Postcard from Queens

Following the conclusion of the French Open, the clay season undergoes a notable hiatus for the month of June. This break allows players to transition from clay courts to the vibrant green grass at two of London’s most prestigious clubs.

The esteemed Queen’s Club, which bears the name of its first patron Queen Victoria, serves up its hallowed West Kensington courts for the game’s top players to refine their skills in preparation for Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year.

Watching cinch

An oasis of calm near the centre of London, an invitation to play on one of the 28 outdoor lawn tennis courts at The Queen's Club is a rare treat, second only to the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC).

The cinch Championships is a thrilling ATP 500 tournament held under the glorious London sun. The event typically runs in mid-June; in 2026, the main draw is scheduled to take place from 15th to 21st June.

Did you know?

For nearly 135 years, spectators have been flocking to West Kensington to see the world's best.

History: Originally held at Stamford Bridge, the "London Grass Court Championships" featured both men's and women's events until 1973. In 2015, the tournament was upgraded to an ATP Tour 500.
The "Queen's-Wimbledon Double": Since 1979, legends like John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray have won both Queen's and Wimbledon in the same year.
Record Breaker: During the 2004 tournament, Andy Roddick set a then-world record for the fastest serve at 153 mph (246.2 km/h).
Recent Success: Italy’s Matteo Berrettini secured back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. The 2023–2025 editions saw a strong contingent of British talent including Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, and Jack Draper.

Must do in London

Portobello Road, Notting Hill: Spend a Saturday morning browsing market stalls for vintage treasures and eclectic textiles. For a serious Colombian brew, stop at Hermanos Colombian Coffee. For a long lunch with friends, Gold on Portobello Road offers fantastic food and cocktails.
Hyde Park: Hire a bike and cycle through the park for a welcome escape from the city hustle. End your route at a classic West London pub such as The Cow, The Churchill Arms, or The Windsor Castle.

Eat, drink and be merry

The River Café: Located in Hammersmith, this legendary Italian restaurant specialises in wood-fired seafood and wild mushroom risotto. Don't miss the famous chocolate "Nemesis" cake.
The Crisp W6: For a casual and highly popular pizza experience, visit this spot at The Chancellors pub. They run a unique system where you text ahead to reserve your dough. The burrata and honey pie is a local favourite.
Dishoom: Paying homage to the Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom Kensington serves incredible black dhal and lamb chops. It operates a walk-in system, perfect for a post-tennis meal.

Sleep

St. James Hotel & Club: A 5-star boutique hotel tucked away in Mayfair. It features the Michelin-starred Seven Park Place and 1857 The Bar, which hosts an extensive selection of vintage port.
Lime Tree Hotel: A rustic and cosy boutique hotel set within two Grade II listed townhouses in Belgravia. It feels more like a country inn than a swanky urban retreat.
NoMad London: Located in Covent Garden, NoMad is housed in the historic former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court. The interior design is a stunning collaboration between New York and London sensibilities.

Member recommendations

A curated day in London from our member, Lea Lazaric:

Breakfast: The Wolseley (Mayfair) for business, or Granger & Co. (Notting Hill) for a relaxed start.
Wellness: The Bulgari Hotel Spa in Knightsbridge or Koia in Notting Hill.
Lunch: Chiltern Firehouse for a lively atmosphere or Mediterraneo for local Italian.
Dinner: 34 Mayfair for steak or the vibrant Jacuzzi on Kensington High Street.