A sample company picnic menu
The menu is the part of a company picnic that everyone remembers. Get it right and people relax, mingle and stay longer; get it wrong and the queues, the cold food and the lack of options become the story of the day. A good picnic menu balances crowd-pleasers with variety, generous portions with smart timing, and indulgence with options for every diet.
Below is a practical guide to building your own menu, from grill stations and food trucks to sweet tables and coffee zones. We finish with sample menu sets organised by time of day and group size, so you can picture how the pieces fit together. Every element is catered to your headcount and tastes, with pricing arranged individually based on your final choices.
The classics: grill, BBQ and food trucks
Nothing signals a company picnic quite like the smell of a live grill. A staffed barbecue station gives guests freshly cooked food, a focal point to gather around, and the unmistakable feel of an outdoor celebration. Food trucks add the same energy with a modern twist, letting people choose from several cuisines and watch their meal prepared on the spot.
We recommend mixing one anchor grill station with one or two food trucks for larger groups, so queues stay short and there is always something cooking. Vegetarian and vegan items are prepared on a separate surface to keep them genuinely meat-free.
- Grilled sausages, marinated chicken skewers and classic burgers
- Grilled corn, peppers and seasonal vegetable skewers
- Pulled meat or halloumi wraps from a food truck
- Hand-cut fries, potato wedges and grilled flatbreads
- Plant-based burgers and grilled vegetable patties cooked separately
Buffet, snacks and the sweet table
Alongside the hot stations, a self-service buffet keeps people fed between rounds of activities and gives lighter eaters plenty to choose from. Cold cuts, fresh salads, dips and finger food work well because guests can graze at their own pace without waiting in line.
A dedicated sweet table is always a highlight. It gives the picnic a sense of abundance and a natural gathering spot in the afternoon, and it pairs perfectly with the coffee zone described below.
- Seasonal salads, slaws and grain bowls
- Cheese and charcuterie boards with breads and crackers
- Hummus, tzatziki and vegetable crudités
- Mini sandwiches, savoury pastries and pretzels
- Sweet table: layer cakes, brownies, fruit tarts, doughnuts and fresh fruit skewers
Drinks and the coffee zone
Hydration matters more than people expect, especially at a summer picnic. A well-stocked drinks station with plenty of non-alcoholic choices keeps everyone comfortable through the day, and a barista-style coffee zone gives the event a polished, considerate touch that guests genuinely appreciate.
We always lead with non-alcoholic options so that drivers, non-drinkers and anyone who simply prefers a soft drink feels equally looked after.
- Still and sparkling water, infused with fruit and herbs
- Lemonades, iced teas and fresh juices
- Soft drinks and a non-alcoholic spritz or mocktail option
- Coffee zone: espresso, flat white, cappuccino and iced coffee
- A selection of teas for those who prefer something warm
Diets, allergies and kids' options
A truly inclusive menu plans for everyone from the start rather than as an afterthought. We gather dietary needs in advance and make sure vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other requirements are covered with dishes that feel like a real choice, not a leftover.
When families are invited, a kids' corner with familiar, simple favourites keeps younger guests happy and lets parents relax. Allergen information is labelled clearly at every station so people can make confident choices.
- Clearly labelled vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes
- Allergen cards displayed at each food station
- Kids' favourites: mini burgers, plain pasta, fruit cups and simple snacks
- Dairy-free and nut-aware alternatives on request
- Advance collection of dietary needs to tailor quantities
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a menu based on the time of day?+
Match the menu to when people arrive and how long they stay. A midday picnic suits a full grill and buffet lunch with a sweet table in the afternoon; a late-afternoon or evening event works better with food-truck mains, lighter snacks and a stronger coffee and dessert focus. We help you build the right set once we know your schedule.
Can the menu scale for both small teams and large companies?+
Yes. For smaller teams a single grill station with a buffet is usually plenty, while larger groups benefit from multiple stations and food trucks running in parallel to keep queues short. We adjust the number of stations, dish variety and quantities to your headcount, and pricing is arranged individually.
How do you handle allergies and special diets?+
We collect dietary requirements before the event and prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-aware options as part of the core menu. Vegetarian and vegan items are cooked separately, and every station is labelled with clear allergen information so guests can choose with confidence.
Are there options for children at a family picnic?+
Absolutely. When families are invited we set up a kids' corner with familiar favourites such as mini burgers, plain pasta, fruit cups and simple snacks, plus plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. It keeps younger guests happy and gives parents a chance to relax and enjoy the day.
Planning a company picnic?
Tell us about your company and the occasion - we'll prepare a programme, attractions and a quote tailored to your headcount.