NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT
Commuting: Based at the southern end of District Line, Wimbledon Station has good access to West and Central London. There are also regular overground trains to Waterloo (taking 19 minutes) and a twice-hourly service to St. Pancras (taking 40 minutes).
Education: Ursuline High for girls and Wimbledon College for boys are two above-average comprehensives. Wimbledon High is a well-reputed private girls school, while the highly academic King’s College School was recently described in glowing terms by Tatler’s School Guide as “sizzling…the most exciting day school in London”.
Crime: One of the lowest crime rates in London.
Bars and restaurants: A medley of upmarket chains like Café Rouge and Carluccio’s, plus some great independent outlets. The Dog and Fox is the oldest and liveliest pub in Wimbledon, located at the heart of the Village. It boasts a generous selection of ales, hearty unpretentious pub food, and a large beer garden – perfect for summertime schmoozing. The Light House restaurant is a safe bet for something more refined. Its dessert menu (created by an ex-Boxwood Café pastry chef) is a particular highlight, currently featuring tempting treats such as coconut and pineapple parfait, and a dark chocolate cheesecake with cherry sauce.
Leisure: SW19 is home to the All England Tennis Club and the famous tennis championship that is held there each summer. The Polka Theatre is a children’s theatre, which puts on colourful and stimulating productions. Wimbledon Common, with its picturesque windmill (now a rather quirky museum) is a lovely spot for a leisurely sunday afternoon stroll.
Shopping: The buzzy town centre is home to a large Morrisons supermarket and two departments stores: Debenhams and Elys. Wimbledon Village boasts chi-chi boutiques and classy chains like LK Bennett, Joseph and Whistles. Top fashion chain Matches originated in Wimbledon and now has six shops in the village.