London | Unpack an Adventure
Unpack an Adventure | London
Travel broadens the mind, of course. But sometimes it's nice to stay put; sometimes a staycation is in order. And if that staycation involves an alfresco lunch with friends, both two- and four-legged? Well, that's so much the better.
And so, in a welcome break between the very changeable weather of this British summertime, we made our plan: to schlep, first and foremost, to Fortnum's for supplies before turning on our heels and heading back to our Ealing garden (after a pitstop for a few more delicious ingredients at the wonderful Ealing Grocer), for an afternoon of barbecuing.
We travelled light to Piccadilly, but returned home with bags full of all manner of things: savoury favourites, sweet treats, and tipples aplenty. The Champagne Bucket was an unexpected addition to our shopping list, but once seen it was impossible to resist. And no, despite the pictures, the little pup did not skateboard the whole way.
Not this time, anyway.
As we made it home the last few fussing clouds above took their leave. Sunlight dappled our alfresco table with swaying, marbled shadows. Bottles and cans clinked against ice in our new bucket as the Fortnum's BBQ began to fire.
Before long, the vegetables were grilled, the steaks cooked to perfection, the sausages ready for liberal drizzlings of Fortnum's Picnic Mustard and 181 Sauce.
I must confess that the latter was new to me, but I was reliably informed that Marco Pierre White absolutely loves the stuff; more than that, he insists it's a culinary necessity. It took no more than a single dollop of the stuff for me to understand why.
As it always does with good friends, regardless of how long or short the interval between lunches has been, the conversation flowed easily. Glasses were topped with bubbles (pink ones, primarily) and quickly-emptying plates were shared across the table. The leftovers were few and far between, but the well-behaved pooch in attendance benefited all the same. This was his staycation afternoon too, after all.
And once the savoury side of our lunch was over and the first set of plates cleared, it was time for sweets: for Florentines and Pate de Fruits and Affogato (made with Fortnum’s coffee, of course).
The sun obliged us by sinking slowly, giving us permission to talk and eat and sip as slowly as we liked. Plans for further excursions and greater outdoor feasts (this time with even more furry friends invited) were made.
But all that is for another day: in the moment, it was enough to bask in the joy of good food, refreshing drinks and good company, all served in our very own backyard. Here's to the next one.
