Wimbledon spirit: five of the area’s best pubs

This post is a segment of an extensive tennis guide featured on FT Globetrotter.

With a multitude of tennis enthusiasts heading towards Wimbledon to witness the most remarkable Grand Slam, it's a perfect opportunity to examine what's on offer outside the court as well. If you're seeking that Wimbledon ambiance but lack a ticket or prefer observing (or celebrating) the matches from the cozy setting of a nearby pub, you're in for good fortune: the vicinity is brimming with vibrant establishments that will be adorning their premises with festive flags and providing their own unique form of entertainment during the championships.

Actually, there are numerous bars - I estimated around 15 in the general area of Centre Court - that it is important to determine which ones are truly remarkable. On an unexpectedly warm Sunday, I decided to go from one small beer to another to establish which ones are worth venturing beyond the suburban tramlines (this locality is one of the rare few in the city to have authentic trams).

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Caution: Wimbledon is a spacious area, and it takes about 45 minutes to walk from Wimbledon Park Underground station in the north (adjacent to the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club) to Wimbledon Chase in the south. Additionally, there is the village, the town, the common, and South Wimbledon... Fortunately, some of the finest pubs are all conveniently located near each other in and around the village, which consists of affluent streets situated uphill from the Underground and mainline station.

"London's SW19 5BA: Discover 55 High Street"

Stroll towards the heart of Centre Court: approximately 14 minutes on foot.

If it's packed, consider... the Dog & Fox, just a short stroll away and noteworthy for being the sole tavern featured on the official Wimbledon area map for the Championships.

This historic inn from the 17th century served as a starting point for stagecoaches traveling to London. If you listen carefully, you might even hear the sounds of horses from Wimbledon Village Stables located nearby. Despite being part of the Young's pub group, which operates over 220 establishments, this inn has managed to maintain its old-fashioned charm. It is recommended to acquire a liking for the bitter beer that was once brewed in Wandsworth, as the company operates six pubs in the area. However, in addition to their original and special ales, you will also find the Sambrook's Pump House, an English pale ale infused with Wakatu hops from New Zealand. Another option is the SW19 blonde ale from Wimbledon Brewery, cleverly named after the local postcode. The inn also offers all-day dining, where you can savor traditional pub dishes elevated to include fancy options like Devon crab salad and curried-mutton pie with wild-garlic mash.

The inside has retained much of its quirky and disorganized charm, but the main attraction is a spacious and shaded courtyard in the rear. It features a large screen and ample room for the bustling tennis fans (reservations are recommended, although walk-ins are welcome). Throughout the two-week tournament, you can anticipate the addition of a marquee, Burger Shack, and a mobile bar from west London's esteemed Sipsmith distillery. Live music will also be provided to enhance the ambiance. The Rose & Crown has also embraced its historical roots as an inn by offering 13 rooms, which are likely to be fully booked by July. To further enhance the village atmosphere, a quick stroll across the road on Sunday mornings will lead you to the delightful Wimbledon Village Farmers' Market, where you can enjoy a leisurely browsing experience.

Camp Road, London SW19 4UN: A Prime Address

Stroll towards Centre Court: 21 minutes

If the pub is packed, consider giving the Light House restaurant a try. It may not be your typical pub, but it is a beloved local spot known for its daily-altering Mediterranean cuisine offerings.

Take a stroll outside of the village and follow The Causeway, which cuts through the common. Just as you approach the grand mansions on the charming west side, you will come across the Fox and Grapes, the only independent pub in Wimbledon. Its unassuming exterior is comforting, resembling the kind of place where football clubs are established over a few pints, just like what happened with AFC Wimbledon twenty years ago. Originally constructed in 1787, the Fox and Grapes has been expanded to include the adjacent former stables, resulting in a bright and sophisticated bar and dining area. It's hard to believe that in the late 19th century, this same location served as the changing rooms for the future Wimbledon Football Club.

In recent times, the soft clinking of dishes on delicate porcelain has become more common than the irritated halftime pep talks. The establishment is operational on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5pm, and during the rest of the week, it opens at noon. Functioning not only as a pub but also as a restaurant, it even gives off the impression of a charming boutique hotel with its three spacious rooms. Renowned chef director, Paul Merrett, presents a delectable array of contemporary British cuisine, featuring dishes like the succulent Barnsley lamb chop, the delightful Ticklemore goat's cheese, and the vibrant heritage beetroot salad. As an extra treat, they offer a selection of unique cuts such as the flavorsome Devonshire onglet and the exquisite Black Angus sirloin. These tantalizing dishes are best enjoyed accompanied by a refreshing Wimbledon Brewery Common pale ale or a glass of wine from their extensive and diverse list.

The Fox and Grapes is also jumping on the tennis season bandwagon by showcasing exciting matches and beloved games on a large projector screen. Additionally, they have crafted unique dishes and cocktails to honor the Championships.

Address: 6 Crooked Billet, London SW19 4RQ

Stroll your way to the heart of the court: a mere 22 minutes on foot.

If it's crowded, why not consider... The Crooked Billet, conveniently located just a short stroll away on the same street.

The Hand in Hand, situated near the edge of Wimbledon Common, is a different kind of Young's pub. Its charming appeal comes from its unique location by the lawn, its three-sided bar, and its cozy corners that were once part of a bakery. This pub has earned a spot in The Good Beer Guide for more than twenty years, thanks to its selection of real ales. Among these ales are some from nearby breweries like Sambrook's Brewery Wandle best bitter, as well as a rare find on tap, the session pale from the Small Beer Co based in Bermondsey. This particular ale is delightfully light, with an ABV of just 2.5 percent.

It is also welcoming to pets - I saw many nicely groomed dogs walking around the bar when I visited, and a calm black Labrador patiently sat beside its owner while they enjoyed a full roast lunch at the neighboring table. The menu offers delicious homemade suet pastry pies that are worth the wait of at least half an hour, as well as burgers and sharing boards. The pub will be showing the Championships on six screens, and it has a unique feature for a London pub - a serene front garden that overlooks a green area, perfect for watching the lively tennis crowds passing by.

33 Wimbledon Hill Rd, London SW19 7NE

Stroll over to the main arena: approximately 22 minutes

If you can't find a seat, consider... The Piazza, which will set up the deckchairs for its complimentary Big Screen Tennis event further along The Broadway.

If you're determined to watch every moment of the tennis at a pub, you won't find better coverage than at The Alexandra. Whether you walk in or plan ahead, their sports bar offers a large screen to view the tournament, with additional televisions scattered throughout their indoor and outdoor spaces. The "AlexFresco" terrace, located on St Mark's Place, will provide a space for a temporary bar (featuring delicious burgers) and serve Wimbledon-inspired cocktails like the Sipsmith Strawberry Smash (made with gin, prosecco, lemon juice, soda, and a garnish of strawberry and mint). Additionally, on Thursdays through Saturdays, there will be live music performances ranging from acoustic acts to DJ sets.

The pub caters to a diverse range of customers. In the front of the pub, I noticed a crowd of sports enthusiasts, while in the back, there were tourists and families enjoying a variety of bar snacks and traditional pub dishes. To assist those unfamiliar with the area, the pub owner plans to create an interactive map to guide people around the neighborhood and direct them to the All England Club. Even in early May, I noticed several Championship shopping bags, featuring the iconic purple and green colors, scattered throughout the pub. By July, the entire place will be adorned with matching floral decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.

Exploring 89 Ridgway, SW19: A Brief Guide

Stroll towards the heart of the court: approximately 23 minutes

If it's crowded, give this a shot... take a carpet, a radio, and a portable Pimm's, and arrange yourself on the nearby open space known as the common, just a short stroll away along Lauriston Road.

Recently rebranded after the body of water near the nearby public land, The Rushmere still shines after its refurbishment last year. Tucked away from the main road that borders the sports fields of King's College, it caters more to the locals than the establishments in the middle of the village. Nevertheless, it remains a cozy establishment - the staff are considerate, the lighting is dim enough to give you the pub ambiance but bright enough to avoid any eye strain when looking at the beer taps. Additionally, there is a spacious outdoor area with ample tables. The beer selection includes the usual popular choices like Estrella and Camden Hells, but it also offers a few surprises such as the exceptional Backstage IPA by Signature Brew and Signal Brewery's Turbo Joost IPA. However, if you're not a fan of these trendy IPAs, a pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord is always a welcome and familiar sight.

During the tournament, the pub will have a temporary bar provided by Jubel, a beer brand that focuses on fruity flavors and is suitable for those who are gluten-free and follow a vegan lifestyle. Additionally, there will be table-tennis contests and scoreboards in the outdoor area, allowing you to try your hand at imitating the skills of top tennis players like Novak Djokovic or Iga Świątek on a smaller scale.

Which pub do you prefer in Wimbledon? Share your thoughts down below and make sure to give FT Globetrotter a follow on Instagram with the handle @FTGlobetrotter.

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