These are the best courts in London for playing padel right now, including a pop-up that you won’t want to miss.
There’s a new fitness craze in London right now — chances are you know a few people who have given padel a go. Here’s everything you need to know about the sport, and the best clubs in the capital for trying it out yourself.
What is padel?
The racket sport, which is something of a cousin to tennis and a sister to squash, is typically played in pairs on an enclosed court and is seemingly easier to master than its counterparts. The rules are simple: the ball can bounce off any wall (as in squash) but can only hit the ground once before being returned. The scoring system is akin to tennis, but the difference is that strategy overrules strength and power in padel. It’s this — apparently — that makes it so much more fun, and a lot easier to play in doubles.
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Where to play in London
Rocket Padel, Battersea Power Station
Blank Street cafe (known for leading the matcha craze in the capital) has taken over the Rocket Padel pop-up court at Battersea Power Station until 8 September. Don’t miss the court-side area, where you can cool down and refresh with some ice-cold green latte.
Each player will receive a complimentary matcha drink from Blank Street’s summer specials menu, including watermelon matcha spritz and mango passionfruit matcha, to be collected from the Blank Street coffee cart near the tube station. batterseapowerstation.co.uk
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Regent’s Park courts
Niftily located in the heart of London, Regent’s Park’s padel courts are a great choice for a pre- or post-picnic competition.
Bookings can be made online up to seven days in advance, and there’s even a regular timetable of weekly tournaments if you’re feeling up to the challenge. The outdoor courts are also floodlit, so you can keep racketing away long after sunset. parksports.co.uk
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Stratford Padel Club
Boasting a calendar of social events, a restaurant bar and a beer garden, the Stratford Padel Club is ideal for those who like their sport with a side of socialising.
Whether playing with friends, family or coming on your own to meet like-minded padel players, you’ll find this club makes for a great community space. Regular lessons are available for adults and juniors across its five indoor courts. stratfordpadelclub.org
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Hyde Park Padel
If you’re heading to Hyde Park while the weather remains warm this summer, take a detour to its fantastic padel court.
In the southwest corner of the park, you’ll find a great court to practise your skills — and it even has a cafe next door, so you can pair your play with a post-match snack. parksports.co.uk
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Hazelwood Sports Club, Winchmore Hill
If you’re looking for a spot in the north of the city for a game or two, we’d recommend checking out Hazelwood Sports Club.
Originally a traditional tennis club, the venue has branched out to include both squash and padel courts in keeping with changing tastes.
Those dedicated enough can purchase an annual membership, while non-members can book courts at slightly higher prices. There are weekly club nights and tournaments where padel players can meet, compete and socialise. hazelwoodsportsclub.co.uk
