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This article is part of a comprehensive guide to tennis by FT Globetrotter. And while many tennis fans flock to Wimbledon to witness the Grand Slam, it’s worth exploring what the area has to offer off the court. If you don’t have a ticket or prefer to enjoy the matches from the comfort of a local pub, you’re in luck. Wimbledon is filled with atmospheric pubs that will be celebrating the championships in their own unique way.
With approximately 15 pubs in the vicinity of Centre Court, it’s essential to know which ones are worth visiting. To help you out, I embarked on a journey to discover the most noteworthy pubs in the area. Starting from Wimbledon Park Underground station in the north and ending in Wimbledon Chase in the south, I explored the village, the town, the common, and South Wimbledon. Luckily, many of the best pubs are conveniently located near each other in and around the charming village.
The first pub on the list is Rose & Crown. Situated on High Street, this 17th-century coaching inn has maintained its old-world charm while being part of the Young’s pub group. As one of the six pubs in the area operated by the company, Rose & Crown offers a selection of ales, including Sambrook’s Pump House and Wimbledon Brewery’s SW19 blonde ale. In addition to its wide range of drinks, the pub also serves all-day dining with elevated pub classics like Devon crab salad and curried-mutton pie with wild-garlic mash. What sets Rose & Crown apart is its large shady terrace, perfect for enjoying a pint of ale while watching the tennis on the big screen. The pub also offers 13 cozy rooms for those looking for accommodation.
Next on the list is Fox and Grapes, the only independent pub in Wimbledon. Located on Camp Road, this pub dates back to 1787 and offers a historic atmosphere combined with modern elegance. While it may seem unassuming from the outside, the interior reveals a light and stylish bar and dining space. Originally serving as the changing rooms for Wimbledon Football Club, Fox and Grapes now serves modern British cuisine created by chef director Paul Merrett. The menu features a variety of dishes, including Barnsley lamb chop and Ticklemore goat’s cheese salad. Accompany your meal with a pint of Wimbledon Brewery’s Common pale ale or a glass of your choice from their extensive wine selection. During the championships, Fox and Grapes will be screening matches on a big screen and offering special dishes and cocktails in celebration of the event.
The Hand in Hand, situated at the bottom of Wimbledon Common, is another notable pub in the area. This Young’s pub offers a unique character with its three-sided bar, nooks, and crannies. Featured in The Good Beer Guide for over two decades, The Hand in Hand serves a variety of real ales, including local favorites like Sambrook’s Brewery Wandle best bitter. The pub is pet-friendly and offers a peaceful front garden facing the green. Enjoy handmade suet pastry pies, burgers, and sharing boards while watching the tennis go by.
Lastly, we have The Alexandra, located on Wimbledon Hill Road. This pub is the ideal place to catch all the action, as it offers extensive coverage of the tournament on multiple screens both indoors and outdoors. Its “AlexFresco” terrace will be transformed into a lively space with a pop-up bar and Wimbledon-themed cocktails, including the Sipsmith Strawberry Smash. Live music will also be featured on select days, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the excitement of the championships at The Alexandra.
Whether you have a ticket to Wimbledon or not, these pubs offer a fantastic alternative to enjoy the tennis tournament. From historic charm to modern elegance, each pub has its own unique offering to make your Wimbledon experience memorable.
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