PRESS

The following article appeared in Surrey Life, June 2009.

Having lived in Wimbledon all her life, Tracy Francis is perfectly suited to her job as town centre manager and is always on the lookout for ways to encourage tennis fans to enjoy the wider Wimbledon experience.

"I grew up in Wimbledon and, apart from a short time away, have lived here all my life," she says. "I couldn't do the job of town centre manager for any other town. Wimbledon has so much to offer, it's really a fantastic place.

We have great transport links for people to come from all over and for residents to easily travel out. Our High Street and shopping centre not only has all the desirable chain stores but a good many independents, so the shopping is great. We have a 12-screen cinema including IMAX, a beautiful theatre, dedicated children's theatre and restaurants from every cuisine.

"If it's open green space you want, where better than Wimbledon Common, where you can also see some history at Southside House and the Windmill Museum - all that and the name is famous the world over!"

Having lived in Wimbledon for 16 years, JAMES FINLAYSON, chief executive of City Car Club and self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, loves the buzz that the coming of the championships brings to the town.

"Besides enjoying the vibe and doing the odd celebrity spotting, I make sure our pay-as-you-go hourly car rental service is running smoothly for the extra influx of people wanting to use us," he says.

"For a meal out, it's very hard to beat the Light House restaurant on Ridgway, a few minutes walk from Wimbledon Village - the food is top notch.

"The weather is always tricky at the championships but this year I would head for Centre Court with its new retractable roof if it rains! Failing that, the Fox and Grapes off Wimbledon Common is one of SW19's hidden gems.

"Cannizaro Park in Wimbledon Village is another of Wimbledon's best kept secrets. It is a public park with spectacular gardens and a pond and woodland. It backs on to the Cannizaro House Hotel, which is great for sitting outside on the patio overlooking the park for afternoon tea or a cold drink!"

Executive General Manager of the New Wimbledon Theatre, MARALYN SARRINGTON has been working there for more than five years and says that the challenge for local businesses is to tempt the tennis fans into the town.

"It is great that for two weeks every year there is an international focus on Wimbledon," she says. "I would say to visitors, however, to try turning left out of the station and have a look around the town rather than just turning right and making your way straight to the club!"

"Next year, the New Wimbledon Theatre reaches its centenary, so its not as 'new' as its title suggests. This year, during the championships, we shall be closed for some exciting refurbishment works ready for a brand new stage production, High School Musical 2.

"The area has a whole array of restaurants to choose from; if Mediterranean food is your fancy, as it is mine, we have two excellent eateries, Reds, opposite the theatre, and Le Piaf, at the bottom of Wimbledon Hill. For something a bit special then try San Lorenzo's next to Le Piaf - it's an authentic, family run Italian, but you'll probably need to book."