Written by Amanda David
White-clad players at Wimbledon, deckchairs, strawberries and cream, picnics and Pimms – Siri, show me a traditional British summertime.
Obviously Henman Hill is peak outdoor big-screen viewing, but for those of us who didn’t manage to bag a Ground Pass to the Championships, here are some fab spots around town doing free Wimbledon screenings.
BST Hyde Park: Open House
Grab a blanket or park yourself at a picnic table and get the first few days of your Wimbledon fix in a Royal Park as part of the ‘American Express presents BST Hyde Park’ freebie midweek sessions. Note – this one only runs for certain days of the Championships: Monday 30th June -Thursday 3rd July and Monday 7th – Thursday 10th July.
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Battersea Power Station
Watch all the action on a big screen in Battersea Power Station’s six-acre riverside park. Step it up over Wimbledon Finals Weekend when Sipsmith Gin will be matching the sporting action with classic Gin & Tonics from their snazzy art deco Gin Bus from 12pm-10pm. Battersea
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Eccleston Yards
Pitch up early to grab one of the deckchairs, beanbags or benches set up on a first come, first served basis for tennis fans at Eccleston Yards under the bunting for Belgravia’s Summer of Sport, with suitably traditional English village vibes.
BelgraviaWebsite
Everyman Screen on the Canal
All matches are free to attend so there is no need to book; simply turn up early on the day to bag your spot. They are screening the whole fortnight, so you can get into your smashing SW19 routine right here.
Kings CrossWebsite
Cardinal Place, Victoria
The Garden at Cardinal Place offers a rooftop, beanbags, deckchairs, a big screen and a well-stocked bar of soft drinks and special summer cocktails courtesy of Wagamama – happy Wimbledon Championships everyone!
VictoriaWebsite
Strawberries and Screen
Situated on the green opposite the Saatchi Gallery, there’s not only a big screen but some pop-up bars serving up your Wimbledon essentials. There is also VIP seating available – comfy deckchairs pre-bookable for groups up to six, with a select number available for walk-ins on the day. Note: they will only be screening 11th-13th July, i.e. the Men’s Semi-Finals and both Men’s and Women’s Singles Finals.
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The Scoop
The Scoop at London Bridge is a modern outdoor sunken amphitheatre with tiered seating for 1000 tennis fans – but take something to sit on as the concrete can get a bit chilly after a while. They are screening the whole tournament, so settle in with your strawberries and cream and get set for the action.
London BridgeWebsite
St James’s Market
St James’s Market have thoughtfully set out some free deckchairs, so best to bag one and settle in for the day; there are plenty of ace restaurants and bars nearby to keep you in Pimms and nibbles for the whole tournament.
St James’sWebsite
New Street Square – Central Square
New Street Square is one of the larger screenings in the centre of town; please note that this is on weekdays only. Food and drink is available via table service from The Refinery. Holborn
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Islington Square
Islington Square, located on Upper Street, will host free Wimbledon screenings in partnership with Urban Food Fest for the entire championships.
IslingtonWebsite
Canary Wharf
The Summer Screens at Canary Wharf are screening the whole tournament and are perfect for picnics. Sandwiches, strawberries and cream, champagne and more will be available from the many shops, bars and restaurants around the area.
Canary WharfWebsite
Hackney Bridge
This is the East London version of Henman Hill; a big garden screen, jugs of Pimms and a whole volley of food options. Bring a picnic blanket, sunscreen and perhaps an umbrella and a jumper – because, you know, England.
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Enjoy one of London’s best-loved sporting events, and tag us in your Wimbledon pics on Instagram – we’ll share our favourites!
