Game, set, match: the best places to watch Wimbledon 2018
Haven’t managed to bag tickets to watch the tennis from Centre Court this year? Don't despair: here are some of the best places to watch Wimbledon 2018 in London
Wimbledon 2018
Whether you plan to set up camp on Murray Mound or take a pew and watch it from one of London’s outdoor screens, there are plenty of excellent places to enjoy Wimbledon 2018. Plus, for those in the area, we’ve got the lowdown on the best places to eat in Wimbledon. Pimm’s and strawberries at the ready…
Outdoor Screenings: Where to Watch Wimbledon in London
NORTH: Granary Square, King’s Cross
Returning to King’s Cross for the sixth year in a row, the screen is moving down from Lewis Cubitt Square and setting up camp on canalside, where punters can watch matches on the steps at Granary Square. One of the biggest and best-quality outdoor screens in London, the first 50 visitors will also be able to grab a (free) deck chair.
Price: FREE
WHERE: Kings Cross, London N1C 4AA
SOUTH: The Piazza, Wimbledon
If you don’t fancy the scramble for space on Henman Hill-turned-Murray Mound, but still want to be close to the live action, head to Wimbledon and find a deck chair at the Piazza, where a lawn of faux grass will be laid out and a giant screen will be showing the game going on close by. You’ll hear the odd cheer from the court, too.
Price: FREE
Where: The Piazza, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QB
EAST: Skylight at Tobacco Dock, Wapping
Skylight at Tobacco Dock is pulling out all the stops this summer, offering punters a range of activities including pétanque and croquet. Wimbledon is no exception; screens both indoors and outdoors will be showing the matches, plus there are plenty of food and drink stalls to hand to keep you fuelled.
Price: FREE entry
Where: Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance, St Katharine's & Wapping, London E1W 2SF
WEST: Merchant Square, Paddington
Over in Paddington, Wimbledon will be shown on a big screen set up in Merchant Square. Perched right beside the canal and with space for over 100 people, it’s a relaxing spot to enjoy a game of tennis. Hunker down on the lawn with a free blanket or nab a deck chair (also free) and make yourself comfy.
Price: FREE
Where: Merchant Square, Paddington, 7 Harbet Road, London, W2 1AJ
CENTRAL: Cardinal Place Roof Garden, Victoria
Head up to the roof at Cardinal Place and you’ll be able to watch Wimbledon above the crowds. Deckchairs and an artificial lawn will bring the atmosphere, while food trucks and drink carts will keep you stocked up. And, if watching the tennis leaves you feeling inspired to get fit yourself, the square will also be offering a week of fitness classes as part of Wimbledon Workout Week. Classes will include HIIT and yoga – plus special mum and baby workouts – and will cost just £5, with proceedings going to Barnardo’s.
Price: FREE
Where: Cardinal Place, Victoria, SW1E 5JD
Something a bit different: Hush's Hacienda Terrace, Mayfair
Hush in Mayfair will be showing the Wimbledon Championships in its Hacienda Courtyard – transformed into a Mexican Paraiso with an array of decorated fans, hanging garlands and a picture-worthy entrance archway. Alongside a multitude of bougainvillea, lush green ferns and cacti, four bespoke cocktails have been added to the drinks menu. Created by in-house mixologist using Rooster Rojo Tequila, the Mexican inspired cocktails will ensure taste buds are left tantalised.
Where: 8 Lancashire Court, Mayfair, London, W1S 1EY
Best atmosphere in town: Henman Hill/Murray Mound Wimbledon 2018
Be a part of the buzz on Murray Mound (formerly Henman Hill)
The best seat in the house for the London screenings of Wimbledon Finals weekend has to on Henman Hill/Murray Mound, a grassy area behind Court No.1 where ground pass holders can pay around £25 to watch the tennis on the Wimbledon grounds. This is the most atmospheric place in the capital to watch those nail-biting tiebreaks but be warned, the British weather is about as unpredictable as Murray on a bad day. It can also be tricky at times to find a spot, come early to lay claim to your patch of grass.
How to get Wimbledon tickets on the day?
While seat tickets for the finals are like gold dust and a ballot only affair for those without high-profile contacts, you can still get ground passes on the day at Wimbledon, which gives you access to the big screen on the hill. Once inside, visitors can join the avid tennis fans in soaking up the atmosphere or take a seat on any of the outside courts (excluding Centre Court, Court 1 and Court 2).
UK's top tennis player Andy Murray
What about the queue for Wimbledon tickets 2018?
While the queue can be lengthy, an early arrival by 6am should allow you to reach the gates by the start of play at 11.30. Hardcore fans might want to camp over night for the first available seated tickets on Centre Court, No.1 and No.2 (a surprisingly jovial affair in Wimbledon Park nearby). However, our sneaky tip for first timers is to arrive mid afternoon when corporate clients begin to filter out of their seats and the queue subsides. Prices plummet as the day comes to an end, but on sunny days matches continue until 9pm.
A luxurious viewing spot: The Hari, Belgravia
The five-star Hari Hotel in Belgravia is inviting guests and members of the public to come and enjoy its pop-up Wimbledon-Style Lounge, in partnership with Moët & Chandon. Watch Wimbledon matches on the large screen on the terrace and dine on an exclusive menu to celebrate the occasion: a bottle of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut alongside the choice of quintessentially house-made British desserts including: strawberries and cream; scones with clotted cream and jam; and a traditional Eton Mess. It’s not cheap, mind – prices start at £100.00 for a bottle of Moët & Chandon and desserts for two guests.
A Wimbledon-themed afternoon tea: The Dorchester, Mayfair
If you'd rather indulge in delicious, Wimbledon-themed bites than watch balls fly across the court, why not treat yourself to this very special edition of afternoon tea at the Dorchester? With a selection of Wimbledon-inspired pastries, artisan finger sandwiches and Laurent-Perrier Champagne on the menu, this is a quintessentially British afternoon tea to trump all others.
Price: £70 - £90
Where: 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
Wimbledon: Where to Eat
The Ivy in Wimbledon
The Ivy Cafe
If you're in the mood for a little bit of upmarket dining, not to mention some celeb spotting, book a table at Wimbledon's branch of this iconic chain.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 75 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5EQ
Black Radish
Newcomer Black Radish has the fresh, ultra-seasonal and beautiful-on-the-plate approach of some of our favourite chefs.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 28 The Ridgway, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19 4QW
The White Onion
The offering at this popular spot is seasonal French-inspired cuisine served up in a contemporary space.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 67 High St Wimbledon, London SW19 5EE
Sticks'n'Sushi
This chain originated in Copenhagen, but the business has since expanded and now serves its cut-above-the-rest sushi and yakitori sticks in several London outlets – including one in Wimbledon.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 58 Wimbledon Hill Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 7PA
Light on the Common
Alight bright conservatory space that makes a lovely spot for lunch or dinner, practically on the Common with daily specials on a chalkboard menu.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 48 High St, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AX
Rajdoot Tandoori Restaurant
In the heart of the Village, this family run Indian restaurant is very popular among tennis players.
Currently no website. Call +44 (0) 20 8946 0238 for information and reservations.
WHERE: 72 High Street Wimbledon, Wimbledon, London SW19 5EE
Outdoor Screenings: Where to Watch Wimbledon in London
NORTH: Granary Square, King’s Cross
Returning to King’s Cross for the sixth year in a row, the screen is moving down from Lewis Cubitt Square and setting up camp on canalside, where punters can watch matches on the steps at Granary Square. One of the biggest and best-quality outdoor screens in London, the first 50 visitors will also be able to grab a (free) deck chair.
Price: FREE
WHERE: Kings Cross, London N1C 4AA
SOUTH: The Piazza, Wimbledon
If you don’t fancy the scramble for space on Henman Hill-turned-Murray Mound, but still want to be close to the live action, head to Wimbledon and find a deck chair at the Piazza, where a lawn of faux grass will be laid out and a giant screen will be showing the game going on close by. You’ll hear the odd cheer from the court, too.
Price: FREE
Where: The Piazza, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QB
EAST: Skylight at Tobacco Dock, Wapping
Skylight at Tobacco Dock is pulling out all the stops this summer, offering punters a range of activities including pétanque and croquet. Wimbledon is no exception; screens both indoors and outdoors will be showing the matches, plus there are plenty of food and drink stalls to hand to keep you fuelled.
Price: FREE entry
Where: Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance, St Katharine's & Wapping, London E1W 2SF
WEST: Merchant Square, Paddington
Over in Paddington, Wimbledon will be shown on a big screen set up in Merchant Square. Perched right beside the canal and with space for over 100 people, it’s a relaxing spot to enjoy a game of tennis. Hunker down on the lawn with a free blanket or nab a deck chair (also free) and make yourself comfy.
Price: FREE
Where: Merchant Square, Paddington, 7 Harbet Road, London, W2 1AJ
CENTRAL: Cardinal Place Roof Garden, Victoria
Head up to the roof at Cardinal Place and you’ll be able to watch Wimbledon above the crowds. Deckchairs and an artificial lawn will bring the atmosphere, while food trucks and drink carts will keep you stocked up. And, if watching the tennis leaves you feeling inspired to get fit yourself, the square will also be offering a week of fitness classes as part of Wimbledon Workout Week. Classes will include HIIT and yoga – plus special mum and baby workouts – and will cost just £5, with proceedings going to Barnardo’s.
Price: FREE
Where: Cardinal Place, Victoria, SW1E 5JD
Something a bit different: Hush's Hacienda Terrace, Mayfair
Hush in Mayfair will be showing the Wimbledon Championships in its Hacienda Courtyard – transformed into a Mexican Paraiso with an array of decorated fans, hanging garlands and a picture-worthy entrance archway. Alongside a multitude of bougainvillea, lush green ferns and cacti, four bespoke cocktails have been added to the drinks menu. Created by in-house mixologist using Rooster Rojo Tequila, the Mexican inspired cocktails will ensure taste buds are left tantalised.
Where: 8 Lancashire Court, Mayfair, London, W1S 1EY
Best atmosphere in town: Henman Hill/Murray Mound Wimbledon 2018
Be a part of the buzz on Murray Mound (formerly Henman Hill)
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How to get Wimbledon tickets on the day?
While seat tickets for the finals are like gold dust and a ballot only affair for those without high-profile contacts, you can still get ground passes on the day at Wimbledon, which gives you access to the big screen on the hill. Once inside, visitors can join the avid tennis fans in soaking up the atmosphere or take a seat on any of the outside courts (excluding Centre Court, Court 1 and Court 2).
UK's top tennis player Andy Murray
What about the queue for Wimbledon tickets 2018?
While the queue can be lengthy, an early arrival by 6am should allow you to reach the gates by the start of play at 11.30. Hardcore fans might want to camp over night for the first available seated tickets on Centre Court, No.1 and No.2 (a surprisingly jovial affair in Wimbledon Park nearby). However, our sneaky tip for first timers is to arrive mid afternoon when corporate clients begin to filter out of their seats and the queue subsides. Prices plummet as the day comes to an end, but on sunny days matches continue until 9pm.
A luxurious viewing spot: The Hari, Belgravia
The five-star Hari Hotel in Belgravia is inviting guests and members of the public to come and enjoy its pop-up Wimbledon-Style Lounge, in partnership with Moët & Chandon. Watch Wimbledon matches on the large screen on the terrace and dine on an exclusive menu to celebrate the occasion: a bottle of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut alongside the choice of quintessentially house-made British desserts including: strawberries and cream; scones with clotted cream and jam; and a traditional Eton Mess. It’s not cheap, mind – prices start at £100.00 for a bottle of Moët & Chandon and desserts for two guests.
A Wimbledon-themed afternoon tea: The Dorchester, Mayfair
If you'd rather indulge in delicious, Wimbledon-themed bites than watch balls fly across the court, why not treat yourself to this very special edition of afternoon tea at the Dorchester? With a selection of Wimbledon-inspired pastries, artisan finger sandwiches and Laurent-Perrier Champagne on the menu, this is a quintessentially British afternoon tea to trump all others.
Price: £70 - £90
Where: 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
Wimbledon: Where to Eat
The Ivy in Wimbledon
The Ivy Cafe
If you're in the mood for a little bit of upmarket dining, not to mention some celeb spotting, book a table at Wimbledon's branch of this iconic chain.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 75 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5EQ
Black Radish
Newcomer Black Radish has the fresh, ultra-seasonal and beautiful-on-the-plate approach of some of our favourite chefs.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 28 The Ridgway, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19 4QW
The White Onion
The offering at this popular spot is seasonal French-inspired cuisine served up in a contemporary space.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 67 High St Wimbledon, London SW19 5EE
Sticks'n'Sushi
This chain originated in Copenhagen, but the business has since expanded and now serves its cut-above-the-rest sushi and yakitori sticks in several London outlets – including one in Wimbledon.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 58 Wimbledon Hill Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 7PA
Light on the Common
Alight bright conservatory space that makes a lovely spot for lunch or dinner, practically on the Common with daily specials on a chalkboard menu.
Click here for more information and to book
WHERE: 48 High St, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AX
Rajdoot Tandoori Restaurant
In the heart of the Village, this family run Indian restaurant is very popular among tennis players.
Currently no website. Call +44 (0) 20 8946 0238 for information and reservations.
WHERE: 72 High Street Wimbledon, Wimbledon, London SW19 5EE
