The Perfect Pizza Picnic

‘I don't know why, but the meals we have on picnics always taste so much nicer than the ones we have indoors,' said George." - "Five Go Off in a Caravan", Enid Blyton.

As far as I'm concerned, this couldn't be more true (and the same applies to food you've stolen off someone else's plate) eating happier tastes better, and it's hard not to be happy when enjoying the great outdoors. National Picnic Week is approaching and we want to celebrate that with an excellent offer on at Oregano: for the rest of June, you can get any takeaway pizza for just £7.99. So that's the food sorted, but where can you go to eat it? Well I'm glad you asked, faceless blog reader, I'm glad you asked. We've come up with our top picnic spots in Islington (with a fabulous picnic helper for scale) so grab a mate, grab a blanket, and grab a pizza - Picnic perfect. 

1. Barnard Park

Our biggest picnic location, Barnard Park is a ten minute walk from Oregano and has the added bonuses of a football pitch, a water feature, a playground and - most importantly - public toilets!

2. Lonsdale Square

This teeny-weeny idyll is the centrepiece of some gorgeous Gothic Revival buildings, one of which used to be home to Salman Rushdie. #funfacts...

3. Gibson Square Gardens

Also adorable, Gibson Square comes with its very own mini mock classical temple. Fancy.

4. Islington Green

Right on Oregano's doorstep, Islington Green is just across the road. Small but charming, this green space is for the laziest of you picnickers.

5. Colebrook Row

Not the most obvious choice for a picnic perhaps, but Colebrook Row is perfect for a speedy al fresco lunch. Perch on a handy stone bench and stare covetously at the pretty houses. That's what we did.

6. Duncan Terrace

Just along the road from Colebrook Row is Duncan Terrace. Ideal for those of you who prefer to picnic on a bench. You could even make friends with this handsome fellow below...

7. Regent's Canal

6 minutes from Oregano is the Islington Canal Tunnel which will lead you to Regent's Canal. Grab a shady bench or go all urban and recline on the concrete and admire the play of the water. 

8. Wharf Road

Feeling a solitary picnic vibe? Well pick up a pizza then pootle along to Wharf Road. With any luck you'll catch the boat bookshop and you can sit, read, eat, and enjoy some peace and quiet even in the city.

So there you have it - you can't always rely on the British Weather but even a picnic in the rain can be fun with the right people. So go do it! Pick a spot and let us know which is your favourite.