Hand in Hand | Words by Euan Dawtrey
Euan Dawtrey 06/09/22
Best pubs in Wimbledon | 5 excellent boozers
If you find yourself up the hill in Wimbledon, strolling across the Common, and marvelling at the wonderful county village vibe (and honestly, Wimbledon does country villages better than some country villages do villages in the country) then you’d be forgiven for thinking that the place is one thatched roof away from the feudal system.
Which is a shorthand way of saying that it’s got a lot of good pubs.
And we’ve rounded up the best of them right here…
The Crooked Billet
If Wimbledon is a London borough with the vibe of an English countryside village, then the Crooked Billet is the jewel in its flat cap.
Throw a stone from the place and it’ll land on the Wimbledon Common, although we recommend trying this before, not after, your evening of free-flowing merriment. The Crooked Billet is a gastropub with authenticity abound; pictures of Wimbledon old and new line the walls, and the beers span crafts and cask ales. And come Sunday? There’s a choice of five roasts on offer, including the lionised classic Aberdeen Angus ribeye of Beef and the chef’s favourite: vegan roast; seitan, mushroom, shallots and beetroot Wellington, all of which are served with a plate full of trimmings. All told, one of the best pubs in Wimbledon.
Details: 14 – 15 Crooked Billet, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4RQ | For more information, or to book, visit their website here.
The Dog & Fox
Hotel pubs feel like an olden-day feature of green and pleasant land, where Egyptian cotton and freestanding tubs coalesced in perfect harmony. But thanks to the Dog & Fox, Britain’s age-old marriage of bed and board is still very much alive. The Dog & Fox is a short walk from Wimbledon Common and is full of beautiful old antiques, mahogany features and tartan textiles. The dining space and accompanying menu bring a touch of continental class to the ol’ English aesthetic. It’s not all beef and tatters in a warm sea of gravy at The Dog & Fox.
The starting dish of Burrata served with fig, sun-dried tomato puree, herbed croutons and chicory offers an excellent vegetarian diversion from the meat to follow, which we recommend be the Pork, leek & apple sausages, crushed new potatoes, buttered spring greens and gravy. After your ingratiation, avoid the tube, cab and bus and head up the stairs to the Dog & Fox’s above-pub place of rest…
Details: 24 High Street, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5EA | For more information, or to book, visit their website here
Hand in Hand
Hand in Hand is one of the best pubs in Wimbledon for humans and dogs alike. The interior is grungy (for Wimbledon), uncontrived and sociable. When Hand in Hand gets busy in the summer months, which it often does, the punters spill out onto the grass outside to take in the gloaming. It’s romantic and peaceful, and a mecca for the dogs of SW.
Hand in Hand also offers a famous beer masterclass, providing a bespoke beer exploration into the fizzy nuances of beer production. The menu is busy and exciting. The Orange, fennel, pollen, dill marinated Smoked Salmon makes for an exquisite starter plate, and can be followed by handmade pies, curries, fish and chips and a myriad array of meats and cheeses.
Details: 6 Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19 4RQ | For more information, or to book, visit their website here
The Rose & Crown
The Rose & Crown is another lively pub with a host of cosy rooms to boot and is located, you guessed it, beside Wimbledon common. You can fill yourself up after a marathon stroll with their alluring ‘Brunch of Dreams.’ Or how about getting sticky around a freshly baked reservoir of Camembert? See you in the cheese. The Rose & Crown is somewhat synonymous with tennis, and may just be the best place to watch Centre Court, outside of Centre Court. There are expansive viewing screens with an accompanying atmosphere to rival Henman Hill – well not really, but it is a good place to watch the tennis.
And the kicker? The Rose & Crown is also home to Wimbledon’s stand-out pub quiz, which is saying something, running every Tuesday from 7:30 pm.
Details: 55 High Street Wimbledon, London, SW19 5BA | For more information, or to book, visit their website here
The Fox & Grape
The Fox & Grape is another historic institution where you can eat, drink and sleep beside Wimbledon Common. What sets The Fox and Grape apart, however, is its status as the only independent pub in Wimbledon automatically makes it one of the best pubs in Wimbledon, giving it a rare cache amongst the chain brewery rabble.
The Fox & Grape’s menu channels all the flavours, colours and smells of a blooming country garden. The interior is light and airy, the menu is fresh and filling, and the beer selection – thanks to that independent status – is broad & interesting.
Details: 9 Camp Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4UN | For more information, or to book, visit their website here
Looking for something to eat with that? Head on down to The Black Lamb…
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