Occasionally you may have heard tell of sumptuous luncheons enjoyed by me in a variety of European locations. In fact “lunch” comes up hundreds of times if you do a search. Some were quite expensive.
It would be wrong to think that the cost in anyway correlates with the enjoyment. More important is the company and ambience. This week, coyly, I made an assignation with a friend at the band stand in Hyde Park. My measly contribution was an already opened bottle of The Society’s 2018 Beaujolais, a bottle of Doran Vineyards 2018 Chenin Blanc, Arya, and some metal beakers, bought in Peter Jones in the 1970s. My companion brought pink cushions, welcome as the park bench was wet, crisps, half a bottle of Champagne and smoked salmon sandwiches from Pret. She also flaunted an empty Thermos flask to give the impression we were having hot beverages as we were unsure if getting sloshed in the park is allowed. There were frequent police patrols who took no notice of us, no doubt fooled by her Thermos flask subterfuge.
My friend flip-flops between Knightsbridge and the Upper East Side and we had plenty to catch up on. The sun was out and food and drink always taste better in the open air as Anne in the Famous Five series was fond of saying.
“I don’t know why, but the meals we have on picnics always taste so much nicer than the ones we have indoors.” (Five Go Off in a Caravan by Enid Blyton, 1946) I wonder if children still read Enid Blyton and Arthur Ransome?
The big plus of a park bench lunch is that you can concentrate on your companion and not have to fret about one’s neighbour on the other side. It was most enjoyable; I only have one criticism: next time I will bring the Champagne and it will be a whole bottle.
…and lashings of ginger beer, too, surely?
Children certainly do still read Enid Blyton stories as they faultlessly capture every child’s imagination. Who cares if some of the grammar is dodgy – they are marvelous and children learn to love reading a good story. The ‘Woke’ brigade have made several attempts to ban certain characters and have it in for Noddy . He needs to be added to our list of protected treasures.
Endorse Nicky’s view 100%. Lockdown with us was 5 months of wall to wall Faraway Tree and The Wishing Chair. Big fights among the grown ups as to whose turn it was to read.
Babar wasn’t far behind in both readability and unwokeness.
I’m meeting your friend next week for a picnic. Better up my game!
Sounds an ideal day and a brilliant picnic!