Wimbledon's Sweetheart: Strawberries and Cream Remain an Undisputed Icon at 2026 Championships

As the 2026 Wimbledon Championships swing into full gear at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, one tradition remains as fresh and beloved as ever: strawberries and cream. This iconic dessert, served since the tournament's inception in 1877, continues to be the quintessential taste of the British summer, with spectators set to devour over 140,000 portions this year, despite a slight price increase to £2.85 per serving. The roots of this sweet pairing stretch back centuries, long before tennis balls bounced on grass courts. Historians trace the combination to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, King Henry VIII right-hand man, who reputedly served strawberries and cream at a lavish banquet in 1509. Its association with Wimbledon solidified in the Victorian era, when strawberries, a seasonal luxury peaking during the tournament, became a fashionable status symbol for the upper classes attending the matches. Today, the berries are still handpicked daily from Grade 1 farms in Kent, ensuring peak freshness. Beyond the courts, strawberries and cream are now synonymous with the entire Wimbledon experience, sitting proudly alongside other beloved rituals like the all-white dress code, Pimm's cocktails, and 'The Queue.' Its enduring popularity highlights how deeply food traditions are woven into cultural events, offering a taste of history and a shared experience that transcends generations. As Executive Chef Sam Morgan oversees this year's culinary operations, the simple delight of strawberries and cream remains central to the tournament's unique charm.