“Tennis in an English Garden.”
The Wimbledon Championships marketing strategy

Wimbledon Chief Executive, Chris Gorringe

Tennis in an English garden. This clever slogan describing the classic Wimbledon Championships inspired our theme suggestion for hosting the perfect Wimbledon Brunch. The authentic food listings are mostly from the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, its official host.  

Historic Wimbledon

Rich in history of well over a century, it has endured two wars, entertained royalty, and thrilled spectators with world-caliber competition. It is the oldest, officially recognized tennis tournament, played exclusively on outdoor grass, and maintains a strict white apparel policy for on-court play. It is one of a four-part elite Grand Slam tournament series. Only five players in its history have won all consecutive singles competitions. The first was in 1938 by Don Budge and the last in 1998 by Steffi Graf.

Where to Watch

US live broadcasts appear on ESPN, EPSN2, ABC, or the Tennis Channel. If hosting on Saturday, the Women’s Final precedes the Men’s Doubles Final. The Sunday schedule will showcase the Men’s Final and then the Women’s Doubles Final. Coverage begins at 9 am EST. 

How to Plan

Light food that carries from breakfast to lunch is ideal. Since this is a televised event, buffet style is best suited, with easy dishes to plate. When entertaining outdoors, maintain food at appropriate temperatures. Alcohol beverages work best served after 11 am. 

Wimbledon is steep in tradition, so enjoy using heirloom china and fancy serving ware. Traditional colors associated with the event are purple, green, and crisp white with blue accents as seen on-court. The All England Club is known for its beautiful landscaping, so incorporate florals in your decor. Fresh-cut or silk flowers in vases, potted plants, and floral prints for table coverings, napkins, and plates set the tone. Extra touches like vintage rackets (found in thrift stores), Victorian photos, or framed tennis images add atmosphere to your entertainment space.

The Brunch

A good host has a signature dish returning guests expect. Never leave them wanting. But in the celebration of Britishness, consider including these suggestions:

Eggy bread: Similar to French toast, though not a traditionally sweet dish. Include savory additions such as meats, potatoes, or fried eggs.

Eggs Royale: This Eggs Benedict variation substitutes salmon for ham.

The English adore their breakfast meats, so bacon, sausage, and British-styled baked beans are good sides.

Crumpets: serve warm with butter, butter, butter. Honey, lemon curd, or mascarpone (a good clotted cream substitute.)

Scones: A favorite version for the Queen, Buckingham Palace Royal English Scones, is a warm treat with mascarpone/cream cheese and/or jam.

Sandwiches: Wimbledon offers smoked salmon with dill cream cheese on pumpkin seed rye bread. Other sandwiches, sliced in triangular wedges, include the traditional cucumber, Wimbledon Coronation Chicken, and Wiltshire Ham with farmhouse Cheddar served on malted bread.

Delicious sides from Wimbledon chefs include Feta, Watermelon, and Mint with Balsamic dressing and Courgette, Carrot, Fennel Slaw with Lemon & Ginger dressing. Try these close recipes for each: Watermelon/Feta and the Courgette, Carrot, and Fennel. 

Also featured this season is a selection of British Artisan Cheeses composed of Winterdale Cheddar, Harrogate Blue, Rutland Red, and Blanche goat cheese. The Club serves with damson preserve, grapes, celery, and biscuits.

The Bar

Tea is first and foremost with English breakfast and Earl Grey tea varieties, as well as Lavazza coffees making the perfect meal compliments. Ginger beer, iced teas, and citrus-flavored waters will also please your guests. 

For a punch, offer Guinness or darker lagers, or try the official tournament drink, The Pimms Cup. Other classics are the Wimbledon Martini, the Gin and Tonic, and a sweet Manhattan called the Game, Set, Match. Diffords Guide offers a host of drinks to suit every request.

An All Day Event

A Wimbledon Brunch can extend an entire day! After coverage ends, continue the nostalgia with games such as Batmiten, horseshoes, or Croquet. Keep plenty of iced drinks and water on hand to stay hydrated. 

The perfect Wimbledon Brunch ball now is in your court. Serve up a great one!

photo credits in order: unsplash: Shep Mcalliste, Rodolfo Marques pixabay: Bernadette Wurzinger, Philip Hutchens

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