Seven To Try: Packs, Hampers and Spreads for Sydney’s Return of the Picnic

Picnics. There are those that succeed (think Wind in the Willows, Sound of Music) and those that don’t (here’s looking at you Emma, Enduring Love). When restrictions ease on September 13, fully vaxxed Sydneysiders (who don’t live within the local government areas of concern) will be allowed to gather outdoors in groups of up to five, and allowed in a person’s LGA or within five kilometres of home. The humble picnic is about to have its moment in the spring sun. We’ve rounded up a raft of hampers, packs and spreads – from cured meats to champagne and croquet – to help kickstart picnic season.

Good Ways Deli’s picnic pack
The green and white Good Ways logo has become synonymous with nostalgic treats and suburban milk-bar vibes in the short time since the deli opened on a quiet corner in Redfern. The Australiana-inspired menu of sandwiches and baked goods is a wholesome list taking cues from school canteens, rural bakeries and the Country Women’s Association. Native ingredients are key, too. And now, enter the Good Ways Picnic Pack ($35, serves two) featuring Pepe Saya-buttered, house-baked ciabatta, kangaroo mortadella, saucisson, Maffra mature cheddar, house-pickled gherkins and Good Ways Deli onion jam. Add-ons include house soda, cold brew, lamingtons and Anzac bikkies. It’s the most Australian picnic spread since Picnic at Hanging Rock, but let’s not dwell on how that turned out.

Order in store at Good Ways Deli or pre order for next-day collection via tom@goodwaysdeli.com.au.

Bar Suze’s seafood picnics
Bar Suze made the switch to fish and wine shop early on in lockdown, proving that you don’t need jazz, candlelight and a sophisticated inner-city setting to enjoy European bistro-style food. And now it’s offering seafood picnic bundles to add a touch of Sweden to your lockdown picnic. There are three options: the Bar Suze Seafood Picnic ($100) includes a selection of cold seafood; the Hot Seafood Picnic ($110) has fish tacos, smoked prawns and crispy fish sandwiches; while the Elite Seafood Picnic ($250) pairs a luxe seafood menu, including oysters and grilled octopus, with two bottled Martinis, two cans of pilsner and a bottle of champagne.

The bundles are available for pick-up or delivery Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Order here.

Small’s Deli’s meat and cheese boxes
Potts Point locals know the joy of all things Smalls: house-made pickles, free-range cured meats and slowly ripened cheeses piled into baguettes and paninis alongside steaming cups of Reuben Hills coffee. The Meat and Cheese Boxes ($29) include a selection of three items from the meat and cheese counter, seasonal fruit spread, pickles, sliced baguette and cultured butter. The diminutive deli has also teamed up with natural-wine retailer Notwasted – order the bundle through its website to synchronise your deli goods with a selection of natural wines, beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

Order before 11.30am here for pick-up from Small’s Deli after 12.30pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Hamilton Cooks’ butler lunches
Some occasions call for an elegant touch and Hamilton Cooks, a catering service run by Hamilton Kings (Bondi Social, Honkas Bar & Eats), is taking picnics to the next level. The opulent picnic set-up includes crystal decanters, an antique croquet set, boules and a French waiter’s table, where your own personal butler will prepare the first Martinis of the day. The complete package ($1100) caters to five people over three hours and includes a decadent menu packed with seafood, canapes, charcuterie and antipasti. Wash it all down with a magnum of rosé and bottles of chablis. If it’s all sounding a little Downton Abbey, you’re on the right track.

Book here

Aplenty’s spreads

This Sydney-based catering company makes Mediterranean-inspired spreads from fresh, seasonal ingredients. They’re a cornucopia of house-made dips, focaccia, pickled vegetables, hunks of cheese and more. Almost all the dishes are made from scratch or sourced from Australian suppliers.

Aplenty will be taking orders from September 13. Follow its Instagram for updates.

Jimmy Brings wine bundles
Jimmy has long been bringing life to Sydneysiders’ parties, and now he’s created some bundles specifically for the upcoming picnic boom. There’s a Vaxxed and Relaxed Wine Bundle ($69.99) with a bottle each of Twisted Heads pinot noir, Heritage House shiraz, Leaf of Life chardonnay and Last Word pinot grigio. The Premium Picnic Mix ($89.99) features six mixed wines, while the aptly named Top Five Friends ($99.99) has two bottles each of Peroni, Asahi and Prosecco, and two packets of chips to share with those who make the cut. To mark the occasion in suitably celebratory mode, the Vaccination Celebration Bubbly Bundle ($89.99) has six bottles of sparkling wines.

Order here for delivery.

The Stinking Bishops’ cheese hampers
Newtown’s Stinking Bishops is well-loved for its mix of Australian and imported cheeses (it’s named after a British washed-rind cheese of legendary odour). Turophiles (yes, there’s a name for us) can indulge in cheese-centric hampers delivered throughout Greater Sydney, with free delivery on orders within five kilometres. There are three bundles to choose from: the Three Cheese Hamper ($65); the Cheese & Meat Hamper ($95); and the Ultimate Hamper ($110). All three include crackers and quince paste. Same-day and next-day delivery are available, depending on location.

Order here Tuesday to Sunday.