What a racket: Fans say ‘pricey’ self-service Pimm’s lacks punch

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 10, 2026

Wimbledon introduced self-service Pimm’s machines for the first time during the 2026 tournament in an effort to reduce wait times, though queues still formed and prices increased to £13.45 per glass. While the trial aimed to improve convenience, some fans criticized the simpler fruit garnish and higher cost, expressing nostalgia for traditional bar service.

For the first time at Wimbledon, tennis spectators have been offered self-service Pimm’s machines as a trial to reduce waiting times. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) introduced three automated dispensers on the Tea Lawn beneath Centre Court during the 2026 tournament, allowing attendees to pour their own Pimm’s from pre-filled cups.

The machines require visitors to place up to four cups—each pre-loaded with ice and a small garnish of fruit—under a nozzle and select their order via a digital screen. Despite the self-service format, the price remains £13.45 per glass, an increase of £1.20 from the previous year. The AELTC attributed the price rise to inflation.

The fruit garnish in each cup consists of two slices of cucumber, half an orange segment, and a single mint leaf, but no strawberries were included. Staff explained that strawberries were omitted because they take longer to prepare. Some fans expressed disappointment with the garnish’s simplicity and the overall cost.

Rod Gatsby, 50, of London, commented on the absence of strawberries, saying, “It’s pretty expensive for no strawberries.” Lesley Carr, 69, from Maidenhead, described it as “quite pricey for what it is, given it’s self-serve, and very little fruit.” Estelle Hutchinson, 32, from Winchester, described Pimm’s as the quintessential Wimbledon drink but acknowledged the steep price, noting, “It’s nice on a hot day but it’s quite a lot of money.”

Despite the machines’ aim to improve efficiency, queues still formed, with more than 30 people waiting up to 10 minutes to use the three dispensers during a recent afternoon. The AELTC has also introduced automated systems in other areas, such as its frictionless payment setup in the Walled Garden Larder snack shop, which allows customers to tap a card upon entry and leave without queuing.

However, some spectators lamented the loss of traditional bar service. Tim Jowitt, 78, from Arundel, West Sussex, described the automated Pimm’s experience as “not really a Pimm’s at Wimbledon” and said it “feels a bit cheap.”

The AELTC was contacted for comment but had not provided a statement at the time of publication. Alongside the Pimm’s trial, the club also rolled out self-service Stella Artois machines offering both regular lager and a limited-edition strawberries and cream variant.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.