London’s eateries are putting a twist on the traditional this summer with a number of places offering a Wimbledon afternoon tea. Here are a few of the best…
Words Helen Brown & Paola Peralta
Wimbledon afternoon tea and tennis treats to try this summer
CUTTER & SQUIDGE
Available throughout summer
Baking pioneers and inventors of the Biskie, Cutter & Squidge, have put a tennis twist on their unique creation. The limited edition strawberries and cream Biskie has creamy vanilla and strawberry filling, a handmade strawberry jam core and is finished with a fresh strawberry on top. If that doesn’t scream Wimbledon, nothing does.
THE IVY CAFE, WIMBLEDON
Available now until 20 July
The Ivy Café, Wimbledon has created a series of delights for guests to enjoy while the sporting action kicks off around the corner. Along with the Centre Court Melting Bomb, two exclusive strawberries and cream cocktails will be available to help celebrate the tennis wins.
SQUIRE’S
Available between 1-15 July
Visitors to Squire’s Garden Centre can enjoy a Wimbledon-inspired cream tea featuring Eton Mess, a scone with jam and clotted cream and a pot of loose leaf tea. A gluten free option is also available. No booking is required, simply turn up at any Squire’s centre and enjoy.
THE PETERSHAM RESTAURANT
Available between 2-15 July
The Petersham Restaurant, at The Petersham Hotel is running its quintessential afternoon tea with a tennis twist. The big serves for the season are a Pimm’s jelly with cucumber foam, mini mango tennis ball cheesecakes and white chocolate and strawberry tartlets.
THE DORCHESTER
Available between 2-15 July
The Dorchester is serving its annual Wimbledon afternoon tea for the duration of the tournament. It includes the Wimbledon Tennis Sponge – made with lemon verbena, strawberry and white chocolate – accompanied by champagne, strawberries and cream, finger sandwiches and scones.
PAUL
Available 2-15 July
Get a taste of this year’s tournament with limited edition treats from French artisan bakery and pâtisserie, PAUL. New for 2018 and keeping things refreshingly cool as the heat rises on Centre Court is the Strawberry & Cream Frappé, while past-favourites, the Tennis Choux and the Grand Slam Lemon Tart, make eagerly-awaited returns.
THE DOWN HALL HOTEL & SPA
Available until 15 July
Celebrate the sporting action in style with a special edition Wimbledon afternoon tea on Down Hall’s newly launched terrace. Tuck into finger sandwiches and warm buttermilk scones with Devonshire clotted cream and Tiptree preserves. Finish with a round of luxury, tennis-inspired puddings including Pimm’s cheesecake, pistachio and vanilla battenberg and a limited edition white chocolate mousse tennis ball. To drink, choose from a selection of premium teas.
THE SANDERSON
Available throughout summer
Tennis-lovers can celebrate Wimbledon this summer with an eye-catching dessert at Sanderson Hotel. Created to look exactly like a tennis ball, the spherical pud is made from Yuzu and bergamot and garnished with crispy meringue and fresh berries. This is the picture-perfect dish to enjoy during tennis season in London, even for those who can’t make the championships themselves.
