It’s finally Summer! Here at Willowbrook Foods, Summer is by far our favourite season. With the longer, brighter days there is no better season to enjoy picnics and BBQs. We know everything there is to know about how to have the best picnic this summer and the best locations across Northern Ireland. 

Here are some of Willowbrook Foods Top Picnic Tips for this Summer: 

Choose the Best Picnic Food 

It is important to pack a variety of food. A couple of salads, fresh bread, or something sweet to end your picnic such as brownies or cupcakes. It is important to remember not to choose anything too sticky or could get squashed easily. Another thing to consider is how you are going to serve the food for your picnic. Remeber it is safer and less hassle to pre-cut food into portions. The traditional picnic food menu usually includes your standard sandwiches, snacks and cake- why not shake it up this summer? Try some Pasta or Noodle dishes which are easily stored in Tupperware boxes or even just try some fun, new sandwich fillings: 

-Turkey with Brie

-Jackfruit and BBQ sauce 

-BBQ Pulled Pork 

-Hummus and Avocado 

Remember the Details 

Of course, we all want our picnics to have that aesthetically pleasing ‘Instagram’ look to them. That doesn’t mean carting everything and anything to the middle of nowhere. It is important to be clever with your storage and to pack responsibly. Reusable, plastic lidded containers are your picnic must-haves. Not only are they good for transporting food to a picnic, but they are also great for carrying leftovers and rubbish home again. If you personally prefer using fancier bowls, you can opt for stretchy silicone lids to ensure there’s no spillage.  A picnic blanket is obviously essential for your picnic but opt for a robust table covering as the main platform for your food. In terms of cutlery, plastic or lightweight are your best options and if you want to be that bit extra then choose cutlery which matches your picnic blanket. 

Entertainment Ideas 

Once your picnic food has been eaten, having entertainment helps get the most out of your picnic time. Playing games is part and parcel of any picnic but there are also some other fun activities you could get up to. If you are enjoying a picnic on the scenic Cave Hill in Belfast then a hike would be a fun way to spend your time there. Why not time your picnic so that you can enjoy a sunset? 

Best Picnic Locations in Northern Ireland 

-Botanic Gardens, Belfast 

Stop and smell the roses in Botanic Gardens. A perfect place for some quality time with loved ones, Botanic Gardens has a wide array of beautiful rose gardens along with the large grassy areas in front of the Palm House. 

-Cave Hill, Belfast 

Enjoy the walk with a view to the summit of Cave Hill where you can sit and enjoy the amazing panoramic views of Belfast. On a clear day you can even see as far as the Mournes and even Scotland. 

-Castle Ward Estate, Co.Down 

This is the perfect estate for an escape away from the hustle and bustle of working life. Take a walk through the woodland, explore the old castle ruins or take a leisurely stroll along the Shore Trail. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to putting down your rug or taking advantage of the many picnic areas. 

-Gortin Lakes, Co. Tyrone 

This is a picturesque location with amazing views of Sperrins landscape. Gortin Lakes are to be enjoyed all year round with the lakes being accessible without time restrictions. Another good thing to keep in mind about this location is that the lakes are located not far from the Harry Avery’s Castle in Newtownstewart. 

At Willowbrook Foods, we are continually developing our products to provide our customers with the highest quality products available!