Wimbledon food and drink prices hit record highs
Tennis fans heading to Wimbledon this summer will need to dig deeper into their pockets than ever before, with the beloved pairing of Pimm’s and strawberries and cream breaking through the £15 barrier for the first time in the tournament’s history, reports BritPanorama.
The quintessential SW19 treat now costs a combined £16.30, marking a nine per cent jump from what spectators paid last year. This increase reflects the broader cost of enjoying one of Britain’s most prestigious sporting events, with the iconic Pimm’s and strawberries at prices that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.
The price of a glass of Pimm’s has risen by £1.20 compared to 2024, now sitting at £13.45. Meanwhile, those iconic punnets of strawberries and cream have crept up by 15p to £2.85. This cumulative increase means fans are paying roughly £1.35 more than they did at last year’s Championships simply to enjoy what has become the tournament’s signature refreshment combination.
Beer drinkers are not escaping the financial squeeze either, with a pint of Stella now costing £8.95 after a 10p increase, while a 330ml can of the sponsor’s lager will set you back £8.20. The cost for those with a taste for something fancier has jumped even higher; a mini bottle of Lanson Le Rose champagne now costs £31.35, up by £1.50, while a full-sized bottle commands an eye-watering £102 price tag. For those looking to indulge further, a magnum of champagne will cost a hefty £228.80.
The one bit of good news for attendees? Refillable Evian water bottles remain unchanged at £5. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) attributes these increases to ongoing nationwide food and drink inflation. A spokesman for the club highlighted that food and drink inflation continues to be a challenge nationwide, asserting they are not immune to these rising costs.
Nonetheless, the AELTC insists that the 2026 pricing still offers good value, noting their use of British seasonal produce to mitigate costs where possible. They also remind spectators that, unlike many major events, fans are welcome to bring their own food and drink through the gates. The Championships kick off on Monday, June 29, running through to July 12.
This annual rise in costs serves as a stark reminder of the financial challenges facing sports fans, illuminating the delicate balance between tradition and economic reality at iconic events.
