A picnic is a state of mind: How Wintergarden is redefining Saturday brunch

On May Day in 2026, the nearby Old Church Park was filled with joyful celebrants, while Hotel St. George’s glass-roofed Wintergarden lay quiet. For Kati Jousimies, General Manager, this moment sparked an epiphany: why shouldn't the enchanting indoor garden be the go-to spot for Helsinkians and hotel guests to enjoy a picnic all year round?

Inspiration gathered from London fused seamlessly with St. George’s core identity: holistic wellbeing, art and design, artisan craftsmanship, and creative gastronomy. The result is the Wintergarden Picnic – a thoughtful reimagining of traditional Saturday brunch that invites guests to slow down.

“We wanted to create something more than just a typical Saturday meal,” Jousimies describes. “It’s a memorable, laid-back experience shared with friends. One that tickles your taste buds and imagination, and leaves you wanting to return time and time again.”

Food That Nurtures Body and Soul

Behind the picnic’s culinary creations is a team driven by freshness, seasonality, and international expertise.

Led by Milan Nicic, the kitchen focuses on vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs, and clean flavors. The picnic layout is crafted to delight both the eye and the body: every dish features nutrient-rich, carefully selected ingredients designed to support wellbeing without making any compromises on taste or indulgence.

Meanwhile, Roosa Tuomi from St. George Bakery brings global baking artistry to the table. Drawing inspiration from her travels to France and Korea, Tuomi blends international trends with bold, clear flavor profiles.

“I want every bite to feel like a mini journey,” Tuomi shares. “Nothing in our selection is there by accident. Nourishing ingredients and decadent deliciousness naturally go hand in hand, making the experience feel genuinely luxurious.”

Meet the team: Julia Hyvönen, Milan Nicic, Tuomas Hämäläinen & Roosa Tuomi.

World-Class Mixology in a Glass

No true picnic is complete without thoughtfully crafted beverages. Bar Manager Tuomas Hämäläinen has designed a drinks menu where non-alcoholic mocktails and handcrafted cocktails stand side by side as equals.

Known for his signature cocktail lists and design collaborations, Hämäläinen develops the picnic’s seasonal drink pairings in close harmony with the kitchen. The glasses feature fresh herbs, local flavors, and striking visual design, always accompanied by a sparkling option to complement the classic picnic spirit.

“While our signature menu cocktails are designed as standalone artworks, our picnic drinks interweave directly with the food,” Hämäläinen explains. “We want to offer flavor pairings that elevate the dishes and fit the relaxed, sunlit atmosphere of a Saturday afternoon.”

Curated Ease and a Feast for the Senses

Stepping into Wintergarden on a Saturday afternoon instantly engages the senses. Underneath Pekka Jylhä’s brass sculpture Learning to Fly and Klaus Haapaniemi’s grand tapestry, the warmth of the fireplace, natural Finnish wood elements, and elegant Iittala tableware frame a lavish picnic display.

For Julia Hyvönen, who oversees the guest experience, the key to balancing casual ease with contemporary luxury lies in the details:

“The air carries the aroma of fresh pastries and crisp salads, curated music sets a relaxed mood, and natural light filters through our glass ceiling,” Hyvönen says. “We deliver top-tier, unhurried service in an atmosphere where guests can truly unwind and breathe.”

Whatever the weather outside, inside Wintergarden, it is always the right season for a small celebration.

The Wintergarden Picnic is served on Saturdays at Hotel St. George’s Wintergarden. Table reservations are recommended.

BOOK A TABLE

Seasonal ingredients, world-class mixology, and international bakery trends come together in the lavish Wintergarden Picnic table.