Scenic Spots For A Bank Holiday Coffee!

Nothing beats a day trip or short break over the bank holiday weekend and, as the last bank holiday before Christmas is now upon us, we thought we'd take a look at some of the UK's best places to visit and enjoy a coffee in the open air.

Whitby.

One of Yorkshire's most famous seaside towns, Whitby is probably best known as the home of Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's classic novel, Dracula, and/or its fish and chips!

With incredible views at every turn, you could stop almost anywhere and find yourself in a great spot for a coffee but we'd recommend taking your flask to any of the following: 

• The Abbey. Best accessed via the 199 steps leading up to it (if you have the stamina!), Whitby Abbey's stunning ruins are crying out to be explored. Once you've finished, it's time to find a spot on the grass or one of the benches, pour yourself a coffee and enjoy the beautiful views out to sea and over Whitby Town. Make the most of the area's dramatic scenery by enjoying the Abbey as the sun is setting!

• Its two excellent beaches - West Cliff Beach and Tate Hill Beach. The perfect place to while away a sunny afternoon with some sand between your toes, the former tends to be busier, while the latter is usually quiet and secluded. Take your pick!

• The whalebone arch on West Cliff. The perfect place to take five and gaze through the two jaw bones at the Abbey and the church which sits opposite.

The Forest of Dean.

Sprawling woodlands made up of more than 20 million trees with outdoor activities, castles and more, the Forest of Dean is one of Gloucestershire's most beloved and historical destinations.

With cycle paths, beautiful walks, canoeing on the River Wye, crumbling abbeys and free-roaming wild boar, there are too many places to recommend visiting. As getting off the beaten track and exploring the area is one of the best things about it, we'd suggest simply choosing a starting point and seeing where the day takes you. Wherever you stop is pretty much guaranteed to be the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and a stunning view.

The Lake District.

Both a region and a national park, this popular Cumbrian destination in northwest England is known for its glacial ribbon lakes and rugged mountains. Home to a huge number of wonderful places to visit, it’s hard to pick our favourite, so we've narrowed it down to three.

• Derwentwater. With stunning views, small islands to explore and boats available for hire, there are no end of places to sit down and enjoy a coffee break.

• Windermere. England’s longest lake and the Lake District’s most popular destination, stopping for a coffee on the shore or while on a boat cruise is guaranteed to make everything feel better; either way, you'll be inundated with breathtaking views from every angle. 

• Scafell Pike. If you’re a keen walker and a coffee lover, scaling England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and enjoying a brew at its summit is a must!

York.

The historic city of York is full of parks, gardens and green spaces but for a truly unique experience, visitors should head for the minster.

Set in the heart of the city, York Minster is a gothic cathedral that stands a breathtaking 72 metres high and boasts the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the UK, some of which dates as far back as the 12th century.

Whether you're interested in its stunning architecture or not, there's nothing like taking a trip to the top of its Central Tower - York's highest point - where you can take in incredible views of the city and enjoy a coffee with the wind at your back.

And if you're not a fan of heights, the Minster's landscaped gardens are just as impressive and allow you to enjoy a brew in the shadow of the ancient monument instead.

Happy Bank Holiday From Cafe2U!

Our vans will be on the road as usual across the weekend so get in touch here if you need some coffee delivering to you wherever you are!

Summer Breakfast Bowls.

As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and, with approximately 89% of the UK enjoying it every morning, it's clear that the old adage is still as true as ever.

What has changed is what we're eating. Thanks to the rise of cafes serving healthy, vibrant breakfasts inspired by Australia and New Zealand, 'breakfast bowls' have become one of the most popular breakfast options, both outside the home and in our own kitchens.

Bursting with colour, breakfast bowls allow you to start your day with superfoods (nutrient-rich foods that benefit your health and wellbeing) such as kale, fresh fruit, berries, granola and quinoa. The idea is to deliver a meal that is both tasty and healthy, and that is quick to assemble. Here are some of our favourites for you to try at home!

Gluten-free Peanut Butter and Fruit Quinoa.

This delicious breakfast quinoa makes four servings of just 290 calories each that look amazing, taste even better and will keep you energised until lunchtime.

To make this recipe, you will need:

• 2 cups of water

• 1 cup of quinoa

• ¼ cup of apple juice

• 3 tablespoons reduced fat peanut butter

• 1 banana, chopped

• 1 small handful of strawberries or raspberries

• 4 teaspoons unsalted peanuts

Combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan, bring to the boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, then cook, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat, then stir in the apple juice and peanut butter until combined. Stir in the banana.

Next, divide the mixture among four bowls and top with some of the strawberries/raspberries and peanuts. And enjoy!

Tropical Smoothie Bowl.

Bring some sunshine to your kitchen table with this sweet, tropical, vegan blend that's packed with vitamins and minerals.

To make this recipe, you will need: 

• 1 small mango, cut into chunks

• 200g pineapple, cut into chunks

• 2 bananas

• 2 tbsp coconut yoghurt (not coconut-flavoured yoghurt)

• 150ml coconut drinking milk

• 2 passion fruits

• handful of blueberries

• 2 tbsp coconut flakes

• mint leaves

Put the mango, pineapple, bananas, yogurt and coconut milk in a blender, then blitz until smooth. Pour into two bowls and top with the passion fruit, blueberries, coconut flakes and mint leaves just before serving.

Vanilla-almond Chia Breakfast Bowl.

This bowl combines seeds, nuts, fruit and oats for a fibre-packed meal that will keep you fuller for longer.

To make this recipe, you will need: 

• 50g jumbo porridge oats

• 200ml unsweetened almond milk 

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp low-fat natural yoghurt

• 25g chia seeds

• 150g of blueberries

• 25g flaked almonds

• clear honey

Mix the oats, almond milk, vanilla extract, yoghurt and chia seeds in a bowl and set aside for 20 minutes or until the oats have softened. Stir through half the blueberries, divide the mixture between 2 bowls and top with the remaining berries, almonds and honey (to taste).

Partner your bowl with the right coffee!

Whichever breakfast bowl you decide to try, a cup of nutrient-packed coffee makes the perfect accompaniment and will help raise your energy levels further still. Find your favourite coffee at your nearest Cafe2U van here!

Afternoon Tea Week 2025!

Taking place from August 11th - 17th, Afternoon Tea Week is a typically-English celebration of the joys of getting together with friends and family for a hot drink, a bite to eat and a good old chat

Originally designed to promote afternoon tea by encouraging cafes, restaurants and hotels to offer discounts and special offers to entice as many people as possible to join in the fun, Afternoon Tea Week has since morphed into something even larger, with many people choosing to throw their own events.

So if you fancy playing host this year, what should you serve? Read on to find out!

What should I serve?

Once you've set a date and time and sent invitations to your nearest and dearest, it's time to decide what to serve.

While the beauty of being the host is that you can serve whatever you want, you probably won't want to stray too far from a traditional afternoon tea menu, so offer your guests a selection of teas for starters. English breakfast is a must-have but you should also consider Earl Grey, camomile, chai and fruit teas as well. Coffee options are certain to be well received too, while having some hot chocolate available for those with a sweet tooth won't hurt either.

Aside from remembering to stock up on milk and sugar, and ensuring your mugs/cups/fine china is all clean, the only other thing you need to worry about now is what treats to serve. Scones and Victoria sponge cake are your classic options here… so here's how to make them!

Fruit scones.

Served with jam and clotted cream, these beauties go perfectly with any and all hot drinks!

Ingredients.

To make eight fruit scones, you will need:

• 350g self-raising flour, plus more for dusting

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 85g butter, cut into cubes

• 3 tbsp caster sugar

• 175ml milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• squeeze of lemon juice

• 100g sultanas

• beaten egg to glaze

• jam and clotted cream, to serve

Begin by heating your oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Next, tip the flour into a large bowl with the salt and baking powder, then mix. Add the butter, then rub in with your fingers until the mix looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar.

Put the milk into a jug and heat in the microwave for about 30 secs until warm, but not hot. Add the vanilla and lemon juice, then set aside for a moment. Put a baking sheet in the oven.

Make a well in the dry mix, then add the liquid and sultanas and combine with a cutlery knife, then scatter some flour onto a work surface and tip the dough out. Dredge the dough and your hands with a little more flour, then fold the dough over two or three times until smoother. Pat into a round about 4cm deep.

Take a 5cm cutter and dip it into some flour. Plunge into the dough, then repeat until you have four scones. You may need to press what’s left of the dough back into a round to cut out four more.

Brush the tops with beaten egg, then carefully place onto the hot baking tray. Bake for 10 mins until risen and golden on the top. Serve warm with jam, clotted cream and a hot drink!

Victoria Sponge Cake.

Delicious, traditional and easy to make, Victoria sponges are an afternoon tea staple!

Ingredients.

To make a Victoria sponge cake, you will need:

• 200g caster sugar

• 200g softened butter

• 4 eggs, beaten

• 200g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp milk

For the filling, you will need:

• 100g butter, softened

• 140g icing sugar, sifted

• vanilla extract

• half a 340g jar good-quality strawberry jam

• icing sugar, to decorate

Heat your oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Butter two 20cm sandwich tins and line with non-stick baking paper.

In a large bowl, beat 200g caster sugar, 200g softened butter, 4 beaten eggs, 200g self-raising flour, 1 tsp baking powder and 2 tbsp milk together until you have a smooth, soft batter.

Divide the mixture between the tins, then smooth the surfaces with a spatula. Bake for about 20 mins until golden and the cake springs back when pressed, then turn onto a cooling rack and leave to cool completely.

To make the filling, beat the 100g softened butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually beat in 140g sifted icing sugar and a drop of vanilla extract. Spread the buttercream over the bottom of one of the sponges. Top it with 170g strawberry jam and sandwich the second sponge on top. Dust with a little icing sugar, then serve. 

We can help you throw a tea party to remember!

If you'd like some top quality coffee to go with your tea party bakes, contact your local Cafe2U van here and we'll deliver some straight to your door!

The Best Coffee Desserts For Summer!

Although many Brits need no excuse to dive into a dessert at the end of a meal, for others desserts are very much a seasonal thing.

Well, if there's one season during which we should all feel guilt-free about going for broke on desserts, it's summer and all the long days and warm nights that come with it.

While the likes of sticky toffee pudding, strawberries and cream and trifle are all excellent dessert options, there's something about a coffee-flavoured treat that just hits different. So what are the best coffee desserts and how do you make them at home? Read on to find out!

Bruleed coffee and pear tart.

If it's a traditional pudding you're after, look away now. For those with an open mind, a sweet tooth and a hearty appetite, however, prepare to be amazed!

Ingredients.

To make a bruleed coffee and pear tart, you will need: 

• 435g frozen sweet shortcrust pastry, thawed 

• 2 pears, peeled, cut into 5mm slices

• 125g brown sugar

• 2 tsp finely chopped glace ginger

• 150ml milk

• 150ml thickened cream

• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules

• 3 eggs, lightly beaten

• 40g pure icing sugar

Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C. Then, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to 5mm thick, then drape over a 25cm round, loose-bottomed, fluted tart tin. Gently push the pastry into the fluted edges and trim any excess. Prick all over with a fork and freeze for 30 minutes.

Next, line the pastry case with baking paper (fill with pastry weights if you have some too) and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove the paper and weights, then return to the oven for a further 15 minutes or until golden. Remove and set aside to cool.

Place the pears, 50g brown sugar, ginger and 1 tbsp water in a saucepan over a medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-8 minutes or until the pear has softened. Set aside for 10 minutes, then spoon into the tart case and spread evenly across the base. Place the tart case onto a baking tray.

To make the custard mixture, combine milk, cream and coffee in a saucepan over low heat. Slowly bring to just below the boil, then remove from the heat. Whisk the eggs and remaining 75g brown sugar in a large bowl until creamy, then gradually whisk in the hot milk mixture.

Pour the egg mixture into the tart case and bake for 25 minutes or until the custard has just set but still has a slight wobble. Set aside for 2 hours to cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours.

Finally, sift icing sugar over the tart, then use a blowtorch to create a crisp brulee topping. Cut into pieces and serve.

Affogato.

An all-time classic, affogatos are probably most coffee-lovers' favourite dessert so why not have a go at making your own? Trust us, it's minimum effort for maximum reward! 

Ingredients.

To make an affogato, you will need: 

• Vanilla ice cream

• A shot of freshly brewed espresso coffee

OK. Brace yourselves. Ready?

Just put the ice cream in a bowl and pour the espresso over the top! Perfect!

If you want to jazz it up a little, try adding crumbled amaretti biscuits or biscotti to bring some crunch to the creaminess!

Espresso cheesecakes.

Desserts aren't reserved exclusively for after dinner, of course, and these tasty light-bites are perfect at any time of day!

Ingredients.

To make 8 espresso cheesecakes, you will need:

• 250g pitted prunes

• 100ml dark rum

• 170g amaretti biscuits, crushed

• 80g unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp almond meal

• 80ml espresso coffee

• 200g pure icing sugar, sifted

• 500g cream cheese, at room temperature

• 3 egg yolks

• 3 titanium-strength gelatine leaves

• 150ml milk

• Cocoa powder, to dust

First, place the prunes in a bowl with the rum, then leave to soak overnight.

The next day, grease and line a 20cm x 30cm brownie pan with baking paper. Make the cheesecake base by combining the amaretti, butter and almond meal in a bowl, then press into the base of the pan, cover and chill.

Next, break up the prunes in a food processor with 2 tbsp rum until smooth, then spoon over the cheesecake base.

To make the cheesecake, whiz espresso, icing sugar, cream cheese and egg yolks in a food processor for 1 minute to combine. Meanwhile, soak the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to soften. Then heat the milk in a heatproof bowl set over a small pan of simmering water for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Remove the bowl from the heat, squeeze any excess liquid from the gelatine, then whisk into warm milk. Return the bowl to the pan of simmering water and whisk constantly until the gelatine dissolves. Remove from heat.

Add the milk mixture to the cream cheese and stir to combine. Spoon over the prune layer, smooth with the back of a spoon and leave to chill for 4 hours or until set.

Using a 6cm round cutter, cut out eight individual cheesecakes, then dust with cocoa to serve.

Happy summer from Cafe2U!

There are an almost infinite amount of coffee-based desserts for us all to enjoy over the coming months. If you've got a favourite you think we should be aware of, tell us all about it on our social media channels!

In the meantime, if you need some top quality coffee delivered to your door to enjoy with your desserts, you can contact your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Celebrating National Ice Cream Day!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 20th - it's National Ice Cream Day! 

Held annually on the third Sunday (Sundae?) in July, National Ice Cream Day is a day dedicated to enjoying this delicious and cooling treat. And what better way to celebrate this year's event than by whipping up a batch of homemade coffee ice cream?

This velvety ice cream is bursting with the rich, aromatic flavours of freshly brewed coffee and is the perfect blend of sweet and bitter  - the ideal treat for a warm, sunny day! 

Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients.

To make coffee ice cream, you will need:

• 300 ml double cream

• 200 g sweetened condensed milk

• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules (or one shot of Cafe2U espresso)

• 1 tbsp boiling water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract 

• Pinch of salt 

Begin by mixing the instant coffee and boiling water together in a small bowl until dissolved, then leave to cool at room temperature. 

Next, in a large bowl, whip the double cream to soft peaks using a hand or stand mixer. In another bowl, mix the condensed milk, coffee, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the coffee mixture until it is well combined and smooth, then pour into a freezer-safe container (a loaf tin works well), smooth the top and cover.
Freeze for at least six hours, or overnight, until firm.

For an extra indulgent experience, pair it with a freshly brewed cup of Cafe2U coffee, or get adventurous with your toppings - think chocolate shavings, a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of cinnamon!

Send us your suggestions!

This is just one way you can celebrate National Ice Cream Day - let us know how you like to incorporate ice cream into your coffee routine on our social channels!

Plastic Free July 2025.

Did you know that this month is officially Plastic Free July, a month dedicated to refusing to use single-use plastics (items made from plastic that are only used once before being thrown away)?

The problem with the 'plastic waste' associated with single use plastics is that it doesn't break down, it just breaks up into smaller pieces, producing toxic chemicals that are detrimental to wildlife and the environment.

Plastic Free July helps raise awareness of this issue and encourages people all over the world to reduce the amount of single-use plastics they use.

To celebrate, we're taking a look at the plastic-free and environmentally-friendly practices we've adopted at Cafe2U!

No plastic straws!

We've replaced plastic straws with biodegradable paper alternatives to reduce our carbon footprint.

Like disposable coffee cups, plastic straws can't be reused and usually end up in landfill. By using recyclable paper straws instead, consumers can play their part in reducing the amount that literally ends up going up in smoke.

Compostable paper cups.

Available from your local Cafe2U van, our compostable cups are biodegradable, so they can be composted or recycled, reducing waste and ensuring fewer items are sent to landfill. With people in the UK drinking approximately 95 million cups of coffee every day, we need to convince consumers to move away from single use cups as soon as possible.

We also offer reusable cups… and even give them away free with certain purchases every once in a while! Contact your nearest Cafe2U van here to find out more!

Coffee grounds recycling scheme.

Periodically, we also give customers the opportunity to take our used coffee grounds away with them absolutely free.

Normally, used coffee grounds are thrown in the bin, where they end up as landfill or in an incinerator. However, neither option is good for the environment, which is why we want to let more people know that they can also be recycled, reducing harmful greenhouse gases and giving your latte a second life.

Used coffee grounds have a number of uses, including:

1. repelling insects. Simply put the used grounds in a bowl outside and burn them like incense. The grounds are very potent and will drive pests away in no time.

2. making a useful fertiliser. Sprinkling used grounds - which are packed with key nutrients - on the soil surrounding your plants will encourage them to grow quicker.

3. helping compost heaps. By adding some used grounds to your compost heap, you'll improve its structure and attract worms, which speed up the process by turning food scraps into compost.

4. eliminating smells. A handful of used coffee grounds in your fridge will absorb food odours and ensure your meals taste like they should.

5. cleaning your pans. A couple of spoonfuls of used coffee grounds are abrasive enough to clean the dirtiest of pans - just apply the grounds to a cloth and get scrubbing! Remember to check a small area of the pan first to make sure the grounds don't stain the surface.

Emission-free deliveries.

If you get your coffee delivered to your home or workplace, make sure you use a company that only uses electric vehicles - like us! 

We were the first mobile coffee company in the world to introduce a fleet of all-electric, totally emissions-free coffee vans, meaning our CO2 output is significantly lower than many of our competitors'!

We need your help!

Supporting efforts to reduce plastic waste is easy - simply pick up a reusable or compostable cup next time you visit your local Cafe2U van and, if you could use some, take some of our used grounds away with you. You'll be helping us help the planet!

Find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

How To Get Your Franchise Ready For Summer.

As the temperature rises, now is the perfect time for Cafe2U franchisees to gear up for a successful summer season. With people craving refreshing and energising beverages, this is the perfect opportunity to attract new customers and boost your sales. In this blog, we'll explore some essential tips and strategies to ensure your franchise is ready to thrive during the summer months.

Give your menu a summer twist.

To cater to the summer crowd, it's important to introduce new and enticing offerings like iced coffees and frappés to your menu. Experiment with seasonal flavours, like strawberry, and don't forget to offer non-dairy milk alternatives to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences.

Invest in equipment and supplies.

Ensure your van is equipped with the necessary tools to handle the increased demand for chilled drinks. Stocking up on cups, straws, napkins, and any other supplies you'll need to serve your customers efficiently during busy summer days is a must!

Enhance your outdoor setup.

Make your van a destination for people seeking respite from the heat. Create an inviting and comfortable outdoor seating area with umbrellas or awnings to provide shade. Set up some tables, chairs and cosy seating options to encourage customers to relax and enjoy their drinks, as well as to attract passers-by.

Embrace social media.

Leverage the power of social media platforms to promote your franchise during the summer. Share enticing photos and videos of your seasonal offerings and engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Run contests and offer special discounts or giveaways exclusively for your online followers to increase your online presence and drive foot-fall to your business.

Collaborate with local events and businesses.

Summer is the season for festivals, concerts and outdoor gatherings, so why not partner with local event organisers or nearby businesses to establish collaborations? Not only will this increase your visibility, it will also provide an opportunity to connect with a broader customer base.

Offer mobile ordering.

To cater to customers who demand convenience above anything else and help you tap into new markets, be sure to make the most of the mobile ordering options that are available through the Cafe2U app and online platform.

Here's to another successful summer!

Preparing your franchise for summer requires a combination of thoughtful planning and creativity but, by keeping your focus on providing exceptional customer experiences and staying ahead of the competition, there's no reason your mobile coffee business can't thrive over the splendid summer months ahead.

Summer Sips: Cool Coffee Creations to Beat the Heat.

Summer is officially here and when the sun comes out and temperature starts to rise, caffeine lovers often find themselves facing a conundrum - what should I drink when it's too hot for coffee?

The answer, of course, is iced coffee! Cool, refreshing and delicious, iced coffee's popularity has grown steadily in recent years and the drink is now a summertime staple throughout the UK.

Iced coffee is also easy to make and tailor to your own tastes, so refill your ice tray and we'll explain how to make some at home!

Basic iced coffee.

Iced coffee can either be poured hot over ice or served already chilled. If you're attempting the latter, start by making a cup of strong black coffee, then allow it to go completely cold. Pour it into a blender, add 60ml of milk, two handfuls of ice and your favourite-flavoured syrup - if using - then blend until smooth and serve in a tall glass.

If you usually add sugar to your brew, remember it doesn't dissolve easily in cold liquids, so you'll need to add it to the coffee before it cools or swap it for a sugary syrup. And don't worry about it being too strong as the ice will dilute and weaken the coffee!

Coffee lemonade.

If there's a drink that symbolises summer better than lemonade, we've yet to try it. Combining it with a hit of caffeine results in a refreshing drink you'll want to make every time the sun's out.

Making coffee lemonade couldn't be simpler. Just combine cold black coffee, 120ml of orange juice, 80ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 80ml of honey and two handfuls of ice cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass half filled with more ice cubes and enjoy!

The sweet treat.

When the first ingredient is ice cream, you know you're onto a winner! Put a scoop of your favourite ice cream into a tall glass, cover it with cold black coffee, add another scoop of ice cream, then finish with a dash of sparkling water to make the whole thing fizz. 

For an even greater sugar fix, thread your favourite jelly or gummy sweets onto a toothpick and lay across the mouth of the glass.

Peanut butter iced coffee.

OK, peanut butter isn't traditionally associated with summer, but trust us, this rich, creamy recipe will quench your thirst and cool you down in no time!

To make, simply combine peanut butter, Nutella and cream in a saucepan, then heat gently while whisking until the mixture is melted and smooth. Leave it to cool in the fridge, then pour into a blender alongside black coffee and ice and blitz until foamy. 

Embrace summer with Cafe2U!

At Cafe2U, we love experimenting with new flavours and ingredients. Ask your nearest Cafe2U mobile barista about our summer range today!

How To Create The Perfect Picnic.

Summertime and al fresco dining go hand-in-hand so, if you're the sort of person that enjoys eating outdoors, you'll be delighted to hear that International Picnic Day takes place on June 18th.

A celebration of grabbing a blanket, friends, family, food and drink and heading to your nearest open space, picnics are the perfect way to enjoy lunch, while away a lazy afternoon or unwind after work. And with an official opportunity to celebrate them just around the corner, the time to start planning your perfect picnic is right now! Here's how to do it.

Food and drink.

The most important part of any picnic is, of course, the food and drink, and the trick with both is to keep things simple. Sandwiches, pork pies, sausage rolls and flapjacks are all picnic staples because they're small, simple and tasty but you can take whatever you fancy. This article from Sainsbury's has lots of great recipe ideas if you fancy making your food instead of buying it.

When it comes to drinks, it's a good idea to take both hot and cold options. Water, fruit squash and lemonade are all safe bets, while coffee, tea and hot chocolate can be easily made ahead of time and kept warm in thermoses. 

Alternatively, if you want fresh, barista-quality coffee at your picnic, get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us bring some straight to your blanket!

Transport food in jars.

Utilising sturdy Mason jars to keep your food in will prevent spillages and make moving food between cars and blankets a doddle. Salads, sides, condiments and even desserts all work brilliantly.

Don't forget a chopping board!

Especially useful when kids are present, chopping boards always come in handy on picnics, both for cutting food into smaller portions and for using as a serving tray. Just remember to also pack wipes or paper towels so you can clean it afterwards.

Take utensils.

Sounds obvious but many a good picnic has been spoiled by a lack of forks or spoons, so remember to take plenty of everything, including napkins. To stop anything ending up on the ground, a vase or milk bottle makes a handy utensil holder.

Pick a good spot.

Each to their own, of course, but anywhere green, scenic and with natural shade that's also not too close to traffic is ideal. If you're picnicking with children, make sure there's plenty of open space for them to play in too.

Check the weather forecast.

Nothing ruins a picnic like a sudden downpour so check the weather forecast before setting off. If the forecast looks wet, pack umbrellas, parasols or even a tent or two and you'll still be able to have fun.

Pack a good blanket.

It's not a picnic without a blanket and while any will do, try and find one that provides cushioning, is easy to clean, waterproof and can be machine washed in case of any major spillages.

Take some pillows.

Chuck a few throw pillows in the boot of your car et voila - comfy and easily transportable seating for you and your friends!

Clean up when you're finished.

Nobody likes litter - or litterers - so take a couple of bin bags with you, chuck all your rubbish in them before you leave and place them in public bins or take them with you to dispose of when you get home.

No coffee, no picnic!

Contact us here if you'd like us to take care of your picnic's coffee requirements - we can't wait to see you all!