Pétanque on the Square brings the Gallic lifestyle to West London.
It is, at you might have noticed over the past few days, too bloody hot. And when the mercury rises so alarmingly as it has this past week, fewer things are better than sitting in the leafy shade of a tree-lined square, sipping on a refreshing summer spritz, and perhaps – if the mood takes you – taking part in one of the world’s most laidback sports. Not for nothing am I painting you this picture, because a new pétanque pop-up has arrived in Sloane Square, promising said lazy afternoons for the rest of the summer!
A partnership between Lillet – a classic French apéritif from Bordeaux, in case you weren’t aware – and local French restaurant Colbert, the pétanque court aims to bring a little taste of France to Sloane Square this summer; a particularly important arrival given the difficulty of international travel these days. The pop-up, known as ‘Pétanque on the Square’, will be in place until September 14, leaving you plenty of time to give it a try before summer breathes its last.
A smattering of tables and chairs are artfully arranged around the court, where you can sip on Lillet-infused summer spritzes and French snacks, including black olive tapenade toast and tempting savoury madeleines. Once you’re fed and watered, take to the courts for a round of pétanque – it’s free to play with no booking required, and you can team up with a friend to play in doublettes, or go tête-à-tête to determine a champion. And whilst it looks extremely sedate when they play it in France, I can’t help but think the competitiveness of your average Londoner is likely to turn it into a rather more gladiatorial contest…
Find Pétanque on the Square in Sloane Square, SW1W 8SB – it’s open 12-9pm Wednesday to Friday, 12-9:30pm Saturday, and 12-8pm on Sunday.