A last minute camping weekend created a whirlwind of packing. Having neither the time nor inclination to go food shopping as well I rang Carluccio's in Little Clarendon Street and ordered a picnic instead to tide us over.

With festival season in full flow and outdoor events abounding, there has never been a better time to plan ahead and let Carluccio's do all the hard work.

Screeching up to pick up my packed coolbox later that day from the Little Clarendon Street restaurant we were all good to go, with little of idea of what was in store gastronomically.

But Carluccio’s do picnics brilliantly, with just the right amount of flair and practicality to impress.

Even so, on unzipping the ‘coolbox hamper’ we were excited and suprised by how much they managed to cram in, the sheer volume only matched by the attention to detail.

Each course was portioned up and with a starter, main, salad, focaccia and dessert, there was a lot of food to get through. Even the dressing and pestos were packed up.

To start then; summery bruschetta with cream cheese, fresh peas, lemon and broad beans, then antipasti, an enormously generous portion of Napoli and Finocchiona salami, asparagus, roasted peppers and artichokes marinated in oil, all delicious. The olive focaccia, perfect for dipping, was great for camping, and a huge goats cheese salad with candy striped beetroots and then some lovely moist sliced chicken with green beans.

Dessert was a soaked sponge full of honey and fruit and then some fig rolls.

Absolutely stuffed by the time we had ploughed through the lot, we fed most of the campsite in the interim, and everyone agreed that Carluccio’s picnis/hampers were a brilliant solution to al fresco eating and a lack of time or inclination, bringing both a sense of occasion and a top quality spread to the table.

The two person classic adult picnic costs £45. There’s also a child’s option )£10), and a veggie choice.

Call your nearest branch and order at least 4 hours in advance.

1-2 Little Clarendon St, Oxford OX1 2HP

Phone: 01865 514468

www.carluccios.com/getattachment/picnics/