Rocks Lane Chiswick

*edited post Rocks Lane response 1) We arrived on time, we were not late and many arrived after us. It appears this was explained before our arrival so therefore early. This is fine but if that’s going to be the case, have someone who is identifiably a member of staff available to help when others arrive on time - as I mentioned, no one appeared in charge and there was no guidance 2) I’m a frequent user of Playtomic so this is how I expected it to be done - I’ve checked the rankings of people I played with and it’s immediately apparent this is not how it was handled - at least on my court… 3) Other newcomers were openly irritated themselves at what they deemed poor organisation and terrible value for money Initial review: I can’t believe how bad the Padel social was…you would’ve struggled to organise it any worse. Total chaos - you arrive with 0 instruction - no clear guidance on what to do and no one apparently in charge…they will have people arrived confused every week (and I doubt there are many regulars given how poorly ran it was ) so how do they not have a clear process. You pay £30 for 2 hours (racket hire NOT included) but only actually play 4 x 15 minute games. You are paying £30 therefore for an hour. In essence, they sell to double the amount of people they should do and it makes for a much worse experience. The allocation to courts is also terrible - I brought a friend who had never played before (and was therefore a much lower rank) and his whole court was intermediate level vs mine that had multiple people unable to properly return a ball. Everyone has different levels, that’s fine - but having competent people mixed with total beginners was so frustrating. Other clubs have a refined system in which you’re constantly playing and also move up / down if you win / lose. The money grab of this Rocks Lane Chiswick social means that rather than this constant, competitive padel, you’re playing on and off at a very inconsistent level. I was really looking forward to this but I’ve left feeling very unaccomplished and robbed. Avoid.

A pretty basic place for the price of court rental. Terrible changing room facilities, but in some ways, this no fuss approach is what I want. It's the sport that matters not luxury comforts. Staff have always been friendly and helpful. One star dropped for the very dated changing facilities, otherwise I'd give it 5

Courts are great but I’ve never met a more unwelcoming, disinterested and rude receptionist. She even turned away and put her hand up in a ‘swatting away’ gesture when we asked her questions. It felt as if we were inconveniencing someone whose literal job is to provide customer service!