LONDON, UK – A new cultural and social destination is opening its doors this spring as House of Racquet, London’s female-founded padel club and lifestyle space, launches within Tileyard Quarter, moments from King’s Cross, on April 25.
British-born and culture-led, House of Racquet is built around a simple belief: ‘life is better when we make time to play’. The club champions movement for enjoyment, asking an important question in this ‘always-on’ world: when was the last time we built play into our everyday routines? The opening signals a shift back to simple acts of wellbeing, where sport becomes less about performance and more about participation, socialising and switching off.
More than a sports venue, the launch marks a new kind of social ritual for Londoners seeking connection away from screens. Designed as a space where curious, interesting and inspiring people can come together, House of Racquet encourages members to leave ego and status at the door, creating opportunities to meet smart people in new environments, network beyond traditional siloes, and build relationships through shared activity.
The club features four covered courts in central London, a community-led clubhouse, and the capital’s first padel courts equipped with AI-powered performance analysis on every court, powered by Clutch, bringing professional-level insights to both beginners and seasoned players.
Designed to be accessible for everyone from first-timers to elite athletes, House of Racquet also launches with official club ambassadors Aimee Gibson, the British Women’s No.1, and Christian Medina Murphy, the British Men’s No.1, reinforcing the club’s commitment to elevating the sport while keeping community at its core.
House of Racquet was founded by Lauren van der Westhuizen, who was inspired to create the business after experiencing firsthand the impact of fast-paced corporate life and the growing need for meaningful, offline connection. After a career spanning corporate law and big tech, Lauren saw an opportunity to build an antidote to burnout – a space where movement, play, and community could coexist. Drawing on her experience working with professional athletes and her passion for sport and wellbeing, she set out to create a club that prioritises enjoyment over performance, connection over status, and community over competition.
Founder & CEO Lauren van der Westhuizen said:
“House of Racquet was created to offer something London is craving – a place to connect, move and socialise offline. Play is at the heart of everything we’re building. We wanted to create a space where people can step away from performance-driven routines and rediscover the joy of movement, whether they’re picking up a racquet for the first time or playing regularly. It’s also about bringing together a diverse community – people meeting outside of their usual circles, connecting through shared experiences, and building relationships in a more natural, enjoyable way. We are proud to work thoughtfully with small, independent brands, supporting their creativity and offering our members a carefully curated hospitality, wellness, and retail experience.”
Located within Europe’s largest creative community, the club serves as a meeting point for London’s creative and professional networks – whether for social play, networking, or simply switching off from digital life. House of Racquet blends sport with hospitality, wellness, and retail, working with emerging brands in a thoughtful, collaborative way. Food and beverage partners include New Ground Coffee, amie wine and local craft beer from neighbouring Two Tribes Brewery.
The club will also offer on-site beauty and wellness services, from sports massage to physio, delivered by Ruuby. The on-site retail space will feature additional lifestyle brands, all chosen to align with the club’s ethos of quality, creativity, and community support.
On-court performance is supported by OneBounce performance clothing and Nox premium padel racquets. Positioned at the intersection of sport, culture, and wellness, the club will host a programme of social play, events, and partnerships, reflecting the shift toward experiential, in-person socialising among Gen Z and millennials.
Membership
House of Racquet operates both a pay-to-play and membership model. Membership applications have now opened, with strong early demand already recorded. Subsequent members will be accepted on a monthly basis throughout the year.