10 of the Best Summery Screens for watching Wimbledon in London
I haven’t really held a racket since childhood – so a good fifteen years – but when Wimbledon comes round, I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that I’m some sort of lifelong tennis enthusiast. Like many, I go from little interest to an overnight addiction and scour local pubs to catch a crowded glimpse of the sport I’ve adopted for the next couple of weeks.
Unfortunately, with the opportunity to enter the ballot for tickets long gone, the elegant and tasteful atmosphere that Wimbledon is famous for will undoubtedly elude most of us. But that shouldn’t mean we should miss out on all the fun and frivolity of this spectacular sporting season.
Here’s a round-up of ten fabulous places you can get your annual tennis fix in London this summer, without having to sacrifice the strawberries and sophistication. Plus, you don’t need to worry about being silent for four hours, or wearing a fascinator – Win win!
1) Eccleston Yards, Belgravia
Finding your way: Located in swanky Belgravia, just a five-minute walk away from Victoria station
The vibe: Watching the tennis from deck chairs in the courtyard, you can expect to be surrounded by artistic-types who ooze style and creativity.
Where to fuel up: Grab some drinks and deli foods from the Wild by Tart pop-up, and Wimbledon-themed drinks and desserts from The Jones Family Kitchen, such as the special ‘Strawberry Smash’ dessert, and the ‘A.S.Jones’ cocktail – a homage to 8x Grand Slam Champion Ann Shirley Jones.
Other things to do and see: As a pedestrianised square that’s made a name for itself as quite the urban wellness hub, Eccleston Yards is also home to emerging designers, swish workspaces, boutique fitness studios and independent brands.
Price: It’s free!
2) One New Change, St Paul’s
Finding your way: Based right in the heart of the City of London, it’s just a few mere steps from St Paul’s tube station
The vibe: You’ll be chilling out on the popular roof terrace, which is a favourite social haunt for the flustered financiers of Cheapside, who flock to the exquisite space for sunrise yoga sessions, lunchtime meetings, or after work drinks – all with panoramic views of the London skyline. With botanical decor and grass-inspired seating, the terrace exudes summer spirit
Where to fuel up: Serving up delicious tapas and glamorous cocktails, an afternoon at Madison’s Rooftop Bar & Restaurant will give you a taste of that Sex and the City lifestyle
What else is there: A swanky office and retail development, One New Change is also home to fashion stores, restaurants, bars, and a weekly Friday market
Price: Free, Free, FREE
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3) Cardinal Place, Victoria
Finding your way: It’s opposite Westminster Cathedral – just a short walk from Victoria station
The vibe: A popular venue for anything from al fresco lunches to contemporary SW1 events, the rooftop garden at Cardinal place draws in a diverse crowd. The Instagram savvy will love the canary canopy and tutti-frutti-inspired seating – both the perfect backdrop for a summery shot for the socials
Where to fuel up: There’ll be a rooftop bar experience, but you can easily pick up food and drinks from one of the many eateries in the development
Other things to do and see: Plenty of shopping, dining and spaces to relax, as well as a busy calendar of events on the rooftop – such as West End LIVE, film nights and farmers’ markets
Price: No charge – nada – zilch
4) Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair
Finding your way: This hide-away is just off Oxford Street – a two-minute saunter away from Bond Street tube station
The vibe: The raised terrace garden is a welcome break for tired shoppers, who are keen to swap the hustle and bustle of shed-like department stores, for the Edwardian architecture, classical stone pillars and original stone seats of this tranquil oasis. An elegant escape from the madness of Mayfair, pull up a deckchair and lose yourself in the centre court action
Where to fuel up: There’s a 50-seater cafe at the Western end of the gardens
Other things to do and see: I mean, Oxford Street is in sight … what more could you want?
Price: No cost. At. All.
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5) Wembley Park, Wembley
Finding your way: Head towards Arena Square in Wembley Park, which is a short walk away from Wembley Park tube station.
The vibe: Home to the SSE Arena Wembley, Arena Square boasts beautiful fountains and a casual atmosphere – sporting fans of all ages flock to the signature deck chairs in front of the big screen, and soak up that addictive Wimbledon action.
Where to fuel up: Grab a light bite from the street food truck, search for some sustenance in one of the Boxpark Wembley restaurants and bars, or perk yourself up after a particularly tense match point with a caffeinated beverage from Black Sheep Coffee.
Other things to do and see: In short – loads. There are busy calendars at Boxpark Wembley, Cineworld, the SSE Arena, The Yellow and The Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, to name just a handful of places to check out.
Price: F.R.E.E.
6) Flat Iron Square, Bankside
Finding your way: It’s just a six minute walk from Borough tube station, and nine minutes from Southwark station.
The vibe: Spanning seven railway arches and the surrounding green space, Flat Iron Square is part of a long-term project to put Bankside on the map as a key cultural and culinary destination in London – so expect a buzzing atmosphere. Pimm’s are taking over The Garden for the whole of July – so expect an English garden makeover, complete with screens, stripy deckchairs, picnic benches, a range of garden games, and pop-up bars serving Pimm’s drinks and ice pops.
Where to fuel up: The arches are home to fourteen fabulous traders – so snack on a stone-baked pizza from Baz&Fred, stop by Savage Salads for healthy eating that’s not just leaves and greens, or indulge in the epic combo of pancakes and cocktails provided by Where The Pancakes Are.
Other things to do and see: You’re in easy reach of all the delights of the Southbank in one direction, and bustling Borough Market in the other.
Price: Absolutely zilch!
7) Halkin Arcade, Belgravia
Finding your way: Halkin Arcade is an eight-minute walk from both Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner tube stations.
The vibe: A newly refurbished garden space, Halkin Arcade invites you to relax on deck chairs, and enjoy the screening of the epic tennis tournament in style and sophistication. Bask in the peaceful surroundings of this little oasis – tucked away in the pretty streets of Belgravia.
Where to fuel up: Luxury Private Dining Club, Mosimann’s, will be getting you in the summer spirit with a selection of delicious refreshments, including Pimm’s, fresh British Strawberries and Dalston’s Soft Drinks. Plus, Rococo Chocolates will be helping you cool down with their selection of luxury ice-creams!
Other things to do and see: Harrods, Hyde Park, Harvey Nichols … need I say more?
Price: Are you sensing the theme here…? It’s also free. I’ll save you a deck chair!
8) Duke of York Square, Chelsea
Finding your way: It’s right in the heart of Chelsea – you can practically see it from Sloane Square tube station.
The vibe: From the 12th-14th July, Duke of York Square will be home to Strawberries & Screen 2019; a chance to watch the Men’s Semi-Finals and Men and Women’s Finals, projected from a giant screen on the running track. They’re really capturing the spirit of the whole Wimbledon season in just one weekend, with complimentary tennis lessons for the little ones, and the opportunity to swap the old picnic blanket for a complimentary, pre-booked VIP deck-chair.
Where to fuel up: Throughout the weekend, luxury picnic hampers will be available from Partridges, as well as a neverending supply of strawberries and cream from a pop-up stall. In addition, Pretty Little Tea Company will be serving Prosecco, Pimms, Peroni, Tea, Coffee, hot chocolate, homemade cakes, ice cream tubs and strawberries and cream on both Friday and Sunday, with Partridge’s annual pop-up bar returning on Saturday.
Other things to do and see: Expand your mind at the Saatchi Gallery, or your closet on the Kings Road – the choice is yours.
Price: Free, free, FREE! Deck chairs must be pre-booked – but are still free.
9) St James’ Market, West End
Finding your way: A West End gem that’s best reached by a two-minute stroll from Piccadilly Circus tube station.
The vibe: A tranquil setting despite its location, St James’ Market is a hub of contemporary world cuisine and brands, and is the perfect escape from Regent Street crowds. Expect a thriving art and foodie scene, Wimbledon screenings that can be enjoyed from deckchairs, and many offers at the local shops and restaurants, such as complimentary Italian lemonade at SMEG, and a 20% discount or a free ‘Wimbledon Dessert’ with any main course at Quaglino’s.
Where to fuel up: St James’ Market is known for its array of world cuisine. Keep it casual with pastries and hot drinks from Danish bakery Ole & Steen, enjoy a modern twist on authentic West African flavours at Ikoyi, or treat yourself to succulent Scandinavian cuisine at Michelin starred Aquavit.
Other things to do and see: Browse the local art installations on display in the pavilion, or wander out onto bustling Regent Street.
Price: FREEEEEE!
10) Bloomberg Arcade, Square Mile
Finding your way: Easily reached from Cannon Street station – it’s literally opposite.
The vibe: Watch the Wimbledon finals in style with special outdoor screenings, where you’ll be relaxing on the turf atop beanbags and deckchairs, and enjoying the tennis come rain or shine in our all-weather pedestrianised arcade.
Where to fuel up: Bloomberg Arcade is home to a vast selection of restaurants. Definitely be sure to try out the seasonal and delicious all day fare available at both Vinoteca and Caravan.
Other things to do and see: Catch the Cricket World Cup at Brigadiers, with special early opening at 10.30am when England or India are playing.
Price: Always free!
