We gets some top hamper tips from La Trompette's head chef James Bennington

The time has arrived to pack up your hamper, shake out the blanket and enjoy the great outdoors with a traditional British picnic. Warburtons National Bread Week is back from 4th May to 10th May 2009.

Picnics are a fun, healthy and low-cost way to entertain the family, James Bennington head chef at La Trompette is on hand to offer you his exclusive picnic tips.

“My favourite picnic spot is The Japanese Gateway in Kew Gardens. The Japanese gardens are beautiful; they are made up of three individual and unique gardens. The main entrance to the landscape leads into a "Garden of Peace", it’s so tranquil and secluded, the most perfect place to have a romantic picnic."

And what's in your hamper? “I always opt for the classic English picnic hamper, full of pork pies, crunchy golden delicious apples and cheese straws to dip in houmous. My all time favourite sandwich is cheese and pickle in soft wholemeal bread."

"Make a good old fashioned English custard tart the day before your picnic, tarts are delicious and really finish off the Great British picnic,” he added.

Top Local Picnic Spots:

Dukes Meadows - children's play area and open air paddling pool.

Chiswick House Grounds - the lawns infront of the House are now open

Gunnersbury Park - great free museum if the weather changes

Richmond Park - just a cycle ride along the Thames towpath away

April 30, 2009