The Story Behind Wimbledon's Famous Dessert

Every summer, Wimbledon delivers more than world-class tennis. Alongside Centre Court drama comes one of Britain's best-known food traditions, with strawberries, cream and champagne becoming just as recognisable as grass courts and white clothing.

For many visitors, enjoying a bowl of fresh strawberries with cream and a glass of champagne is part of the complete Wimbledon experience. While the tradition began more than a century ago in London, there are surprising connections that resonate with people across Newcastle and the North East.

With tennis fever once again sweeping the country, here's why these iconic refreshments remain such an important part of Britain's oldest Grand Slam tournament.

Why strawberries and cream became a Wimbledon tradition.

Wimbledon first took place in 1877, perfectly timed with the British strawberry season. At the time, strawberries were considered something of a luxury because they had to be eaten quickly after picking, long before refrigeration became commonplace.

Fresh cream was the natural companion, creating a simple summer dessert that quickly became associated with the Championships. Historians believe spectators were enjoying strawberries and cream from the earliest years of the tournament, helping establish one of British sport's longest-running traditions.

Today, the strawberries are still picked fresh each morning before being transported to the All England Club, preserving the emphasis on quality that has defined Wimbledon for generations.

Why champagne became part of the occasion.

Champagne arrived later but perfectly matched Wimbledon's reputation as one of the world's most prestigious sporting events.

The tournament has long attracted royalty, celebrities and international visitors, making premium champagne a natural addition to hospitality areas before becoming widely available across the grounds.

Although Pimm's is often considered the drink most closely linked with Wimbledon, champagne remains the luxury choice for thousands of visitors looking to celebrate a special day at SW19.

The North East connection that many people overlook.

While Wimbledon is firmly rooted in London, the traditions behind it feel familiar across Newcastle and the wider North East.

Summer events throughout Northumberland, County Durham and Tyneside have long celebrated locally grown strawberries, with farm shops and pick-your-own fruit farms becoming hugely popular during June and July.

The region is also home to an expanding food and drink scene, with award-winning restaurants increasingly pairing seasonal British produce with English sparkling wine, offering a home-grown alternative to champagne.

Many North East households also recreate their own Wimbledon afternoons by serving strawberries, cream and sparkling wine while watching matches from home, proving the tradition stretches far beyond Centre Court.

The numbers behind Wimbledon's favourite treat.

The scale of Wimbledon's catering operation often surprises first-time visitors.

Each Championships typically sees:

Around 1.9 million strawberries consumed.
Approximately 140,000 to 200,000 portions of strawberries and cream sold.
Around 7,000 litres of cream served.
More than 330,000 glasses of Pimm's sold during the tournament.
Nearly half a million spectators visiting the grounds over the fortnight.

Despite inflation affecting food prices across Britain, Wimbledon has traditionally kept strawberries and cream relatively affordable compared with many other sporting venues. In 2026, a portion costs £2.85, while champagne remains one of the premium purchases available around the grounds.

Why the tradition still matters today.

In an era where many sporting events constantly reinvent themselves, Wimbledon has built its global reputation by protecting its traditions.

The famous dessert, carefully manicured grass courts and unmistakable dress code all contribute to an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event.

For tennis fans across Newcastle and the North East, strawberries and cream have become part of the ritual of watching Wimbledon from home, whether enjoyed in the garden, at a local café or during a family barbecue.

Sometimes the simplest traditions are the ones that last the longest, and few sporting customs are more recognisable than a bowl of British strawberries, fresh cream and a celebratory glass of champagne enjoyed during two weeks of summer tennis.

Wimbledon may belong to London, but its traditions have become part of Britain's shared summer, reaching homes from Newcastle to Northumberland every July.

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