Gwyneth Paltrow - Gwyneth Paltrow Hopes To Kickstart London's Summer With Picnic Guide

The glory days have yet to arrive for sun-loving Brits as bad weather and storms continue to wreck outdoor concerts, festivals and sporting events in the run up to next week's (27Jul12) London Olympics launch.

But, launching her new London guide through her website, Paltrow, who spends most of her life in the city with Coldplay singer husband Chris Martin and their kids, is keen to get the summer started.

She writes, "This week, in honor (sic) of the launch of our brand new London city guide... and in hopes of encouraging summer to appear, we have the ultimate guide to a London picnic. Which you might need to have in a teepee. Or your living room."

The blog offers recipe tips and the actress urges Londoners and tourists alike to spend a summer afternoon hanging out on Hampstead Heath, stating, "(It) is a natural respite amidst a bustling city and one of London's largest and most popular parks."

She adds, "The Heath is particularly loved for its wildlife, walking trails and long-grassed, heathland meadows."