Two time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray walks us through his version of London, from his first flat in Wandsworth to where in the capital he would like to be buried.
Home is…
In Surrey. We’ve lived there for a while, but moved to this house in 2022. It was pretty convenient for me for Wimbledon and for Heathrow, and now we are settled here because the children are all at local schools.
Where was your first flat?
In Wandsworth. I lived on my own but Kim, my wife, used to come and stay.
Where do you stay in London?
I actually don’t stay in London very often because I prefer to be at home with my family. When I was playing tennis I’d travel about 40 weeks a year so now I prefer to sleep in my own bed and be woken up by my children, although perhaps not as early as they like to get me up.
What was your first job?
Tennis player.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
The McDonald’s on Wandsworth roundabout.
I don’t drink but I did after my Wimbledon win. I felt absolutely horrendous the next day
Which shops do you rely on?
There was a little tennis shop in Southfields that I used to use — they were great for getting hold of strings or grips last minute if I needed them. I like Whole Foods in Kensington High Street. I’m always on the lookout for good independent coffee shops, too — I only started drinking coffee a couple of years ago, but I’m quite a coffee snob now and only the best coffee will do.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
I had a big celebration dinner for my team and some friends at Nobu in 2016 a few months after winning Wimbledon. I’m a big fan of Nobu — the food is always excellent.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
Open more play spaces. I really worry about the impact social media is having on kids and young people and I know how important being active is, particularly for young men. But it’s so hard when there aren’t enough places to hang out safely or go and kick a ball around.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
I’m an Arsenal fan, so maybe Tony Adams.
Have you ever had a run in with a police officer?
Yes — I was pulled over driving home one night during Wimbledon, but when the police officer saw it was me, he said I was fine to put my foot down on the A3 because he was the only one on patrol. I think he was hoping I’d get a good night’s sleep ahead of my next match.
The Tube has become so much easier for me now people don’t look up from their phones
Where do you let your hair down?
I don’t drink so if that’s what you mean by letting my hair down, I haven’t had many wild nights out in London. We did go to Drama in Mayfair after my Wimbledon win and I did drink that night. I felt absolutely horrendous the next day for my press conference.
Who do you call when you want to have fun?
Kim. Or my former coach Jamie Delgado. He knows all the best places to go.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
I’m investing heavily in golf. It’s filled a bit of a gap since I finished playing tennis. I have a weekly lesson, spend hours at the driving range and I installed a golf simulator at home.
What’s your London secret?
The Tube has become so much easier for me now people don’t look up from their phones.
Where would you like to be buried?
Centre Court.
What are you up to for work?
I’ve just joined the board of Redrice, a venture capitalist firm that specialises in supporting up-and-coming British brands. My hotel in Scotland, Cromlix, is also about to undergo a major building project. Kim is managing most of it but I get involved in the promotional side and adding art.
Who’s your hero?
Muhammad Ali — he was an incredible athlete and such an amazing man. He never gave up; when he beat George Foreman to win the world title, nobody thought he could do it. Everyone had written him off. But he kept going and I found that inspirational as a tennis player.
What do you collect?
I started collecting art a few years ago after a friend of mine introduced me to it. Banksy is my favourite artist, but I also like Damien Hirst and David Shrigley. We’ve got some hanging at home but Kim doesn’t always like my taste, so I’ve also put some up at Cromlix.
What apps can you not live without?
Waze — I can’t understand anyone that doesn’t use it. If there’s a quicker route to get somewhere, why wouldn’t you want to know about it?
Andy Murray’s hotel, Cromlix, will be opening two new restaurants and a wellness suite this May; cromlix.com
