Game, set, match: The Wimbledon Championships return between Monday 29 June and Sunday 12 July, when spectators will dress in their summer finest to see who takes home the iconic trophy. This year’s tournament sees 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams launch a comeback campaign, while Jannick Sinner is the bookie’s favourite following Carlos Alcaraz’s absence with injury.
Alongside courtside dressing and Royal Box celebrity spotting, Wimbledon offers a taste of tradition to attendees. Strawberries and cream have been indulged at the tournament since 1877, and more than 140,000 portions are served each year in the SW19 grounds.
Pimm’s – a fruity, gin-based liqueur synonymous with the British summertime – is the signature drink of the championships, but Champagne from official sponsor Lanson is equally enjoyed. No day at the tennis is complete without afternoon tea: spectators keep it classic with scones, clotted cream and jam, along with cups of tea and finger sandwiches.
The best part? There’s no need to waste your Wimbledon day out in a long queue, as you’re allowed to bring food and drink inside with you (a rarity for sporting events). Yes, this even includes bottles of wine and Champagne. Here’s everything you need to know, including the best bottles, cans and picnic bits to pack in your cool bag or hamper.
Read more: Best Wimbledon outfit ideas to ace the dress code
What can you bring into Wimbledon?
While Wimbledon has a relaxed policy for bringing your own food and drink into the grounds, there are restrictions inside the show courts (Centre Court, No. 1 Court, No. 2 Court, No. 3 Court, Court 12, and Court 18). Hard-sided coolers, picnic hampers, vacuum flasks over 500ml, and hot or strong-smelling foods are banned.
In the grounds, ticket holders are allowed to bring one bag per person, measuring 40 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm (which is just slightly larger than the European airline hand luggage size, for reference).
When it comes to alcohol, Wimbledon limits spectators to one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) or two cans of beer or cider per person.
In quintessentially British fashion, people attending Wimbledon tend to bring finger sandwiches, quiches, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs and salads. Some late afternoon, spectators can be observed spreading clotted cream and jam onto scones, or indulging in home-made strawberries and cream.
Read more: Who will win Wimbledon? Cheat's guide to this year's runners and riders
Best drinks to take to Wimbledon
Whispering Angel Cotes de Provence rosé
The wine responsible for a worldwide rosé obsession, Whispering Angel is now synonymous with just about any summer occasion. Light, crisp and refreshing, the refined vino will be the cherry on top of your Wimbledon picnic.
Buy now £14.00, Waitrosecellar.com
Lanson White Label NV Champagne
The official sponsor of Wimbledon, you’ll look the part with this Lanson white label Champagne in your cooler. The revered French house uses a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier to create a lively, medium-dry Champagne. Fresh with white fruit aromas, the bubbles will be the perfect tonic during a hot day at Wimbledon.
Buy now £50.50, Waitrosecellar.com
Pimm's ready to drink cans
While you could bring a whole bottle of Pimm’s to Wimbledon (under 750ml) and rustle up the cocktail yourself, it’s a whole lot easier to stock up pre-mixed cans. Keep the cans cooled and crack one open during a match, in classic British style.
Buy now, Sainsburys.com
Sainsbury's Bandol Rose Wine, Taste the Difference 2025
When Standard Shopping’s wine contributer, Gemma Boucher, reviewed this bottle of Bandol rosé from Sainsbury’s, she said: “Don't be put off by its slightly deeper hue; this impressive Bandol rosé is one of the season's standout buys.”
Buy now, Sainsburys.com
Taste the Difference Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne NV
Becky Paskin, Standard Shopping’s contributing drinks expert, recommends this affordable bottle of Champagne from Sainsburys. “Blanc de Noirs is a Champagne style made exclusively from black grapes, in this case 53 per cent Pinot Noir and 47 per cent Pinot Meunier.... This is a Champagne best served alongside strawberries and cream, and (despite the name) a healthy dose of summer sun.”
Buy now £26.00, Sainsburys.com
Sainsbury's Fronton Negrette, 2024
“Fresh, elegant and wonderfully easy-drinking, this charming rosé delivers remarkable value for money,” Boucher says. “Notes of juicy peach, bright citrus and tangy raspberry combine to create a crisp, refreshing palate, making it an ideal apéritif for warm summer evenings.”
Buy now £8.75, Sainsburys.com
Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne
Take Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne to Wimbledon for the perfect match of elegance and tradition. Its fresh citrus notes, delicate bubbles, and refined finish only add to the enjoyment of the Wimbledon ground’s atmosphere.
Buy now, Waitrosecellar.com
Birra Moretti 12x330ml
This pack of 12 beers will serve a group of six attending Wimbledon. A refreshing companion to a day of world-class tennis, the beer’s crisp, easy-drinking character is perfect for sharing with friends while enjoying the action.
Buy now, Waitrosecellar.com
Best picnic food to take to Wimbledon
M&S classic Scotch egg
A Scotch egg is a Wimbledon classic and a hearty, traditional picnic favourite. Featuring a perfectly seasoned sausage meat coating around a soft-boiled egg, it’s satisfyingly rich and portable.
Buy now £2.00, Ocado.com
Sainsburys luxury sandwich platter
Featuring an assortment of crafted fillings on freshly baked bread, this platter is ideal for sharing while enjoying the tennis. All the classics are included: think New York pastrami, ham hock and cheddar, brie and chutney, and red Leicester ploughman's.
Buy now £18.00, Sainsburys.com
M&S only 6 ingredients cocktail sausages
Take a bite between matches from this picnic classic. M&S’s tub of cocktail sausages is made with minimal ingredients but is packed with flavour – and just as delicious hot or cold.
Buy now £4.00, Ocado.com
M&S grazing snack platter
For effortless match-day snacking, pick up this grazing pack. Featuring a delicious combination of cheddar cheese, Napoli salami and crunchy bruschetta crackers, it’s perfect for sharing between sets.
Buy now £2.50, Ocado.com
Quorn picnic eggs
A tasty vegetarian twist on a classic picnic favourite, these meat-free scotch eggs boast a crispy golden coating. Easy to share and a satisfying snack during a mid-afternoon slump.
Buy now £2.10, Sainsburys.com
Sainsburys clotted cream scones
Enjoy a true taste of British tradition with these clotted cream scones. Soft, buttery scones paired with rich clotted cream create the perfect treat for a day of tennis. They’ll be easy to serve and ideal for sharing.
Buy now £2.10, Sainsburys.co.uk
Sainsburys strawberries
Strawberries are a must in any Wimbledon picnic hamper. A sweet treat synonymous with the Championships, enjoy them courtside or as part of an afternoon tea spread.
Buy now £2.75, Sainsburys.com
M&S crustless classic quiche lorraine
M&S’s classic quiche Lorraine is a rich, savoury picnic essential. Packed with smoky bacon and creamy egg filling, it’s perfect served cold or at room temperature.
Buy now £4.00, Ocado.com
Mr Kipling strawberries and cream tarts
A deliciously indulgent treat inspired by a tournament favourite, these Mr Kipling tarts combine sweet strawberry flavour with smooth cream filling in a delicate pastry case. Made for sharing, it’s a convenient, crowd-pleasing and cool box-friendly choice.
Buy now, Sainsburys.com
M&S serrano ham and Castilla sheep cheese rollitos
M&S’s serrano ham and Castilla sheep cheese rollitos are a refined, savoury snack between sets. The salty richness of cured ham pairs perfectly with creamy sheep’s cheese, wrapped in elegant rollitos. Niall Horan’s a fan, apparently.
£4.00
Eat Real hummus chips balsamic onion
An elevated crisp to soak up all that Champagne and Pimm’s you’ve drunk, Eat Real’s hummus chips are a welcome addition to any picnic hamper. A twist on the bestselling original, the crisps boast a balsamic and caramelised onion flavour.
Buy now, Ocado.com
Read more: Best Wimbledon outfit ideas to ace the dress code
