With its prime London SW6 postcode, maximising space is an absolute must for any project in the area. Here at Padel Social Club, they have done just that. The jigsaw of converted shipping containers forming the clubhouse, changing rooms, restaurant, bar, wellness pod and viewing terrace ergonomically mesh all the necessary and bonus features of the club into one on this ‘meanwhile site’ (a cross between a pop-up padel site and an all-singing, all-dancing permanent site). This setup, alongside the stylish and sustainably designed social spaces, ensure that the fun happens both on and off the court. 

Their wellness pod includes both a sauna and cold plunge and is a must for the perfect urban post-match reset. Both sauna and cold plunge get the Àguilas nod of approval, not just for their health benefits, but also because it gives you an excuse to venture into the immaculate changing rooms more often than once. In all honesty, Padel Social Club has changed what was once a one-hour game of padel into a full afternoon of wellness wonder. It is no longer hit a ball and leave. It is hit a ball, have a cold plunge, hop in the sauna, restyle your hair, browse through all the Pulco merch, have a Pimms (or two) and then maybe think (only think) about heading back to your first space – home.

So, do they have it all? If we tell you that there is a designated Lime bike parking spot just outside the gate for all the City’s “finance bros”, then I think you will agree that few proverbial stones have been unturned. 

This is where this Club excels. That all-too-intangible thing called atmosphere is so hard to master, yet Padel Social Club have done just that. Is it the location, aesthetic, activities, events or people that make it? Well, we’d argue it’s a combination of all the above.

If you’re yet to set foot in Padel Social Club, then perhaps refrain until the summer as their social occasions are dates in the diary not to miss.  DJ, Padel, Pimms, good people. What’s not to like? 

Now, we did say we’d never use the words ‘Soho House of Padel’, but then we found Padel Social Club.

With a fully stocked bar, state-of-the-art coffee machine turning out everything from Piccolos to Dirty Chais, and an organic café serving seasonal and sustainable dishes, each and every word of the name Padel Social Club rings true. On sunny summers evenings (and yes, they do happen in London), you might find you are enjoying the best situational pint or Pimms anywhere south of the Thames (Londoners may often ask "are you north of south of the river?”). Sun on your back, padel ball against racket as your background soundtrack, and a fantastic roof terrace ready, come sunset, for the DJ to take hold and give PSC the full London feel.

Pimms on tap

Padel Social Club’s mission is to become the number one destination for padel in the UK, with aspirations to have courts in each prime part of London and a limited number of clubs in key major cities. Everyone on site is more than happy to help and determined to make sure your visit is a memorable one. The behind-the-scenes team also work tirelessly and creatively to put on fun and engaging events - mixing and mashing activities that you wouldn’t normally couple up such as their “Run and Rally”, “Padel and Pilates” and “Padel Play Dates” events. Padel Social Club’s lateral thinking is on show here, with these events proving vital in building the community around the club and highlighting the club’s holistic offering. 

Matt black courts are becoming increasingly popular and the club’s five panoramic outdoor courts demonstrate why perfectly. The urban yet understated nature of the black sets the tone for the rest of the club: simple but deadly effective. They work perfectly with the matt clubhouse behind and effortlessly emphasise the almost discrete, relaxed nature of the venue.

He goes by the name of Antonio. Antonio will design your coaching programme specifically to meet your goals, whether this be learning the rules or mastering the sport. The club, and Antonio, can offer individual or group coaching to nurture your passion and refine your skills and will always be sure to do so with infectious enthusiasm. Be sure to snap up coaching slots in advance as they disappear fast.

With the social hub that has been built around the club, any events which are put on are always well received. As well as the aforementioned “Run and Rally”, “Padel and Pilates” and “Padel Play Dates” events, the club also hosts social sessions for varying abilities and regular ladies events and tournaments. Then, there’s the one off diary fillers, which tend to include playing a bit of padel whilst preserving a bias to the social side of the sport. These events are a fantastic way to meet like-minded players and develop a solid padel network to keep you occupied Monday to Friday, and weekends, too.

PULCO x PSC capsule collection from Pulco Studios