Game, set and munch: Ten places to enjoy Wimbledon without hitting the courts

28^th June 2021

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

28 June 2021

After a year’s hiatus, Wimbledon is back, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s not just aces that are being served in the capital starting from today – some of London’s bars and restaurants are also offering up alfresco screenings, themed menus and specially designed desserts. We’ve lined up some of your best options for getting a taste of the tournament without tickets.

Mariage Frères in Covent Garden

Luxury French tea emporium Mariage Frères in Covent Garden has created an ace limited-edition dessert in honour of the return of the tennis championships. The eye-catching serve features a true-to-life tennis ball filled with a soft mara des bois strawberries and pink rhubarb confit, covered in a silky white chocolate ganache flavoured with Mariage Frères’ signature London in Love tea, sitting on a green “court” of Parisian shortbread. The Wimbledon dessert (£9) is available to enjoy in the Salon de Thé on Covent Garden’s King Street throughout the tournament. Book a table here.

The Refinery Bankside in Southwark

Alternatively, you might want to enjoy the action with a refreshing drink in your hand. For one of the largest outdoor screens in the capital, head down to The Refinery Bankside’s alfresco terrace, just a short walk from Southwark and Waterloo stations. Knitted out with plenty of deck chairs, a large HD screen and a fully stocked bar at all times, this the perfect spot for those who don’t want to muss an ace or serve this summer. Book a table here.

Summer Festival at Covent Garden

When it comes to watching Wimbledon, there’s no better place than the Summer Festival at Covent Garden. This new event will take over the East Piazza, seating over 200 people and running until the end of September, bringing a Fever Tree bar serving a curated Spritz menu; a Parisian terrace themed Stella Artois bar serving premium beers and Aperitivo nibbles; live masterclasses and appearances from London’s top mixologists; street food merchants starting with Stakehaus; Wimbledon screenings; and Daily live performances of jazz, funk, latin and roots. 

The Happenstance in St Paul’s

It’s game on this summer at The Happenstance, located in Paternoster Square, just a stone’s throw from St Paul’s. With multiple screens, this venue is the ideal place to enjoy the tennis in style. Relax on the all-weather terrace, sip on an ice-cold brew, order in jugs of Pimm’s for the table and tuck into moreish sharing boards and fully loaded burgers – without missing a single serve. Book a table here.

Mark Greenaways Pie & Mash in Embankment

Pie and tennis might not seem like a natural combination to you, but what if we told you that chef Mark Greenaway has invented a summer iteration that’s perfect for enjoying in the sun? Launching at the same time as Wimbledon (Monday 28^th June) Greenaway’s Summer Pie is a homage to Britain’s quintessential summer flavours. Made from a baked strawberry cheesecake base and topped with Scottish strawberries and Madagascan vanilla cream, this pie has your sorted – game, set and match. Order online here.

Devonshire Terrace in Liverpool Street

If you’re a tennis enthusiast, you could also head east to Devonshire Terrace, just minutes away from Liverpool Street Station. Come rain or shine, the expansive terrace is fully weather-proof, so you’ll be protected whatever the British weather brings. Book a table here.

Cinnamon Kitchen in Battersea and City

If you want to enjoy a summer of sport and spice, why not grab a seat in front of the screens at Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea or Cinnamon Kitchen City? Feast on fantastic Modern Indian dishes made with finest British ingredients at Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea, located in the famous Power Station development, or if East London works better for you, sprint to Cinnamon Kitchen City, where you can watch all of the action on the lower terrace, which is covered to ensure drizzle-free viewing come rain or shine. Book a table here.

The Sipping Room in Canary Wharf

For the ultimate City pitstop this summer, venture east to The Sipping Room to catch unmissable sporting moments. Escape the concrete jungle and unwind on the expansive Thames-side terrace to view the games. Kick back with a beer or G&T and tune into all the action as it unfolds. Book a table here.