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Centre Court at The All England Lawn Tennis Club

Wimbledon: Eating at the Championships

Next week sees the return of the Wimbledon Championships where top tennis stars from around the world embark on winning the grand slam, over-ambitious hopes are placed on Tim Henman’s shoulders and spectators pray the sunshine stays out.

In the eventuality that it probably will rain tennis fans can console themselves with a traditional glass of Pimm's and a bowl of Strawberries and Cream.

As the grass on centre court is resown and tickets for the eagerly awaited event are sold; what food options are being prepared at the All England Lawn Tennis Club?

Strawberries and Cream have become symbolic of the Wimbledon Championships. The grade one strawberries are from Kent and suppliers must be LEAF registered. Over 8,000 punnets of strawberries are eaten daily throughout the fortnight.

For ultimate freshness the strawberries are picked the day before and arrive at Wimbledon for inspection at 5.30am where they are then hulled.

A portion of ten strawberries will cost visitors £2.00 and surprisingly the price has remained the same for the last four years.

Over 7,000 litres of cream are served with 112,000 punnets of strawberries throughout the duration of the Grand Slam tournament, which incidentally is the largest single annual sporting catering operation in Europe.

Strawberries and Cream aren't the only food items on offer; the Championships have four main restaurants and several other food and drink outlets for diners to visit.

The Wingfield Restaurant is named after Major Wingfield who adapted Real Tennis into the game of Lawn Tennis, now played at Wimbledon. Waiter service is available at the Wingfield, which serves a fixed price two and three course lunch along with afternoon tea.

The Renshaw Restaurant is exclusively for the debenture holders of Centre Court and No.1 Court. They also offer a three course lunch and afternoon tea.

All-inclusive drinks, luncheon and afternoon tea are available in the Summer Marquee and situated next to Court 11.

For the last three days of the tournament, you can book a table in the No.1 Debenture Holders' Lounge, where you will receive a complimentary Pimm's and a wide choice of starters, buffet items and desserts.

Over 1,600 members of catering staff work at the Wimbledon Championships and a large number of customers are expected in the No.1 Court stadium, which has five food and drink outlets.

The Tea Lawn is 200 hundred feet of counter space serving tea, coffee, beer, soft drinks and light refreshments. On the opposite side of the Tea Lawn are strawberries and cream, a Pimm's and Champagne bar, the famous 'Dutchee' (hot and spicy sausages in fresh rolls), pizzas, sandwiches, doughnuts and baguettes.

Café Pergola houses self-service lunch, teas and light refreshments plus a wine bar.

Whether you fancy French fries or stir-fries the Food Village carries a vast array of meals including fish and chips, hot wok, Southern-fried chicken, char-grill, pizza and cookies and ice cream.

Aorangi Food Court, Café and Picnic Terrace serve a variety of refreshments and snacks and near No.1 Court the Conservatory Buffet is also available.

Corporate guests can also book the facilities at the All England Lawn Tennis Club and hospitality buffet menus are designed. Below is an example of the dishes on offer:

Rosettes of London Smoked Salmon

Caper berries and lime wedges

Goat's Cheese and Oven-roasted Tomato Timbale

Walnut and raisin crostini

Teriyaki Beef

Salad of lollo biondo and sesame seeds

~~~

Poached Loch Duart Salmon

Lemon mayonnaise and Keta caviar

Mediterranean Seafood Salad

Prawns, mussels and crayfish tails dressed with sun-kissed vegetables

Balsamic-glazed Loin of Gammon served with homemade piccalilli and roasted Cox's apples

Crown of Lamb Coronation, mint and coriander served on a bed of fragrant Persian rice

Wonton Oriental Vegetables Spiral with spinach, mushrooms and red peppers in a mild herb sauce

SALADS

Wild Rocket and Watercress

Beef Tomato and Smoked Mozzarella

Fennel, carrots, celery, apple and raisins in a light honey mayonnaise

Hot Minted New Potatoes with melted butter

~~~

Kentish Strawberries and Blackberries

Caramel and Toffee Mousse

Black Cherry Kirsch Torte

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Filter Coffee

After Eight Mints

Related PDFs:

Wimbledon Menu

Words Clare Riley

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