The Wimbledon Experience: Tradition and Cuisine

No visit to Wimbledon is complete without indulging in the quintessential combination of strawberries and cream. The tradition of serving strawberries at Wimbledon dates back to the 19th century when they were first offered as a refreshment to spectators. Today, over 28,000 kilograms of strawberries are consumed each year during the tournament.

The strawberries served at Wimbledon are carefully selected for their quality and sweetness. They are typically sourced from local farms in Kent, known for producing some of the finest strawberries in Britain. Each berry is hand-picked to ensure only the best make it onto the plates of eager tennis fans.

Accompanying these luscious berries is a generous dollop of fresh cream. The cream used is often clotted cream, which has a thick consistency and a rich, buttery taste. When combined with the sweet juiciness of the strawberries, it creates a heavenly dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer.

When it comes to refreshing summer beverages at Wimbledon, Pimm’s cocktails take centre stage. Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is a gin-based liqueur that was created by James Pimm in London back in 1823. It quickly gained popularity as a refreshing drink that was perfect for social gatherings.

At Wimbledon, Pimm’s Cup is a beloved drink that is synonymous with the tournament. It is made by combining Pimm’s No. 1 Cup with lemonade or ginger ale, and then garnished with cucumber slices, strawberries, and a sprig of fresh mint. The result is a light and fruity cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day while watching an intense tennis match.

Pimm’s cocktails have become so popular at Wimbledon that they even have their own designated bars throughout the grounds. These bars serve up thousands of glasses of Pimm’s each year, ensuring that spectators can enjoy this refreshing beverage as they cheer on their favourite players.

Wimbledon may be known for its tennis, but it also offers a taste of traditional British cuisine in the form of fish and chips. This classic dish consists of battered and deep-fried fish served alongside golden chips.

At Wimbledon, you’ll find several food stalls offering fish and chips as a convenient meal option for hungry spectators. The fish used is typically cod or haddock, which is coated in a crispy batter before being fried to perfection. It is then served piping hot with a side of chunky chips.

Enjoying fish and chips at Wimbledon allows you to experience an iconic British dish while immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the tournament. Grab your portion, find a spot on the grassy lawns, and savour every bite as you watch world-class tennis matches unfold before your eyes.

Find out how to become a master of Fish & Chips in Tefal’s Easy Fry Dual Drawer Air Fryer by Downloading the ‘My Tefal’ App.

For those seeking an elegant break from the excitement on the courts, afternoon tea at Wimbledon provides a delightful respite. Dating back to 1877 when the tournament first began, afternoon tea has been an integral part of Wimbledon’s traditions.

The quintessential afternoon tea experience at Wimbledon includes a selection of finely brewed hot teas, delicate finger sandwiches with various fillings, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and an assortment of delectable pastries and cakes.

Indulging in afternoon tea allows you to relax and enjoy the charming ambiance of Wimbledon. Whether you choose to partake in this tradition within one of the tournament’s designated tea rooms or set up your own picnic on the grounds, it is an experience that captures the essence of British culture.

To bring this experience home, try making your own Devonshire Scones using this simple Tefal recipe:

Ingredients:

– 450 g self-raising flour

– 1 level tsp cream of tartar

– 1 level tsp baking powder

– Pinch of salt

– 30 g caster sugar

– 100 g butter, cut into cubes

– 2 eggs

– 150 ml milk plus extra for glazing

– 300 ml double cream, whipped

– Jam, to serve

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 7.

2. In the Tefal DoubleForce Pro food processor, mix the flour, cream of tartar, baking powder, salt, caster sugar, and butter on speed 10 for 45 seconds until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

3. Beat the eggs and milk together. With the machine running on speed 5 for 25 seconds, add the egg mixture through the hole in the lid and stop the machine as soon as the dough binds together.

4. On a lightly floured surface, lightly knead the dough until smooth, then roll it out to a thickness of 2.5 cm. Use a 5 cm round cutter to cut out scones.

5. Place the scones on a greased baking tray and brush the tops with milk. Bake for 10-15 minutes until well risen and golden.

6. Cool on a wire rack and serve with whipped cream and jam.

Wimbledon is not just about tennis and food; it also offers a touch of luxury with its official Champagne sponsor, Lanson.

Lanson Champagne has been associated with Wimbledon since 1977 and is known for its crisp and elegant bubbles.

Sipping on a glass of Lanson Champagne while watching a match adds an extra layer of sophistication to your Wimbledon experience. The effervescence of the Champagne complements the excitement on the courts, creating a truly celebratory atmosphere.

Whether you choose to enjoy Champagne at one of the dedicated bars or opt for a bottle to share with friends while picnicking on Henman Hill, this sparkling beverage elevates your Wimbledon experience to new heights.

Wimbledon is not only renowned for its thrilling tennis matches but also for its rich culinary traditions. From strawberries and cream to Pimm’s cocktails, fish and chips, afternoon tea, and Champagne, there are plenty of delicious options to satisfy your taste buds while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this prestigious tournament.

So next time you find yourself at Wimbledon or hosting a viewing party at home, be sure to incorporate these iconic dishes into your menu. Indulge in the flavours that have become synonymous with this renowned event and create your own Wimbledon experience, complete with the tastes of tradition.