London's best pre-picnic pit stops for stocking up your hamper

Summer brings visions of gingham picnic rugs and wicker hampers stocked full of delicious edible goodies.

To celebrate the humble picnic in style, we’ve found up the best independent food spots and delicatessens near popular London picnicking areas so you can enjoy top quality food without having to worry about carrying it for miles.

Giacobazzi Delicatessen for Hampstead Heath

Stock your picnic baskets up with Italian delights at his Hampstead deli. Serving up all kinds of ready-made delights from pickles and pates to cheese and fresh pasta, this independent deli will cater for your picnic cravings. With more than 26 years under its belt its a true gem in the Hampstead community.

150 Fleet Rd, NW3 2QX, giacobazzis.co.uk

Melrose & Morgan for Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill

This kitchen-cum-grocery store promotes local produce to give back to the North London community. It prides itself on its dedication to food prep and boasts bountiful picnic treats like sandwiches made with artisan sourdough bread. It also has a variety of greens including a chickpea, bulgur wheat and halloumi salad and a broccoli, kale and puy lentil salad with a miso dressing. Fittingly, they've just launched a picnic hamper range featuring a cool bag and a choice of three made-to-order food options. With delis in both Hampstead and Primrose Hill, they’ve got your North London picnic covered.

42 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8JD,​melroseandmorgan.com

Debraggio for Richmond Park

This Italian spot on Duke Street offers all kinds of picnic goodies such as ciabattas for sandwiches, fresh salads and antipasti. You'll be spoilt for choice with pastas too, with trays and trays of eight different types including black spaghetti with prawns, white truffle ravioli and rigatoni pomodoro. Located just a stone’s throw from Richmond park, you won’t have to carry your treats very far either.

1 Duke St, TW9 1HP, debraggio.com

Good Life Eatery for Regent’s Park or Primrose Hill

If you’re want a lighter, guilt-free picnic this venue is known for its healthy, stripped back dishes. Opt for one of their gluten free wraps or croissants or a seasonal salad for something greener. They even offer a delivery service, so if you’re feeling super lazy you can get your picnic goodies delivered to your spot.

1 St John's Wood High St, NW8 7NG, goodlifeeatery.com

Greensmiths for green spaces in Lambeth

Stock up on all kinds of treats at this independent food store on Lower Marsh. It has a butcher counter with cold meats, a bakery boasting bountiful freshly baked goods and a downstairs drinks section offering wine from local vendors, pale ales and soft drinks. It also has freshly made salad boxes, if you prefer a ready-made option.

27 Lower Marsh, SE1 7RG, greensmithsfood.co.uk

MacFarlane's for Clapham Common

What picnic would be complete without cheese and wine? This fromagerie has got you covered. Their best-sellers include a truffle brie and a Real Rubio Rioja Crianza. Since opening in 1998, it's evolved into a delicatessen offering all kinds of takeaway goodies including pastries and chocolate boxes that are hand-wrapped in store.

48 Abbeville Rd, SW4 9NF, macfarlanesdeli.co.uk

North Street Deli for Clapham Common

North Street Deli boasts all kinds of quintessentially British picnic bites such as quiches, pies, sausage rolls and salads as well as more than 30 different types of sandwich to choose from. Opt for a lunchtime classic such as a humble cheddar or a tuna mayo or indulge on one of their more adventurous sandwiches such as the Spicy Goat with spicy salami, goats cheese, sun-dried tomato, pesto or the S/S Avo with smoked salmon, avocado, French brie, pickled cucumber and basil oil. Gorgeous.

26 North St, SW4 0HB, northstdeli.com