Refresh the Pimm’s at the ready and restock up the strawberries and cream (or the M&S sandwich equivalent): the second week of Wimbledon is here.
For the men’s competition, Carlos Alcaraz remains the favourite. The 21-year-old Spaniard is aiming for a third consecutive title at SW19, buoyed by an 18-match winning streak that includes triumphs at Queen’s and Roland-Garros. Close on his heels is world number one Jannik Sinner, whose strong season has made him a serious contender despite a modest record on grass. He hasn’t lost a set in the competition so far. Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic remains a threat, though longer odds reflect the uncertainty surrounding his fitness and form; Alex de Minaur certainly has caused him some troubles. British hopes had rested on the shoulders of Jack Draper, though sadly he’s been knocked out.
In the women’s game, Aryna Sabalenka is still the favourite a week in, searching for her first Wimbledon title after consistent performances across the season. Former champion Elena Rybakina was among the frontrunners, but has become the latest name to be dumped out of what has been a lively and surprising competition, having been beaten by Dane Clara Tauson. Other big names to go include Briton Emma Raducanu, though this year’s performance follows a run of middling form.
Aside from games themselves and the glitterati attending in full force, Wimbledon is a tournament usually marked by sunshine; the matches are always best enjoyed outside (may this weekend be better than the rest of the week). Happily, there are plenty of free outdoor screenings taking place right across the capital.
There are, of course, plenty of pubs, restaurants and rooftops, but here we’re focussing on the sunniest spots, publicly available, perfect for pulling up a deck chair and enjoying some championship tennis.
If you didn’t manage to nab your tickets in the ballot, or you can’t make it to the All England Lawn Tennis Club itself, here’s the extensive round-up of the very best outdoor spots to head to, listed in no particular order.
Screen on the Canal
From June 30 to August 17, Everyman is operating a free open-air cinema on the canal bank. Wimbledon screenings run till 7.30pm daily. It’s unticketed so get there early to be sure of a seat, and pray that a row boat doesn’t idle past on a match point.
Canalside Steps, Granary Square, N1C 4BH, kingscross.co.uk
Bluebird
Bluebird is back. The Chelsea stalwart is much loved by its new big boss, Martin Williams, who has spent the past couple of months ensuring the place lives up to its storied reputation. And so, this year, on its garden terrace, all the main matches are being screened. There are tennis-inspired G&Ts and snacks include a “grand slam parfait” of pistachio parfait, sour cherries and Dubai chocolate.
350 King’s Road, SW3, bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
Ham Yard Hotel
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Why the Ham Yard? Because screenings in the middle of Soho are few and far between. The terrace — they’re calling it the Centre Court-Yard — offers not just a big screen but also commentary via wireless headphones, and near-endless strawberries and cream are offered too. For drinks, try a punto de partido or a rhubarb and custard cup, special Wimbledon cocktails crafted with the help of London Essence. Afterwards? The Devonshire is around the corner, while the French House and Coach and Horses are no more than five minutes walk away.
1 Ham Yard, W1, firmdalehotels.com
Borough Yards
This 2022 addition to SE1 created sub-neighbourhood which, three years later, is starting to feel settled; an amalgam of eating, drinking and shopping with some big-hitting chefs and brands adding to the allure. Borough Yards is popping up over the summer with big screens showing all the live action from the championships found in the newer Soap Yard, under the railway viaduct. A word to the wise, nab a table at nearby Agora or Akara before (or after).
Stoney St, London SE1 9AD, boroughyards.com
Rose and Crown
Whether you want to make a day, or stay of it, the Rose and Crown have a booking system for both tables and rooms, ensuring a comfortable place to watch Wimbledon from 8am-11pm. Leave your snacks at home, because they’ve got you covered - serving breakfast with a bottle of Nyetimber, dirty fries and stacked burgers from Burger Shack in addition to rosé, all day. There will also be live music.
55 High Street, London, Wimbledon, SW19 5BA, roseandcrownwimbledon.co.uk
Eccleston Yards
Wimbledon is the starting gun on a summer of sport at Eccleston Yards, with the Paris Olympics and England Cricket test match following quickly after. Plenty of food and drink options here, and the spacious spot in the large courtyard should guarantee a solid few hours of glorious sunshine each day (although it’s July in England, so let’s not get carried away).
Eccleston Place, SW1W 9NF, belgravialdn.com
Bishops Square
Rightfully proud of their impressive 15ft screen, this patch in Spitalfields invites you to gather round it, lay your blankets where you can and maybe even pop a deck chair. Bishops Square offers a piece of London for you to stock up on snacks and drinks of choice and get settled in for the proceedings - thought you might want to get there early, as it can get pretty busy. Free to attend.
Bishops Square, London, E1 6AD
St James’s Market
St James’s Market will be showing the tennis on a giant screen in its smartly finished courtyard. The space is kitted out with Wimbledon-themed decor and deckchairs and with a fair few bars, restaurants and bakeries nearby to keep you fully fuelled it should be a solid option for the centre of town. Fallow is a particular highlight, especially given its enormous terrace.
Regent Street, SW1Y 4HA, stjameslondon.co.uk
Devonshire Square
The manicured lawn at Devonshire Square, redolent of the AELTC itself, is the latest home in the city to attract punters to watch the championships this year. It looks a winner and with a glut of restaurants on its doorstep, Three Uncles and Cinnamon Kitchen our picks, few city locations will be better placed for Wimbledon watching in the sun.
Worship Street, EC2A 2AH, dsq.london
Hotel Mayfair
If you’re looking to splash out and get lavish with it, the Hotel Mayfair obliges, serving exclusivity as standard. Enjoy watching the tennis from your own private terrace suite, a Pimm’s bar, strawberries and cream in honour of the occasion along with lawn games and even a barbecue for that full, incredibly luxurious, summer experience.
3 Berkeley Street, London, W1J 8DL, 1hotels.com
Merchant Square
Enjoy a cocktail or two in Merchant Square, with the idyllic Paddington venue hosting screenings throughout the tournament, until about 8pm each day. Unreserved deckchairs are in place (unless the weather turns wet, in which case the chairs will disappear, though the screening will continue), and the on-site bar is set to serve Pimm’s, Aperol spritzes, espresso martinis and more.
Merchant Square, W2 1AS, merchantsquare.co.uk
Victory Park, East Village
Not far from the Stratford lines, East Village is eminently accessible. Boasting a giant screen, there are plenty of deck chairs in which to lay back from 11am to 9pm. If you’re feeling peckish then Signorelli Bakehouse has you covered, offering a picnic hamper for two for £35, including a limited edition cupcake. La Gelateria will be scoring one love with 10 per cent off, as will Bamboo Mat with 15 per cent off sushi. It’s also 100 per cent free to attend.
74 Celebration Ave, East Village, London E20 1BD
Summer by the River in London Bridge
Where better to watch the tennis than against a stunning backdrop of Tower Bridge and the Thames? Screenings take place every day in the outdoor amphitheatre at the Summer by the River Festival at London Bridge City.
The Scoop, SE1 2AU, londonbridgecity.co.uk
Lyric Square
Catch Wimbledon in Hammersmith on the big screen at Lyric Square as part of its award-winning summer festival, now in its 18th year. In addition to it being a free avent, so too will be their rows of deck chairs in which to get comfortable.
1 Lyric Square, London, W6 0NB, hammersmithbid.co.uk
Cardinal Place
Victoria’s mega rebuild seems never-ending. But whilst cranes still litter the skyline, quieter elevated places like the rooftop at Cardinal Place offer respite. It’ll be screening all the best of the live action from SW19 and with deck chairs, beanbags and on-the-lawn lounging all available — alongside drinks served by Wagamama’s pop-up bar — it’s a nice central spot to catch the action.
Cardinal Place, Victoria Street, SW1E 5JD, victoriabid.co.uk
Bishops Square
Rightfully proud of their impressive 15ft screen, this patch in Spitalfields invites you to gather round it, lay your blankets where you can and maybe even pop a deck chair. Bishops Square offers a piece of London for you to stock up on snacks and drinks of choice and get settled in for the proceedings - thought you might want to get there early, as it can get pretty busy. Free to attend.
Bishops Square, London, E1 6AD
The Wimbledon Piazza
Not quite Murray Mound (or Henman Hill, depending on your DoB) but within serving distance to the SW19 championships themselves, the Piazza is a top spot for watching all the action live and benefits from close proximity to a number of Wimbledon’s loveliest restaurants, including the Fox & Grapes.
Wimbledon Piazza, SW19 1QB, lovewimbledon.org
The Alexandra
Less than 30 minutes’ walk from the All England Club itself, The Alexandra is proud to offer multiple outdoor bars and a recently zhuzhed-up roof terrace. Cocktails and Pimm’s are aplenty, but so are their magnums - you know, to save trips to the bar. A seasonal menu brings a selection of ciabatta sarnies, while the main menu offers half pints of prawns, chicken wings by the half or whole kilo, soft shell crab burgers, steak and puddings to share. Everything you need to settle in for the day.
33 Wimbledon Hill Rd, London SW19 7NE, alexandrawimbledon.com
Carrubo
The recent addition to the developed space between Borough Market and Southbank, Carrubo has an expansive courtyard, part shaded, part sun-drenched, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy the Championships. Drinks from the bar on site and dinner from neighbouring In Horto will really make a day of it.
53b Southwark Street, SE1 1RU, carrubo.co.uk
Spitalfields
The free-to-lounge loungers at Spitalfields are in prime position next to some of London’s more interesting market food traders. The likes of Brother Marcus, Dos Mas Tacos, Ebby’s Kitchen and i-Thai are a few of the top picks, alongside new opening Alfi, marking this outdoor suntrap our pick for food-lovers.
Brushfield Street, E1 6AA, spitalfields.co.uk
Canada Square at Canary Wharf
Furnished with two screens, decking and a generous green patch, Canada Square offers a free-to-attend, sporting oasis to catch Wibledon amongst the highrise of glass and concrete. There’s plenty of space to pitch your picnic, with any outstanding supplies on hand from the Waitrose nearby and several bars to whet your whistle two and fro.
Canada Square, London E14 5AB
St Katharine Docks
St Katharine Docks will be screening the Wimbledon matches upon its own floating pontoon. Sink into a deck chair, or grab a bench or table, and watch the live action unfold as you bob along in the water.
St Katharine Marina, E1W 1LA, skdocks.co.uk
Islington Square
The food-forward sport screenings at Islington Square are set to be underpinned by the Urban Food Fest, serving fare from the likes of Megan’s, OMNOM and Bewliehill alongside cocktail offers a-plenty. In short, a food-focussed, boozy haven to watch the tennis.
116 Upper Street, N1 1AB, islingtonsquare.com
Duke of York Square
Fairweather fans often get a bad rep but this year’s “Strawberries and Screens” seems intentionally set up for the finals of this year’s tennis action. With a large screen popping up for just the men’s semi-finals and both men’s and women’s singles finals, Duke of York square is a top spot to catch the sharp end of the action.
80 King’s Road, SW3 4LY, dukeofyorksquare.com
Metropolis Vauxhall
The vaulting new 8,000 square foot eating and drinking space, Metropolis, has just opened on the Albert Embankment and what makes the space so intriguing is, alongside plentiful indoor and outdoor tennis screenings, is the range of food available. Tacos, sushi, American BBQ, classic pizzas, Turkish mezze and plenty more is on offer under the arches. This one should be a hit.
Albert Embankment, SE11 5AW, metropolislondon.co.uk
Vinegar Yard
The London Bridge favourite is screening all the major matches, with Bad Boy Pizza Society putting on the food. Stop by for a serious slice of the action.
72-82 St Thomas Street, SE1 3QX, vinegaryard.london
Berkeley Square
Details are typically scant around Berkeley square’s offering, but in the past, a few dozen garden chairs and a screen showing the main matches of the day has miraculously appeared for the tournament. Located just outside Annabel’s, it’s often a surprisingly quiet place in central London to enjoy some tennis outdoors.
Berkeley Square, W1J 5AS
Summer in the Square
Bright yellow deckchairs mark the summer series in the idyllic Portman Square, which in the past has filled with food stalls from the likes of Chotto Matte and the plant-based Wulf & Lamb, as well as Chiltern Street Deli and the Zetter Marylebone. Healthy types can get involved with the wellness den, too. Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square is doing something similar, with added music.
Portman Square, W1 6LT, makeitmarylebone.co.uk
New Street Square
Another new addition for 2024, the New Street Square opened between the law and accountancy firms lining this patch of the City, providing respite from the screens and numbers and gilets. Food options are a little scant nearby, so opt for the table service direct to deck chairs from the Refinery.
New St Square, EC4A 3BF, newstreetsquare.com
Wimbledon Covent Garden
The piazza at Covent Garden can often be a tough place to navigate — not because the layout is particularly puzzling, but rather the swarm of out-of-towners can test the patience. Instead, opt for an early start, secure a deckchair and oodles of Pimm’s on the piazza and enjoy.
The Piazza, WC2E 8HD, coventgarden.london
Dog & Fox
Another Young’s pub, the Dog & Fox offer a similar setup to the Rose and Crown by way of rooms or just a place to settle in, but elevated just a notch. The Nyetimber breakfast features a few more options such as Vien French toast whipped mascarpone & raspberries or a croissant croque madame but also an afternoon tea.
24 High St, London SW19 5EA, dogandfoxwimbledon.co.uk
One New Change
This might not be the largest outdoor screening of the Wimbledon Championships this year, but the small nook into which One New Change team has squeezed is a looker. Sitting just off St Paul’s, it could be the best looking spot on this long list, and one of the better options in the City.
New Change, EC4M 9AF, onenewchange.com
