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. Hyde Park Website Wimbledon in the Yards Pitch up early to grab one of the deckchairs or picnic benches set up on a first come, first served basis for tennis fans at Eccleston Yards. Enjoy the tennis under the bunting for Belgravia's Summer of Sport, with suitably traditional English village vibes. Belgravia Website 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 from 12pm-5pm, so you can get into your smashing SW19 routine right here. Kings Cross Website Cardinal Place, Victoria The Garden at Cardinal Place offers a rooftop, beanbags, deckchairs, a big screen, a well-stocked bar supplied by Greenwood and pre-match entertainment from BAM Karaoke. Tasty Ole & Steen samples will be available between 11:30am-1:30pm on the 11th-13th July along with jamon and selection of pinchos from Camino on Wednesday 2nd July from 12pm-3pm. Happy Wimbledon Championships everyone! (Note: there will be no screening on Sunday 6th July.) Victoria Website 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 including strawberries and cream, Champagne and Pimms. 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. Chelsea Website 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 all the big matches, including the quarter finals, semi-finals and the finals, and as many other matches as they can that don't clash with the Women's Euros and Formula 1. Settle in with cocktails from the Glasshouse Terrace and get set for the action. London Bridge Website One New Change - Ground floor, New Change Passage Located on New Change Passage, you can sit back on the deckchairs and admire the view of St Paul’s between points from One New Change’s Wimbledon screening. Bar service is provided by F1 Arcade, with QR codes available for ordering so you don't have to miss a second of the match. No reservations are needed; free screenings run from Monday 30th June until Sunday 13th July. (Note: there will be no broadcast on Sunday 6th July.) Website 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's Website New Street Square - Central Square New Street Square is one of the larger screenings in the centre of town, with no reservations required and capacity for up to 500 guests. Food and drink is available via table service from The Refinery and Camino will be serving giant paella on Wednesday 9th July from 12pm to 3pm. Note: screenings are on weekdays only. Holborn Website Apex Temple Court Starting from Tuesday 1st July, the big screen returns to the terrace at Apex Temple Court Hotel, delivering live coverage of the Wimbledon action in a vibrant, outdoor setting. Holborn Website Islington Square Islington Square, located on Upper Street, will host free Wimbledon screenings in partnership with Urban Food Fest for the entire championships. Islington Website Canary Wharf The Summer Screens at Canary Wharf are screening the whole tournament from 11am 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 Wharf Website 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. Hackney Website Enjoy one of London's best-loved sporting events, and tag us in your Wimbledon pics on Instagram - we'll share our favourites!
A Cheapo's guide to London
A Cheapo's guide to London
A Cheapo's guide to London
