Hungry? The Wimble's top dinner spots for the summer
Plus: What was the AELTC used for during WWII?
Good morning, Wimblers.
We’ve been busy this week working on the print edition. That said, we’ve still managed to pull together a short but snappy edition with your usual news snippets, some recommendations to keep you busy in this overwhelming heat, and a list of our top dinner spots going into summer.
Do get in touch if you have any ideas or stories you think we might like to feature: zak@thewimble.com.
Happy reading!
News snippets 🗞
🗳 On Wednesday 20 May, councillor Shuile Syeda was elected as the mayor of Merton, making her the first Muslim mayor in the borough’s history. Born and raised in the area, Syeda represents St Helier Ward and has served as deputy mayor for the past year. Addressing the annual council meeting, Councillor Syeda said: “Being the first Muslim mayor [in] Merton’s history is not simply a personal achievement – it reflects the diversity, openness and unity that define our borough.” Read more in the council’s press release.
🔍 What happened to the AELTC during the Second World War? While it may not be breaking news, this week the BBC has produced an interesting article highlighting the roles of major British sports stadiums during WWII. During the war, Wimbledon’s AELTC was transformed into a civil defence and military centre. The clubhouse was used by the Home Guard, decontamination units and emergency services, while parts of the grounds were turned over to food production (including livestock like pigs and rabbits). The club was actually hit during the Blitz: on 11 October 1940, bombs struck the grounds, including Centre Court. Click here to read more.
The Wimble’s sponsor of the week ☕
This is a unique Wimble reader offer for Urban Baristas in Wimbledon Quarter. Just walk in, show them this image from the edition and claim that free lamington. Who doesn’t love a cheeky lamington (the classic Australian sponge cake dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in dessicated coconut)? Big thanks to our friends at Urban Baristas for this giveaway!
Property of the week 🏡
It’s hard to resist the allure of a penthouse in the heart of Wimbledon on one of SW19’s most sought-after roads. This two-bedroom property comes with two bathrooms, a communal garden, wonderful views and two parking spaces. But all of this doesn’t come cheap. This particular home is on the market for £2 million. Check out more pics here.
The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯
👗 May Pop Up Market: The Wimbledon Quarter pop up market is back this weekend, bringing you the very best of local shopping, artisan food and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of Wimbledon.
Where: Wimbledon Quarter
When: Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 May
🏕 The Commons Behind the Scenes: Ever wondered what is involved in taking care of the Commons? Well, now is your chance to find out. Head of maintenance Jack Rowland will open up the “Aladdin’s Cave” of tools and vehicles and answer questions about the team’s work. You’re then welcome to join the maintenance team for a drink at one of the pubs nearby (TBC). This event is entirely free.
Where: WPCC Maintenance Depot, SW19 4UW
When: Thursday 4 June, 6–7.30pm
🌭 Sausage and Cider Festival: Join the team at the Hand in Hand next weekend for their first ever sausage and cider festival. There will be a line-up of delicious craft ciders as well as gourmet sausages, live music and sunny summer vibes. Book a table here.
Where: Hand in Hand, Wimbledon Village
When: Friday 5 – Saturday 6 June
🏎 Southside Hustle Classic Car Meet: This informal meeting of classic car owners in Wimbledon (and the surrounding areas) features a stunning array of cars — some of which are extremely rare. If you’re a petrolhead, or you just like the idea of a bunch of classic cars in one place, then head to Wimbledon Village next Sunday.
Where: Wimbledon Common Southside near the farmers’ market.
When: Sunday 7 May, 8–11am
👑 Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots: The Art of Diplomacy: Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I may have been rivals, but as two women attempting to rule courts full of hot-headed, ego-driven men, they also saw the powerful role that art could play in maintaining control and shaping their self-presentation. Join Dr Christina Faraday’s lecture to discover how these two figures used the visual arts to condemn and also negotiate. Members go free; otherwise, it’s £10 per person. Book
Where: The Sacred Heart Church Hall
When: Wednesday 10 June, 8pm
🍷 Elite Wines of Italy: Barbaresco and Barolo: This is your chance to try some of northern Italy’s finest wine. Taste six premium wines from both Barolo and Barbaresco, showcasing wines with floral delicacy, tannic power and everything in between. You will also hear about the wine’s relationship with the local cuisine with a few examples of food from the region. Tickets are £48 per person.
Where: Jeroboams, Wimbledon Village
When: Friday 12 June, 6–7.30pm
Best spots for a bite this summer 🍕
The Black Lamb — 67 High Street, Wimbledon Village
With an onus on British farmers and sustainable produce, the Black Lamb’s à la carte menus change seasonally and are accompanied by a vast, well-researched choice of drinks. This year, they’re doing a “4-course Wimbledon Set Menu” with standout dishes such as confit Chalk Stream trout with elderflower and cucumber and pork tenderloin with broad beans, tomatoes, fennel and marjoram salsa. They’ve even got their own twist on strawberries and cream with their “Wobbles of Wimbledon” Sussex strawberry and cream jelly.
Orion by Alex Webb — 75-77 Ridgway
Alex Webb — winner of 2020’s MasterChef: The Professionals — opened his first restaurant in Wimbledon Village late last year. His new venture is a French-inspired, British-seafood-led neighbourhood restaurant right in the heart of the village. The menu offers a range of plates designed for sharing, shaped by both the seasons and by Alex’s ties to local producers. And if you’re looking for suggestions, you can’t go wrong with their signature lobster and prawn toast.
Fox & Grapes — 9 Camp Road, Wimbledon Village
Think gastropub classics with contemporary twists at this village pub. And if you see an advert for their supper clubs, don’t question it — grab a ticket now. In fact, last year I had the pleasure of visiting the Fox & Grapes and partaking in their Sourced & Found supper club. It was delicious. Click here to read that review.
Black Radish — 12 Watermill Way
Black Radish offers an intimate 12-seat Anglo-French dining experience. Co-owner and head chef Toby Cartwright has created a warm and inviting oasis in the heart of Merton Abbey Mills. The result is an exciting and thoughtful set menu with everything from wild Cornish sea bass to beetroot sorbet.
Dalchini — 147 Arthur Road
In 2024, Dalchini celebrated 25 years in Wimbledon. The UK’s first Indo-Chinese restaurant, the team are masters of their craft, and the menu is a perfect culinary fusion. Standout dishes include the Mahim Fish Koliwada, Chicken Lollypops and Lamb Dry Red Chilli. Back when The Wimble was incredibly new, I went and reviewed Dalchini (and their not-so-secret speakeasy). Check it out here.
Oy Bar — 66, The Broadway
Whilst we’ve already included Oy Bar’s owner Evegeniy Zukin in this edition, it would be remiss of us not to include this authentic bistro too. The atmosphere is about as chilled as it gets. Order a few small dishes with a glass or two of wine, or perhaps try their new and improved brunch menu. Oh, and don’t forget about the shellfish. After all, this is an oyster bar.
Bombay Delight — 271-273, The Broadway
Owner Ajay Chaurasia has been a pro-chef for over 25 years, creating menus for hotels, cruise ships and even the BAFTA film and TV awards. Winner of “People’s Choice” at the 2025 Merton Best Business Awards, it should come as no surprise that Bombay Delight is a favourite among locals in SW19. The monkfish alleppey and the lamb angara are particularly delicious (and a firm favourite of yours truly).
Question of the week 🔍
Last week, I gave you a list of events and asked which had occurred at the former Wimbledon Stadium. The answer: stock car racing.
Q: Which of these books has a scene involving the Wimbledon area?
You’re up to date 👋
I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition. We’re still working hard behind the scenes to get our content ready for print. Keep your eyes peeled for any updates or announcements. Other than that, have a great rest of the week, and we’ll see you next Thursday.