Getting there

Everyone would load up the car and pile in – probably more than was wise – then head out for a drive to the perfect spot. Somewhere you could paddle would be perfect, be it the beach or the banks of a stream, river or lake, but a clearing in the woods, or even a roadside verge would do. Getting there was part of the fun, with the windows rolled down (yes, rolled) and heads and limbs poking out of the window – until you got told off.

Seating arrangments 

Well, it was a picnic blanket on the ground of course wasn’t it? None of this waterproof-backing business, just a thick, woollen blanket (usually tartan) so if the ground was damp it would gradually seep through. Deckchairs made of wood and canvas would come along too sometimes, if people were willing to lug them from the car – no chance of a lightweight folding camping chair in those days…

All packed, off we go

1978 - Thermos = Picnic Essential

The food

In the days before convenience foods (and with café pitstops being too costly) all food was prepared at home. Sandwiches were the mainstay, with fillings ranging from tinned meats (spam, corned beef, luncheon meat) to egg and cress, Cheddar and Branston Pickle, or a meat / fish paste. The sandwiches might be accompanied by further variations on meat and eggs such as cold sausages, pork pie, hard boiled eggs, scotch eggs – and maybe some tomato. Sweet treats would consist of homemade cakes or buns such as rock cakes, scones, tarts, fruit loaf or perhaps a good old Victoria sponge. There’d be apples aplenty and sometimes a very exotic… banana!

The drinks

A thermos flask of tea – to be shared by the whole family, young and old alike, was absolutely essential. Failing that, a Primus camp stove would be brought along so we could brew up there and then! There might also be squash for the kids, or if you were really lucky, lemonade.

Serving up

Tupperware went on sale in the UK in 1960 and clingfilm only arrived that same decade, so everything would be wrapped in greaseproof paper. There was no melamine picnicware in the 50s but you might have brought along metal enamelware plates, and mugs for the tea, most likely with the odd chip around the blue rim. Or perhaps you had a classic wicker picnic hamper complete with matching, well, everything? 

Splashing in icy water, dangling from rope swings, exploring the woods, and a spread of simple food that felt like a feast… picnic days were the best summer days!

Real plates, real picnic

Taking good care of our precious planet

While brightening our homes with a little greenery lifts our spirits, it also gently reminds us of the beauty and importance of nature in our everyday lives. Taking good care of our precious planet is something we feel deeply about.

As a sign of our commitment to combatting climate change, we are making a pledge to become ‘net zero’. We want to get there by 2040, which might be a little way off, but the journey has begun - and there are lots of targets along the way. We’re working together across every part of the business to identify opportunities for reducing our carbon footprint with a view to getting it all the way down to...zero!

Whether you dine in your home, garden, or out and about somewhere scenic, Wiltshire Farm Foods has lots of tasty and easy picnic options - simply thaw and serve.

Liquid Gold

From the past to your plate

From ancient cacao drinks to the irresistible treats we enjoy today, chocolate has truly stood the test of time.

To bring you that deep, classic chocolate flavour in our Chocolate Desserts, we carry that legacy forward using only carefully selected ingredients — Cocoa Mass and Cocoa Butter.

If the thought of chocolate is too tempting for you why not check out our dessert range?