Picnic weather – but, where & wear?

Posted by Winchester Fashion Week on May 25, 2012 · 1 Comment 

Hooray! The summer has arrived and there’s no half measures here, blistering sunshine, clear skies and balmy evenings are what Winchester was made for. As you walk down the high street the shop windows have come alive with their previously ignored glorious summer offerings and everywhere you look maxi-dresses, brightly painted toes and washes of bright and pastel shades adorn the towns residents and visitors. The food and craft markets are becoming more prominent and the flower stalls burst with colour and fragrance from their wintery shackles. Can you tell I am really excited about this weather? With Winchester Fashion Week tantalisingly close I can feel the excitement buzzing as people embrace there summer wardrobes and prepare to get social and out into town. After all, Winchester’s food and drink establishments really do come alive in this weather. However, I have been recommending fantastic Winchester bars, pubs and restaurants for a while now, so this week I’m taking you somewhere a little different.

This weather, in my opinion, is not to be taken for granted. I don’t mean to bring a downer on this whole glorious weather business, but we do live in old Blighty and the weather is a fickle thing. Don’t spend your afternoons cooped up in a pub for the duration, get outside and make the most of it! This week I’m recommending to you a perfect picnic to while away your weekend. Let’s embrace this historical town’s real delights and dilly dally along the river, find a spot of dappled shade and plonk your ever so Winchester wicker picnic hamper down for the afternoon. Bring a Frisbee, bring a newspaper, bring your suntan lotion and you’re set. There are so many spots in Winchester to choose from, my favourites being anywhere along The Water Meadows, towards St Catherine’s Hill or in the open spaces on River Park. Closer in town head to The Cathedral Grounds or if you have kids try Abbey Gardens or Orams Arbour for the great playgrounds too. You can visit, Visit Winchester anytime for an extensive list of great picnic spots in town and further afield into the countryside too.

Of course, you’ll want a great picnic to keep you going all afternoon. My recommendations would be a thick and full rustic sandwich from the deli counter at Cadogan And James and any of the delicious cakes from Caracoli. On Saturday, pop to the street market for a few juicy fresh fruits and maybe some olives and on Sunday you’ll have the pick of The Farmers Market fresh produce to choose from, I’d recommend picking up a local wine for the hamper too of course and some local apple juice often selling at the Farmers Market. More details available about Winchester markets here.

When it comes to what to wear well, I don’t think it really matters as long as it’s cool and appropriate for lazing about! Yes, there are all sorts of great trends perfect for this weather; florals, brights, pastels, aztec prints, wedge shoes, bright statement jewellery and dewy natural make-up. But for this picnic; soft comfortable fabrics, natural tones, loosely fitted and easy to move in are your aims. I’ve found the cream of the cool and comfortable crop on Winchester high street for you.

words Emily Parrett @NormalityAndMe

photograph Alix Rothnie @alixroth

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