen. 

Pasta continues to sit at the heart of the menu, with dishes including black tagliolini with Devon crab and spicy burro bianco, flourless gnocchi with clams, bottarga and black garlic, and paccheri with pulled beef shin and bone marrow. Norma's signature rigatoni alla Norma remains a centrepiece of the offering. 

Larger plates showcase the rich, spice-led flavours associated with Sicilian cuisine, from glazed black cod with marsala and chestnuts to Levantine lamb shank with pomegranate molasses and coriander, alongside the restaurant's signature aubergine parmigiana. Seasonal vegetable dishes including Romanesco cauliflower with almond labneh and charred heritage carrots complete the menu.

Weekend Brunch

Available exclusively on Saturdays from 11.30am to 4.30pm, Norma's Sicilian-inspired brunch is designed around generous sharing plates and leisurely dining. Priced at £37.50 per person, the three-course menu includes dishes such as 

pan baked frittata with melting provolone, cannellini bean hummus with harissa and focaccia crostini, giant couscous with wild mushrooms and fresh truffle, and Norma's signature aubergine parmigiana, followed by desserts including ricotta and cherry cheesecake and crema bruciata. Guests can also upgrade with 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco or beer for an additional £15 per person. 

Private Dining & Events

Norma offers an intimate setting for private dining and special occasions:

Third Floor Private Dining Room – ideal for groups of 10–12

The townhouse layout creates a sense of exclusivity, making it particularly suited to celebrations, gatherings and discreet dining.

Norma, Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 2LS.

https://normalondon.com