Each summer, south-west London becomes home to Wimbledon, the world’s oldest tennis tournament, first played in 1877 and still the only Grand Slam contested on grass. Nearly 150 years after it was first played, Wimbledon still observes many of the customs that have become synonymous with The Championships, from the all-white dress code and the Royal Box to the strawberries and cream served throughout the fortnight.
It’s this commitment to tradition that’s made Wimbledon one of Britain’s most famous summer occasions, and as such, visitors arrive from every corner of the world to embrace the atmosphere, the history and the unmistakable sense London. As the Official Payment Partner of The Championships since 2019, American Express will once again play a important role throughout the tournament; this year’s programme spreads from the famous Wimbledon Queue to Battersea Power Station, with new activations, hospitality and interactive experiences that have been specially designed to give visitors more ways to enjoy The Championships.
Hospitality at Wimbledon
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Expect a range of cardmember benefits throughout The Championships – there’s the American Express Cardmember Lounge between Courts 3 and 12 and the Upper Deck of the Amex Pavilion, which overlooks The Hill, offering places to relax between matches. Also, they’re back with returning favourites such as the complimentary Wimbledon radios, allowing spectators to follow live commentary, alongside last-minute Centre Court ticket opportunities for eligible cardmembers and the new Off-Court Collection, a series of fun Wimbledon-inspired charms designed for bags, phones and accessories. For invited guests, American Express will also host a private hospitality suite overlooking No.1 Court, doubling down on its presence.
Around the grounds
There will also be plenty to discover in the Amex Experience in the Southern Village, with new additions including Dash to the Match, a digital game where visitors navigate a virtual Wimbledon, and Spectate in Style – an interactive photo experience that captures the spirit of Centre Court. Alongside the new additions, there’s also the From Wimbledon with Love postcard station, personalised tennis ball printing and the floral Swing Shot photo installation. If you fancy something sweet, the Amex Pavilion Lower Deck is home to the Soft Serve Club, while Rally Run and the More Machine offer a bit of fun between matches with prizes to be won.
Wimbledon across London
The Championships will also be celebrated across London, take Battersea Power Station where American Express will host The Wimbledon Experience with live screenings, complimentary tennis charms and dining offers for eligible cardmembers. Those joining the famous Wimbledon Queue will find the Chair of Champions, a giant chair made from tennis balls, plus the chance to enter a daily prize draw for Centre Court tickets.
Centre Court may be the main attraction, but Wimbledon is celebrated across London each summer, from tennis-inspired afternoon teas and seasonal menus to themed cocktails and events across the city, The Championships have become part of the summer calendar.
Those following Wimbledon from home can also get involved through Wimbledon Up!, a new game inspired by the popular “Only Up” format within Fortnite, while the Wimbledon eChamps will bring together players from around the world through the Tennis Clash mobile game.
Hotels for The Championships
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Visitors wanting to bring Wimbledon back to their hotel can head to 1 Hotel Mayfair, where Tennis on the Terrace returns for the fortnight. The hotel’s Signature Suites have been turned into private viewing spaces complete with live match screenings, a barbecue menu, a private Pimm’s bar and, naturally, strawberries and cream. The standout? Well, it’s the Garden Terrace Penthouse, which features a 102sqm private terrace overlooking Mayfair.
The Ritz London has been synonymous with London’s social season since 1906 and remains one of the capital’s most celebrated addresses, making it an elegant base for Wimbledon. Guests can retreat to The Secret Garden, the hotel’s secluded outdoor dining destination in Mayfair, where Mediterranean-inspired dishes, Champagne, botanical cocktails and live music set the scene throughout the summer. Afterwards, the Art Deco-inspired Rivoli Bar is the perfect spot for a post-match cocktail.
For those seeking a quintessentially British stay, The Goring has close ties to the British Royal Family and is the last family-owned luxury hotel in London. A fixture of the capital’s social season for more than a century, its classic English interiors and quiet Belgravia setting offer a distinctly British stay during Wimbledon fortnight. Guests can also dine at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where executive chef Graham Squire oversees a menu celebrating seasonal British produce.
