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Gourmet Picnics season starts in June

With the arrival of summer, Gourmet Picnics, the fresh, chef-made picnics using only seasonal produce, are now available.

Based in the Cornish fishing village of Porthleven, Gourmet Picnics only sell their chef-prepared picnics from June to October when the locally-sourced crab, lobster and strawberries are in season.

And a new partnership with local fisherman 'Budgie', now gives chef Bruno Helebrandt access to the freshest fish and shellfish carried straight from the boat to the harbourside premises Gourmet Picnics share with newly-opened restaurant, Amélies at The Smokehouse.

Chef Bruno Helebrandt said: "All our picnics are made fresh to order, and from the outset we've refused to compromise on the quality of the ingredients that we use. If that means we can only sell them for six months of the year, then so be it.

We make restaurant quality meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients and then package and deliver them out immediately so that they arrive in the same condition as when they're made. On a personal level it is every chef's dream to work with the best ingredients possible which is why I'm so pleased to have first choice over the catch brought in by Budgie, who has been fishing out of Porthleven all his life."

Gourmet Picnics can be delivered anywhere in the UK within 48 hours of order in a box sealed for total freshness and temperature control. Every Gourmet Picnic arrives with crockery and cutlery, and a coolbag to transport the picnic comfortably and safely.

As well as seafood, the picnics feature local produce such as Cornish clotted cream, West Country cheeses and locally-produced cider. Six different menus are available; each includes a selection of courses, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Prices range from £72 for the Rustic Picnic to £150 for the Gourmet Menu, both serving two people.

For director Sam Sheffield-Dunstan, sourcing locally is an important part of the ethos of both Gourmet Picnics and their sister company, Amélies at The Smokehouse.

She said: "We are environmentally aware and take our responsibilities very seriously. We have designed our picnics to have the least impact on the environment possible. Here in Cornwall we live in a beautiful environment which provides us with fresh fish, great produce and the finest cuts of meat. We want to keep it this way.

The dishes in our picnics are individually packed in special containers made from biodegradable packaging. Even the napkins we use are made from recycled materials. The only item in the picnic which is not recyclable or biodegradable is the polystyrene cool box, although it is fantastic for growing seedlings in."

Gourmet Picnics can be ordered online or by calling 08456 210400.