Our guide to embracing the heatwave

With a heatwave upon us why not make the most of the warmer weather and get yourself outdoors? Whether it’s a meal out with the family, a BBQ or picnic, we’ve got it sorted

The perfect picnic from M&S

If you want to dine al fresco this weekend then head to Marks and Spencer where you can enjoy free wine when you buy four picnic items. They have a range of delicious options to make the perfect picnic, from handmade hog roast sausage rolls and coronation pork pies, to lentil and goats cheese salad and orange marmalade ham. And it’s not just food, M&S have a range of picnic accessories to choose from, their handy picnic rucksack (£36) comes with cutlery, wine glasses and plates for two people, while a separate compartment will keep your food and drinks cool. It even comes with a foldaway rug so you can sit down and enjoy your picnic in the park.

BBQ time at Trespass

Fancy a barbie? If you want to enjoy BBQ food while you’re out and about for the day or camping overnight, the portable BBQ from Trespass is the perfect solution and it’s a sizzling deal at only £16.49 (was £32.99). You can get 3 for £10 on BBQ items at M&S Food, with plenty of mouth-watering options to choose from such as juicy burgers and sizzling steaks, they’ve got everything you need to host a brilliant BBQ with friends or family.

Treat yourself to Pizza Express

If you don’t fancy cooking then let Pizza Express do the work, they’ve got some delicious additions to their summer menu such as the Romana Prosciutto Fichi. Their new summer pizza features mozzarella and gran Milano cheeses baked on a béchamel base finished with rocket, prosciutto crudo, shaved Gran Milano, fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil and fresh balsamic figs. Or why not try the new Fichi Fresca Salad? This fresh summer salad uses creamy buffalo mozzarella with fresh balsamic marinated figs and cured Italian prosciutto crudo ham and is served with their famous dough balls.  And what’s even better is that you can get a starter and a main course for just £11.95 from their set menu!

Cool down with a Costa

Costa serve a delicious selection of cold drinks perfect for a summer’s day for you to enjoy on the go, in St John’s Gardens or in their outdoor seating area. Try your favourite coffee shaken, blended or poured over ice like the Iced Caramel Latte or Iced Macchiato. If coffee isn’t your thing then they have refreshing range of Fruit Coolers, from Mango and Passionfruit to Watermelon and Strawberry, as well as Creamy Coolers such as Mint Choc Chip with blended mint syrup, chocolate chips and milk topped with cream and chocolate sauce.