The season is upon us where we have the very real potential for some wet-weather lawn tennis - nothing new there we hear you say!
The excitement ahead of Wimbledon has already started to gather momentum, whetting - excuse the pun - the appetite for many an ardent as well as casual fan of the sport.
A competition dating back to 1877, the Wimbledon Championships is simply part of our great British sporting heritage. Still regarded as the biggest, most high profile tennis sporting event globally, ahead of the Opens in France, Australia and the United States and including the Davis Cup.
Of course we’ve had some recent success too with Andy Murray notably claiming his two titles in recent years (2013 and 2016) as well as the excitement around newcomers such as US Open winner and fellow Brit Emily Raducanu. However, Wimbledon also perhaps resonates better as an overall event, one where fans and followers can soak up the atmosphere, whether in the All England Club on Murray Mount or watching the big screens on the concrete steps at Coal Drops Yard - it’s a time of year that marks the summer, escapism, a coming-together and fun.
With our own rich heritage in British craftsmanship and luggage, sporting events of this ilk, which are attended and watched by a global community resonate strongly with us. A community of people travelling to and from the event, as well as in and around London to soak up the vibe for a very special two weeks. A great British mark on the calendar and for an international audience.
So at Antler, we like to take the stance of specialist when it comes to packing and preparing your accessories to equip you perfectly for a day at the tennis, so whether at the club itself or out in the city watching in a particular hotspot, here’s our thoughts….
The crossbody bag has had a new lease of life and our very own Stamford mini crossbody, available in black, khaki and putty collar-ways, is no exception and the perfect, easy-to-wear, stylish accessory to keep your personals close to hand, but with the added benefit of having the strength of a suitcase combined with portability. You can pack a lot in this deceivingly spacious product and that includes a rolled up waterproof (let’s face it, it will rain) as well as your factor 50, valuables and even your sunnies. It’s a functional friend to accompany you for the day.
Equally, for the blanket fan, the Bamburgh roll-top backpack in khaki or navy could also be the gift to yourself that keeps on giving. Spacious, comfortable to wear and with that cool outdoor style vibe. This backpack could well be your own mini Tardis to pack those much-needed essentials.
And when it comes to the best places to watch the tennis with fellow fans, other than at the club itself if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, here are our quick-fire suggestions.
Granary Square (Coal Drops Yard); St Jame’s Market; the Piazza (Wimbledon); Borough Yards and St Katharine Docks. You will find many others destinations across the city with big screens ready for watching, so you can go off-piste and research away from our suggestions of course.
But wherever you feel the need to catch the action, Antler has you covered for the journey and for an amazing day out!