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FOOD & DRINK:
A taste of the season this World Picnic Day
10th June 2025
As the evenings stretch out and the gardens bloom with colour, summer arrives in glorious style - and so does some of the best seasonal produce Britain has to offer. At our hotels, we’re embracing the bounty of the warmer months with fresh, seasonal ingredients that inspire joy and flavour in every bite. And to celebrate World Picnic Day this June 18th, one of our development chefs at Talbot Hall, Adam Purdy, shares his top tips for the ultimate picnic spread.
The perfect picnic snack: Scotch egg
Adam says that the best Scotch egg should be balanced and have a good contrast of textures and flavours.
“This iconic picnic snack should be comprised of a crispy outside, tender inside, with rich and savoury flavours throughout.”
Here are Adam’s top tips for the perfect Scotch egg:
- The perfect centre: The yolk should be slightly runny or just set. To achieve this, boil for 5-6 minutes and chill immediately in ice water to stop it cooking further.
- Well-seasoned sausage: Use the highest quality pork sausage you can and season well – we suggest sage, thyme, mustard, nutmeg and salt and pepper. Flatten and evenly wrap around the peeled egg, making sure there are no air pockets!
- Crispy coating: Dust in flour, dip in beaten egg and roll in breadcrumbs – panko gives a great crunch! For even more flavour, try adding parmesan, herbs or paprika.
The ultimate sandwich filler: Coronation chicken
Adam’s go to sandwich filling? Coronation chicken of course.
“It’s a British classic, originally created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, packed full of flavour and is made from cooked chicken in a creamy, mildly spiced sauce.”
Here are the key ingredients to make your own for those summer days out:
- Cooked chicken – usually shredded or chopped
- Mayonnaise – use light mayo if you prefer
- Curry powder – pick this up at any supermarket
- Mango chutney – not just for poppadoms!
- Optional extras – sultanas, almonds, herbs to taste
Mix it all together and you've got a delicious filling for your summer picnic sandwiches.
Hero ingredients: Cooking with the season
While a picnic might be the perfect way to enjoy food al fresco, our celebration of summer flavours doesn’t stop there. At Warner Hotels, our expert chefs, including Adam, take pride in crafting dishes for us that evolve with the seasons - because we believe the best meals begin with the freshest ingredients. From garden to plate, our chefs work with what’s ripe and ready, ensuring every menu reflects the vibrant tastes of the time of year.
British Asparagus: The star of early summer
There’s something undeniably special about British asparagus. Harvested at its prime, asparagus is prized for its delicate sweet buttery flavour with hints of earthy bitterness, and we’ve until summer solstice on the 21st of June to enjoy this vibrant green spear. At Brasserie32, we’re making the most of this fleeting season where you can enjoy our Risotto Verde packed full of green goodness. The tender stems pair beautifully with the freshness of garden peas, zesty lemon and Barbers Cheddar, all topped with a poached egg to create a delectable dinner.
Summer berries make their entrance
With the sunshine comes the first wave of British summer berries, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome them to our kitchens. Whether you prefer the tartness of blackberries, the tanginess of raspberries or the sun-ripened flavour of strawberries, we're featuring them on our dessert menu to showcase the best of the summer berries.
Brasserie32 is serving up the classics – be it blackberry and apple crumble or Eton mess. And the strawberry and cream shortcake is a real summer treat packed with fresh, creamy ingredients that’ll make the end of the meal the highlight.
Looking for something a little stronger? Our bar team is shaking up the season with a range of summer-inspired cocktails—including the irresistible Raspberry Crush, a fresh, fruity blend that tastes like summer in a glass.
Taste the season today
So whether you’re planning your summer picnics this World Picnic Day, or planning to join us for a summer escape, our chefs (and bartenders!) are ready to serve up the best of British summer. There’s no better time to celebrate the season—one bite (or sip) at a time.
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