Good morning, Wimblers.
As many of you know, we are going to print again. The last few weeks have been a little hectic getting that all organised, but it’s been lovely getting to interview so many great people in our borough. Some of those print stories will run online, but do collect a copy of the print to see the pieces in full. Details about where to grab your free copy will be posted in the coming weeks.
We also have your usual news snippets, a stunning property of the week and some rather lovely events to keep you busy as the nights get colder.
News snippets 🗞
🔓 The Hand & Racquet will reopen later this month after a six-figure investment and “revamp”, according to LondonNow. The pub temporarily closed on Monday but will reopen towards the end of November, promising to keep its traditional charm whilst also “introducing modern upgrades”. The venue is also expected to launch a new programme of live music and entertainment when it opens its doors.
👑 Wimbledon has made it into London’s top eight spots to live, according to Muddy Stilettos’s list. Time Out says, “More than just somewhere tennis greats come every summer, SW19 has the glorious Wimbledon Common for brisk autumn walks, restaurants like Cent Anni and Fire Stables for weekend outings and a whole host of lovely independent shops.” It’s nice to see Cent Anni get a shoutout — check out our feature on the beloved local spot here.
💫 A major celebrity couple is moving to Wimbledon. It’s no secret that Spider-Man actor Tom Holland is a fan of The Championships. In fact, many locals have spotted the Hollywood A-lister wandering the streets of SW19 over the past few years. This could soon become something of a regular occurrence after it was reported that Holland and his actor-wife Zendaya purchased a £9 million home near the All England Club. Reportedly, the property, set on nearly an acre of land, has four reception rooms and even comes with a separate cottage. Click here to read more.
The Wimble’s sponsor of the week 🎅🏼
Christmas is fast approaching, which can only mean one thing: Santa Claus is coming to town. Get your family together for a magical meet-and-greet with Father Christmas himself at Wimbledon Quarter.
Property of the week 🏡
There’s something particularly grand about this five-bedroom house. Overlooking Wimbledon Common and Wimbledon Common Golf Club, the home is on one of this suburb’s most idyllic streets. But how much does a property in such a desirable part of SW19 set you back? £5.75 million. Sure, not quite as expensive as Tom Holland and Zendaya’s reported new home, but you might have to land a role in a Marvel film to afford it.Check out more photos here.
The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯
🎻 Wimbledon International Music Festival: Last year, The Wimble was fortunate enough to interview Anthony Friend, the artistic director of Wimbledon Music Festival (WIMF). WIMF is back again this year with Anthony continuing to take the project to new heights. The festival brings world-class music to the heart of south west London and offers an inspiring programme with an eclectic mix of performers at the top of their respective games. Click here for more details.
Where: Various locations
When: Friday 6 – Sunday 29 November
🍷 Wine Dinner: The Judgement of Wimbledon V: Now in its fifth year, this fun, themed wine dinner organised by the Wimbledon Wine School pits head honcho Richard against his less experienced (but no less enthusiastic) wine assistant, Cat. Can the student become the master? For £95 per person, you get to watch the action unfold whilst being treated to a three-course meal and a selection of wines to accompany. Grab your tickets here.
Where: The Black Lamb
When: Tuesday 10 November, 7pm
🐎 Wimbledon Village Stables Open Day: This is your chance to take a peek behind the curtain at Wimbledon Stables. You can learn about membership options, check out the Equicise horse simulator and meet Mr Fudge, the friendliest Shetland pony known to mankind.
Where: Wimbledon Stables, Wimbledon Village
When: Saturday 14 November, 2–3pm
🛼 Starlight Express West End Masterclass: West End performer Catherine Cornwall leads a 90-minute masterclass in performance skills, musical theatre technique, character work and choreography inspired by Starlight Express. This event is organised by the Village School of Dance and is suitable for children ages 6–17. Tickets are £40 per person. Book here.
Where: The Village Hall
When: Sunday 15 November, 2–3.30pm
🎀 Breast Cancer Now Boho Fashion Show: Join Village Boutique for their fashion show in support of Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s largest breast cancer charity that does such amazing work in the fight against the disease. Tickets are £40 per person and include drinks and canapés.
Where: Dog & Fox Coach House
When: Wednesday 18 November, 7–10pm
📻 Cellar Sounds — Songs of Naples: This Wimbledon International Music Festival event brings together excellent music and excellent wine. Charismatic baritone Geoffrey Clapham and guitarist Nick Dwyer perform Neapolitan songs made famous by legends such as Roberto Murolo, whilst the experts at Jeroboams offer a generous flight of three wines from Naples and Southern Italy. Tickets are £35 per person and include the wine.
Where: Jeroboams, Wimbledon Village
When: Friday 20 November, 7.30pm
Where is Wimbledon’s best café? ☕️
The question of Wimbledon’s ruling cafe is one close to my heart — in February last year, I took it upon myself to drink an unfeasible quantity of coffee to get to the heart of the matter. But one person’s favourites are exactly that — subjective opinion — which is why I’ve asked our readers to settle this once and for all. What cafe do we believe is truly the greatest? Answers below. But do you agree with them? See you in the comments.
The Fire Station Café (4 Queen’s Rd)
I felt vindicated to see that one of my own favourites — you might remember it from my 2025 rankings — made it to the top five. As the name suggests, it’s housed in a former fire station. It’s dog-friendly, has outdoor seating for sunny days and their banana latte is growing on me. They incredibly friendly staff makes a visit there all the more fun.
Demitasse (21 High St)
Again, another familiar name from my 2025 list. For the uninitiated, come for the stylish neutral-hued interiors and coffee art, stay for the excellent brunch options.
Caffè Nero (69 High St)
Why complicate matters? Sometimes you just want a simple coffee from a chain where you know what you can expect — only with a twist (this specific Caffe Nero is housed in a former pub). Great location and even more lovely team working there!
21 Grams (83 Hartfield Crescent)
Perhaps, in an era when we’re constantly staring at our screens, Wimble readers are drawn to the siren song of 21 Grams’ no laptop policy. Or perhaps you love its beautiful setting. Either way, you’ll get no argument from me. It’s a brilliant cafe.
And now, for our big winner…
Elys (16 St Georges Rd)
Is there a nicer place to get a coffee? Or, for that matter, an oat vanilla matcha latte, a vegan hot chocolate or an iced mocha? The dizzying array of drinks makes this one a shoo-in for first place, as do the cosy seating.
Question of the week 🔍
Last week, I asked you when the Curzon opened in Wimbledon. The answer: 2009.
Q: Which of these authors was born in Merton?
You’re up to date 👋
Thank you for reading this week’s edition. Please do keep sending in ideas and recommendations to zak@thewimble.com. Things are returning to normal now that the majority of the print is finished. Other than that, have a great week and we’ll see you next time.
Looking forward to seeing the print edition 😊