🍓 The History of Strawberries & Cream at Wimbledon: A Timeless Summer Tradition

Few things signal the arrival of the British summer season more elegantly than a bowl of strawberries and cream. Pair that with white linen trousers, a chilled Pimm’s in hand, and the sound of tennis balls echoing across manicured lawns—and you’ve arrived at Wimbledon.

But why strawberries? And why cream? The story behind this now-iconic duo is as quintessentially British as the game itself.

🎾 The Origins: A Royal Influence

The tradition dates back to 1877, the year of the first Wimbledon Championship, when just 200 spectators gathered to watch the Gentlemen’s Singles. At the time, strawberries were considered a luxury delicacy, available only for a few short weeks in the British summer and often enjoyed by the upper classes.

Enter King George V’s era, where the royal influence on seasonal eating habits trickled down to society. Strawberries with cream became not just a dessert, but a statement of refinement—simple, fresh, and dignified.

🍓 Why Strawberries?

In the 19th century, strawberries were synonymous with summer leisure. They were in season during the tournament and considered the perfect refreshment for a garden party or sporting afternoon. Their vibrant colour also looked exquisite against Wimbledon’s lush green lawns and players’ all-white attire—no accident in a sport obsessed with tradition and presentation.

🥛 Why Cream?

Pairing strawberries with cream dates back to Tudor times, when Thomas Wolsey, a confidant of Henry VIII, first served the combination at court banquets. The rich cream softened the tartness of the strawberries and created a delicate, indulgent balance—perfect for an event defined by elegant restraint and understated luxury.

📈 From Courtside Treat to Cultural Icon

Fast-forward to today: over 190,000 servings of strawberries and cream are consumed during The Championships each year. The berries are picked fresh every morning from Kent, hand-selected for size and sweetness, and always served with a precise dollop of thick cream. Even the measurements remain carefully considered—ten strawberries per portion is standard.

It’s a taste of heritage, a nod to British formality, and a reminder that some traditions simply never go out of style.

🏛 A Lords Club Kind of Tradition

At The Lords Club, we’ve long admired the quiet elegance of Wimbledon. The strawberries and cream tradition reflects what we believe in: timelessness, attention to detail, and living well without shouting about it.

Whether you’re watching from Centre Court, a garden terrace, or the comfort of your country home, take a moment this summer to indulge in this most noble pairing.

Strawberries. Cream. Tradition.

The gentleman’s way.