London’s fast-rising passion for padel is set to take center court at one of the capital’s most iconic riverside destinations. The London Sports Festival has unveiled a brand-new pop-up padel court at Hay’s Galleria, launched in partnership with London Bridge City, bringing the sport’s fast-paced, social energy to the heart of the city. Against the backdrop of Tower Bridge and the historic Thames-side warehouses, commuters, residents and visitors are being invited to pick up a racket, test their skills and experience the sport that is rapidly reshaping the UK’s urban sporting landscape.
Padel comes to the Thames How a pop up court is transforming Hay’s Galleria during London Sports Festival
Where office workers once hurried past and tourists paused for coffee,a vivid blue padel court now commands the heart of Hay’s Galleria,drawing eyes and energising the riverside concourse. As part of the London Sports Festival, the installation is turning a historic trading hub into an open-air arena, framed by the glass-vaulted roof and the Thames glittering just beyond. The court isn’t just a visual spectacle; it’s a living showcase of how urban spaces can be reimagined, inviting passers-by to swap the spectator’s role for a racket and a rally, even if they’ve never played before.
This temporary sporting stage blends seamlessly with the city’s daily rhythm, offering fast-paced matches and drop-in sessions alongside riverside cafés and boutiques. Curated in partnership with London Bridge City,the activation highlights a broader push to democratise sport in central London,supported by:
- Free taster sessions for office workers and visitors at set times throughout the day
- Coach-led clinics aimed at beginners discovering the game for the first time
- Lunchtime and after-work slots tailored to local businesses and commuters
- Showcase matches featuring invited talent to demonstrate the sport’s intensity
| Key Feature | What It Brings to Hay’s Galleria |
|---|---|
| Riverside location | Iconic backdrop that turns every rally into a spectacle |
| Compact court | High-energy play in a tightly choreographed urban space |
| Open access | Low barrier to entry for curious Londoners and visitors |
| Festival programming | Rotating schedule that keeps the court active all day |
From commuters to competitors Who the new court is for and how to book a game in London Bridge City
Office workers dashing for the 8:45,tourists drifting along the Thames,and club players chasing their next challenge all have a new reason to stop at Hay’s Galleria. The pop-up padel court has been designed as a democratic slice of sport in the city: open to curious first-timers,fitness-focused commuters,and seasoned racquet-sport devotees alike. With London Bridge station just minutes away and the riverfront promenade on its doorstep,the court turns an everyday thoroughfare into a stage where after-work matches,lunchtime rallies and weekend family doubles unfold against the backdrop of London’s skyline.
Securing a slot is intentionally streamlined, mirroring the fast pace of the area. Bookings are made online via the London Sports Festival platform, where players can choose session length, time of day and skill level. Walk-up spaces may be available during quieter periods, but advanced reservations are strongly encouraged, particularly for peak after-work sessions and group events.To help Londoners and visitors plan their play, the core options include:
- Singles and doubles sessions for 30, 60 or 90 minutes
- Beginner-pleasant coaching clinics at set times each week
- Corporate and team-building blocks with tailored time slots
- Weekend family hours with softer pacing and guidance
| Player Type | Best Time to Book | Suggested Session |
|---|---|---|
| Commuters | 07:00-09:00 / 17:00-19:00 | 60-min social doubles |
| Newcomers | Late mornings | Beginners’ clinic |
| Club players | Evenings | High-intensity match play |
| Families | Weekends | Mixed-age sessions |
Partners behind the project What City AM London Bridge City and local clubs aim to achieve with padel
At the heart of this initiative is a coalition of urban visionaries and grassroots sports advocates determined to make racket sports as visible as the London skyline. London Bridge City brings its waterfront estate and place-making expertise, City AM amplifies the story across the capital’s business and commuter audiences, while local padel clubs provide the coaching talent and community reach that will keep the court busy from first serve to last light. Together, they aim to reposition padel from a niche novelty into a mainstream urban pastime, using Hay’s Galleria as a showcase for how underused public spaces can become live, playable stages.
Beyond the spectacle, the partners share a clear set of objectives designed to leave a lasting mark on city life:
- Accessibility: Lower the barrier to entry with open sessions, starter equipment and easy online booking.
- Community building: Connect office workers, residents and visitors through mixed-ability games and social evenings.
- Youth engagement: Offer taster clinics with local coaches and schools to introduce young Londoners to padel.
- Wellbeing focus: Integrate padel into broader conversations around active commuting, mental health and post-work recreation.
- Data-driven planning: Use participation figures to inform future permanent padel locations along the Thames.
| Partner | Core Role | Key Goal |
|---|---|---|
| London Bridge City | Host & place-maker | Activate riverside public space |
| City AM | Media partner | Raise citywide awareness |
| Local padel clubs | Coaching & programming | Build a sustainable player base |
Making the most of the pop up Expert tips on playing padel trying taster sessions and keeping the momentum after the festival
Think of the floating court at Hay’s Galleria as your live-in coach for the week: it’s the perfect place to pick up habits that will make the sport stick. Start by booking a taster session early in the day, when courts are quieter and coaches can fine‑tune your basics – from the continental grip to reading the rebound off the glass. Use the downtime between matches and demonstrations to observe how experienced players move as a pair: who takes the middle, how they call “mine” or “yours”, and when they let the ball pass to play it off the back wall.To get more from your first rallies:
- Arrive warmed up – a brisk walk along the river and a few shoulder rotations can prevent niggling injuries.
- Focus on control over power – keep the ball in play and aim for consistency rather than winners.
- Talk constantly with your partner – simple cues like “switch”, “mine” and “leave” build instant chemistry.
- Rotate roles – spend time both at the net and the back of the court to understand different angles.
| Festival Tip | Post-Festival Action |
|---|---|
| Scan QR codes around the court for coaching clips | Bookmark and rewatch before your next local session |
| Join a pop-up doubles mixer | Add new partners to a WhatsApp padel group |
| Try different loan rackets on site | Choose a similar weight when buying or renting |
When the last ball is struck beneath the arches of Hay’s Galleria, the key is to convert curiosity into routine. Use the festival as a springboard by pre-booking a local court before you leave, while enthusiasm is still high, and signing up for beginner leagues that offer social play rather than high‑stakes competition. Many London clubs now run off‑peak lunchtime sessions, making it easier to sneak in a game around office hours. To keep the momentum:
- Set a simple goal – for example, two sessions a month for the next three months.
- Pair padel with your commute – choose venues on your route to work to lower the barrier to entry.
- Follow London padel communities on social media – for drop-in nights and late cancellation slots.
- Log your matches – a quick note on who you played with and what you improved can be surprisingly motivating.
The Conclusion
As the London Sports Festival continues to broaden the capital’s sporting horizons, the arrival of a pop‑up padel court at Hay’s Galleria signals more than just a passing novelty. It encapsulates a strategic push to democratise emerging sports,activate underused urban spaces and draw Londoners into new forms of play.With London Bridge City and City A.M.lending both visibility and credibility, padel is being offered not as an elite pastime but as an accessible, social sport woven into the everyday fabric of the city. If the strong early interest is any indication, this riverside experiment may prove a template for how London reimagines its public realm – not just as a place to pass through, but as somewhere to pick up a racket, join a game and stay awhile.
