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’s an early exit – it only runs for the first three days of the Championships, Monday 1st July-Wednesday 3rd July.
Check here for details.
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 (13th-14th July) when Sipsmith Gin will be matching the sporting action with classic Gin & Tonics from their snazzy art deco Gin Bus from 12pm-10pm.
Check here for details.
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.
Check here for details.
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.
Check here for details.
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!
Check here for details.
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 12th-14th July, i.e. the Men’s Semi-Finals and both Men’s and Women’s Singles Finals.
Check here for details.
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.
Check here for details.
One New Change – Ground floor, New Change Passage
Located on New Change Passage, you can admire the view of St Paul’s between points from One New Change’s Wimbledon screening.
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.
Check here for details.
New Street Square – Central Square
New Street Square is one of the larger screenings in the heart of midtown; please note that this is on weekdays only. Food and drink is available via table service from The Refinery.
Islington Square
Islington Square, located on Upper Street, will host free Wimbledon screenings in partnership with Urban Food Fest for the entire championships.
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.
Check here for details.
Hackney Bridge
Thie 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.
Check here for details.
Enjoy one of London’s best-loved sporting events, and tag us in your Wimbledon pics on Instagram – we’ll share our favourites!
