Wimbledon’s ‘cool’ Evian deal leaves people very divided
Topics: UK Food, Drinks, Social Media
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Topics: UK Food, Drinks, Social Media
Wimbledon is well underway, with the third Grand Slam of the season already serving up shocks, including Serena Williams’ first-round defeat and sudden withdrawals from leading British stars Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu.
Today (1 July), the second round of action gets underway in SW19, with Naomi Osaka taking on Anastasia Gasanova; Coco Gauff will face Solana Sierra; and reigning champion Jannik Sinner will go head-to-head with Nuno Borges.
Thousands of sports fans are set to descend on The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), where they can take advantage of a ‘cool’ water promotion designed by one of Wimbledon’s long-running sponsors, Evian.
The game-changing station has been promoted online by journalist Daniel Roberts via X.
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On the second day of the tennis tournament, he took to the social media site to share an image of one of the Evian refill stands.
“Cool feature at Wimbledon: 5 pounds for an Evian bottled water that they will keep refilling for you (with Evian) for free all day (or the next day or next year),” he shared.
People have been debating the now-viral post, with many praising Wimbledon organisers, AELTC and Evian, for the innovative offering.
“Actually this is the best ever for a water company!,” one fan gushed.
A second said: “Evian are the champions of the water world.”
“I will bring gallon for sure. Evian is so expensive I’ll take that HAHAHA,” a third replied.
“The U.S. should make this a law,” penned another.
But not everyone was impressed with the water refill station, it seems.
One X user took to the social media site to type: “Mugs can pay for water all they like as long as Wimbledon supply piped water for free.”
“Crazy concept , but in Australia, water at events is free,” someone else commented.
A third wrote: “So £5 for a bottle of water? How is that cool? That’s a steal.
Another joked: “Wish Stella were doing the same.”
Anyone who wants to take advantage of Wimbledon’s water offering should be prepared to fork out £5 for a 700ml reusable water bottle.
Once they have the bottle, they can head to a refill point dotted throughout the grounds, and get one of the Evian attendants to fill their bottle.
They can continue to do this throughout the competition.
Alternatively, you can bring in your own water bottle thanks to the Grand Slam’s generous picnic rules.
Unlike other major sports events, Wimbledon attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and drink into the grounds of AELTC.
However, there are some limitations to be aware of, including how much alcohol you can carry.
Every ticket holder over the legal drinking age can bring in one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person, or two 500ml cans of beer or lager or two 500ml cans of premixed aperitifs.
Glass bottles and open cans cannot be taken into the seating areas on the show courts.
You’re also not allowed to bring in hard-sided containers, like picnic baskets, or vacuum flasks over 500ml.
If you’re planning to pick up your food and drink in SW19, then there are a plethora of options, including world-famous punnets of strawberries and cream for £2.85 and glasses of Pimm’s for £13.45.
If you’re after grab-and-go options like crisps, ice cream, bakery bits, and sandwiches, then The Walled Garden Larder should be your go-to.
Wimbledon’s first-ever ‘frictionless’ store allows guests to pick up what they need and walk out without scanning or queuing.
All you need to do is tap your payment method on the gate to open, select the items you wish to purchase, and walk out.
Those planning on drinking alcohol at the grass Championships this summer should be aware that cans of Stella Artois are priced at £8.20 at The Hill Larder, while grab-and-go wines are priced at £10.75.
Over at The Southern Village, glasses of champagne can be purchased for £31.55 a pop, Sevilla Gin and Tonic cans for £10.75.
Carafes of Thirsty Birds Rosé can be purchased from The Tea Lawn for £40.30 or pints of Kopparberg Crisp Apple Cider for £8.90.
Soft drinks like Oasis Summer Fruits (£4.45) and Sprite Zero (£2.90) are being served at the Parkside Food Market.
Each area of Wimbledon offers punters unique food items, including casual dining options at Café Pergola, easily accessed via the South Concourse or St Mary's Walk.
The casual eatery features brunch options like a hand-carved honey-glazed bacon roll (£9.70) and sandwiches, such as crispy chicken, tomato chilli, rocket and parmesan on ciabatta (£17.85).
Over at the Walled Garden, fried chicken can be procured for £13.65 and fresh pizza and pasta can be picked up from stalls in The Southern Village, with prices starting from £12.
Meanwhile, the Tea Lawn Kalimera is your one-stop shop for everything Greek, with halloumi and chicken wraps (£11.75).