It's National Picky Bits Day – here's what's on our shopping list to celebrate

M&S has officially called it: on June 27 we’re celebrating the joy of picky bits. Stock up and hit the park…
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M&S | M&S picky bits
Written by Time Out in partnership with M&S Food
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You can’t do summer in London without M&S picky bits. Whether it’s a picnic on Hampstead Heath that makes you feel like you’re in your very own Richard Curtis rom-com, your mate’s Bank Holiday birthday barbecue, an impromptu trip to the Costa del Margate over a balmy weekend, or simply a well-deserved mid-week treat because you were in the office until late and it’s too warm to turn the oven on, summer in the city is built on a foundation of cocktail sausages, pimento olives and mini quiches, glued together with a variety of delightfully fancy dips. 

In fact, so great is our nation’s love of a picky tea that everyone’s official favourite purveyor of picky bits – in a recent YouGov survey, 44% of UK consumers voted M&S Food top for picky bits overall, with a clear 33 percentage points lead – has declared a national day celebrating our fondness for grazing on fun-sized pastries and crudite platters. 

Taking place on Saturday, June 27, National Picky Bits Day basically demands that you go ham on (or jamón?) a buffet in celebration. And to help you plan the perfect feast, we’ve curated some delicious themed selections of M&S’s quality picky bits. All you need to do is text your pals, grab a picnic blanket and add these to your basket…

Choose your picky bits

The M&S classics

These aren’t just picky bits; they’re quality M&S picky bits.

Chorizo and chilli cheddar rollitos
The perfect balance of salty, spicy and creamy, in one extremely moreish mouthful.

New York deli pastrami dip
Transport yourself to the Lower East Side with this Reuben sarnie in dip form complete with British beef pastrami topping.

Dinky cheese pinwheels with Marmite
Not a fan of the brown goo? These bite-sized pastries with mature cheddar and rich Marmite will turn your hate into love.

Beetroot, apple and pink cabbage slaw
A proper upgrade on that limp pot of coleslaw that usually goes untouched at every barbecue with crisp cabbage, tart apple and earthy beetroot.

Edamame and butterbean crush
Super tasty and packed with superfoods including nutty edamame and creamy butterbeans; who knew hitting your protein goals could be this fun?

Pickle-topped ploughman's pork pies
A genius combo of outdoor-bred British pork and creamy red Leicester, cut through with zingy pickle.

The Best of British

Ever heard of British tapas? 

Our best ever Melton Mowbray pork pie
A heritage hit, hand-crafted in Leicestershire by Walker & Son since 1824.

Broccoli, cheddar and tomato quiche
Creamy egg, tangy tomato and tender broccoli florets encased in flaky pastry – all crafted in Nottinghamshire.

Cumberland snack eggs
Made in Lincolnshire, the quintessential pub snack is served up in miniature form with a creamy egg mayo centre. 

Roast chicken and garlic butter crisps
Your favourite Sunday roast in crisp form made from British spuds; it’s enough to make you feel patriotic. 

Prawn cocktail seafood platter
A seventies classic assembled from responsibly-sourced, traceable seafood, garnished with lemon, caperberries and a divine Marie Rose sauce.

Marinated Ploughman’s pot
A fun twist on a British pub favourite, featuring sharp cheddar and lemony, garlicky pickles.

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The at-home holiday

Bringing a taste of the Med to London.

Roasted caponata topper
Quality aubergines, tomatoes, olives and capers are roasted together to make this salty, smoky Sicilian side.

Tapas snacking platter
Herby mixed olives, juicy semi-dried tomatoes, tangy chorizo and creamy Spanish cheese, perfect for grazing on.

Whipped herby Greek feta dip
Creamy Greek yoghurt and tangy barrel-aged feta are whipped together in this indulgent dip topped with basil dressing.

Spanish-style potato and onion tortilla
The quintessential Basque snack, done right, crafted in Spain to a traditional recipe.

Chargrilled calamari rings
Tender rings of squid, seasoned with fresh pepper and grilled to perfection.

Moroccan-style lentil pot
Creamy lentils cooked with warmly North African spices, balanced out by tangy feta.

Celebrate National Picky Bits with M&S on June 27 and choose the perfect selection.

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