Popular Drinks and Snacks in 1960s UK Parties and Picnics

Step into the 1960s and explore the drinks and snacks that were popular at parties and picnics in the United Kingdom. This era was marked by unique beverages and traditional British delicacies that continue to resonate today.

Drinking Culture in the 1960s

In the 1960s, wine was typically reserved for special occasions or expensive gatherings. At parties, one would often find bottles of blended wines like Carafino and Hirondelle, which were often inferior to other options. Scholars from Edinburgh University, for instance, drank beer such as McEwan’s Export and Tennent’s lager, which were accompanied by various spirits, often out of financial necessity. During more upscale events, guests drank cheaper Spanish 'burgundy' from local shops, much to the dismay of those who preferred higher-quality wines.

Popular Snack Options

Portable Snacks for Picnics

For picnics, people brought a variety of snacks. Popular items included Smith's Crisps, Twiglets, and traditional British pastries such as Babycham, ponies (likely chocolates or sweets), Mars bars, and Cornish Pasties. Other common items such as Sausage Rolls, KitKats, hard-boiled eggs, sandwiches, and fruit were also frequently brought.

Unique Flavor Profiles

Other unique snacks of the time included Dandelion Burdock, Lemon Squash, and Orange Squash. These beverages offered a refreshing taste that was quite different from modern options. Additionally, some universities offered fishes and chips or steak and kidney pies as part of their snack culture, while others preferred traditional hot soup in a vacuum flask. These snacks were perfect for enjoying in the outdoors.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages were a staple at 1960s parties, with options ranging from cheap Scotch to TV dinners, and even small bottles of whisky. For those who enjoyed wine, there were non-Mateus/Blue Nun options like cheap Spanish 'burgundy.' Big bottles of spirits were rare, but certainly present in more affluent settings. One notable brand, Hirondelle, had a rather tasteless name that became a joke among friends.

Champagne and Rare Finds

A cocktail of times brought an array of beverages. While there wasn't a prolific array of pre-packaged foods, Smith's Crisps were a common sight due to their greasiness and distinctive packaging. For drinks, there were rare finds like Babycham, usually accompanied with a pony (small alcohol bottle) or a blue nun (a brand of alcohol).

Overall, the 1960s in the UK was a time of significant social and cultural change, with unique and often classic food and drink items that continue to hold their charm in the modern era.