Anyone for Tennis?
By Paloma Lacy
Wimbledon fortnight starts next week.
For those not lucky enough to have secured tickets through the ballot, there are plenty of places to visit and soak up the atmosphere.
There’s something about watching Wimbledon in SW19, ever if that’s from the comfort of a pub.
Here are our favourites:
A firm favourite for tennis fans, soak up the great British summer and go ‘Alex fresco’ at The Alexandra.
Located within walking distance to the tennis club, the pub will be getting into the swing of things with broadcasts of all the matches throughout and on the alfresco terrace, with Sipsmith taking over St Mark’s Place with a street party.
For food, look no further than chin-dribbling burgers from the Burger Shack.
The Alexandra is at 33 Wimbledon Hill, SW19 7NE.
Paying homage to manicured lawns, catch a taste of the action at the Hand in Hand in the heart of Wimbledon Village.
Watch the matches on one of its six TVs or head outside to the pop-up Tree Bar serving Sipsmith gin spritz, Camden Hells and wines.
Just a stone’s throw from the common, there is no better space to soak up the tennis fever.
The Hand in Hand, 6-9 Crooked Billet, SW19 4RQ
With the biggest screen in Wimbledon, and a summer Sipsmith sipping terrace, The Dog & Fox is at the heart of the action.
Come rain or shine the pub will be showing every serve live, while outside will be home to the sun-soaked terrace, flowing with gin and Pimm’s.
Watch the sun set while delving into seasonal British dishes and fizz, while upstairs is home to 28 boutique bedrooms for those looking to retire after the matches.
The Dog & Fox, 24 High Street, SW19 5EA.
A stone’s throw away, in Wandsworth, you can sup a beer at Sambrook’s Brewery Tap, while catching the highlights of the day’s play at Wimbledon.
London’s oldest independent brewery isn’t only serving top class cask ales, IPAs and other brews, but damned fine pizza as well.
When you’ve had your fill of tennis, perhaps you might like to take a brewery tour, a guide to 500 years of brewing.
Streatham Food Festival is back just in time to take diners on a global taste tour.
From July 1-9, Streatham plays host to this much-loved event, introducing residents to restaurants with SW16 and SW2 postcodes.
Participating restaurants, cafes and bars will showcase their signature dish with a special offer of between £2 and £10, valid for the length of the festival, giving people plenty of time to taste their way around Streatham, encouraging people to enjoy a starter, main and desert at different venues.
There are more than 40 eateries taking part including newcomers Lobito Grill and Cake Box alongside food festival favourites, The White Lion, Rice Republic, Perfect Blend, The Real Jerk, Slurp, Streatham Wine House and Tribe.
A map detailing participating restaurants and their offers is available at www.streathamfoodfestival.com and www.instreatham.com.
Additionally, three online cooking demonstrations will showcase the variety of cuisine on offer in the area too, giving people the chance to learn some of their favourite Streatham dishes.
Details of the cooking demonstrations are on Streatham Food Festival’s website and social channels.
Lou Abbotts, BID manager of event organisers, InStreatham BID said: “After a difficult couple of years for local businesses we really want to celebrate the brilliant food and drink we have on our doorstep right here on our doorstep.
“This year’s event is going to be really exciting and we can’t wait to welcome locals and those from further afield to explore the amazing tastes from around the world here in Streatham.”
Peanut Butter Ice Cream
With temperatures set to keep rising in South London, take some time out and cool off with this no churn home-made peanut butter ice cream.
Ingredients:
340g jar of peanut butter (we used SKIPPY® Peanut Butter Extra Creamy)
480g whipping cream
400g sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Toppings: sprinkles, choc chips, sauce, etc as desired
Method:
1. In a medium bowl, beat whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form
2. In separate bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, vanilla extract and salt until smooth
3. Fold whipped cream into milk mixture
4. Transfer to plastic wrap-lined loaf pan. Freeze 4 hours or until firm.
5. Add toppings, if desired.
6. Serve scoops of the ice-cream with fresh berries