From luxury suites to deckchairs by the canal, here are the best places across the city to celebrate Wimbledon this summer.
The Wimbledon 2024 Championships are right around the corner, and with the Euros and the upcoming Paris Olympics too, we’re set to have a summer full of sun and sport.
London is one of the best places in the world to be a spectator, as there are loads of events and viewing options on offer across the city, from high-end luxury pop-ups to all-access screenings. So, we’ve curated a list of our favourite spots to celebrate Wimbledon and all things tennis this summer.
Merchant Square, west London
From 1-14 July, you can grab a deckchair or claim a picnic spot on the lawn at Merchant Square, Paddington, and soak up the thrills of the Championships. No booking is required to watch the athletes bid for glory, with play from 12pm daily on the massive screen that will be positioned right by the canal.
Fresh strawberries will be available served with cream, ice cream or melted Belgian chocolate, while quintessential British cocktails and refreshing specials will be served daily from midday to 9pm. The best part? Merchant Square has partnered with Game Set Beach — London’s premier beach tennis coaching club — to offer coaching sessions and match play throughout the summer, including during Wimbledon.
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The Kensington, west London
The curated menu celebrating Wimbledon at The Kensington is as Instagram-worthy as food gets. Its new Cocktails and Cakes menu offers a selection of Wimbledon-themed sweet treats that look almost too good to eat (but you definitely should — after you’ve taken your pictures).
The man of the match must be the Tennis Ball — a gorgeously green matcha sponge served with a juicy and sweet pineapple mousse. The strawberry Panna Cotta served with a Pimm’s and lavender reduction is definitely a close second. If you prefer to keep things traditional, then don’t worry, you can still delight in a traditional bowl of British strawberries with pouring cream. With the menu only on offer during the competition, it’s a wise idea to get your bookings in now.
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Borough Yards, south London
This sunny season, Borough Yards will be screening the ‘Summer of Sport’ from the beginning of Wimbledon in July until the end of the Olympics.
The Soap Yard is set to be transformed with outdoor screens, seating and pop-ups by various restaurants and shops, making it the perfect place to indulge in your favourite sweet treats, cocktails and small plates while immersing yourself in the competition. A day spent here really shows how much fun you can have in London during summer.
Devonshire Square, east London
Another large screen will be set up in London this summer at Devonshire Square — right in the heart of the City of London. From 1 July to 12 August, Devonshire Square will broadcast highlights from Wimbledon and the Olympics, while its terrace will be running a pop-up bar, serving a selection of drinks, snacks and lunch hampers throughout the six-week period.
There will also be a pop-up urban offering by Square Mile Farms between 24-25 July, including public workshops, food sampling and more.
Rosewater Pavilion, southwest London
If you’re lucky enough to be attending Wimbledon this summer, why not supplement your experience with a private, luxury suite?
Located within the Grounds, Rosewater Pavilion is just a short walk from Centre Court. Its premium, four-course food and drinks menu are inspired by British ingredients and features an a la carte selection with traditional afternoon tea, strawberries and cream and light bites at the table.
If that’s not lavish enough, the front-of-house team will be on hand to ensure that your every need is taken care of. Warning: after you experience Wimbledon like this, it will be hard to return to regular programming.
The Rubens at the Palace, central London
This summer, Paula Stakelum, global director of chocolate and patisserie Paula Pastry, will be in the Leopard Room at The Rubens at the Palace.
In collaboration with Lanson Champagne and in celebration of Wimbledon, this one-of-a-kind pop-up features an exclusive tennis-themed pastry menu for guests to enjoy with a glass of refreshing Lanson champagne.
While you immerse yourself in the elegant decor, you can watch the live tennis screenings in the Leopard Room. If the sun decides to make an appearance, you can take your drinks and nibbles outside to enjoy in London’s iconic Hyde Park.
Drake & Morgan King’s Cross, north London
Catch every ace and serve across the city with Drake & Morgan bars this summer. Head to the King’s Cross branch and indulge in some innovative cocktails, beer and cider on tap, as well as tasty sharers and mains to enjoy while viewing every match.