There were no Wombles at Wimbledon

A stop at the historic Wimbledon Tavern was a must see.  We had read all about this interesting building, which hails from 1889, and is still in reasonably original condition, with a few add-ons and updated facilities.  The original scrim lined walls have been heavily painted over, and the narrow front bar has been widened from the earlier “standing room only” width. 

Wimbledon Tavern

The publican, known locally as “Dutchy” was interested to read the write-up of his establishment in the copy of my book, “Worth a Detour”.  The bar is lined with many interesting photos from years gone by.

“Dutchy” checking out the facts in my book

The pub has a small, nicely appointed dining room.  An interesting feature is the circular pool table.  We had never seen one of these before.  The same rules apply, we were told.  Perhaps after a beer or two, the players wouldn’t be able to work out where the corners were.

The circular pool table

Wimbledon takes it’s name from Wimbledon, in England, which was originally better known for rifle shooting championships rather than tennis.  The story goes that the name stuck after a farmer shot a cattle beast from such a distance that a local remarked that the shot was “good enough for Wimbledon”.  Sadly, wombles were rather thin on the ground the day we passed by.  Unless these two count?

A couple of wombles at Wimbledon, perhaps?