Padium Archives - Wharf Life

May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

Wharf Wellness returns with a packed programme in June 2026

The health and wellbeing festival is back in Canary Wharf with classes, activities and offers showcasing the depth of the estate’s offering

Arc in Crossrail Place will be bringing people together for contrast therapy during the festival - image supplied by Canary Wharf Group — Arc in Crossrail Place will be bringing people together for contrast therapy during the festival – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group

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A festival of health is set to nurture the minds and bodies of workers, residents and visitors to Canary Wharf.

Wharf Wellness returns to the estate in June with a packed programme designed to showcase the breadth and depth of what’s on offer locally.

Taking in sports, fitness, recovery, beauty and nutrition, the festival offers Wharfers the chance to engage with the likes of Third Space, Barry’s, Arc, Padium and many more.

Early booking is advised and, to help you plan your diaries, we’re listing the more than 20 events and pop-ups already announced in full.

All bookings can be made via canarywharf.com:

Padium will be hosting both social and beginner events as part of Wharf Wellness - image supplied by Canary Wharf Group — Padium will be hosting both social and beginner events as part of Wharf Wellness – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group

the 2026 wharf wellness programme

Roof Garden Pilates – £25

THE ISLAND STUDIO, June 3, 8am, Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Join the Wood Wharf-based studio for a pop-up class in the leafy surroundings of the Crossrail station’s rooftop park for a chance to move, stretch and reset. Suitable for all levels.

Win A Mini Facial – Pop-Up

WEATHER + PALETTE, June 3-4, Canada Place

Visit this pop-up and play for a chance to win a range of prizes including a Mini Facial, 20% off facial treatments, samples and more from the Jubilee Place store.

Run Club – FREE

TRIBE LONDON CANARY WHARF, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 6pm, 15 Water Street

Taking place every Thursday in June during Wharf Wellness, Tribe London Canary Wharf will be hosting a free Run Club. The guided 5k leaves from the hotel’s main reception with finishers receiving a protein bar and vitamin drink to help them refuel. Places can be booked in person at the hotel or via DM on Instagram to @tribe_londoncanarywharf

After Dark – £20

ARC, June 5, 7pm, Crossrail Place

Promising a “more social, high-energy” way to experience contrast therapy through music, this session allows participants to move between the heat of the sauna and the chill of its cold plunges at their own rhythm in a community atmosphere.

Big Club Social – £20

PADIUM, June 6, 20, 9am, Bank Street Park

Meet other padel enthusiasts in a fun, social setting where players take on a series of 15-minute matches, moving up or down a court based on wins and losses. There are two dates to choose from over the month.

Reformer Taster Sessions – FREE

FREEDOM CLINICS, June 8-12, 9am, Canada Place

Treat yourself to a free Reformer Pilates class, open to all levels. Those booking should select One Pilates Class Pass and then enter code WHARFWELLNESS when reserving to reduce the cost to £0 for the 9am sessions. These will likely sell out fast.

Intro To Padel – £20

PADIUM, June 8, 22, 5pm, Bank Street Park

These early evening classes have been designed for first-timers with the aim of helping participants learn all the fundamental rules, techniques and strategies to allow them to play padel tennis. All equipment is provided.

Atis Moves Run Club – £6.50

ATIS, June 9, 6.15pm, Canada Place

Enjoy a 5k around Canary Wharf followed by a bowl from the salad chain. Runners should arrive in their kit with filled bottles ready for a 6.30pm start. Spaces are limited so book early.

Swing Social – FREE

PITCH WHARF, June 10, 6pm-9pm, 30 Churchill Place

Sip low and no alcohol drinks and indulge in a bit of active wellness at the golf simulator venue. Those attending can expect Nearest The Pin challenges, pro-led swing clinics and plenty of virtual holes. Admission is free, but online registration is required.

A Moment Of Hygge – FREE

SØSTRENE GRENE X OLE & STEEN, June 9, 10, 11, Jubilee Place

Søstrene Grene and Ole & Steen are set to collaborate on a series of bookable one-hour workshops where participants can create personalised memory jars, paint and decorate flower pots or design and embellish candles. Each session includes Danish refreshments and pastries.

In2Sports at Wood Wharf will be running Let's Get Moving events - image supplied by Canary Wharf — In2Sports at Wood Wharf will be running Let’s Get Moving events – image supplied by Canary Wharf

scroll down for more Wharf Wellness highlights

Mat Pilates – £5

THIRD SPACE, June 10, 17, 24, 7.30am, Eden Dock

Join these intimate morning classes to explore the discipline in a slower format with a strong focus on proper alignment and posture. What a way to start the day. Book early.

Health Optimisation – Pop-Up

LE CHALET CRYO, June 10, 11, Canada Place

Find out about whole-body Cryotherapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and get the chance to win a free session.

Let’s Get Moving – FREE

IN2SPORTS, June 12, 19, noon-4.30pm, 40 Harbord Square

These community-focused events are aimed at promoting active and connected lifestyles with participants getting access to a range of sports during each session. Tickets need to be booked online.

First-Timer Class – FREE

BARRY’S, June 13, 3pm, Crossrail Place

Experience the delights and challenges of the red room with a session exclusively open to first-timers. Expect high-energy interval training making full use of the treadmills and gym equipment.

No experience is needed for this session, which will feature the brand’s signature combo of pumping beats, positive vibes and supportive coaching.

Outdoor Class – £15

BARRY’S, June 16, noon, Canada Square Park

Enjoy a special pop-up class in the sunshine with Barry’s trainers who promise to get you moving and sweating with a full body workout in the open air. Expect to burn up to 1,000 calories with plenty of upbeat encouragement.

Wellness Week – £10

SPACE NK, June 21-27, Cabot Place

Book a slot and pop into the beauty store for a 15-minute makeover. Refresh your look and get plenty of advice from the brand’s beauty advisors. The £10 is redeemable against purchases.

Wharf Wellness – Pop-Up

YUMMZY, June 25, Canada Place

Enjoy complimentary tastings and exclusive offers as the vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free eatery brings its products to the heart of the Wharf.

Contrast + Journalling – £20

ARC, June 28, Crossrail Place

With timings yet to be announced, this slower session features guided contrast therapy in the venue’s sauna and ice baths as well as breathwork and journalling to help participants reconnect with what they’re processing and what might need to shift. Bookings open May 28.

Friday Night Lights is set to team up with Third Space - image supplied by Canary Wharf Group — Friday Night Lights is set to team up with Third Space – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group

check out these Wharf Wellness highlights

Friday Night Lights x Third Space

FRIDAY NIGHT LATES + THIRD SPACE, June 24, from 6pm, Canada Square Park

Canada Square Park is set to be transformed into a space for outdoor fitness on June 24. From 6pm-9pm, Friday Night Lights and Third Space will be running a programme of classes aimed at everyone from seasoned gym-goers to complete beginners.

First up is Yoga at 6pm, with participants guided to move from one pose to another in tune with their breath. At 7pm it’s Pilates on the mat with trainers on hand to ensure proper posture and solid alignment.

Finally, at 8pm, it’s Bodyweight HIIT, featuring a mixture of plyometric, multidimensional, sport-based exercises to help develop stability, muscular endurance and overall fitness.

Each class costs £5 and bookings are open now. Friday Night Lights is also the organisation behind popular 5k event Run The Wharf, which returns to the estate in September.

Book via Wharf Wellness here

Former Olympic swimmer Katy Sexton will be hosting two sessions at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf

Swim With An Olympian

SEA LANES CANARY WHARF, June 25, 5.30pm, 6.30pm, Eden Dock

Olympic swimmer and former world champion, Katy Sexton, will be on hand to deliver two guided open water coaching sessions at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf in Eden Dock on June 25.

Running at 5.30pm and 6.30pm, the sessions will see swimmers work on “pacing, positioning and efficiency in a relaxed, supportive environment” guided by lane coaches.

Designed for swimmers looking to build confidence and refine their technique in open water, the structured sessions are an opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s most accomplished swimmers. Tickets for the classes cost £15 and must be pre-booked online.

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is a new floating lido, sauna and events complex that’s set to open in June in Eden Dock. Founder memberships are now available for £75 per month over a year. Individual swim sessions will cost £10.

Book via Wharf Wellness here

key details: Wharf Wellness

Wharf Wellness runs throughout June 2026 in Canary Wharf.

All activities and classes can be booked via this link, with tickets for some released closer to the festival

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

May 7, 2025May 9, 2025

Wharf Wellness returns to Canary Wharf for the whole of June 2025

Festival of health and wellbeing features classes, workshops, taster sessions, music and more

Wharf Wellness is returning to Canary Wharf for the whole of June - image by Canary Wharf Group — Wharf Wellness is returning to Canary Wharf for the whole of June – image by Canary Wharf Group

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Sip mocktails, sweat in the UK’s largest sauna, thwack padel balls, dive into the dock, bend, flex, run and jump – Wharf Wellness is returning.

Canary Wharf’s festival of health and wellbeing is back and for 2025, there will be events running throughout the whole month of June.

This year, in addition to a selection of free activities, the festival will also feature an extended range of paid-for classes offering Wharfers the chance to experience discounted sessions from top brands.

“Wharf Wellness is a celebration of the health and wellbeing brands we have in Canary Wharf,” said Poppy Price, retail events and partnerships executive at Canary Wharf Group.

“This is the third time we’re hosting it – we held four-day events in 2023 and 2024 to showcase our diverse offering.

“It’s really grown in popularity and classes were selling out very quickly, so this year we wanted to extend it to a whole month, working with our partners for a longer period of time.

“We wanted to ensure as many people as possible could come here as we know there’s a real appetite for these kinds of events and activities.

“Workers can take a break from their desks for a taster session at Padium or Pilates with Third Space trainers at Eden Dock.

Canary Wharf Group's Poppy Price - image by Jon Massey — Canary Wharf Group’s Poppy Price – image by Jon Massey

“For our residents it’s an opportunity to try different things that are on their doorstep.

“For visitors, it’s a chance to discover a different side to Canary Wharf and to see what else is here.

“It’s about showing people they can really make a day here, participating in our programme of wellness activities, then making use of the offers our retailers are running throughout June.”

Retailers across the neighbourhood will also be participating in Wharf Wellness with June offers and experiences available from the likes of Aesop, Malin+Goetz, Jo Malone, Pure, Feels Like June and Get A Drip.

Pure is offering a 20% discount for the whole of June to customers mentioning Wharf Wellness at the till - image by Pure — Pure is offering a 20% discount for the whole of June to customers mentioning Wharf Wellness at the till – image by Pure

Wharf Wellness, going deeper…

Poppy added: “We know wellness goes beyond fitness. It’s your mental health, self-care and the chance to spend some time with nature too.

“Canary Wharf offers all that. We’re really excited to be working with Arc Community on a series of talks during June.

“Arc is a contrast therapy space where people can engage in meditation, communal saunas and ice cold plunge baths.

“For Wharf Wellness the venue will be hosting three expert-led sessions in the beautiful lounge space they have.

“It’s a chance to both see Arc and also learn something. There’s one on hormonal optimisation, which is an area that’s growing.

“There’s another one on sleep too, which is a huge trend. We’re all so busy it’s about finding time to relax and take time out.”

Scroll down to find full listings for Wharf Wellness’ month-long programme and booking links.

Padium in Bank Street Park is set to run social events and introductory sessions in June as part of Wharf Wellness - image by Padium — Padium in Bank Street Park is set to run social events and introductory sessions in June as part of Wharf Wellness – image by Padium

a chance to win

In celebration of Wharf Wellness, Canary Wharf Group is also running a competition for one person to win a £500 gift card to spend on health and wellbeing on the Wharf.

Find out full details, including terms and conditions, here

Third Space will be running an outdoor HIIT workout at Union Square - image by Third Space — Third Space will be running an outdoor HIIT workout at Union Square – image by Third Space

what’s on at Wharf Wellness

The core of the Wharf Wellness offering is the wide range of activities, classes and workshops on offer in June.

Bookings are now open, which can be made via the links below.

Feels Like Zero Mocktail Terrace

Jun 2-26, daily, noon-9pm, Feels Like June, 15 Water Street, Wood Wharf, £15

Elevate your wellness with Feels Like June’s exclusive mocktail offer – only available on the venue’s terrace.

For the whole of June, guests can enjoy two mocktails alfresco for £15.

Find out more here

Pilates For 7 Days

Jun 2-8, daily, times vary, Freedom Clinics, Cabot Place, £49

The challenge – join Freedom Clinics for seven days of Pilates (or at least 3x a week) and experience the transformation this form of exercise delivers.

Every participant is entered into a draw to win a 10-class pack

Book via this link and select pass: Wharf Wellness Pass

Arc Community Workshop: Peak State

Jun 2, 6.45pm-7.30pm, Arc Community, Crossrail Place Level -2, £35

This workshop provides multiple tools to optimise mental, physical, and emotional performance in our chronic burnout culture.

Through intention setting, education on the science of peak performance and self-assessment activities, you’ll gain actionable insights to enhance your performance sustainably.

Book an Arc single credit, then reserve a space via its calendar

Padium: Big Club Social

Jun 3, 7pm-8.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

Meet other padel enthusiasts in a fun, social setting where you’ll play a series of 15-minute matches, moving up or down a court based on wins and losses.

After the games, unwind and connect over delicious pizza in Padium’s mezzanine area.

Book via this link

Alfresco Arts: Music

Jun 4, 12.30pm-2pm, Jubilee Park, free

The Hot Club Of Jupiter – Docklands Sinfonia Jazz will play interplanetary gypsy jazz and hot swing at this free concert. No booking required.

Find the full Alfresco Arts: Music programme here

Lunchtime Resets

Jun 9-15, daily, 1pm-1.45pm, Freedom Clinics, Cabot Place, £50

Try a 45-minute Pilates session at 1pm each day and get a discount if you sign up for a class pack on the same day.

Book via this link and select Wharf Wellness Lunch Reset – code WHARFWELLNESS25

Intro To Padel

Jun 10, 11am-12.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

Begin your padel journey with this introduction session.

Perfect for first-timers, this class covers all the fundamental techniques and rules you need to start playing with confidence.

Book via this link

Arc Community Workshop: Sleep Optimisation

Jun 10, 6.45pm-7.30pm, Arc Community, Crossrail Place Level -2, £35

Unlock the secrets to restorative sleep and enhanced resilience.

This workshop provides applicable tools, knowledge and core practices to optimise your sleep quality.

Book an Arc single credit, then reserve a space via its calendar

Pilates With Third Space

Jun 11, 7.30am-8.30am, Eden Dock, £5

Join Third Space for a bodyweight mat Pilates class on Eden Dock.

Mat Pilates is a slower-paced class that emphasises precise instruction, with a strong focus on proper alignment and posture improvement.

All proceeds go to the Magic Breakfast Charity

Book now via this link

HIIT class with Third Space

Jun 12, 6pm-7pm, Union Square, Wood Wharf, £5

Ignite your evening with a high-octane HIIT session in the heart of Canary Wharf.

This 45-minute bodyweight workout will push your limits and boost your fitness, all while supporting a great cause.

Book via this link

Padium: Big Club Social 2

Jun 14, noon-1.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Barry's in Crossrail Place will be hosting two charity classes for Wharf Wellness - image by Matt Grayson — Barry’s in Crossrail Place will be hosting two charity classes for Wharf Wellness – image by Matt Grayson

United We Barry’s Charity Class

Jun 14, 3pm-4pm, Barry’s, Crossrail Place Level -2, donations

Experience Barry’s legendary workout while supporting a worthy cause.

This special charity class offers the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself in their signature Red Room while contributing to their partner charity.

All proceeds go to United We Barry’s partner charity.

Pilates, Performance And A Perfect Sip

Jun 16-20, daily, times vary, Freedom Clinics, Cabot Place, £50

Try this small group Pilates session followed by refreshing Exalt Juices to help you refuel and recover.

Book via this link using code WHARFWELLNESS25

Intro To Padel 2

Jun 17, 11am-12.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Pilates With Third Space 2

Jun 18, 7.30am-8.30am, Eden Dock, £5

See description above – all proceeds go to the Magic Breakfast Charity.

Book via this link

Alfresco Arts: Music

Jun 18, 12.30pm-2pm, Eden Dock, free

Docklands Sinfonia String Quartet are set to delight with a programme of classical chill-out, helping audiences relax to their favourite melodies. No booking required.

Find the full Alfresco Arts: Music programme here

United We Barry’s Charity Class 2

Jun 22, 3-4pm, Barry’s, Crossrail Place Level -2, donations

See description above – all proceeds go to United We Barry’s partner charity.

Arc Community in Crossrail Place will host a series of three talks in June - image by Arc Community — Arc Community in Crossrail Place will host a series of three talks in June – image by Arc Community

Arc Community Workshop: Hormonal Optimisation

Jun 24, 6.45pm-7.30pm, Arc Community, Crossrail Place Level -2, £35

Discover the keys to hormonal health through lifestyle changes, somatic movement and self-awareness.

This workshop blends research based education with practical, embodied exercises.

Book an Arc single credit, then reserve a space via its calendar

Padium: Big Club Social 3

Jun 24, 7pm-8.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Intro to Padel 3

Jun 26, 11am-12.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Open Water Swimming

Ongoing from Jun 5, daily, times vary, Eden Dock

Our popular Open Water Swimming will be returning to Canary Wharf this summer.

In partnership with Love Open Water, residents, visitors and workers are invited to take a dip in the beautiful clear waters of Eden Dock.

Find out more here

Short Story Stations

Ongoing, daily, Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Jubilee Place Level -2, free

Take time out to print out a free short story from Canary Wharf’s two vending machines.

Presented in partnership with Penguin, Wharfers can get a proper screen break by reading an extract from the publishers’ catalogue.

Find out more here

Pride In Wellness

Jun 26-29, times vary, Throughout Canary Wharf

Get ready for London’s first dedicated wellness event for the queer community, coming to Canary Wharf this June.

Pride in Wellness will be a primarily free event featuring talks, taster sessions, wellness experiences, and workshops.

The full programme is set to be announced later this month.

You can find more details here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

June 1, 2023June 1, 2023

Canary Wharf: How Padium is bringing padel tennis to Bank Street

Indoor club will feature seven indoor courts, an outdoor court plus a pro shop and changing facilities

Padium is under construction at 10 Bank Street

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Just what are those vast metallic arches that have sprung up on the flat patch of ground between Morgan Stanley and Societe Generale?

Well, the three-peaked structure is set to shelter Houman Ashrafzadeh’s latest dream.

The serial entrepreneur, together with two friends, already has a presence at 35 Bank Street, having launched new wave salad bar Urban Greens in September 2021.

This summer he’s set to do something completely different with the launch of Padium, a little further west on the estate.

“I grew up in Sweden and I’ve lived in London for nearly 16 years but, whenever I’d go back to visit, I’d see this new sport emerging,” he said.

“My brother and his friends played it and so I tried it and got completely hooked.”

That sport was padel tennis – popular across Europe and especially so in Houman’s old home town of Helsingborg with an unusually high number of courts for a place with a population a little over 100,000 people.

“When I discovered it, I felt it was something very different – so much fun, but with a social aspect,” he said.

“You have four players on a smaller court, a lot of banter going on, and it’s intense, because you’re in a more confined space than on a tennis court.

“It’s relatively easy to pick up – after two or three sessions you get the basics and you can have a decent game even with someone who is better than you.

Entrepreneur Houman Ashrazadeh is behind plans for Padium

“I was fascinated, because it was so much fun, and I went back to London, super-excited to play a game with my friends – but there was nowhere to buy Padel rackets, except online.

“Eventually I managed to convince a few friends to play and tried to book a court, but there were hardly any.

“Back then, there was one in Regent’s Park and one in Hyde Park, but they were outdoors – when it rains, you can’t really play.

“The frustration grew because I wanted to play in London. I played every time I went back to Sweden, but that was not frequently.

“I just couldn’t get over how strange it was that it hadn’t caught on in the UK. Squash was big, so why not padel?”

Initially Houman’s idea was to try to replicate the sorts of facilities he’d used in Sweden – unmanned courts in warehouses accessed by a code.

However, a dinner with Spotify co-founder Martin Lorentzon – an investor in Houman’s successful Coffydoor venture – took things up a notch.

Canary Wharf Group CEO Shobi Khan takes on Houman in an exhibition match to mark the official unveiling of Padium

“One of the topics that came up was padel tennis,” said Houman.

“Martin loves it and plays five or six times a week – it’s a passion for him and he’s very good at it.

“ I told him I was looking to start a Padel club in London as then there were none.

“At that time, Stockholm had hundreds of courts, but I only knew of two outdoor courts in the whole of London and he couldn’t believe it.

“So I showed him the Excel spreadsheet I’d been working on and he said he’d be interested in partnering up and investing.

“Having him on board gave me the ability to do something on a bigger scale than I’d been considering.

“My experience of Padel in the UK was that it was often very basic.

“It was embarrassing to bring friends from Sweden to these places, because the facilities were poor.

“Courts would not be maintained properly, with broken plaster on the walls and would often be too close to one another, so balls would be flying in from other games, or there would be no changing facilities or showers.”

An artist’s impression of how Padium will look

So Houman went back to the drawing board to create something he thought would be capable of “revolutionising” the game in the UK.

“I realised the club needed to be in a flagship location – a place that could attract a lot of people who had never played before,” he said.

“It should be an educator, to get a lot of people involved, including kids and schools so they too can enjoy this amazing game.

“I was told by some companies that I could just put up some courts and not spend much money because the demand was so high that they would be packed anyway.

“But I didn’t want to do that, I wanted to create an experience and an environment where you could build a community.

“I want young people involved, corporate clients and really good players too – the full 360-degrees like I was used to in Sweden.

“With Martin involved, I didn’t want to replicate any of the experiences I’d had in the UK, I wanted to raise the bar and have something much better to revolutionise the sport here.”

Padium will house seven indoor glass courts

The result is Houman’s plans for Padium.

The facility will be home to seven indoor panoramic glass courts under a 10-metre high ceiling including a centre court.

There will also be an outdoor court, a pro shop and a nutritional drinks bar.

The store will stock clothing from tennis legend Björn Borg and a selection of rackets from Babolat.

It will also have changing and shower facilities with a towel service and a club lounge on a mezzanine floor where players can hang out before and after games.

“Right now I play at other clubs, but I have to devote half a day for one hour of padel, because I have to travel for an hour, play, return home to shower, then continue my day,” said Houman.

“That’s a lot of time to spend when the whole thing could just take 90 minutes.

“I want the emphasis to be on good service at Padium with my staff being really knowledgeable and friendly – to create an environment for everyone where it’s welcoming and everybody feels included.

“This goes back to my Swedish roots, where padel is open to everyone.

“We don’t have fancy clubs over there where you have to be a member and it takes you 20 years to get on the list. It’s possible to create a premium product and to have that inclusivity where all are welcome.”

The proposed lounge area on the structure’s mezzanine

Extensive work to strengthen the foundations under 10 Bank Street have been undertaken to support the concrete slab on which Padium will sit.

Located on the site of a mooted 32-storey office block, the club will bring fresh life to a patch of ground that had become a popular sun trap before the winds of Storm Eunice tore up its astroturf.

Open daily from 6am-11pm, courts will be bookable in advance for four players with slots of 60, 90 or 120 minutes available with no membership required to play.

“One of the seven indoor courts is a centre court, which will cost a bit more, but we’ll be incorporating court camera technology on that one, which reads the game and gives you statistics,” said Houman.

“One is a recording camera which records the game and the other is AI-based, to give you statistics about your game, which is really cool.

“This will help people who want to improve their game and so coaches can assess their performance.

“If it’s popular, then we’ll look at rolling it out to other courts too.

“For me, padel is the perfect combination of squash and tennis. It takes the best of both and combines them into one game.

“It’s easy to learn, but hard to master. Because the courts are smaller, the actual amount of time you spend playing is greater than tennis – rallies can often go on for minutes rather than being over quickly.

Padium will include a pro shop and nutritional drinks bar

“Also, tennis can be a lonely sport. With padel you play with four people, so it’s super social.

“You have a ranking, sign up and play with players of a similar level you don’t know, so it’s a great way to meet people.

“One of our responsibilities will be to help nurture the grass roots of this amazing sport.

“We want schools and people from the local community to come and discover the game because they will be the players of the future.

“We need players to convince councils and other organisations that it’s worth approving these facilities – that the investment will be worth it – so we can grow the sport.

“Ultimately the aim is for it to become an Olympic sport.

“There’s a federation and there are professional players making a living from the game now, which is great.

“The Lawn Tennis Association is also involved now and we’re looking forward to working with them too.”

As for Houman, Urban Greens remains a strong focus and, come the opening of Padium there will certainly be some crossover between the two brands.

“Padel and salad go well together and Urban Greens will certainly be catering for events we put on,” he said.

“We’ll also be offering companies corporate sponsorships for the courts where businesses can have their name and logo on the booking app and on the courts themselves, with playing time for their staff and whole-club takeover events.”

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com