Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream Recipe

Learn how to make Strawberries and Cream just like at Wimbledon! This simple recipe is naturally gluten-free, light, and refreshing. Perfect as a summer dessert or snack.

Every summer, as Wimbledon kicks off in London, tennis fans and food lovers alike look forward to one thing: strawberries and cream.

Yes, there’s world-class tennis happening on Centre Court, but this simple, iconic dessert has become just as much a part of the tradition as the matches themselves.

When I visited London from California last spring, I was genuinely impressed by the freshness and flavor of the ingredients, especially the produce and dairy. The berries, in particular, were much fresher than what I can usually find at local supermarkets.

So, with Wimbledon season upon us, I thought, why not bring a little bit of that magic home?

Why Strawberries and Cream Are So Iconic at Wimbledon

Wimbledon’s strawberries and cream date all the way back to the 1800s, when the All England Croquet Club (before it became a tennis club) started serving this simple summer treat at their garden parties.

It became a tournament tradition when lawn tennis was introduced in 1877, and to this day, it remains considered “a true icon of The Championships.”

Fun fact: In 2024, nearly 2 million strawberries were served during the tournament! And while lunch at one of the club’s restaurants might cost over £130, a bowl of strawberries and cream remains a modest £2.70—a price that stayed almost unchanged for 15 years.

The Secret is in the Ingredients

This recipe couldn’t be more straightforward. The key is choosing the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find and pairing them with really good-quality cream. If you’re lucky enough to find local, in-season strawberries at your farmers market, grab them. Small strawberries work best here as they are traditionally served whole.

What to Serve with Strawberries and Cream (Wimbledon Style)

At Wimbledon, strawberries and cream are often accompanied by something equally celebratory. Any dish from our list of Famous British Foods would work, but these are a perfect fit to serve alongside Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream.

Here are a few traditional pairings:

• Champagne or English Sparkling Wine:
  Nothing says summer tennis like a glass of bubbly. It’s the classic Wimbledon pairing, adding that little extra fancy touch.
• Pimm’s Cup:
  Another Wimbledon favorite. This refreshing gin-based cocktail, loaded with citrus, cucumber, and mint, evokes the essence of a British summer in a glass.
• Earl Grey or Afternoon Tea:
  If you want to lean into cozy British tradition, serve your strawberries and cream with a pot of tea. Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or even a light herbal blend all work beautifully.
• Lemonade or Elderflower Cordial:
  For a non-alcoholic option that still feels festive, serve with chilled homemade lemonade or a splash of elderflower cordial with sparkling water.
• Tea Sandwiches: Cucumber or Coronation Chicken sandwiches would be an ideal savory snack.
• Classic British Scones: Go all-out afternoon tea by making Buckingham Palace’s Scones.