Wimbledon recipes

30 Wimbledon recipes

Wimbledon is about atmosphere as much as tennis. The clink of glasses in the garden, the smell of freshly baked treats drifting from the kitchen, and tables filled with strawberries, cream, and picnic favourites all form part of the tradition. From elegant cakes and buttery pastries to refreshing salads and British classics, these recipes capture the charm of a long summer afternoon spent watching the tournament unfold.

Whether you are hosting a garden party, packing a picnic hamper, or simply looking for an excuse to indulge in something wonderfully seasonal, these Wimbledon recipes offer plenty of inspiration for bringing a little Centre Court magic to your own table.

The classics

Few desserts carry quite the same sense of occasion as strawberries and cream, a quintessentially British treat that has graced the tables at Wimbledon since the very first championship in 1877. Ripe strawberries are macerated with sugar and a touch of lemon juice, drawing out a glossy natural syrup that pools beneath the fruit, while double cream is mixed with vanilla and bright lemon zest. Whether served in elegant glasses or spread across a sharing platter for a garden gathering, this is the ideal finale for anyone seeking an effortless yet impressive warm-weather sweet.

This strawberry shortcake trifle offers a no-bake dessert that comes together in just about 15 minutes while looking like you spent hours in the kitchen. Layers of soft ladyfingers, billowy whipped cream, and bright, fresh strawberries create a stunning look in any clear glass bowl, while swirls of strawberry jam add concentrated sweetness that amplifies the berry flavour throughout. Fresh berries provide juicy texture while the jam ensures that every spoonful carries an unmistakable summer-fruit richness.

A strawberry tart is the kind of showstopper that earns its place at the centre of any summer table. Built on a shatteringly crisp butter crust, each slice reveals an almond-marzipan base, a thin ribbon of dark chocolate that adds subtle depth, and vanilla pastry cream crowned with fresh strawberries. The interplay of textures - from the snap of chocolate to the pillowy cream - keeps every bite interesting, while a homemade jelly finish gives the berries an irresistible gleam. This recipe is ideal if you are ready to invest a leisurely afternoon in a truly impressive centrepiece.

Bakes and sweet treats

Named after Queen Victoria herself, this British cake rose to prominence during the 19th century when afternoon tea became a cherished ritual among the aristocracy. The classic Victoria sponge holds two golden sponge layers sandwiching a generous filling of fruity jam, fresh berries, and soft whipped cream. Whether gracing the table at a formal gathering or elevating a quiet weekday treat, this cake is for anyone who appreciates timeless elegance in every forkful.

A true British classic, scones have earned their place as the beloved second course of afternoon tea, arriving just after finger sandwiches and alongside a steaming pot of tea. They also shine at the breakfast table with a strong cup of coffee. Serve the scones warm, split open, and generously topped with clotted cream, jam, and a drizzle of lemon curd. No matter if you are enjoying the Wimbledon tournament, hosting a proper afternoon tea, or simply elevating your weekend breakfast, these scones are perfect for anyone craving a taste of British tradition.

Eton mess carries with it the charm of English tradition, having originated at the prestigious Eton College in the late 19th century, where it became a beloved fixture of summer celebrations. This elegant yet effortless dessert layers shards of homemade - or bought - French meringue with billows of vanilla-scented cream and fresh strawberries. Thanks to the textural interplay, each spoonful offers something different as you move through the layers. Present it in individual glasses to showcase the gorgeous strata or as one big cake for everyone to dig into.

Our lemon drizzle cake offers a nostalgic teatime staple with a bright citrus flavour and tender crumb. The real magic happens while the cake is still hot from the oven, when tiny fork pricks across the surface allow a punchy lemon syrup to seep deep into the crumb, creating a moist, citrus-soaked texture. Ready in just over an hour, this easy bake is ideal for celebratory gatherings, lazy Sunday afternoons, and everyone who believes that a cup of tea deserves a worthy companion.

Sandwiches and savouries

These elegant finger sandwiches draw on the refined tradition of British afternoon tea, reimagined here as the perfect portable bite for warm-weather entertaining. A creamy garlic cream cheese base is mixed with tender shrimp, crisp cucumber, sweet fresh peas, and bright mint. The sandwiches benefit from an overnight rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavours to meld. This makes the recipe ideal for hosts who want an impressive appetiser without day-out stress.

This stacked chicken sandwich delights with tender, shredded chicken marinated in Worcestershire, layered with homemade Caesar mayonnaise, crispy bacon, briny artichoke hearts, and quick-pickled red onions. The real showstopper? Baked cheddar chips that shatter with a satisfying crunch, served on the side or tucked right into the sandwich for textural contrast. Nearly every component can be prepped the night before, so you only need to assemble the chicken sandwiches just before you head out the door.

Coronation chicken holds a special place in British culinary history. It was created in 1953 by Rosemary Hume and Constance Spry to grace Queen Elizabeth II's coronation luncheon, where it was served cold to hundreds of guests. The regal dish brings together tender poached chicken enrobed in a creamy, gently spiced sauce that balances the warmth of curry powder with the jammy sweetness of mango chutney. Try it piled onto crisp romaine leaves, tucked into a sandwich, or alongside warm naan for a more substantial meal.

Deviled eggs have graced tables since Ancient Rome, and the name itself nods to the peppery kick that transforms a humble hard-boiled egg into something irresistible. This version swaps out traditional mayonnaise for cream cheese, creating a filling that is noticeably richer and silkier than what you will find at most gatherings. A combination of tangy mustard, a dash of Tabasco, and a generous dusting of paprika delivers the signature "deviled" heat without overwhelming the palate.

Picnic favourites

This vibrant summer salad brings together the season's finest produce in a bowl that glows with colour and freshness. The sweet ripe strawberries mingle with peppery rocket, tender baby spinach, and chunks of salty herbed salad cheese that tie everything together. A simple vinaigrette made with quality olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and mustard is all you need to complement these ingredients. Pile the salad alongside your personal favourites. It is the effortless crowd-pleaser your next Wimbledon celebration, picnic, or BBQ party deserves.

Hailing from the rolling hills of eastern France, quiche Lorraine has earned its place as one of the most beloved tarts in culinary history. The elegant tart pairs a shatteringly flaky, butter-rich crust with a silky custard filling, where crème fraiche lends a subtle tang that elevates smoky ham and melted cheese into a truly memorable experience. You can prepare the components hours ahead or even freeze the finished quiche, so you have a scrumptious crowd favourite with minimal last-minute fuss.

This cold potato salad has earned its place at every summer gathering. Small waxy potatoes are dressed in a creamy, tangy coating of soured milk, sour cream, and sweet French mustard. A combination that clings to each bite and deepens the flavour the longer it sits in the fridge. Fresh parsley and chives bring a grassy brightness that cuts through the richness.

Our recipe for Elderflower cordial transforms the delicate blossoms of hedgerow elder trees into a fragrant syrup that captures late spring in a bottle. It requires only fresh elderflower clusters, sugar, lemons, water, and citric acid. The ingredients are steeped together over three days to coax out every drop of honeyed, floral flavour. The secret is to harvest on a sunny morning, when the creamy-white blossoms are fully open and at their most aromatic. Dilute it with sparkling water for an effervescent refreshment, blend it into icy slushes, or stir it into hot water with lemon when you need a bit of warmth.

Find more recipes

In the sections above, we have provided plenty of inspiration for Wimbledon recipes that are impressive, celebratory, easy, and everything in between. Common to all of them is how well they fit the occasion, so you can pick whatever you want, whether you need a full meal, a liquid refreshment, or just a little something.

Still, we do have even more inspiration to dive into. Strawberry recipes are typically associated with Wimbledon, and we are sure you can find something appropriate among our strawberry dessert recipes or discover our selection of picnic foods.