Padel replaces golf as Britain’s new networking game

Key Takeaways

  • Padel courts now rival golf clubs for client meetings

  • Locations include Battersea, Canary Wharf, Shoreditch and Vauxhall

  • Popular among lawyers, venture capitalists and consultants

A shift from golf to padel

Forget golf clubs and long lunches — Britain’s top firms are increasingly turning to padel to woo clients and build relationships. The tennis-squash hybrid has become a fashionable alternative, offering a faster, more social way to connect. Unlike golf courses on the outskirts of cities, padel courts are appearing in prime urban locations, making them more accessible for busy professionals.

The rise of corporate padel

Lawyers, venture capitalists and management consultants are among those embracing the sport. Its appeal lies in the combination of competition and camaraderie, with matches often followed by informal networking sessions. The game’s simplicity compared to tennis makes it easy for newcomers, while its fast pace ensures engagement.

London leads the trend

Courts have sprung up in some of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods, including Battersea, Canary Wharf, Shoreditch and Vauxhall. This urban expansion reflects padel’s growing role in corporate culture, positioning it as the new arena for deal-making and team-building.