Wimbledon Common, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“The venues are wonderful to look at, but the food is almost always below average, over-priced from an uninspiring menu, with service that can be pushy and inflexible” – a fair summary of the pros and cons of the sub-sub brand of the famous Theatreland classic, which more generous fans claim provides “reliable comfort food without the hassle of the original”. Many diners have their eyes wide open when it comes to the trade-offs of choosing to dine here: “you likely have a good time; it’s just that, in London, there is always somewhere more interesting round the corner”.

“Yummy mummy hangouts” that have proliferated across the capital and its surrounding high streets over the past few years, with “relaxed and colourful décor” and “friendly waiting staff”. They are very accommodating to families, both “child-friendly” and “pooch central, with snacks and water” – although if you don’t bring your own, you might find there are “too many dogs”. The eastern Med-style cooking varies between “fresh and well prepared” at best to “adequate, sometimes slow” – while “bottomless Bloody Mary or Mimosa on a Sunday can be dangerous!”.

2023 Review: “The food is exceptional” from a monthly changing menu at this three-year-old independent in Wimbledon Village, owned by “talented young chef” Toby Cartwright, who is supported well by a “knowledgeable front of house team”. Most of the restaurant’s fan club are local, but they feel it deserves wider recognition.

“Really great food at reasonable prices – and the staff seem to really care”: no wonder Wimbledon locals are happy that this modern British restaurant with rear conservatory provides “somewhere decent to eat in the Village”. Its sibling the Light House shut up shop in early 2025, so this is now the only remaining ‘Light’ shining in SW19.

2022 Review: “Good outdoor facilities” boost the appeal of this handsome period inn, near the edge of Wimbledon Village. Run by Youngs, the food receives the odd bum rep, but for the most part is recommended as being good for a pub.

The Wimbledon outpost from the three Gladwin brothers wins solid scores for their ‘Local & Wild’ cuisine, featuring produce and wine from the family estate in Sussex presented in a rustic style. They now have five venues in the capital: this is one of the better ones – although some locals still miss The White Onion (RIP), its predecessor at this address.

2023 Review: Formerly known as The Swan, this Wimbledon pub was extensively refurbed by the Metropolitan Pub Co, and reopened with a new name in March 2022. Too little feedback for a rating as yet, but one early-days visitor reported of “superior pub fare”.