The famous Tennis Championships are only a couple of weeks away, but what’s so great about Wimbledon itself? We talk to our Wimbledon branch Sales Manager, Thomas Lebbern, to find out.
What has Wimbledon got to offer its residents?
Thomas: "Wimbledon has got the full package! The vibrant town centre has a fantastic range of shops with both the Elys department store and the Centre Court Shopping Centre, as well as a number of distinguished eateries. Sticks ‘N’ Sushi on Wimbledon High Street serves up a fusion of Japanese and Danish food!
Sticks 'N' Sushi
The sought-after Wimbledon Village is home to upmarket shops, cafés and further restaurants, including the popular Light on the Common that produces a modern European menu using fresh seasonal food.
Popular amongst the locals, the Wimbledon Market is a monthly market with a good mix of regular and new traders selling a variety of produce. Annually, there is also the Wimbledon Guild Village Fair which we always sponsor - this year come and bring your family to our climbing wall which we’re rather excited to try out ourselves too!
Wimbledon is also really well connected with the National Rail, Tramlink and the District Line, while South Wimbledon also has the Northern line, offering easy access to central London."
What is the property portfolio for Wimbledon and who buys there?
Thomas: "Wimbledon has something for everyone. It is made up of a diverse mix of properties, including period conversions, purpose-built apartment blocks and new builds, catering to a variety of potential buyers and tenants.
"For a truly luxurious range of houses, Wimbledon Village is the place to go,"
The houses surrounding South Park Gardens and Dundonald Recreation Ground are particularly attractive to families as they have close proximity to schools rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, such as Wimbledon Chase Primary School and Holy Trinity Primary School.
For a truly luxurious range of houses, Wimbledon Village is the place to go, while the transport links in the central part of Wimbledon make it an ideal area for professionals who need to commute further into London for work.
There is also a significant population of South Africans who have been drawn to the area via word of mouth, prompting the opening of South African-inspired bars and shops - Snoggy’s in Wimbledon Station itself sells biltong worth travelling for."
How has Wimbledon changed over the past five/ten years?
Thomas: "Wimbledon has seen plenty of change over the years with new luxury developments such as Worple Road Mews and Palmerstone Road, and the transformation of old offices or commercial spaces into flats. The peripheries of Wimbledon have increased in popularity as the area has become further cemented as an established area."
Where is your favourite place to go in Wimbledon?
Thomas: "There are so many options food wise in Wimbledon, but I personally love to have lunch in the Dog and Fox on Wimbledon High Street then go for a walk on Wimbledon Common which is just up the hill from the pub and takes up an enormous 460 hectares. Other than its beautiful plant life, the area also offers an old windmill that has been transformed into a museum (the Windmill Museum), as well as the option of horse riding offered by the Wimbledon Village Stables.
If it’s a bit earlier in the day, Maison St Cassien is an independent coffee shop that serves up the perfect brunch and coffee to get you started in the morning."
How does Wimbledon change during the tennis championships? What’s the atmosphere like?
Thomas: "Wimbledon really comes alive during the renowned tennis championships- there is such a buzz about the place. The pubs and bars are busy every day of the week, especially those with outside seating like the Dog and Fox and The Rose and Crown. The latter opens up a marquee in the back, as well as an additional bar, and plays music to embrace the lively feel while more people spill out onto the streets. Locals and spectators alike are attracted by what’s on offer and plenty of Pimms really adds to the summer vibe!"
Find out more about what's in Wimbledon in our Local Life section, check out the average prices on our Market Trends page, or take a look at the properties we have available for sale and to let in Wimbledon.
