<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>With Wimbledon returning to London from 1 – 14 July, tennis fever is taking over the capital. Even if you haven’t managed to nab tickets to this year’s Championships, you can still join in the fun at one of the capital’s restaurants, which are getting involved by adding special dishes and drinks to their menus. Think seasonal British fare, strawberry desserts, Pimm’s and themed cocktails, alongside limited-edition afternoon teas featuring nods to the tennis. Here, we round up the capital’s best Wimbledon-themed menus for 2024.
Tennis-Inspired Menus & Afternoon Teas
The Ivy Café, Wimbledon
Going to watch the tennis this year? Before or afterwards, Book a meal at the Wimbledon branch of The Ivy Café, which has launched an All England Special Menu for the duration of the tournament. Enjoy seasonal dishes such as pan-roasted salmon with charred broccoli, or the Ivy’s signature shepherd’s pie, ahead of a standout dessert: The Centre Court Melting Bombe, created to resemble a tennis ball and topped with warm strawberry puree. The restaurant has partnered with Pimm’s (a long-standing favourite at Wimbledon) on some cocktails, including the Strawberries & Cream, a blend of Pimm’s strawberry, apple and white chocolate cream.
Details: Available from 24 June – 14 July, two courses for £39 or three for £45
Address: 75 High St, London SW19 5EG
BOOK: theivycafewimbledon.com
The Kensington
A trip to chic five-star hotel The Kensington is always a treat, but it’s looking even more appetizing this summer thanks to a new Wimbledon-themed menu. Throughout the tournament, the hotel’s restaurant will be serving up a selection of tennis-inspired cakes and cocktails. Treat yourself to the Tennis Ball, a matcha sponge served with pineapple mousse, or the Strawberry Panna Cotta, served with a Pimm’s and lavender reduction, or keep it classic with a bowl of British strawberries and cream. Pair the desserts with tennis-inspired cocktails, created in partnership with Sipsmith London. The Lob is a blend of gin, citrus and champagne jasmine coral, while the Tea-nnis is made from Sipsmith’s London Cup, Earl Grey tea, nectarines and soda water.
Details: Cakes (£12) available from 1 – 14 July, cocktails (£17) available throughout the summer
Address: 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP
BOOK: doylecollection.com
Saison by Mauro Colagreco
Mauro Colagreco is one of the world’s most acclaimed chefs, so there was much excitement when his new restaurant Saison landed at Raffles London. This summer, the eatery is offering a new Courtside Menu, centred around British summertime ingredients with a French Riviera twist. Amid the beautiful dining room, guests can enjoy dishes like the Isle of Wight tomato salad, or goat’s cheese ravioli made in green and purple Wimbledon colours. Naturally, strawberries will feature in the desserts: choose from a millefeuille or a pavlova with strawberry sorbet. Finish off your Wimbledon-themed dining experience with a Raffles Cup cocktail, made with Sipsmith London Cup, rhubarb bitters and lemonade.
Details: Available from 1 – 14 July
Address: 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
BOOK: raffles.com
Ham Yard Hotel
Head to Ham Yard Hotel’s leafy courtyard to watch the Championships live on a large LED screen – all while enjoying tennis-themed fare and drinks. Try the special Wimbledon afternoon tea, which will include a selection of finger sandwiches, mini sausage rolls and scones with clotted cream, plus pastries including a strawberry tart and lemon verbena éclair topped with chocolate tennis balls. Limited-edition cocktails are also on offer, created in collaboration with London Essence and Sipsmith, including Strawberries & Cream: a mix of Sipsmith vodka, tequila, strawberry purée and mint tea.
Details: Available from 1 – 14 July, afternoon tea is £53pp
Address: 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
BOOK:firmdalehotels.com
Bocconcino Mayfair
Bocconcino Mayfair’s beloved Italian brunch is getting a Wimbledon twist this July. Sip on free-flowing Pimm’s, prosecco or Aperol Spritz alongside a decadent sharing menu: begin with antipasti of burrata and cured meats ahead of primi dishes of Scottish beef tagliata, braised tiger prawns and Roman-style pizza. Live music and DJs will keep the party atmosphere going all afternoon.
Details: 6 and 13 July, 12 – 4pm
Address: 19 Berkeley St, London W1J 8ED
BOOK: bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk
The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough
Mayfair hotel The Lanesborough is renowned for its quintessentially British afternoon tea, which is being given a Wimbledon spin this July. For the first time, it’s being presented in the hotel’s Great Hall, which interior designer Flora Soames has jazzed up with her signature striped design in emerald. Kick off the festivities with the Wimbledon Flora Cocktail, made with St Germain elderflower liqueur, champagne, vodka, strawberry and mint, ahead of a selection of homemade scones served with clotted cream, plus summer strawberries and cream. Ruinart champagne is also available by the glass, alongside tea and coffee.
Details: Available 1 – 14 July, £45pp
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
BOOK: oetkercollection.com
