‘What’s inside it?’ asked the Mole, wriggling with curiosity. ‘There’s cold chicken inside it,’ replied the Rat briefly; ‘cold tongue, cold ham, cold beef, pickled gherkins, salad, french rolls, cress sandwiches, potted meat, ginger beer, lemonade, soda water—’
‘O stop, stop,’ cried the Mole in ecstasies: ‘This is too much!’ ‘Do you really think so?’ enquired the Rat seriously. ‘It’s only what I always take on these little excursions
Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows
Do picnics get you excited like our friend Mole from Wind in the Willows? I love them. There’s nothing quite like spreading out your blanket on the grass in the sunshine and unwrapping all the treats from your picnic backpack or basket.
Summer in London is all about lush green parks and picnics. And this year you can enjoy The Wind in The Willows musical to get you in the picnicking mood.
Luxury boutique hotel St. James’s Hotel and Club have collaborated with The Wind in The Willows musical to create a gourmet picnic to enjoy before or after the show.
Taking inspiration from picnic fare in the early 20th century when the book was written, Michelin starred chef William Drabble’s feast is definitely worthy of Mole’s excitement.
Inside you find a properly British poached chicken salad, freshly squeezed lemonade and sweet treats including fruit cake soaked in brandy. If I was Moley I would be quite worried that his friend Toad would gobble it all!
The Wind in the Willows is one of the treasured stories from my childhood. I always wondered what it would be like to make friends with the friendly riverbank folk.
The musical brings the story to life with the sweet friendship between Ratty and Moley, cemented over a picnic – of course.
A show for all ages, it faithfully follows the tale of our two heroes as they try to keep Mr Toad out of trouble and away from the dastardly weasels with the help of wonderful Badger and a very special rabbit (pictured below with chef William Drabble). There are lots of rousing songs and some incredible vehicles for Mr Toad.
You can enjoy your Wind in the Willows picnic in gorgeous Green Park close to the hotel before or after watching the show. But best be quick, the season finishes on 2nd September. Poop poop!
Price for the musical-inspired picnic hamper for two is £40 including VAT.
Prices for the musical-inspired picnic hamper for two, and two tickets to The Wind in the Willows start at £55 Monday -Thursday, £65 Friday and Saturday – including VAT.
If you are travelling from outside of London, you could treat your family to an overnight stay at the hotel where you will enjoy the very best in British hospitality.
I was hosted at a Wind in the Willows picnic event and saw the show courtesy of the St. James’s Hotel and Club. All opinions and finger licking are my own.
The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.
Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy