Despite being known internationally for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, racket and ball isn’t the only thing that SW19 offers. Our Wimbledon taxi guide has all the local hotspots to have you feeling you’re in Centre Court.
Book a car with us and experience the allure of Wimbledon village. Five minutes from Wimbledon High Street, this little neighbourhood is a relaxed, quaint and popular area with the perfect mixture of boutique shops, independent coffee shops and restaurants.
Packed with lively yet charming pubs, Wimbledon is the perfect place for a spot of Sunday lunch. The Fire Stables is a gastropub with a contemporary interior that offers a relaxed and welcoming ambience with a menu filled with hearty plates of superb home comfort foods.
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, Wimbledon Common extends over 1000 acres of woodland, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of London. A popular spot for runners and cyclists, it’s also a picturesque place for spotting wildlife and birds.
Where to drink
Hemingway's
There are so many great pubs and bars in Wimbledon, it seems churlish to try and pluck a favourite from their considerable number. But we’re going to do it anyway. And we’re going to start with a cocktail bar. Located in the spiritual heart of the area – Wimbledon Village – Hemingways is lushly decorated with all the panache and style you’d expect from a bar of its calibre. Always popular (especially on their terrace during the summer months), these guys make cocktails their craft. And they don’t stop there either, they also have a fantastic beer and wine list as well as offering a range of terrific snacks and pizzas. If you’re going to drink a cocktail in Wimbledon, you have to do it at Hemingways.
57 High Street Wimbledon, SW19 5EE
www.hemingwaysbar.co.uk
The Hand in Hand
For anyone who’s been on a long stroll around Wimbledon Common, The Hand in Hand is the ideal spot to wind down with a cool drink and a bite to eat afterwards. Situated right on the the edge of the Common itself, it’s been a part of the local landscape since 1835. What’s great about this place is its adaptability to the seasons. In summer, it’s got a great little terrace where you can sit back, read the papers and enjoy a G&T. Come the colder winter months the inside is suitably snug. Offering a cosy sanctuary from the bracing winds. The pub is owned by the Young’s brewery so you can expect their usually extensive range of beers and wine. As well as some great food.
Crooked Billet, SW19 4RQ
www.youngs.co.uk/pubs/hand-in-hand
Dog & Fox
More than just a pub. The Dog & Fox is actually a vital piece of Wimbledon’s history. Built in the 1800s, it originally served as a stop for the London to Portsmouth stagecoach. Providing the much needed precedent to what would eventually become Wimbledon Station. Nowadays they’re an excellent pub, restaurant and boutique hotel. Offering a familiar and friendly spot for locals and visitors alike to down tools and enjoy a pint together. As another stalwart of Wimbledon Village, they’re located a short walk (or cab ride) away from both Wimbledon Station and the Common. During summer months (and the tennis tournament) this is the place to be.
24 High Street Wimbledon, SW19 5EA
www.dogandfoxwimbledon.co.uk
Where to eat
The Earl Spencer
A bit of a cheat here, The Earl Spencer is probably a shade closer to neighbouring Earlsfield, but we’re throwing it in the mix anyway. Our reasoning is simple. We (and everybody else by the sounds of things) just love this warm, inviting Gastropub. Widely lauded for its excellent food, the Earl Spencer has been held up as a fine example of what can be achieved with an ambitious kitchen who rely on the seasonal flavours of its local produce. And with a menu that changes each day to best reflect those flavours, is it any wonder they’re doing so well? What’s great about the Earl Spencer is for all that deliciousness it still retains the feel of a pub. You can still get a great pint, you even have to order your food at the bar. Highly recommended.
260-262 Merton Rd, SW18 5JL
theearlspencer.com/
The Light House
Back in the thick of things (Wimbledon Village again), The Light House provides the perfect balance between upmarket food and a relaxed atmosphere. This bright and light filled (get it?) restaurant has a real brasserie feel and serves terrific food to match. We’ve heard it described as an Italian restaurant but their seasonal menu seems to reflect more of its locale than any foreign influence. Never too pricey, it’s not hard to see why the Light house remains a rim favourite with the locals.
75-77 Ridgway, SW19 4ST
lighthousewimbledon.com/
Fox & Grapes
Another gastropub that takes the ‘gastro’ very seriously. The Fox & Grapes was once a super traditional pub in the mould of the quintessential British boozer. But much to the chagrin of some local traditionalists it was taken over by double Michelin starred chef Claude Bosi (he also owns Hibiscus in Mayfair). Ale enthusiasts shouldn’t be put off though, they still serve all the great beers you need to slake your thirst after a hard day on the Common. They just so happen to serve some incredible gnosh to go with it. They’re open for breakfast (they’re also a hotel), lunch and dinner and we have to say, it’s all a bit marvelous.
9 Camp Rd, SW19 4UN
www.foxandgrapeswimbledon.co.uk/
What to do
All England Lawn Tennis Club
It goes without saying that Wimbledon’s most iconic attraction is the annual tennis tournament. For those not in the know, Wimbledon – or the Championship – is one of four major Tennis Grand Slam tournaments that take place worldwide each year. What makes Wimbledon so special is that it’s also the oldest (it began in 1877). We appreciate you can only make this a destination for two weeks of every year, but if you happen to be in the area and you can wrangle some tickets, it’s an absolute must-do. There’s simply no better place to enjoy strawberries, champagne and a spot of tennis darling.
Church Rd, SW19 5AE
www.wimbledon.com
Wimbledon Windmill
If you’re on or near Wimbledon Common and you’re at a loss with what to do with the kids then look no further than this stunning Grade II listed building. Now serving as a Windmill Museum, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a spot of local history. Equally engaging for all ages, step inside to learn about the history of the windmill, climb the tower and even have a go at grinding some wheat. There are any number of fun things to do in here. Be wary though, as it’s only open at the weekend and on holidays so best to check ahead.
Windmill Rd, SW19 5NR
www.wimbledonwindmill.org.uk
Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre
The nice thing about getting this far out of central London is that you can start to enjoy more rural pastimes. One such opportunity lies at the Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre. Set to the south of historic Wimbledon Park, this activity centre is a great place to go sailing, kayaking, climbing, powerboating or water-skiing. For anyone who’s yet to find their sea legs, they offer a range of great courses on all of the above to ensure your absolute safety and enjoyment. You’ll rarely find a more pleasant way to spend your day than out on the water – get involved.
Home Park Rd, SW19 7HX
booking.merton.gov.uk/wimbledon-park-watersports-centre/
