Padel will visit one of London’s most iconic monuments for the next few weeks thanks to a partnership between Marble Arch London BID and Portman Marylebone.
Pop-up Padel at Marble Arch will take place from 7am-8pm every day from today (31 July) until 26 August and will be the first padel court in the West End.
Working with the Central London Alliance, who delivered Padel in the City of London last year, the padel court at Marble Arch can be hired seven days a week in one-hour time slots, with rackets and balls included.
Pop-up Padel at Marble Arch aims to encourage Londoners to try out the sport, whether that is during their lunch breaks, after work or on the weekend.
As well as promoting an active lifestyle, Pop-up Padel at Marble Arch aims to showcase the inclusive nature of padel, which thanks to the size of its courts, allows people to play sport in a wider variety of urban settings.
Marble Arch London BID is giving Westminster City Save cardholders access to special offers and is also working with All Out Padel, England’s first LGBTQ+ padel club, to encourage its members to try out the court at Marble Arch.
Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID, said: “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.”
Oliver Fenn-Smith, Chief Executive, The Portman Estate, said: “This partnership with Marble Arch London BID and the Central London Alliance will bring padel to the West End for the first time as we make the most of a summer of sport. Padel is an inclusive and fast-growing game, so this pop-up court is an excellent addition to the neighbourhood; it will bring people together, provide vibrancy to Oxford Street and Marylebone this summer and offer an exciting new experience for residents, visitors and workers in the area.”
Nadia Perrier, Director of Central London Alliance CIC, added: “Our mission is to support the recovery of London’s business, hospitality, cultural, tourism and retail sectors including through innovative events and activities which encourage more people to travel into London for work and leisure.
“Padel has been taking the country, and particularly London, by storm so as the only padel court in the West End we expect Pop-up Padel at Marble Arch to draw in visitors from far and wide.”
Lance Shacknofsky, Founder of All Out Padel, said: “What’s special about this sport is that the doubles format facilitates a bonding with both your partner and your opponents, and that continues even after the match is played.
“In an age where people in the LGBT+ community can feel lonely or isolated because of the closure of gay venues or the trappings of the online world, it’s refreshing to see a sport that is bringing together people in our community and beyond in a very positive way.”
To find out more about Pop-up Padel at Marble Arch, and to book a timeslot, visit https://marble-arch.london/news/padel-marble-arch/
