Wimbledon's famous Pimm's and strawberries hit new price high
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: Tim Clayton/Getty Images
Wimbledon 2026 bosses expect thousands of sports to dig a little deeper in their pockets this summer after unveiling punnets of strawberries and cream and glasses of Pimm’s would cost more than £15 for the first time in history.
Today (8 June), the Queen’s Club Championships gets underway, signalling the official start of the grass tennis season, with the penultimate Grand Slam, Wimbledon, now just days away from action.
Reigning champions Iga Świątek and Jannik Sinner will defend their silverwear at Wimbledon against the likes of WTA icons Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, as well as French Open champions Alexander Zverev and Russia’s Mirra Andreeva.
The premier event, held at the All England Lawn Tennis (AELTC) and Croquet Club, is celebrating its 139th edition this year, with the Championships scheduled to take place between Monday 29 June and Sunday 12 July.
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Almost half a million punters are expected to flock to the tennis competition this summer where long-time sponsors Evian, Lanson champagne, and Lavazza coffee brewers will once again set-up shop.
However, the prices of some iconic items are expected to be more expensive than previous editions.
Fans are also likely to tuck into the famous pots of fresh strawberries from Hugh Lowe Farms, who have been supplying Wimbledon for more than 25 years, drizzled with thick cream.
It’s understood that more than 190,000 pots of the indulgent dessert is sold at the Championships during the 14-day period.
Those who attended the SW19 contest last year could purchase a portion of Strawberries and Cream for £2.70.
However, the sweet will put you back this year by £2.85 (15p increase).
At Wimbledon, the largest single annual sporting catering operation in Europe, the iconic pots are often married with a healthy glug of Pimm’s.
In case you’re unaware, the spicy gin-based fruit cup is paired with lemonade as well as various chopped garnishes, including strawberries, mint, sliced cucumbers, and oranges.
Those who attended the SW19 contest last year could purchase a glass of Pimm’s for £12.25 all in, as per GB News.
However, those wanting to sup the alcoholic beverage of Centre Court in 2026 will need to fork out £13.45 (£1.20 more than last year).
All in, a small punnet and a Pimm’s will cost revellers £16.30 — the most expensive it has ever been.
But it isn’t just Pimm’s and strawberries that have suffered price hikes ahead of the 2026 bout.
The good news is that refillable Evian water bottles remain unchanged and are priced at £5.
Speaking about the rise in price, an AELTC spokesperson told The Sun: “Food and drink inflation continues to be a challenge nationwide, and we are not immune.
“However, we pride ourselves on creating a menu that utilises British, seasonal produce to keep costs to a minimum wherever possible, and offering a variety of food and drink to help ensure there is an option for every budget.
“We continue to strive to keep the iconic elements of the Wimbledon food and drink experience affordable, and believe that the 2026 pricing represents good value for money.
“Unlike many other events of our scale, we do of course allow our guests to bring in their own food and drink if they wish.”
Every attendee is allowed to bring one bag into the Wimbledon grounds which must measure no more than 40 x 30 x 30cm.
You can bring food into the grounds as long as it isn’t being carried inside a hard-sided picnic hamper or a cool box.
If you do want to bring food in, it’s advised you carry it in a disposable bag.
“Visitors with special dietary requirements are advised to bring with them what they need to eat and drink throughout the day. However, a selection of gluten-free products is available across the grounds,” a notice reads.
Every 18+ sports fan may bring no more than: one bottle of 750ml wine, two 500ml cans of beer or another other alcoholic drink into the grounds.
No spirits or fortified wines are allowed and all alcohol must be consumed in dedicated areas.
Glass is not allowed into the courts, so be sure to finish your champers before heading to see the stars.