If there’s one thing more British than queuing, apologising unnecessarily, or discussing the weather with Olympic-level commitment, it’s the glorious ritual of eating strawberries and cream at Wimbledon. Honestly – what other country pairs elite athleticism with a pudding? With the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum’s brand-new exhibition A Slice of History (19 November 2025 – Autumn 2026) dishing up all the tasty tales behind the Championships’ food and drink traditions, it’s the perfect moment to ask: how on earth did strawberries and cream become the unofficial (but utterly unquestioned) champions of SW19?
A Tradition Older Than Anyone Expected (Even the Strawberries)
Strawberries and cream were served at Wimbledon from its very first tournament in 1877. While the rest of the world was inventing telephones and negotiating the meaning of trousers, the All England Lawn Tennis Club was already perfecting its dessert menu.
Why strawberries? Simple:
They were in season.
They were considered the height of decadence in Victorian Britain.
And – let’s be honest – they look absolutely fabulous next to a crisp white tennis outfit.
The Victorians loved an aesthetic moment. Instagram wasn’t a thing yet, but if it had been, they would’ve been insufferable.
Wimbledon by the Numbers (Prepare to Feel Hungry)
Every year, Wimbledon serves:
Nearly 200,000 portions of strawberries and cream.
More than 2 million berries, all hand-picked (bless the pickers).
Cream that is thick enough to stand a spoon in — the only correct British consistency.
The berries arrive fresh at dawn daily, travelling from Kent faster than most commuters on the District Line.
A Love Story Between Britain and a Berry
The idea of strawberries being “romantic” may sound like something out of a 90s rom-com, but historically they were considered a luxury fruit. Serving them with cream was practically aristocratic. Wimbledon kept the tradition alive through world wars, bad weather, fashion disasters, and the rise of the selfie. Impressive resilience, honestly.
Over time, the strawberries became more than a snack — they became a symbol of summer. A bit like sunshine… except reliable.
A Slice of History: The Museum Exhibition that’s giving us all the juicy gossip
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum’s latest exhibition, A Slice of History, celebrates the Championships’ relationship with food and drink — from classic Pimm’s to court-side picnics, iconic strawberries, and the delightful chaos of trying to eat gracefully on a windy day.
Visitors can explore:
How early spectators dined (spoiler: far less Instagrammable).
The evolution of concession stands (remember when crisps were considered exotic?).
The behind-the-scenes logistics of feeding thousands during a major international tournament.
Vintage menus that make you say, “We served what in 1903?”.
It’s a brilliant blend of nostalgia, food history, and tennis culture — the perfect day out for families, sporty types, and anyone who’s ever wondered whether strawberries have their own VIP lounge at the Championships. (They do not. Yet.)
Fun Curiosities You Can Show Off at Your Next Picnic
Strawberries must meet strict Wimbledon standards – size, colour, and sweetness. If berries had modelling contracts, these would be the supermodels.
In earlier tournaments, strawberries were sold in paper cones – very chic, very sustainable, very “I might spill this everywhere.”
Strawberries were once considered an aphrodisiac. Make of that what you will.
Wimbledon used to be so strict about presentation that strawberries were all uniformly hulled. Thousands of berries. Thousands of tiny tops removed. That’s dedication.
Why we still love it
Because nothing tastes more like British summer than strawberries and cream.
Because Wimbledon wouldn’t be Wimbledon without them.
Because traditions matter – especially the delicious ones.
And because pasting cream onto berries while watching world-class tennis feels gloriously indulgent.
Plus, it’s the perfect treat for little ones on their first Wimbledon experience (just keep wipes handy – cream has ambitions).
So next time you tuck into your strawberries during the Championships, know you’re participating in a 148-year-old love affair between a sport, a berry, and a nation that takes its traditions – and treats – very seriously.
Anyone else suddenly craving a bowl?
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
