The Club by Bamford

Cotswolds

United Kingdom

You know what they say about ‘the Chipping Norton set’, that famous (or is it infamous?) group of media, political and showbiz acquaintances who have homes in the rolling hills surrounding the town of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, England. Well, if the gastropubs, Clarkson’s Farm and boujis coffee houses weren’t enough to while away the hours, they now have padel.

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The Cotswold Set

Bamford gives the Cotswolds its mojo back (if it ever left)

If you’re from Britain, you’ll know what they say about ‘the Chipping Norton set’, that famous (or is it infamous?) group of media, political and showbiz acquaintances who have homes in the rolling hills surrounding the town of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, England. Well, if the gastropubs, Clarkson’s Farm and boujee coffee houses weren’t enough to while away the hours, they now have padel. In a big way.

Because since the dawn of the 2023, the famous Daylesford Organic Farm - a destination of wannabe country folk making the 80-plus mile trip north-west from London, as well as real country folk, who live locally, in the 800-square-mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the Cotswolds - has been the scene of far more than premium priced sausage rolls, organic gins and to-die-for chocolate brownies, as operator Padel Shift has come to town, or should we say come to village, such is the quintessentially English honey coloured stone surrounding edifices that populate this corner of the UK beloved by Americans, Japanese, Europeans, and, yes, the Brits themselves. 

Led by the charming ‘Jacks’ (Founder Jack Chaplin and his Head of Padel, and all round top padelista, Jack Hazelwood), Padel Shift and the not-long-ago opened The Club by Bamford (run by Lady Bamford, the wife of JCB construction company Chairman, Lord Bamford) are two businesses better together. Why? Well, Padel Shift without its flagship Daylesford Organic site just wouldn’t be the Padel Shift it has become and, frankly, The Club by Bamford - which, by the way, describes itself as a 360º wellness experience incorporating health, fitness and holistic well-being (what a mouthful) - wouldn’t be the oh-so-perfect destination it is were it devoid of everyone’s favourite new pastime, padel. 

However, nowhere is perfect, and despite all its beauty, The Club by Bamford’s Padel Shift-generated padel offering (was that a mouthful, too?) has had to work, and work hard, to get players to the court. Why, you might wonder? Well, such is the remoteness of the club, passers by and footfall, there are not, meaning the Chaplin-Hazelwood-run operation has done wonders in building a padel-playing community and bringing anyone who’s anyone into their Cotswold socialite padel-playing orbit, from local pilates influencer Chloe Hodgson to Palair Co-Founder and leading padel content creator, Sarah Horrocks.

  • So, what about the club itself? Well, The Club by Bamford is renowned for its 360-degree wellness experience with facilities focused on health, fitness and holistic well-being. Their wellness facility known as The Source includes a sauna, steam room, experience shower, ice barrels, indoor ice bath, outdoor infra-red sauna and heated outdoor plunge pool. This is all focussed on using the natural elements to harness strength, stamina, sleep and recovery, everything you need to keep your padel at the highest level. 

    If you are in need of some exercise but all of the padel courts are booked, then thankfully for you the club also has a 340 square metre gym including an outdoor training area, high-octane spin studio, 25-metre indoor pool and all with panoramic views across the Cotswolds. Their team of dedicated personal instructors put on a huge number of very popular classes every week including various spin classes, strength and conditioning classes, fitness classes, yoga, pilates, breathwork, meditation and boxing workouts. These are fantastically curated and ensure to always leave you with that adrenaline buzz.

    The club is incredibly focused on sustainability whilst not letting their incredibly high standards of service slip. Nestled perfectly into the surrounding countryside and close enough to Daylesford Organic Farm to enjoy all the trappings without the temptation to over-indulge, The Club by Bamford is in the perfect locale. The club’s building was constructed with a recycled steel frame and natural insulation and local Cotswold stone was used to allow it to seamlessly blend into the countryside.

  • What more is there to say about The Club by Bamford, fuelled by Padel Shift?

    With more operated courts 35 miles south-west, Padel Shift are doing to rural England what the likes of Padel Social Club are on track to do in urban England. They are mastering it, and doubling down. 

    And with Palomas a-plenty, pilates at dawn and padel on tap, and the two Jacks to greet you on court, why the hell not? The only question remaining, when’s the next one opening up?

  • With the all-too-often unpredictable English weather, however, having the option of sitting inside or out is never one to turn down. Thankfully here at The Nest, their beautiful terrace overlooking the Cotswold countryside is always ready to go when the sun decides to make an appearance. For the majority of the year however, the informal setting inside is the go-to hangout spot. Its relaxed nature makes it perfect for working remotely or just catching up with friends over a coffee. Their seasonal menu which has been expertly crafted with local ingredients tops off a fantastic all-around experience and fills you with the warmth of the club.

  • The Paloma

  • The club is the vision of Carole Bamford (AKA Lady Bamford), the founder of Daylesford Organic. As a champion of sustainable and conscious living for over 40 years, the club mirrors many of her values. The staff are all incredibly knowledgeable about the project and its sustainable objectives, whilst also being on hand at all times to look after members and guests alike. The fitness and wellness team are all the best of the best and pump energy and enthusiasm into all of their classes and sessions. Likewise, the padel headed by the affable Jack Hazlewood is run fantastically and Jack himself has put huge effort into the setup and programme since being hired by Padel Shift Founder, Jack Chaplin in early 2023. It’s not too much of a leap to say that, Jack C and Jack H combined have formed the perfect partnership, which has been instrumental to getting hundreds of people into the sport. 

  • As if all of the club’s facilities aren’t enough alone, they had the foresight to install some padel courts – thanks to some positively persuasive charm from the, at the time, new padel kid on the block, Padel Shift. The three outdoor courts installed by Padel Shift - soon to become two as one is put undercover for year-round use - really does seal the deal with this club. The aesthetically pleasing green courts blending in with the rolling hills (of course they do) provide a fantastic playing experience, especially during the summer months when long sunny days rear their welcome head. 

  • Jack H is on-site to offer one-on-one or group coaching sessions. He is incredibly experienced, ranking within the UK’s top 40, having been a successful tennis player, but like so many catching the padel bug five years ago. His group coaching sessions include an Intro to Padel session, “Drills, Drills, Drills” and Padel FUNdamentals.

  • Bamford is far more than just a pay-to-play club. Their community of padel players ensure to always get involved with what Jack H puts on. Most notably their renowned padel socials where a resident Cotswolds DJ provides the soundtrack and players sip Leoube rose and Aperols when not jumping on court for a social mix in. It’s the perfect blend of light-touch Cotswold debauchery. Padel and Pilates is another popular event, not just here, which combines padel with Chloe Hodgson’s (AKA Chloe Pilates) ever popular pilates classes, they have also been known to include palomas for the sundown sessions! Other events include cardio padel, americano tournaments, meet & compete, clinics from top international coaches and GB players as well as tournaments and club leagues. The offering really is exceptional and engages everyone of all ages and abilities. 

  • The Bamford Cashmere