Wimbledon followers surprised as snack and drink costs soar ‘Pure greed’ cla | UK | News | EUROtoday

Wimbledon has served up extra than simply thrilling tennis on opening day – with followers left gobsmacked by hovering snack and drink costs throughout the grounds.

A bumper crowd of 42,756 spectators poured by way of the gates on Monday to witness a historic day, as seven British gamers superior by way of the primary spherical – a report within the Open period. But whereas followers packed Centre Court, Court One, and Henman Hill to catch the motion, many have been left reeling at the price of refreshments.

At ‘The Hill Larder’, followers can tuck into sweets like Haribo, Skittles and the long-lasting strawberries and cream – however not with out digging deep into their wallets.

Tennis snack and drink inflation

A bag of Haribo Starmix, Tangfastics or Skittles will now set followers again £5, in comparison with £3.50 in 2021 – marking a pointy 42 per cent hike. For comparability, those self same treats value simply £1.25 at Tesco and 95p in some supermarkets.

A pack of Galaxy Minstrels has seen a extra modest rise from £3.50 to £4.40, whereas Jude’s Ice Cream Tubs, Divine chocolate bars and cookies are additionally on supply, priced at £4.50, £2.30 and £3.15 respectively.

Savoury lovers aren’t spared both. A sausage roll prices £5.10, whereas Mac & Cheese Bites and a Cornish pasty are priced at £6.80. Sushi followers can indulge – in the event that they’re keen to spend as much as £15.10 for a Grand Slam Sushi Selection.

Even Wimbledon’s beloved strawberries haven’t escaped the worth hike. After proudly freezing costs for over a decade, the All England Club has quietly nudged up the associated fee to £2.70 – a 20p improve on final 12 months. With 140,000 punnets bought yearly, this small change is anticipated to internet an additional £28,000.

Best worth meals

Despite this, the standard deal with nonetheless represents the best-value meals on the match. And in contrast to many main occasions, Wimbledon permits followers to convey their very own meals and alcohol, making it a haven for budget-conscious spectators.

However, drinks have drawn the largest backlash. A 300ml bottle of Stella Artois – the occasion’s official beer – is priced at £7.50, with the alcohol-free model barely cheaper at £6.90.

But followers after a pint might want to cough up £8.85, up from £7.55 in 2023 and £8.50 final 12 months. One shocked fan blasted the associated fee, saying: “Stella is one of the cheapest beers you can buy at trade prices these days. Which explains why Wimbledon are charging £8.85 a pint and even charging 40p more than Guinness!! It’s nothing to do with profit margins. That’s just pure greed.”

Staple of Wimbledon

Pimm’s, one other staple of the Championships, ranges from £10.20 to £12.25 for a 250ml glass, whereas a jug is available in at a staggering £36.

Meanwhile, wine and spirits aren’t any cheaper. A 187ml glass of white, pink or rosé prices £10.20, the identical as a Sipsmith gin and tonic. A full bottle of wine is priced at £49.60, whereas champagne can attain £96.

Soft drinks like Coke or Sprite value £2.75, and a big bottle of Evian – the match’s official water – will set followers again £5. Thankfully, there are quite a few free refill stations round SW19.

As thrilling matches proceed, followers could discover themselves simply as surprised by the scorelines as they’re by the meals invoice.