Afternoon Tea with an Essex Twist: Celebrate National Picnic Week in Style | My Soho Times

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that summer truly starts with a good picnic. And what better excuse to spread out your blanket, uncork some bubbly, and tuck into something delicious than National Picnic Week (14–21 June 2025)?

National Picnic Week isn’t just about food. It’s a reminder to slow down, get outdoors, and savour the simple pleasures of summer. Whether it’s a full feast with friends or a quiet solo lunch under the trees, there’s something magical about dining alfresco. And with eco-friendly utensils, reusable containers, and a “leave no trace” mindset, it’s a delicious way to celebrate sustainably too.

Summer Alfresco with an Essex Twist

Earlier this week, I was lucky enough to be invited by Visit Essex on a culinary escape from Soho to the stunning Braxted Park Estate – and let’s just say, if Bridgerton hosted picnics, this would be the setting. The largest walled private estate in Essex, Braxted Park exudes stately grandeur, featuring a sweeping drive, serene lakes, and a rich history dating back to the time of the Countess of Pembroke.

But it wasn’t just the surroundings that impressed – it was what came out of the kitchen. Under the guidance of Head Chef Adam O’Sullivan at Braxted’s on-site cookery school, we prepared three picnic-perfect dishes using some of Essex’s finest local ingredients…

Braxted Estate Sausage & Bacon Roll with Apple Ketchup

Rich Dingley Dell sausage meat meets Braxted Park’s own bacon chutney and a sweet red onion jam, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry. Served with a homemade roasted apple ketchup, this is a picnic hero worth recreating at home. Pair it with an ultra-easy Apple Ketchup, and voilà! Watch out, Gregg’s – this sausage roll is coming for your crown

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Dedham Vale Beef Scotch Egg with Horseradish Mayo

A hearty twist on a British classic, featuring braised beef trim from Dedham Vale wrapped around soft-boiled eggs, coated in gluten-free breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. The horseradish-spiked beef tallow mayo adds a bold punch.

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Maldon Smoked Mackerel & Rhubarb “Cream Tea”

Yes, you read that right. This unexpected star pairs smoky mackerel whipped with clotted cream, dill, and wasabi, served alongside tangy pickled rhubarb and a lemon-and-caper cream. It’s a Bridgerton-meets-bistro moment.

Want to try your hand at these dishes? Head over to My London Times for all three recipes including how to make the clotted cream and wasabi mackerel pâté, the apple ketchup, and that horseradish mayo!

We rounded off the day with a wine tasting among the lush nature at Dedham Vale Vineyard (more on that coming soon ahead of National Wine Week 21 – 29 June), complete with a glass of bubbly and countryside views that make you forget London is just over an hour away!

Can’t Get To Essex? No Probs! Bring the English Countryside Vibes to the City

But even if you can’t make it to Essex this summer, you can still bring a taste of the countryside to the city. Pack up your own picnic basket and head to Soho Square or your favourite green spot. Better yet, try one of the recipes above and recreate the Braxted Park experience from the comfort of your own kitchen.

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📍Plan Your Own Essex Escape

If you’re tempted by what Essex has to offer (and rightly so!), it’s closer than you think. Whether you’re heading for a cookery class at Braxted Park, sipping wine at Dedham Vale Vineyard, or just exploring the historic villages and gardens of the county, Essex has plenty to offer Londoners looking for a quick getaway! Go by train: Liverpool Street to Essex County via Greater Anglia www.greateranglia.co.uk

Happy picnicking – wherever you lay your blanket!

Word and photos by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl

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