This weekend’s Wimbledon preparation exercises have focused on acquiring the proper provisions. Friday’s assignment was strawberries and cream. Yesterday’s task involved a trip to the liquor store for Pimm’s No. 1. Today, we conclude the series by examining what people actually eat at Wimbledon.
Wimbledon offers pre-packaged picnic experiences that tournament attendees can reserve. This year, the tournament also offered an “At Home” afternoon tea package that could be shipped directly to fans. Unfortunately, it is now too late to order one. However, the menus themselves provide a fascinating glimpse into how Wimbledon envisions the ideal tournament dining experience.
What struck me most while reviewing the offerings was how different they are from the food commonly associated with major sporting events. The offerings make no attempt to create viral social media food moments. In fact, the fare is remarkably light and restrained. It is quintessentially British.
For example, the centerpiece of the At Home Afternoon Tea is a collection of savory items, including smoked trout, slow-roasted ham, sausage rolls, and traditional accompaniments. Those are followed by fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, several pastries, and, of course, strawberries and cream.
The On-Site Afternoon Tea offering follows a similar pattern. Finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, strawberries and cream, and tea vouchers create an experience that feels far closer to a garden party than to a sporting-event concession stand.
Even the more elaborate On-Site Picnic follows the same philosophy. Trout Scotch eggs, pâté, quiche, potato salad, garden greens, cheeses, crackers, strawberries and cream, and a bottle of wine all emphasize leisurely enjoyment rather than sheer quantity.
Viewed together, the menus reveal something interesting about Wimbledon itself. The tournament is not trying to create a sporting spectacle. Rather, it reflects the atmosphere of an English summer gathering that just happens to feature world-class tennis. The menu reflects that identity.
Another observation is how prominently afternoon tea influences the experience. Many American fans think of strawberries and cream as the defining Wimbledon food. While that tradition remains central, the menus suggest that scones, pastries, finger sandwiches, and tea are equally important parts of the culinary landscape.
I was also amused to discover that Pimm’s is used even beyond the cocktail menu. The smoked trout in the At Home package is described as being infused with Pimm’s and lemonade. Apparently, Wimbledon has become so committed to the concept that the signature beverage has migrated directly into the food.
Recreating a reasonably authentic Wimbledon viewing experience at home based on these menus yields a surprisingly achievable formula:
- Strawberries and cream
- A Pimm’s Cup
- Finger sandwiches
- Scones with clotted cream and jam
- Tea
I was able to purchase several items that appear on the menu from stores in my local area. Central Market carries scones in the bakery, strawberry jam, an assortment of English cheeses, and shortbread. The British Emporium provided piccalilli, marmalade, tomato chutney, and boxed fruit tarts. That store also included ready-to-bake refrigerated sausage rolls. Separately, I have found scotch eggs on the menu at a British-themed pub in my area.
What I appreciate most about these menus is that they not only show how accessible the standard fare is at the Championships, but they also provide a blueprint for replicating the experience. Wimbledon has always been as much about atmosphere as the tennis. The grass courts, the all-white clothing, the strawberries, the flowers, the Pimm’s, and even the picnic baskets all contribute to an experience that feels distinct from every other event on the calendar.
Most of us will never sit in the Royal Box. We may never attend Wimbledon at all. However, recreating a small piece of that vibe at home is surprisingly attainable. The tennis begins tomorrow. It is time to finish off your provisioning.
