There are summer parties… and then there was this one.
On August 16th, Barnsgrove Members Club in the Surrey Hills hosted our first ever Padel & Party and what a day it turned out to be. The padel competition had everything: friendly rivalries, heroic dives, and Charlie finishing runner-up, still immaculate in his hemp shirt but clearly not too pleased about second place.
Meanwhile, Cosmo somehow found his way behind the bar. At first glance, it looked like he was lending a hand with service, but in hindsight, it was probably just the most efficient way to secure himself a few early drinks. Either way, from that moment on, the Ginger Gerbil Horsebox Bar barely paused for breath. Spritzes were flying out faster than we could garnish them, and The Squeak of the Devil quickly emerged as the runaway favourite, people were back for seconds, thirds, and more.
By 3:00, the party had really found its rhythm. A quick headcount showed just over 150 people on site, and from that point on the atmosphere went up a gear, music louder, drinks flowing faster, and the first signs of dance moves beginning to appear well before sunset.
Mid-afternoon struck, and we all witnessed a crowd emerge from Harry’s Jag, an entrance that turned more than a few heads and instantly raised the style stakes, only to make a beeline for a couple of Gerbils. It summed up the day perfectly: a mix of glamour, fun, and a lot of people very ready for a good time.
As the sun dipped behind the Surrey Hills, the party moved up a gear. Music, laughter, questionable dancing, and plenty of squeaking Gerbils carried us into the night. The giant bottle raffle was the big crescendo, huge cheers when it was won, even bigger ones when it was cracked open and passed around. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t last long.
By midnight, the energy showed no signs of slowing, and suddenly everyone was scrambling to sort cabs into London for the afters. Phones were out, deals were being struck, and miraculously, we made it work. From midday serves to dancing at dawn, it was a day, and night we won’t forget in a hurry. If this was the first Padel & Party, we can’t wait to see where the next one takes us.