At the All England Club grounds during Wimbledon, a discreet yet highly exclusive gathering unfolds daily at 6 p.m. when a small button, known as the “buzzer,” is pressed to signal happy hour inside the Last 8 Club. For the past four decades, this private clubhouse has welcomed a select group of former players, limited to those who have reached the quarter-finals in singles, the semi-finals in doubles, or the mixed doubles final at the Championships.
Established in 1986 by Reginald “Buzzer” Hadingham, who served as chairman of the All England Club from 1983 to 1989, the Last 8 Club was inspired by conversations with Wilhelm Bungert, a 1967 Wimbledon men’s singles finalist. Bungert had expressed frustration at not being able to access the grounds after his playing days, prompting Hadingham to create a space that honors those who contributed to the tournament’s legacy. The club was the first of its kind among the Grand Slam events, providing lifetime membership not only for qualifying players but also for their partners, offering them access to grounds tickets and the clubhouse annually.
Currently, the club boasts 705 members who gather in a small, welcoming clubhouse tucked behind gate No. 5. Each day, an ex-player draws Centre Court and No. 1 Court tickets from a top hat one hour before matches begin, granting those present an opportunity to witness the competition from some of the best seats. The atmosphere is described as bright and homey, filled with camaraderie among past champions who share stories, reflect on their careers, and reconnect with former rivals and teammates. John Feaver, the club’s manager and a former player who advanced to the fourth round in 1973, highlights that discussions revolve around the nuances of the game—the style, technique, and determination—rather than financial aspects.
The clubhouse also features a gallery wall inscribed with the names of all members, serving as a testament to their achievements and continued connection to Wimbledon. Notable among them is Sandra Reynolds, age 92, who reached the semi-finals in 1959 and recently signed in to the club, marking her pride in being recognized. Chris Lewis, the 1983 men’s singles finalist, regularly returns and regards the invitation to join the club as a significant honor, expressing anticipation for each visit well in advance of the tournament.
The Last 8 Club resides in what was once the All England Club boardroom, with its signature buzzer named after Hadingham. The tradition of pressing the buzzer to signal the start of happy hour echoes the former practice of ending board meetings by summoning refreshments. This ritual remains part of the club’s identity, representing a daily homage to the players who have helped shape Wimbledon’s rich history.