Everyone knows summer doesn't officially start until the first tennis ball soars over the net at Wimbledon. The oldest tennis tournament in the world heralds whiter-than-white whites, grumpy umpires, nervous ball boys and of course strawberries and cream – the quintessentially British treat.
British strawberries are at their best right now and every summer, come rain or shine, it remains the tennis tournament's iconic signature dish.
Around 28,000kg of delicious berries and 7,000 litres of cream will be eaten by spectators at the tournament this year.
The origins of eating the soft fruit favourite combined with cream harks back to the Tudor period when Cardinal Wolsey, a powerful pal of King Henry VIII, served guests at a banquet in the summer of 1509. It's popularity grew from there, with the most fashionable Brits cultivating their own strawberry plants.
The reason for the strawberry and cream tradition at Wimbledon (and the staggering 142,000 servings likely to be consumed over the tournament) is unclear and the cost, like the tennis star's aces have soared to £2.50 – pricey for 10 strawberries!
If tennis has put you in the mood for Wimbledon's favourite fleshy fruit there are plenty of places to tuck in around Plymouth. Here are ten of the best places.
Where? Hollands Diner, Frankfort Gate
Why? Casual retro chic in the heart of the independent quarter
Go for: A huge strawberry sundae
Don't forget: To grab a second spoon
Where? Jolly Jacks, Mayflower Marina
Why? Al fresco dining with a continental feel
Go for: Strawberry cheesecake, sambucca strawberries with vanilla ice cream
Don't forget: To check out the specials board
Where? The Dock, King Point Marina
Why? Fresh, local produce, clever menus and excellent views
Go for: English strawberries and cream
Don't forget: to grab a balcony table
Where? The Village, Southside Street
Why? A long-standing family restaurant in the heart of the Barbican
Go for: Strawberries, cream and home-made meringues
Don't forget: You can share!
Where? The Brook Inn, Plympton St Maurice
Why? Traditional local pub with hearty helpings
Go for: Strawberries, clotted cream and a liqueur sauce
Don't forget: To book at the weekend
Where? The Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton Down
Why? Country location and great food
Go for: Pimms jelly with summer fruits, cucumber sorbet
Don't forget: To check out their afternoon teas
Where? The Treasury Bar, Catherine Street
Why? City centre cool in an historic building
Go for: Strawberries and cream
Don't forget: To order Prosecco for an extra posh flourish
Where? Berties ice cream van, Hoe Road
Why? Amazing ice creams with a view to die for. Fresh fruit served with cream and ice cream is a real treat
Go for: Strawberry and cream ice-cream
Don't forget: They create delicious home-made sauces too
Where? The Barbican Kitchen
Why? Southside street cool and a Tanner brother in the kitchen
Go for: Tamar valley strawberry bavarois, strawberry and clotted cream ice cream
Don't forget: To ask for fizz
Where? The Treby Arms
Why? Lovely village boozer with a Michelin starred restaurant upstairs
Go for: Strawberries and cream
Don't forget: It might sound simple but there's always a twist