FAQs

Here’s everything you need to know about joining the Food & Drink at Wimbledon team. We oversee all food and beverage operations, during the Championships as well as for the year-round operations at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

THE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 FAQS

When do applications open for The Championships 2025?
  • Returners: Nominated returners from 2024 will be contacted at the end of the year with details on how to reapply through our fast-track process for 2025. Make sure to check your junk folder to ensure you don't miss any communications.
  • New Starters: Applications for new starters are expected to open in December 2024. Keep an eye on our vacancies page and social media channels for exact dates. You can also subscribe with your email on our homepage to receive updates.
When and where are interviews held?
Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to attend one of our in-person assessment centres. For most roles, these will take place on-site at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in February. Candidates who are shortlisted will receive an email with detailed information.
What type of roles are available during the Championships?
We offer a wide variety of casual catering roles at The Championships, spanning multiple departments and skill sets, including:

  • Frontline Retail Catering: Roles in fast-paced retail spaces serving media, staff, contractors, and the public. Positions include retail bar staff, catering assistants, cashiers, and baristas.
  • Frontline Hospitality: High-end service roles in exclusive hospitality spaces catering to members, debenture-holders, corporate clients, and public guests. Positions include hospitality bar staff, catering assistants, cashiers, plate waiters, plate runners, baristas, and wine waiters.
  • Culinary: Chef roles at all levels, from commis chefs to lead chefs, supporting our diverse food offering for various client groups during the event.
  • Management and Supervisory: Leadership positions such as area managers, team leaders, supervisors, and back-of-house managers, responsible for overseeing operations and staff.
  • Kitchen Support: Essential roles such as kitchen porters and food prep assistants, assisting the culinary team and ensuring the smooth running of kitchen operations.
  • Stores, Beverage, Logistics, and Linen: Roles that are responsible for the set-up and breakdown of areas, manage the flow and distribution of stock and equipment, handle deliveries, restocking, and ensure that supplies are properly managed across the event spaces.
  • Office & Ancillary Roles: Support roles such as administration, finance/commercial staff, staffing support, and health & safety officers. These roles are crucial to the overall coordination of the event, ensuring efficient operations, compliance, and the well-being of all involved.
What dates do I need to be available for?

Wimbledon Fortnight (live dates):

  • Everyone: Monday 30th June – Sunday 13th July 2025

Mandatory On-Site Orientation:

  • Everyone: Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th June 2025
  • Management (Team Leader & above): Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June 2025
  • Culinary (Commis & above): Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June 2025
  • Kitchen Porters: Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June 2025

Note: Additional training dates may be required for certain senior or specialised roles or units, and these will be communicated upon offer.
What are the operating hours during The Championships?
During The Championships, the site operates around the clock, ensuring a vibrant, bustling atmosphere at all hours. While the day shift caters to the crowds, once the grounds are clear of spectators our dedicated overnight teams spring into action. The night stores and logistics teams manage and distribute incoming deliveries, restock areas, while our night-production culinary team prepares fresh food for the following day. Some units remain open to serve media and broadcast staff from around the world, and staff-feeding areas ensure our hardworking overnight teams are well-fed. Whether you prefer working during the day or the night, there are exciting opportunities available for early birds and night owls alike!
Are there any age restrictions?
For some roles, age restrictions apply due to Health & Safety legislation and compliance with the Working Time Directive and regulations for young workers. Applicants under 18 may not be eligible for certain positions, but there is no upper age limit, and all eligible applications are considered on their own merit.
Is there staff parking available?
We are unable to offer parking facilities during The Championships - In support of our Climate Net Zero by 2030 promise, we encourage all colleagues to utilise public transport when travelling to and from site. The closest train stations are Southfields and Wimbledon. As well as this, there are regular bus services to and from site.
Do you provide training?
We offer a comprehensive training program, including online learning modules and a mandatory two-day on-site orientation. All training is fully compensated and tailored to the individual role.

YEAR-ROUND STAFFING FAQS

Is there work available outside of The Championships?
In addition to The Championships, we also have a busy year-round business for those looking for flexible, casual work throughout the year.

Our year-round operations include:

  • The Members' Dining facilities: Serving members of the AELTC seven days a week.
  • Wingfield Café: Open to the public and visitors on tours.
  • Staff Restaurant: Providing meals for employees and event staff.
  • Meetings & Events: Catering for functions such as dinners, meetings, and tournaments.
  • AELTC Community Tennis Centre (Raynes Park): Café services at the newly opened clubhouse.
How do I apply for year-round vacancies?
We recruit for year-round positions on a rolling basis, so please keep an eye on our vacancies page for new opportunities. Candidates who successfully complete their onboarding for The Championships will also have the chance to book additional year-round shifts outside their Championships engagement via Ubeya (our workforce management app). Available roles include plate waiters, plate runners, catering assistants, wine waiters, bar staff, kitchen porters, and cloakroom attendants, as well as culinary and management roles.
Is the work flexible?
Yes, we offer casual and flexible work options for year-round positions to accommodate various schedules and commitments. Shifts are managed through our workforce management app, Ubeya, allowing you to choose shifts that fit your availability.
Are there full-time or salaried roles available?
Yes, we offer a variety of full-time and salaried roles alongside our casual positions. For current openings, please visit our vacancies page or explore full-time opportunities at https://www.compass-group.co.uk/jobs/

GENERAL FAQS

What are the perks and benefits of working with Compass Group at Wimbledon?
Benefits include:

  • Complimentary meals provided during shifts.
  • Weekly pay plus holiday pay
  • Competitive pay rates to reward your hard work.
  • Exclusive access to Compass Group's ‘Perks at Work’ discount scheme.
  • Recognition and reward initiatives to celebrate your achievements.
  • Comprehensive training and ongoing skills development.
  • Uniform provided and laundered free of charge.
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support and guidance.
  • ‘The Pantry’: A unique initiative where surplus food from our year-round operations is shared with staff to reduce food waste and show our appreciation.
How do you encourage sustainability and minimise food waste?
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through initiatives like:

  • Carbon Net Zero: The AELTC aims to achieve carbon net zero emissions from operations by 2030.
  • Low Carbon Options: We highlight low-carbon options on our menus by displaying the carbon weighting of each dish, encouraging guests to make environmentally friendly choices.
  • Locally and Sustainably Sourced Produce: Whenever possible, we source ingredients locally, such as Wimbledon’s iconic strawberries, grown just 31 miles away. For international ingredients, we avoid air freight, opting for transportation by boat to minimise emissions.
  • Sustainable Packaging: We are committed to reducing waste by using eco-friendly packaging solutions, such as fully biodegradable containers for strawberries and a deposit system for our reusable takeaway cups. We've also replaced single-use plastic cutlery with wooden alternatives.
  • Redistributing surplus food: We work with City Harvest, a London-based charity to donate surplus food from The Championships to those in need. Additionally, our staff Pantry initiative provides team members with surplus food from year-round operations.
  • Phasing Out Gas equipment from our kitchens: We are gradually phasing out the use of gas in our kitchens. Most of our No.1 kitchen facilities have been equipped with electric hobs.
  • Zero-Waste Cooking: We are implementing zero-waste cooking practices across our menus, utilising the whole ingredient - from root to stem - to minimise waste. This approach not only enhances flavour and creativity but also fosters a more sustainable kitchen.
What kind of people are you looking to recruit?
We are seeking enthusiastic individuals from diverse backgrounds with a strong work ethic and a passion for exceptional customer service. Our inclusive recruitment process encourages applicants to focus solely on their relevant qualifications and skills. We value candidates who embody the core service standards of ‘The Wimbledon Way’: safety, courtesy, performance, and responsibility. Together, we aim to fulfil our shared purpose to “create joy and extraordinary moments by giving everyone an unforgettable Wimbledon experience.”