The Wimble's top spots for a drink this summer
Plus: A BYOB comedy night comes to Wimbledon
Good morning, Wimblers.
This week we’re bringing you a slightly snappier newsletter, as we continue to beaver away behind the scenes on our upcoming print edition. We’re almost done with pulling it together, so do keep your eyes peeled for any updates about distribution and dates.
Of course, we still have your usual news snippets, some great recommendations to keep you busy, a list of our current top five bars for the summer and more.
Happy reading!
News snippets 🗞
🚨 The men who stabbed a journalist in Wimbledon in 2024 were working for Iran as part of a campaign of “Iranian terror”, a court has been told. In March 2024, two Romanian men — George Stana, 25, and Nandito Badea, 21 — were accused of attacking Pouria Zeraati, a journalist for a Persian-language television station. Stana and Badea have both denied charges of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding. In March 2023, officers found Stana in a rear communal garden at Zeratti’s address wearing gloves, a blue surgical face mask and carrying a pair of scissors in his pocket. Stana left the UK for Romania soon afterwards. Now Stana and Badea are on trial at Woolwich Crown Court, which is expected to last up to four weeks. Click here to read the full details.
❌ A number of Wimbledon roads will be closed this summer for essential works. These include Copse Hill, Hartfield Road, Kingston Road, Lambourne Avenue, Quicks Road, Thornton Road, St Johns Road, Wimbledon Road, Wimbledon Bridge, St George’s Road and Alexandra Road. Click here to see the exact date of the closures.
🏈 American football is on its way to Wimbledon. The London Warriors will play the first game of their new season at the Cherry Red Records Stadium (home of AFC Wimbledon). The Warriors were recently announced as part of a brand new league known as the American Football League Europe (AFLE). Click here to read more.
🎭 Polka Theatre has announced its packed autumn and winter season for 2026–27. Leading the season is the new musical Toto, which will begin in October. Theatre-goers should also look out for Rebel, Rebel (directed by Polka’s Artistic Director Helen Matravers); Colours, Colours Everywhere; Blub; The Three Little Pigs; At Sea and The Sleep Show, alongside international work including You’ll See by Branar. Click here for the full list and dates.
Property of the week 🏡
This house is all about modernity — just look at that indoor gym. In fact, the property is brand-spanking new, and was only completed in 2018. There are six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a huge garden and underfloor heating for when the cold sets in. But I warn you, reader, this is not a cheap house. Currently, they’re looking for £4.5 million. Check out more photos here.
The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯
🍷 Spotlight on cabernet franc: Cabernet franc is an ancient grape variety often overlooked by its cousin cabernet sauvignon. But for those who haven’t tasted cabernet franc, you are truly missing out. It’s a complex grape with more variation and expression than many of its neighbouring varieties. Tickets are £35 per person.
Where: Jeroboams, Wimbledon Village
When: Friday 22 May, 6–7.30pm
🥕 Wimbledon Village Farmers’ Market: The farmers’ market is a classic weekend activity. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for that strange bespoke veg item from BBC Good Food or just a plain old carrot, the farmers’ market will surely have it. Get yourself along this weekend and pick up some groceries to assemble an extravagant spring salad as the weather warms up.
Where: Wimbledon Village
When: Sunday 24 May, 10am – 3pm
🍸 Bring your own booze comedy: You’ve heard of BYOB restaurants, but have you heard of BYOB comedy? Join this event for a high-energy night of laughs at Wimbledon Reference Library. Tickets are £5 and are available here or on the door.
Where: Wimbledon Library
When: Wednesday 27 May, 8pm
🏆 Wimbledon Society Lecture: Josephine Butler: In Victorian times, a woman living quietly at North View on Wimbledon Common was stirring up a national storm. But Josephine Butler wasn’t content to accept the injustices of her age. Join Susanna Rustin, social affairs leader writer at the Guardian and former arts journalist at the Financial Times, as she takes you through the extraordinary life of this Wimbledon heroine. Click here for more details.
Where: Emmanuel Church
When: Wednesday 27 May, 7pm
❤️🩹 Understanding self-harm in young people (webinar): This is a free webinar covering the causes, risk factors & triggers of self-harm — as well as strategies to support young people who self-harm. The session will be led by Stephen McCluskey, a highly experienced mental health nurse who has spent the last 30 years working within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This webinar is free to join, but you must reserve a spot here.
Where: Online
When: Wednesday 27 May, 12–1pm
Best spots for a drink this summer 🍹
Vineria @ Vallebona — 70a High Street, Wimbledon Village
Stefano Vallebona moved to the UK in 1997. Borough Market's first Italian trader, he then opened a shop in Wimbledon Village with his wife, Naoko. Vineria is the attached wine bar. Expect romantic tables, five-star ingredients, stunning wines (many from rare regions), and a sleek pizza and small plates menu.
601 Queen’s Road — Wimbledon Quarter
Potentially one of the most aesthetically-pleasing venues in Wimbledon, 601 Queen’s Road is the perfect place for some light food and a couple of drinks bang in the centre. Head here if you’re a fan of small plates, picky bits and delicious cocktails. Oh, and make sure to check out their beautiful roof terrace.
The Sultan — 78 Norman Road
There are few proper boozers left in London like The Sultan. Having won the South West London Camra Pub of the Year four times, it’s no shock that this watering hole is one of Wimbledon’s finest. I first popped in here when I visited Wimbledon’s Greensleeves Morris Men. If you’re a fan of real ale, this is the place to be.
Artisans Depot — 154 Merton Hall Road
We’ve been a fan of this intimate wine bar since it reopened last year. Led by two local fathers, Artisans Depot has broadened its horizons with themed tastings and tapas (and pintxos) nights. Whether you fancy a glass in or want to pick up that perfect bottle for dinner at home, Artisans Depot is the place for you.
The Loft at The Alexandra — 33 Wimbledon High Road
The Alex has always been at the heart of Wimbledon’s community. At Christmas, they serve nearly 180 free lunches for those who have found themselves alone during the holidays. But beyond community, The Alex is one of the loveliest places for a pint or a glass of wine in south London, and their Loft rooftop bar is particularly charming during the warmer weather.
The Trafalgar — 23 High Path
Another winner of CAMRA’s South West London Pub of the Year, The Trafalgar reopened in 2023 when Oli Carter-Esdale took the helm. The Trafalgar is a real neighbourhood spot, though it has faced uncertainty in recent years as developers have sought to turn the pub into a block of flats and a café. But locals have shown their support for this gem, and all it takes is popping your head in to see how beloved this SW19 pub is.
Question of the week 🔍
Last week, I asked you how many kilograms of strawberries are consumed at Wimbledon each year. The answer: 28,000kg.
Q: Which of these events took place at the former Wimbledon Stadium?
You’re up to date 👋
I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition. Do keep sharing The Wimble with your friends and family so we can continue to grow our newsletter. Keep your eyes peeled for updates about our print edition, have a great week, and we’ll see you next time.