Why strawberries and cream became Wimbledon's sweetest tradition

Strawberries and cream have long been a staple at Wimbledon. The tradition began even before the first lawn tennis matches were played there. It remains one of the tournament’s most enduring symbols. In Victorian England, the dessert was already a favourite at summer garden parties, cricket matches, and charity events. Londoners ate an estimated 12 million berries a day during peak season in the late 19th century. The All England Club served it to guests even when croquet was its only sport.

The timing of Wimbledon aligned perfectly with the short strawberry season. This made the treat a natural choice for the championships. Later, refrigeration extended strawberry availability, but the tradition stayed strong.

Today, nearly two million berries are eaten by spectators each year. For many, the dish evokes nostalgia for a time when fresh strawberries were a rare seasonal pleasure. The combination of taste and tradition keeps strawberries and cream a Wimbledon highlight. Their history ties the tournament to a bygone era of summer customs. The dessert remains as much a part of the event as the tennis itself.