Pour the Pimms and whip up some cream for the strawberries: Wimbledon 2019 is here.

Coinciding with the heatwave to mark the start of summer, the world-famous tennis competition begins on Monday 1 July and runs for two weeks until the final game on Sunday 14 July.

To kick things off, Venus Williams will play the tournament’s youngest ever player Cori Gauff in a historical match that celebrates two generations. 

Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka, Karolina Pliskova, Simona Halep and 2018 champion Angelique Kerber are also favourites to win the women’s title.

If you’re unable to get tickets, can’t deal with the hustle of Henman Hill but don’t fancy being stuck indoors while watching the competition unfold – we’ve rounded up some of the coolest ways to watch Wimbledon in London. 

PIMM’S Garden, Flat Iron Square

PIMM’S is the official drink of Wimbledon, so it’s pretty much mandatory to enjoy one during a game. Alongside letting guests enjoy watching the tournament from the comfort of a deck chair in a traditional flower garden, the PIMM’s Garden also invites you to compete with friends in an array of free games such as garden Jenga and mini-tennis. 

Find more information here. 

Bloomberg Arcade, Bank

Perfect for any tennis fans working in the City, you can catch a game after work at the Bloomberg Arcade between 11-14 July. Relax on the turf atop beanbags and deckchairs and enjoy the tennis come rain or shine under the all-weather pedestrianised arcade. Restaurants on site will be serving grab and go meals to enjoy while watching the screen. It’s open to everyone and is completely free. 

Find more details here. 

Big Screen on the Green, Morden Hall Park and Fulham Palace Private Garden

Located on two historical, beautiful grounds, Big Screen on the Green takes place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July. It features an extensive line-up of live music and pop-up film, combined with a range of quintessentially summer sporting action - Wimbledon Tennis Championships Finals, highlights of the Cricket World Cup Final and F1 British Grand Prix. Enjoy summery cocktails, a Champagne lounge, experiential entertainment, gourmet food, an elegant picnic area and strawberries and cream. 

Day tickets cost £20 and are available to buy here.

Eccleston Yards, Belgravia 

Eccleston Yards in Belgravia will be screening Wimbledon from the courtyard with food from a pop-up by Wild by Tart (the first restaurant by Tart London duo Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison). It will also will be selling a special Wimbledon dessert and cocktail by Jones Family Kitchen (sister restaurant of Jones Family Project).

Get more details here. 

Strawberries and Screen, Duke of York Square in Chelsea

The finals will be shown on a giant screen on 12 – 14 July. There will be picnic hampers available from Partridges and a pop-up stall selling strawberries and cream. In addition, Pretty Little Tea Company will be serving Prosecco, Pimms, Peroni, Tea, Coffee, hot chocolate, homemade cakes, ice cream tubs and strawberries and cream. Guests can also pre-book their own complimentary VIP seating to enjoy an exclusive front-row seat, complete with comfortable deck chairs.

Book tickets and find more details here. 

The Little Blue Door, Fulham

Fulham’s late night cocktail bar and restaurant has launched a gin inspired terrace, and tennis enthusiasts will be able to watch Wimbledon on the big screen while sipping on the “Strawberries and Cream” inspired frozen Rosé cocktail. The eclectic bar has transformed into a botanical sanctuary draped with lights, foliage and hanging plants, making it the ideal alfresco drinking spot.

Find more detaile here.

The Hayden, Notting Hill

Head to The Hayden in Notting Hill, where they are serving up a special cocktail aptly named The Ace (a winning combination of Eristoff vodka, Midori, sweet & sour mix, topped with egg white and a cucumber ribbon garnish). The pub will also be screening the tournament. 

Find more details here.

St Katherine’s Docks, East London

If you’re based in east London, Wimbledon screenings are taking place on a floating pontoon at St Katharine Docks. Deckchairs are provided for free on a first come, first served basis, and you can bring your own picnic. For the final weekend, a bar serving food and drink (including Pimms and strawberries, of course) will be available.

Find more information here. 

The Colton Arms, West Kensington

This West Kensington pub is sending spectators on their merry way with a Wimbledon picnic hamper. It includes a selection of homemade classics such as salt beef Scotch eggs, fennel and apricot sausage rolls; artichoke, sun blushed tomato and goats cheese pasties. You can either take the hamper with you or grab a seat outside on the terrace complete with painted tennis court floor and a big screen showing all the tennis action.

See further details here.

One New Change, St Pauls

After a bit of post-work shopping, head up to the One New Change rooftop where you can watch the games for free from the comfort of a deck chair. The best thing here is the background view of St Pauls and the rest of the city’s iconic skyline. 

Find more information here. 

Images: Getty and individual businesses.