Wimbledon fans stunned as snack and drink prices soar 'Pure greed' claim over pint prices

Wimbledon has served up more than just thrilling tennis on opening day - with fans left gobsmacked by soaring snack and drink prices across the grounds.

A bumper crowd of 42,756 spectators poured through the gates on Monday to witness a historic day, as seven British players advanced through the first round - a record in the Open era. But while fans packed Centre Court, Court One, and Henman Hill to catch the action, many were left reeling at the cost of refreshments.

At 'The Hill Larder', fans can tuck into sweets like Haribo, Skittles and the iconic strawberries and cream - but not without digging deep into their wallets.

Tennis snack and drink inflation

A bag of Haribo Starmix, Tangfastics or Skittles will now set fans back £5, compared to £3.50 in 2021 - marking a sharp 42 per cent hike. For comparison, those same treats cost just £1.25 at Tesco and 95p in some supermarkets.

A pack of Galaxy Minstrels has seen a more modest rise from £3.50 to £4.40, while Jude's Ice Cream Tubs, Divine chocolate bars and cookies are also on offer, priced at £4.50, £2.30 and £3.15 respectively.

Savoury lovers aren't spared either. A sausage roll costs £5.10, while Mac & Cheese Bites and a Cornish pasty are priced at £6.80. Sushi fans can indulge - if they're willing to spend up to £15.10 for a Grand Slam Sushi Selection.

Even Wimbledon's beloved strawberries haven't escaped the price hike. After proudly freezing prices for over a decade, the All England Club has quietly nudged up the cost to £2.70 - a 20p increase on last year. With 140,000 punnets sold annually, this small change is expected to net an extra £28,000.

Best value food

Despite this, the traditional treat still represents the best-value food at the tournament. And unlike many major events, Wimbledon allows fans to bring their own food and alcohol, making it a haven for budget-conscious spectators.

However, drinks have drawn the biggest backlash. A 300ml bottle of Stella Artois - the event's official beer - is priced at £7.50, with the alcohol-free version slightly cheaper at £6.90.

But fans after a pint will need to cough up £8.85, up from £7.55 in 2023 and £8.50 last year. One shocked fan blasted the cost, 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, another staple of the Championships, ranges from £10.20 to £12.25 for a 250ml glass, while a jug comes in at a staggering £36.

Meanwhile, wine and spirits aren't any cheaper. A 187ml glass of white, red or rosé costs £10.20, the same as a Sipsmith gin and tonic. A full bottle of wine is priced at £49.60, while champagne can reach £96.

Soft drinks like Coke or Sprite cost £2.75, and a large bottle of Evian - the tournament's official water - will set fans back £5. Thankfully, there are numerous free refill stations around SW19.

As thrilling matches continue, fans may find themselves just as stunned by the scorelines as they are by the food bill.