What do you love about Wimbledon?
Plus: We try one of Wimbledon's newest and hottest restaurants
Good morning, Wimblers — I hope that everyone is well and surviving (or thriving) in this heat.
You might be wondering about the title of this week’s newsletter. It was inspired by Amy Clarke’s article last week (click on the word ‘article’ to read it) about her favourite spots in Wimbledon. It got me thinking: what are my favourite spots in the neighbourhood? And more importantly, what are yours? I’d love it if as many of you as possible could email them in — restaurants, bars, pubs, shops, buildings, roads, whatever else you fancy — with a couple of sentences explaining why. Then, I’ll compile a list and share it with our readers. Send all of your ideas to zak@thewimble.com. I’m looking forward to it!
Other than that, we’ve got a jam-packed list of news snippets, some great recommendations for the week ahead and a ridiculous property of the week. I also took it upon myself to visit one of Wimbledon’s newest restaurants, Aimer. Scroll down to see what I found. Other than that, happy reading!
News snippets 🗞
🟢 Wimbledon Quarter have been given the green light to undergo further redevelopment works on Queen’s Road. A key aspect of the approved plans include a single-storey ground-floor glazed extension to the former Magistrates’ Court. Designed to be sympathetic to the heritage of the area, the extension will carefully consider the surrounding streetscape and the adjacent listed buildings, preserving the architectural character while delivering modern enhancements. Residents will also be happy to know that the bus stop will remain in its current spot — so no need to panic if you’re a commuter!
🎶 Crib Notes Choir is back! Created especially for parents, the Wimbledon-based choir has announced the start of a brand new term beginning Tuesday 9 September. The first session will take place at 11.15am and will be held at South Park Gardens Pavilion. But before that, they’re kicking things off with a one-off summer workshop on Tuesday 26 August (also at South Park Gardens). This is the perfect chance to try out some vocal warm-ups, learn a new song and enjoy a musical round in a relaxed environment. And don’t worry if you haven’t sung in a choir before; Crib Notes is a space for people of all abilities. Check out details and pricing here.
🧺 Celebrations are in order for Wimbledon Quarter’s Rooftop Farm after they were featured in both the BBC and Country & Town House. They’ve also been nominated at the Merton Best Business Awards in the category for the best environmentally and socially responsible business. Three cheers for the farm!
📰 It was reported by the BBC yesterday that Members of the Merton Centre for Independent Living (CIL) gathered in front of the New Wimbledon Theatre to call for action over the theatre’s only accessible lift which stopped working in March of this year. A spokesperson from New Wimbledon Theatre said they were sorry the lift was not working, and "for the frustration and inconvenience this may have caused". The theatre also responded by issuing a press release on their Instagram that said: “We are pleased to confirm that a new passenger lift will be installed, with work beginning at the end of September. We expect it to be fully operational by mid-to-late October.”
🔵🟡 The Guardian’s Michael Roberts has just written a very touching piece about AFC Wimbledon. Roberts, who “despised” football until about 10 years ago, discovered AFC Wimbledon in the 2024–25 season. Living just 20 minutes from the stadium, he decided to give Plough Lane a visit and was instantly hooked. In this passage, Roberts explores some of the ways in which he was welcomed by the club and its fans:
“AFC Wimbledon’s subtle matchday seduction would begin with their £3 programme – a nostalgic relic from a bygone age but an invitation to learn. A reasonable price tag was also attached to tickets, food and drink. After games I would get sucked into club stories, check fixtures and shop the merchandise. I was amazed at the way the club enveloped the fans, who in this case owned them. There was little difference in supporting this club to the nerdy pursuits I had as a kid.”
Read the rest of Roberts’s article here.
⭐ War Horse at the New Wimbledon Theatre has received rave reviews from Everything Theatre, theatrereviews4u, London Theatreland and London Theatre Review. There are only a few performances left. Tickets can be bought here.
🐾 Waggy Walks is back for its eighth year. Join local charity Wimbledon Guild on Saturday 4 October — from 10.30am to 2.30pm — on Wimbledon Common to help raise money and support for people in the local community. The walks are either 4k or 7k, and they start from the Hand in Hand in the village. Tickets to participate are on sale now. And don’t worry if you don’t have a dog; Waggy Walks is a day designed for everyone, and there’s plenty to do for those without pups of their own — including a social walk at midday to meet new people in the local area.
Property of the week 🏡
These properties are getting silly now. Look at this place. Seven bedrooms. Six bathrooms. A pool that even Burt Lancaster’s character in The Swimmer might take a dip in. I can’t get over the conservatory area, with its church-like arched windows. This house is certainly a beauty. But what’s the damage? Well, this particular gem will set you back £7.25m. But who can put a price on luxury? Well, most of us. Still, it’s nice to do a bit of window shopping. Check out more photos on Rightmove.
The Wimble’s to-do list 📺
🍷 Wine tour of Italy at Jeroboams: From Barolo to Barbaresco, Soave to Pinot Grigio, Italy is a powerhouse in the wine market — and it’s still responsible for the UK’s most popular varieties. Now, Jeroboams are offering you the chance to take a tour through the country (from the comfort of Wimbledon Village). The tasting features six carefully chosen bottles from across the region, each one typical of its style, along with cheeses, charcuterie and other antipasti on offer. Tickets are £40 and can be bought here.
Where: Jeroboams, Wimbledon Village
When: Friday 22 August, 6–7.30pm
🎉 Wimbledon Quarter’s Summer Fête: This is fun for whole family and a great way to spend the last weekend of the school holidays. There will be children’s rides, a bouncy castle & soft play, giant games, face painting, arts and crafts and snacks for everyone. Some of these activities will be free of charge whilst some may cost a small fee. The event is suitable for children up to the age of 10.
Where: Wimbledon Quarter
When: Saturday 30 August, 11am–4pm
♻️ Sustainable September: This autumn, Wimbledon is going green again as Sustainable September returns. Love Wimbledon, Wimbledon Quarter and Go Inspire have collaborated once more to bring you four weeks of events designed to inspire and engage residents with the notion of circular living. Check out a run-down of the events here.
Where: Wimbledon Quarter (and other locations)
When: Saturday 6 September – Sunday 27 September
🏰 Merton Heritage Discovery Day: This FREE family-friendly event is an annual showcase for Merton’s rich past. There will be walks, talks, displays, quizzes, children’s activities, plus plenty of stalls.
Where: Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden
When: Saturday 16 August, 10.30am–4.30pm
🎸 Tuned in with Jah Wobble: Join acclaimed musician Jah Wobble (John Wardle, former bass player and founding member of PiL) in Wimbledon on Monday night for a jam session. Tuned In began in 2019 as a project aiming to tackle loneliness in the Merton area. The session is open to anyone who would like to meet new people, play a bit of music and get their creative juices flowing. Particular focus is placed on men who are 50+ experiencing loneliness, but the event is open to all.
Where: Merton Arts Space, Wimbledon Library.
When: Monday 18 August, 7–10pm
🏃♀️ Wimbledon Common Parkrun: Another weekend is fast approaching, which can only mean one thing: it’s time for a little run. This is a fun, free and friendly 5k community event, where participants can choose to run, jog or walk. And don’t worry if the thought of sweating for an hour around Wimbledon Common terrifies you — you can even just watch instead.
Where: Windmill car park
When: Saturday 16 August, 9am
☮️ Community VJ Day walk of remembrance: We mentioned this in our last edition, but consider this a reminder. The community VJ (Victory over Japan) Day walk of remembrance is a chance to honour the bravery and sacrifice of all those who served in the Far East during the Second World War. The 80-year anniversary also coincides with the second anniversary of the founding of Wimbledon Common and Village Walk & Talk, who are hosting the day’s events. Click here to see an overview of the itinerary.
Where: Wimbledon War Memorial
When: Saturday 16 August, 10.30am – 12.30pm
A Mediterranean flair in the heart of Wimbledon: an evening at Aimer 🥩
We want to support our local businesses. As much as we love our reliable chains — GAIL’S, I’m looking at you — independent businesses will always hold a special place in our hearts. But local independent businesses are hard to maintain. Without loyal customers, they cease to exist.
We’re lucky in Wimbledon. We still have those unique shops that give our area character. Just off the top of my head, I can think of more than a half-dozen: Mai Thai, Stagedoor Steakhouse, The Old Frizzle, Oy Bar, Bombay Delight, Thrift Bakery, Fox & Grapes and the Black Lamb. But in our ever-immaterial online world, it’s hard to keep up with the independent openings around us. Instead, we look towards Instagram and TikTok for foodie recommendations, and download apps for cheap deals and quick thrills. But it’s important that we don’t forget what’s right in front of us: the businesses opening in our area. In early February, Aimer opened its doors on Gladstone Road. It’s a Mediterranean restaurant bringing fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours to the heart of Wimbledon. I thought it was high time to check it out.
It’s a horribly hot day in Wimbledon, and I’m soaked through with sweat. In fact, I’m worried that I’m changing states: I’m a solid now, but soon I’ll be a liquid, and then a gas, and then just a cloud of thin smoke billowing through the sky as my girlfriend arrives and wonders where I am.
We’re going to Aimer. I’ve heard good things — great things — and I’m excited. It’s a Tuesday, so it’s quiet. We take our seats at a table by the bar, near large windows that my girlfriend and I can people-watch from.
We order our starters: lamb croquettes and a tuna carpaccio — always a good choice. This one doesn’t disappoint. It has a citrus dressing, and is smattered with jalapenos and pomegranates (a favourite of mine). But it’s the garlic-infused lamb croquettes that really do it for me. There’s something about the combination of jus and béchamel sauce that hits the spot — and I say this as someone who is somewhat tired of croquettes in our oversaturated London small plates market.
On to the mains. We’ve ordered tuna tataki (what can I say? I like tuna. Sue me) and a sirloin steak, accompanied by some chunky chips and a fresh salad. The steak is cooked medium-rare, and the outside is seared nicely. It’s a hefty cut of meat, and at £24, it’s good value for money. My favourite, though, is the tuna tataki. Covered in sesame seeds and paired with avocado cream, it sits in a pool of soy dressing. It’s delicious: not too raw on the inside but certainly not overdone.
My girlfriend and I have different ideas when it comes to drinks. I go for a glass of Sangiovese, while she opts for a Trebbiano (both Italian classics). At £8.80 a glass, I can’t complain. The portion sizes are generous at Aimer, and we leave feeling full. But more than that, I’m happy to have supported a new independent business. Here’s to Aimer, and hopefully many more restaurants like it.
Scores on the doors:
Tuna carpaccio: £11
Lamb croquettes: £12
Tuna tataki: £24
Sirloin steak: £24
Sangiovese (250ml): £8.80
Trebbiano (250ml): £8.80
You can find Aimer at 1, Gladstone Road, SW19 1QU. Check out their website and menus here.
Question of the week 🔍
Last week, I asked you when the Hall School in Wimbledon opened. The answer: 1991
Q: Which of these famous authors lived in Wimbledon?
You’re up to date 👋
Thank you very much for reading this week’s edition. Do share the newsletter with your friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, enemies and just about anyone who has access to the internet. Drop me a line if you want a story featured: zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll catch you next time.