
Work ends at 5. Quick game of padel. Quick bite to eat. Swan into the theatre.
It feels like a tight squeeze if you’re working in the centre, away from the usual sets of courts – but for a short time in London, you’ll be able to make it happen, perhaps even with time to spare for ordering your interval drinks.
A pop-up padel court has swung right over to the West End this summer, meaning you’ll have opportunities to play a game whenever you please and centre it around your working hours between July 31 and August 26 (7am – 8am).
For almost a month, Londoners will be able to waltz past Hyde Park and into a very central Padel court to have a game of one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, and helping the shooting demand. You’ll find it over at Marble Arch London BID, who is partnering with Portman Marylebone to deliver the West End’s first padel court.
Padel is played in a space that’s about a third of the size of a tennis court, and features a back wall for the ball to bounce away off. It has grown in popularity due to its accessibility for both mixed ages and abilities, and, given the fact it’s typically played in pairs, is a highly social activity.
A pop-up in the centre aims to encourage those working in the area to try it out, perhaps for the very first time on their lunch break in the hours before and after their shifts. Westminster City Save cardholders will have special offers and Marble Arch BID is also working alongside All Out Padel, London’s first LGTBQ+ padel club, to offer their members a space over at the West End spot.
Speaking on the pop-up, Kay Buxton, Chief Executive of Marble Arch London BID, comments: “We are delighted to launch Pop-up Padel at Marble Arch and provide a wonderful space for people to try out this great new sport. With sponsors Portman Marylebone and partners Central London Alliance, we have been able to bring padel to the West End for the first time and make it accessible to the community with special discounts and sessions for local residents and youth groups.”
Find the pop-up padel court at London’s West End over in Marchle Arch London BID between July 31 and August 26. Book your space on a court here! You’ll be able to hire a court any day of the week, with bats and balls provided at the venue.