Ah Bank Holiday weekend – an extra day off. Most chaps enjoy spending at least one afternoon watching sport, however if you cannot get to any of the local action this weekend, your best bet is the pub; but where should a man head to? Wimbledon has a glorious plethora of viewing options – so here is the Wimbledon Gent run down of the top 5 in no particular order.
In place of what was once the thoroughly low brow Walkabout, The Old Frizzle has swooped in with a mix of good food and entertainment, which continues to impress. On a sporting front they cannot be pigeon-holed to one genre, as they frequently show a wide range of sports, all at once, with priority of sound being given to the most popular. The large back room gives for a great atmosphere and large groups. At the same time, the food here (with table service) is thoroughly enjoyable and you can sit back and watch your favourite game with a wide range of beers and wines.
Check their what’s on page, which is regularly updated with the weekend’s action.
An old favourite of the village, the Rose and Crown is not overly known for being a sporting location, unless a local rugby club are in post match. In fairness the Rose and Crown is more known for its fine range of real ales, great food and traditional pub fayre in a homely atmosphere that you are always happy to take family to. However, the management here are keen to keep their locals happy and, on major sporting occasions they have a range of screens to watch the sport on, including one in the garden. This is a must visit venue during the tennis and has a cracking BBQ set up in the garden. Do not always expect the sound on during all sports so it is sometimes better to ring in advance and check.
Any resident of Wimbledon will be able to tell a tale of The Alexandra. In many ways this Public House is more like four pubs in one. Both the sports bar and green bar down stairs, have a range of small screen and large screens allowing clear views from any location. The lounge bar, (the Smart Alex) is less know for the sport and more chilled live music and evening sessions. Upstairs you have the loft which is brilliant in the summer, however the only sport they say they show up here is the rugby. The management here do try to accommodate their patrons but the onus is on the majority.
Let’s get this straight – this is not a high-end establishment. This is a beer hall with a South African emphasis and a location that prides itself as the home of the Natal Sharks London fan base. However, if you need somewhere to watch rugby or cricket when no else is showing it – these guys tends to accommodate. So if you can step down the hill a bit – this venue is always fun, the beer is cheap and so are the wings. It’s certainly a change of style from the usual, and if you can stay on pace – there is a huge games room upstairs, with such frivoliities as beer pong, pool and table tennis…
Recently refurbed, this place cements its value as a Ridgeway favourite. Sports-wise these guys show the main events of an evening and during the day. They have a good range of real ale, nice wines and a range of screen providing clear viewing from most angles. They also have a screen in their garden and it’s a great place to sit on a sunny day with a cold one watching the sport.
If you have any personal favourites that I have missed– let me know on Twitter: @WimbledonGent.
By Wimbledon Gent, Matthew Benwell
About The Author
Matthew Benwell
Dapper man-about-Wimbledon and rugby enthusiast Matthew (aka ‘Badger’) focuses on the life of a modern gent in SW London: trends, news and views with relevance and character, delivered with a sense of fun.