While the summer months draw to a close, there’s something about the changing seasons that makes us want to shake up our routines and discover a hobby we didn’t know we needed. So, when the opportunity arose for a team trip to Square One Padel & Social Club, Kent’s largest and most exclusive padel experience, it felt like the perfect time to put our skills to the test. BY EMILY STURGEON

In line with the recent opening of Square One’s newest club in Sittingbourne, it felt only right for the iK team, as self-confessed beginners, to give the new phenomenon a go. Padel (pronounced ‘paddle’) is the latest sports craze; not squash, not tennis and definitely not pickleball – the racket, it seems,has taken on a new form…and the UK seems to be taking notice.

Played within an enclosed court surrounded by glass walls and solid rackets designed to keep the ball in play, padel is fast-paced, social and surprisingly easy to pick up. While it follows the same scoring principles as tennis, the smaller court and underarm serves create a more relaxed atmosphere to play. Rather than spending the game sprinting from one end of the court to the other, there’s more focus on technique, positioning and, of course, keeping the ball on your racket.

According to the Lawn Tennis Association, there are now more than one million adult and junior padel players across the UK, and Square One’s newest club in Sittingbourne provides an ideal setting for players of every level. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player, the courts are designed to guide you through every step of the process, thankfully supported by  a very patient and knowledgeable team! For team iK, all of us relatively new to padel, that guidance was exactly what we were looking for. None of us knew quite what to expect from our first visit, but stepping inside the club, it quickly became clear we were in the right place. 

Set in an expansive warehouse, the Sittingbourne Club’s high-vaulted ceilings and open-plan design meant the unmistakable sound of padel balls echoed around the courts from the moment we walked through the door. There was something infectious and playful about the energy of the venue. It didn’t feel daunting; instead, there was an immediate sense of excitement from the team. It was clear we were ready to put our best foot, or shall I say, serve, forward.

Making our way through to reception, we caught our first glimpse of the seven panoramic courts, each enclosed by tempered glass walls and equipped with professional lighting, offering excellent year-round playing conditions. This is one of Square One’s greatest strengths; for once, there was no need to worry about the unpredictability of British weather as the indoor courts allow players to enjoy a game at any time of the year, come rain or shine.

Before long, the friendly Square One team greeted us and led us to the dedicated Pro Shop and reception area, where they took the time to ask about our individual abilities and, as complete beginners, provided us with suitable rackets that were lightweight and easy to swing. One thing I noticed in particular was how Square One caters to every stage of the padel journey. From introductory sessions designed to familiarise beginners with the basics, through to tailored programmes for children and juniors, as well as professional coaching and structured player pathways for intermediate and advanced players, it’s clear that support is at the heart of the Square One experience.

Kitted out with our rackets and armed with six padel balls, we made our way through to our designated court. The warehouse’s expansive layout creates a bright, breathable atmosphere,  yet once inside the state-of-the-art court, it feels surprisingly intimate. There’s a sense of privacy and space that allows you to focus on the game without feeling as though you’re being watched; something that, as a total novice, I certainly appreciated!

Starting the game, we were first taken through the rules of padel. Played in doubles, each point begins with an underarm serve from the right side of the court played diagonally into your opponent’s service box. Once the point is over, you switch sides for the next serve, continuing to alternate throughout the game. Sounds easy enough, right?

Surprisingly, it was! Although we hesitated at first, making that first serve was surprisingly simple. The underarm motion makes a huge difference, and, after a few rounds, I began to find a rhythm. My initial nerves quickly transformed into newfound confidence. Even when a few of the team’s serves (including my own) went slightly off course, the glass walls offered predictable rebounds, allowing us to get into position and extend our rallies. This made for longer games and gave us plenty of time to practise our technique, which absolutely got better and better as the game progressed.

After our allocated 60 minutes on court, we finished our games with a newfound passion for the sport and, more importantly, an eagerness to keep playing. However, the experience didn’t stop there, as we were introduced to Square One’s state-of-the-art facilities alongside the courts, which is where the club really comes into its own.

Beyond the padel court, the experience is elevated by dedicated recovery and wellness spaces designed for the perfect post-match recharge. Cold plunge ice baths and saunas provide an opportunity to unwind and help ease muscle soreness, while red-light therapy treatments offer another element of post-workout recovery, designed to support skin and tissue repair. It is clear that these facilities highlight how Square One is thinking beyond the court, creating a more holistic fitness experience that caters to both the body and mind – after an hour of playing, we were certainly in need of it! 

Much to our delight, the wellness offerings didn’t stop there. Directly connected to the club’s recovery space is Square One’s bespoke fitness centre, home to a dual-level commercial gym and reformer pilates studio in partnership with PITH Pilates. The small-group classes use Merrithew Pilates equipment, which we found is designed to support controlled movement and core stability for a low-impact workout, providing a calming contrast to the high-energy buzz of the padel courts.

Soon enough after exploring the facilities, the team’s expended energy had turned to hunger, which meant our final stop was Square One’s bespoke restaurant and bar. Elevated on a mezzanine floor, the restaurant offers an ideal vantage point across the courts, while additional seating downstairs gives you the option to sit that little bit closer to the action. Despite being open to the courts, we found that the seating areas still felt surprisingly private, while retaining the social atmosphere of the venue; there was plenty of entertainment to keep the team occupied while we made our way to our table.

One of the standout features of Square One’s restaurant is its in-house chefs, and it is safe to say that nothing here is done by halves, as every dish is freshly prepared and made to order. We started with perfectly seasoned skin-on-fries, followed by wood-fired pizzas topped with fiery salami and proper smashburgers made with thick beef patties, smoky bacon and all the trimmings. Finally, we finished with tender-cooked steaks served on a bed of fresh salad, which, after our introduction to the understandable delights of padel, was exactly the kind of post-match nourishment the team needed.

While our experience had sadly come to an end, it is clear that for Kent, padel has a bright future ahead, and Square One is proving that the sport can really be for everyone. From the time spent on the court to the nourishing food, recovery and fitness facilities, the experience goes far beyond the game itself. 

Now with new sites opening across Maidstone, Canterbury, New Romney and Hythe, it seems Square One’s expansion is just the beginning. After team iK’s first taste of the padel phenomenon, it’s clear that a new hobby has been unlocked for us all – fashioning my newfound serve skills, I’ll definitely be back, racket firmly at the ready.