Oh, Wimbledon. It’s just impossible not to get caught up in the fever and excitement surrounding you. How intoxicating the bowls of strawberries and cream and the glasses of Pimms become. How enticing a glass of fizz sounds as we debate whether or not we can also pull off all-white outfits. With this year’s championship running from July 3-16, it’s all about to kick off (or, serve off?). So if you haven’t got tickets to the matches, here are the best places in London to take in every backhand and lob this July.
You might think Screen on the Canal is just for checking out moves from the green canal-side steps, or for belting your heart out at the Encanto sing-along. But they’ll also be showing plenty of Wimbledon action. Head down for a day of varied viewing entertainment.
An alfresco terrace is on offer at Bluebird to soak in some rays while you catch the action from minute one on the big screen. They’ve partnered up with Champagne Lanson to celebrate Wimbledon in style, and will be serving up drinks and desserts that will drop shot you into simple bliss. The champagne will be pouring all week fortnight long.
3. Summer Screens, Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf’s free screenings are in full swing at this point, with movies and sporting action galore. And you bet they’ll be showing Wimbledon too (otherwise they wouldn’t be on this list…). Their hi-res Summer Screens ensure a buzzing atmosphere, and viewers can take advantage of the area’s many food and drink options, as well as the plethora of activities and events. See the full schedule, and find out more, here.
4. The Refinery Bankside, Waterloo
With one of the largest outdoor screens in the capital, The Refinery Bankside is not a spot to be sniffed at. Grab a deckchair on the alfresco terrace and a drink from the fully stocked bar – there’s not much more you could need! They’ve even got an Aperol Spritz sharing tree if you want to go all out, as well as plenty of nibbles to keep you fed throughout. Book your place here.
5. Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
Vinegar Yard can always be counted on to keep you entertained with all of the sports coverage. Smack in the middle of their extensive footy coverage, they’ll be screening all the Wimbledon action. Grab some ‘za from the Bad Boy Pizza Society and a drink from the well-stocked bar, and you’ll be sorted!
6. Big Screen London, Dulwich & Fulham
For a premium Wimbledon viewing experience, look no further than the special finals viewing opportunities afforded by Big Screens London. The ticketed viewings bring more than just the on-court action to their two venues, with “electric atmosphere, gourmet grub, chilled drinks and live music”. It’s the kind of viewing where even the less Wimbledon-obsessed will still have a great time.
7. Dear Grace, White City
For warm neighbourhood vibes in a cosy spot where you won’t miss a single thrown racquet, head to Dear Grace’s Wimbledon screenings. They’ve got an ace view of the action and delicious Pimms to make you feel like you’re centre-court. Head to a Tuesday viewing, and you might even net yourself a complimentary bowl of strawberries and cream as they give away 120 portions of it each week.
8. Strawberries & Screen, Chelsea
Another finals-focused viewing opportunity (albeit, also with semis thrown in for good measure) is on offer over at Duke of York Square. Strawberries & Screen brings a park viewing experience, complimentary tennis lessons for ‘Mini-Murrays’ and plenty of pop-up bars for strawberries & screen cream. There will also be VIP seating for those who need to be AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE to the action, erm, screen.
9. Camden Market Hawley Wharf, Camden
Now Camden Market Hawley Wharf isn’t quite keeping you up to speed with every bit of Wimbledon this year. Instead, they’re focussing on the finals, from July 14-16. They’re bringing the big screen back and you’ll be kept fed and watered with plenty of offerings from Camden Market Hawley Wharf’s global food traders. Find out more details at the website.
10. St James’s Market, St James’s
It’s set to be a Wimbledon season full of massive screens, clearly, and we’re living for it! St James’s Market is also throwing their big ol’ outdoor screen into the mix, with yet another free screening experience. Relax back in a deck chair and grab some takeaway food and drinks from the surrounding restaurants, and you’ll be ready for the next set!
11. BST Hyde Park Presents Open House
BST Hyde Park is more than just a three-weekend-long music festival, as the Open House portion of the festival presents a packed programme of events to entertain you in between star-studded weekends. And while that huge outdoor screen makes for great cinematic viewing experiences, it’s also perfect for Wimbledon viewing. Head to the park and you can enjoy all the tennis-y entertainment. Find out more here.
12. Big Screen at Merchant Square
Another free viewing experience (gosh, they’re being so generous!) can be found over by the canal at Paddington Basin. They’ll be screening Wimbledon from 11am every day, with no booking required. Just turn up and grab a seat! You can also enjoy al fresco cocktails from a pop-up horse box bar and test your skills with on-site tennis games.
13. The Wimbledon Experience W12, Shepherds Bush
People clad head-to-toe in purest white outfits will be taking over the HD Ocean Outdoor screen at Westfield Square, as Wimbledon hits the screen from 11am each day. Whether you’re mid-shop and catching up with the score, or settling in for a day of tennis viewing at a nearby restaurant, you’ll be able to see it all! They’ve even got some sporting equipment to keep the little ones occupied if the matches run longer than expected.
14. Grand Union, Brent
For some canal-side viewing, over in Alperton at the Grand Union development, Wimbledon will be hitting the screen every day on another big old screen touching down in London. Head up on the weekend and you can also enjoy cinema snacks and Pimms as you watch, and perhaps even catch some Disney movie screenings while you’re at it!
15. Or head to the pub!
As with every major sporting event throughout the year, tons of pubs around London will be keeping punters up to date with each volley with pub screenings.
🍻 The Young’s brand of pubs has six venues in Wimbledon, where you can grab a pint and some food, and settle in for a more relaxed viewing experience, but still right in the heart of it all. The Dog & Fox takes pride of place, with “the biggest screen in Wimbledon, five bars showing the matches and a summer Sipsmith sipping terrace”. Other pubs in the area for some tennis-fuelled pints include The Crooked Billet, Fire Stables, The Alexandra, The Hand In Hand, and Rose & Crown.
🍺 For a bit of opulence, head to the restored Victorian splendour of The Audley Public House. Soak up the pub atmosphere (and a pint or two from the independent Smallbrook’s Brewery as you cheer on every game of Wimbledon, courtesy of the pub’s screen.
🍻 Beloved West London pub, The Prince, invites guests to swing by to enjoy the tennis in one of London’s most famous beer gardens. Fret not about the weather, either, as their retractable roof has you covered, rain or shine.
