A Birthday Picnic from Dukes St James, London
A few days ago I was peering up at the grey and grizzly sky and told the clouds that they, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES, were allowed to rain over Green Park that day. The reason for this direct order was because I was surprising my pal Suzy with a picnic from Dukes St James London for her birthday. And rain, I’d decided, would not be a good accompaniment…
I met Suzy at Green Park station with balloons… and it was still spitting with rain. I glared at the clouds – a long, warning stare.
We walked past the park (confusing her greatly) and arrived at Dukes St James, where we were greeted by our butler (yes, our butler) and his helper, who then carried our picnic, rugs, glassware, crockery, blankets and more, to a carefully selected rain-shielded spot in Green Park… and proceeded to set everything up before our very eyes…
Our butler (yes, our butler) gave me a phone number with instructions to call him when we’d finished our picnic, so he could come and clear everything away. He then left us to enjoy our sensational picnic and delicious champagne under the trees….and just like magic, the rain stopped! Kaboom!
We couldn’t believe how much food there was… and it just kept coming! Everything was presented beautifully, in pristine white cockery, garnished prettily and the heavy white cotton napkins were the perfect finishing touch to our quintessentially luxurious English experience.
DUKES’s traditional British picnic for Spring and Summer has been especially created by Executive Head Chef, Nigel Mendham. We collected our picnic, but if you like you can have your gourmet hamper delivered to your desired picnic location in Green Park at a time to suit, with a private butler to send out the picnic at no additional cost. (PRIVATE BUTLER!)
The portions were extremely generous, so, when Suzy’s second surprise arrived (her very good chum Sharmini), there was plenty of food and drink to go round!
And then it was time for dessert…
DUKE’s really had thought of everything. Bottle openers, cutlery, champagne glasses… and even some hot water bottles to keep us warm under the blankets!
The whole picnic was absolutely heavenly and such a treat… we sat under the trees cosy and warm under our blankets and guzzled delicious food… we loved it.
This picnic is a real slice of luxury, so I imagine the price is going to surprise you, as it did me… it’s just £35 per person. Butler service included!
So if you’re stuck for a birthday surprise for someone you know, or perhaps even a Father’s day gift (21st June! Don’t forget!) this picnic would be an amazing present and knock anyone’s socks off.
Unless it’s chilly, in which case you’ll need to keep them on and tuck them under the hot water bottles…
Happy Birthday Suzy!
You’re the bees knees.
DUKES’s Traditional British Picnic is priced from £35 per person for a minimum of 2 people with butler service included; a bottle of chilled Champagne starts from £80.
For more information on DUKES, St James, contact 0207 491 4840 or visit www.dukeshotel.com.
Nightly rates in a DUKES room at DUKES ST JAMES LONDON start from £295. For more information or to make a reservation at Thirty Six By Nigel Mendham please call 020 7491 4840 or visit www.dukeshotel.com
LAN
Wow, this birthday picnic is so interesting. I like the idea of enjoying food on green grass. I love enjoying bread, cheese, fresh fruits in the open air.
sylvie
I love Green Park what a beautiful idea for a romantic Pic-nic !
have a nice day Lucky girl !
Poppy Loves
Thank you Sylvie! xx
Cecelia
Thanks for sharing, this looks amazing!
Poppy Loves
Thank you Cecelia xx
Ashley L
I’m so envious! That looks amazing. I love picnics but I hate the set-up and takedown process. Oh, how I’d love a picnic complete with a butler!
Poppy Loves
Ha ha! I know, Ashley – it’s a real treat!
Holly
Oh my word, this sounds heavenly! The pictures you have taken are also very dashing. Suzy is very fortunate to have a friend like you! Hope she had a brilliant birthday but its clear you all had a great time!
Poppy Loves
Thank you Holly! xx
Pallavi
This looks amazing! And the food has made me hungry – beautiful pictures. I can’t wait to try this during the summer.
Poppy Loves
Do let me know if you do Pallavi – I’d love to hear about it!
Andrea Petersen
I ADORE picnics but always find choosing the food so difficult so this is bloody marvelous – cannot believe you get a private butler as well, that’s just brilliant! Great gift 🙂 Lots of love, Andrea xxx
Andrea’s Passions
Poppy Loves
Ha ha! You’ll love it Andrea – it’s very very special!