Game, set, match: the best places to watch Wimbledon 2021
After last year's hiatus (the first since WWII), Wimbledon is back on court for 2021. Here are some of the best places in London to catch a match this summer
Outdoor screenings: where to watch Wimbledon in London
NORTH: Granary Square, King’s Cross
Everyman's Summer Love screen returns to King's Cross, setting up camp on canalside. Here, punters can watch matches on one of the biggest and best-quality outdoor screens in London from the grassy steps at Granary Square. Now a socially distanced affair, you'll want to turn up early to secure a spot.
Price: FREE
Where: King's 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 deckchair at the Piazza, where a lawn of faux grass has been laid out and a giant screen is showing the games going on close by – you’ll hear the odd cheer from the court. The Big Screen is operating with social distancing measures in place, so spaces are limited, and the screen is not showing matches for the finals weekend.
Price: FREE
Where: The Piazza, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QB
EAST
Hackney Bridge
Saving its coverage of the action until the final throes is new east London beer garden Hackney Bridge. Nestled within the sheltered courtyard, this screen offers a chance to catch a semi-final or final match of your choice, while sipping on local brews and tucking into street food from the likes of Holy Crumpet and, if you’re lucky, local pastry maestro Willy’s Pies.
Price: FREE, but advance booking required
Where: Units 1-28, Echo Building, East Bay Lane, London E15 2SJ
WEST
Over in Paddington, the big screen returns to Merchant Square, where it's serving up matches throughout the Wimbledon run. Perched right beside the canal and with space for over 100 people, it’s a relaxing spot to enjoy a game of tennis. Sit on the lawn with a free blanket or nab a deckchair (also free) and make yourself comfy. If you're feeling peckish, check out the many street-food vendors dotting the square.
Price: FREE
Where: Merchant Square, 7 Harbet Road, London W2 1AJ
Strawberries and Screen at Duke of York Square
For the chance to watch the championships with a side of something sweet and delicious, head to Duke of York square in Chelsea, where a giant screen is capturing the semi-finals and finals, while the pop-up Partridges bar is serving up champagne, Pimms, and strawberries and cream – an appropriate antidote to bruised spirits.
Price: FREE
Where: 80 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY
CENTRAL
Oppo presents: Wimbledon at the Scoop
As part of its Summer by the River festival, The Scoop by Tower Bridge is screening the first weekend of Wimbledon matches, from Thursday 1 - Sunday 3 July, 11am until close of play. Two hundred free tickets are available every day, each coming with a complimentary cocktail. As an added sweetener, OPPO is giving away six pairs of tickets to attend Wimbledon at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Price: FREE, but advance booking required
Where: The Scoop, More London Riverside, More London, London SE1 2DB
Cardinal Place Roof Garden, Victoria
Head up to the roof at Cardinal Place and you’ll be able to watch Wimbledon above the crowds. No need to book; just turn up, perch on a sunny yellow deckchair and enjoy the novelty of having your drinks brought to you. If you get hungry, there's a Wagamama on site.
Price: FREE
Where: Cardinal Place, Victoria, London SW1E 5JD
Summer Festival at Covent Garden
If a celebratory atmosphere is as important to you as the tennis itself, head to Covent Garden, where a giant screen is showing matches as part of its inaugural Summer Festival. Taking over the East Piazza, screenings can cater for over 200 guests, while live music performances of jazz, funk, Latin and roots offer something a little different between matches. Cheers the best wins with a G&T from the Fever Tree bar or sip a cooling pint at the neighbouring Stella Artois pop-up, where nibbles are also available to soak up the hops.
Price: FREE
Where: East Piazza, Covent Garden Market, London WC2E 8RF
Best atmosphere in town: Henman Hill/Murray Mound Wimbledon 2021
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 be 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 – especially in Covid times, when the site is likely to operate at limited capacity – so 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 2021?
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 overnight 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 Wimbledon-themed dessert: Mariage Frères
Price: £9
Where: Mariage Frères, 38 King Street, London WC2E 8JS
Wimbledon: Where to Eat
The Ivy in Wimbledon
The Ivy Café
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.
Where: 75 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5EQ
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.
Where: 67 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5EE
Sticks'n'Sushi
Where: 58 Wimbledon Hill Road, London SW19 7PA
Light on the Common
A light bright conservatory space that makes a lovely spot for lunch or dinner, practically on the Common, with daily specials on a chalkboard menu.
Where: 48 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5AX
Rajdoot Tandoori Restaurant
In the heart of the Village, this family-run Indian restaurant is very popular among tennis players.
Click here for more information and to book
Where: 72 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5EE
