WHY I LOVE WIMBLEDON
WHY I LOVE WIMBLEDON
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
Despite being held at The All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, sport’s most loved tennis championship is eponymous, simply known the world over as Wimbledon. The venue is a sight to behold, with more than 40 courts, three croquet lawns and its distinctive dark green and purple livery — installed in 1909 following the discovery that the Club’s previous colour combination of blue, yellow, red and green was almost identical to that of the Royal Marines. Wimbledon and Putney Commons consist of 1,140 acres of open space and while you may not spot the elusive wombles, you will encounter ponds, woodlands, brooks, grasslands, a golf course and even a Grade II windmill, which is worth a look when lit up at night.
Love to shop
George’s Dog Boutique is where pooches are pampered. As well as being a spa-like grooming parlour, it sells the most stylish dog accessories you’ll ever see and the luxury interiors are so chi chi that the shop is often used for filming. The original Bayley & Sage deli is still operating in Wimbledon Village and it’s easy to lose track inside, marvelling at the selection of charcuteries, cheeses and fresh produce. Interior designers looking for kitchen inspiration can frequently be found at Life – a two-floor showroom brimming with everything from walk-in pantries to wine bars. Find me in the sample and colour area.
Love to eat
Demitasse has one of the sleekest high end interior designs I’ve ever seen in a coffee shop – I’m especially drawn to the curved lines of the serving counter, with its timber detail and space-age looking machines – perfect for its signature ‘pour over’ coffee method. If an interior design consultation coincides with lunch, The Fox & Grapes on the edge of Wimbledon Common is a good bet. It’s a step up from a gastropub, with an amazing à la carte menu. If I’m organised, I’ll book a supper table at Vallebona – a secret wine bar in Wimbledon Village that serves produce from its associated deli store. The sharing boards, washed down with a negroni or crisp Gavi di Gavi are hard to beat - especially if consumed by the venue’s signature candlelight.