As Heather Watson once told us, ‘a game takes place in the middle at the back of the court, so I’d recommend watching from behind the baseline.’ But not all of us are lucky enough to secure our seat on Centre Court every summer (unless you have a Quintessentially membership, of course).
So, for those wondering where the next best place to watch Wimbledon in London is this year, we suggest seeking a sun-drenched square (a terrace works, too) that serves ace cocktails alongside a screen showing The Championships. Here are seven such settings to secure your spot at ahead of the finals this weekend.
The MAINE Mayfair
Best for: complimentary (yes, complimentary) strawberries and cream.
Order: Pimm’s à la MAINE – made with Champagne instead of lemonade.
This one’s for those who want the best of both worlds: spectacular supping and sporting. Because The MAINE – one of Mayfair’s best restaurants – is screening The Championships just in time for the finals. Between the complimentary strawberries and cream, the Champagne-infused Pimm’s, and newly launched lunch menu, spectators will be suitably stuffed in the most stylish of settings. The setting in question is an alfresco terrace tucked away in a concealed courtyard behind Hanover Square. Oysters and aces? Yes, please.
8th June–13th July | 12–11pm Monday–Saturday, 5–11pm Sundays | themainemayfair.com
6 Medici Ct, W1S 1JY
Centre Court-Yard at Ham Yard Hotel
Best for: immersing yourself in the world of Wimbledon.
Order: a ‘Sloe-Motion Serve’ or ‘Perfect Volley Iced Tea’ cocktail (fuelled by London Essence and Sipsmith).
Add purple and green hydrangeas, strawberry plants, an umpire chair, and a pun to The Courtyard at Ham Yard Hotel, and you’ve got a whole world of Wimbledon hidden away on a leafy terrace in the centre of Soho. From the strawberries and cream on tap to the tennis-themed afternoon tea, it’s a quintessentially British affair. As far as not missing any of the action goes, Ham Yard has thought of it all. We especially love the wireless headphones that help you catch all the commentary.
30th June–13th July | 11am–10:30pm every day | firmdalehotels.com
1 Ham Yd, W1D 7DT
Wimbledon in the Yards at Eccleston Yards
Best for: being close to the best of Belgravia’s bites.
Order: a chilled glass of rosé from the amie wine pop-up bar.
Eccleston Yards turns into a chic little suntrap each summer – beanbags, deck chairs, picnic benches, the lot. This year, it’s in partnership with BOODLES, and you can expect a low-key luxe vibe as you settle in front of the screen. From atis’ satisfying salad bowls to Cornus’ fancy fine dining, the area is packed with pastel-fronted cafés and stylish spots for a pre- or post-match bite. Whatever you do, don’t miss munching frozen chocolate-covered strawberries from trüfrü during the matches (only from 3pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays).
30th June–13th July | belgraviavillage.com
21 Eccleston Pl, SW1W 9NF
The Hound, Chiswick
Best for: a cosy wet weather contingency.
Order: the limited-edition Strawberries & Cream cocktail.
Local Chiswick favourite, The Hound, is serving up the tennis in serious style – and size. There’s a screen in every room inside the pub (including its private rooms), as well as outside on its front terrace and alfresco courtyard (which has a retractable glass roof – just in case). Share a giant Pimm’s Tower with your friends or get stuck into the English Strawberry Trifle with your date. However you choose to toast the end of the tournament, The Hound’s hearty food and drink menus have you covered.
30th June–13th July | thehound.london
210 Chiswick High Rd, W4 1PD
Strawberries & Screen at Duke of York Square
Best for: keeping your tennis-loving tots entertained.
Order: a perfectly poured Pimm’s from the pop-up bar.
Strawberries & Screen is anything but a swing and a miss (and we’re not just talking about its punny name). It’s only around for the men’s semi-finals and the women’s and men’s finals, so book your VIP seating early – otherwise you’ll be packing your picnic basket and placing your blanket on a patch on the green. The Chelsea Grocer’s pop-up bar (or the Fine Food Market on Saturday only) has all your favourite tennis tipples and tastes covered. On Saturday and Sunday, there are even children’s coaching sessions available 12–5pm.
11th–13th July | dukeofyorksquare.com
80 King's Rd, SW3 4LY
Summer in the Square at Portman Square Garden
Best for: getting your wellness and culture fix in between sets.
Order: a refreshing signature cocktail from the Bar by Home House.
A private garden with a tennis court is the perfect candidate for a super special Wimbledon screening – and Summer in the Square pulls out all the stops. It calls itself a festival, and rightly so, thanks to the endless workshops and activities on offer at the Wellness Den and countless eateries from all around Marylebone serving up their specialities. The final week of The Championships will be shown on the big screen, so expect an atmosphere that’s sophisticated and electric in equal measure.
8th–13th July | 12–8pm every day | makeitmarylebone.co.uk
40 Portman Sq, W1H 6LJ
Screen on the Green at St. Katharine Docks
Best for: a relaxed riverside spot.
Order: a classic courtside combination of Champagne and strawberries and cream.
Wimbledon takes to the water at St. Katharine Docks, where its floating pontoon is transforming once again into a laid-back screening lounge, exclusively showing The Championships in their entirety. Choose your deckchair or sofa, order your drink (mixed by the expert onsite team’s specialist mixologists at the bobbing bar), and settle in front of the screen with views that stretch beyond the West Basin. It’s pretty and peaceful – perfect for after-work drop-ins or slow-paced weekends.
30th June–13th July | 12–8pm Tuesday–Sunday | skdocks.co.uk
