The forecast has turned, the strawberries are out and Centre Court is in full swing. If there were ever a fortnight to find a good screen, a cold drink and an excuse to linger outdoors, this is it.
Rooftop Cinema Club, Peckham
Where: Peckham – Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4ST, Roof East Stratford – Multi Storey Car Park, Level 8 Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1XE
When: Women’s Singles Final, 12 July
This is the one we’d send a friend to first. Both Peckham and Stratford’s Rooftop Cinema Clubs are screening the Women’s Singles Final on 12 July, and the Peckham site in particular has the kind of view that makes you forget you’re watching tennis on a big screen rather than being there. There’s a proper bar on the other side of the rooftop too, so when the match finishes you don’t have to go anywhere. We’ve spent entire evenings up there and never once thought about leaving.
Everyman on the Canal, King’s Cross
Where: Granary Square, King’s Cross, London N1C
When: 29 June to 12 July, free entry
Everyman on the Canal in King’s Cross is genuinely one of our favourite places in London to spend a summer evening, tennis or no tennis. The canalside steps, the bean bags, the easy pace of the whole thing, what’s not to love. Screenings run daily from 29 June to 12 July, free, first come first served, with the usual film programme taking over once play finishes for the day. Get there early on finals weekend.
Summer in the Square, Marylebone
Where: Portman Square Garden, Marylebone, London W1H
When: 7 to 12 July, 12pm to 8pm daily, free entry
This is the most interesting entry on the list, not because it’s the best atmosphere, but because of where it happens. Portman Square Garden is private the rest of the year, and for six days it opens up completely: deckchairs on the lawn, Wimbledon on the big screen, food from Café Murano and a street food village alongside it. If you’ve never been inside one of London’s private garden squares, it’s time to shoot your shot.
The Cadogan Arms, The George and The Hound
Where: The Cadogan Arms, 298 King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5UG; The George, 55 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7LQ; The Hound, 210 Chiswick High Road, London W4 1PD
When: 29 June to 12 July
If you want a proper pub rather than an outdoor setup, Ardent’s three sites are all confirmed to screen every match throughout the fortnight, not just the finals. The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea is the most polished of the three. The George in Fitzrovia is air-conditioned, which matters more than you’d think if the weather holds. The Hound in Chiswick has the most relaxed, neighbourhood feel of the three and is the one we’d actually choose for a long, lazy afternoon of it.
Chez Antoinette, Victoria
Where: 22 Palmer Street, London SW1H 0PH
When: 29 June to 12 July, from 11am daily
The French bistro Chez Antoinette has put up an outdoor screen right outside its Victoria site with deckchairs for up to 52 people, running daily from 11am through to the final. It’s a slightly more food-led option than the others on this list, but the screening itself is the real draw, with the bistro’s usual menu available throughout via QR code.
Duke of York Square, Chelsea
Where: Duke of York Square, King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3
When: 10 to 12 July, free entry
Strawberries & Screen returns to Duke of York Square for the back end of the tournament, with the men’s semi-finals on 10 July and both finals on 11 and 12 July showing on a big screen opposite the Saatchi Gallery. It’s free, with a pop-up bar from Chelsea Grocer, and free front-row deckchairs bookable from early July if you want to skip the scramble for a seat.
St James’s Market, St James’s
Where: St James’s Market, London SW1Y
When: 29 June to 12 July, free entry
Deckchairs go up in the square with the bonus of being surrounded by some genuinely good kitchens, including Fallow, Scully, Fowl, Toba and Ole & Steen, all within easy reach if you want something better than a hot dog between sets.
New Street Square, Farringdon
Where: New Street Square, Farringdon, London EC4A
When: 29 June to 12 July, weekdays only, free entry Website: newstreetsquare.com
The most underrated entry on this list. Space for 500 people on weekdays, takeaway Indian food from Kaana, and drinks from Drake & Morgan’s The Refinery. A genuinely good option if you’re working nearby and want to make the most of a long lunch.
