Frequently asked Questions

Two easy ways. Download the Matchbox Play app from the App Store or Google Play, set up a free account (an account isn't a membership — just a login), and you'll see all our live availability. Pick your slot, invite your mates to the game, and you're set. Prefer a human? Give us a call and we'll book you in.

All our classes and sessions live in the Programmes section of the app — have a scroll, find one that suits, and book straight in.

Walk-ins are welcome — but we can't always fit you in, especially evenings and weekends, so it's worth a quick check of the app before you set off. Booking ahead guarantees your spot.

Non-members can book up to 5 days ahead. Members get longer windows depending on tier: Starter 7 days, off-peak memberships 10 days, All Sports 14 days, and Founders a full 21 days.

Yes — bookings start at 60 minutes, then run in 30-minute increments after that.

We'll hold the sim or court for you — but your end time stays the same, so the earlier you arrive the more play you get.

Yes — if a session's sold out, you can join the waitlist in the app and we'll let you know if a space opens up.

Absolutely — bring who you like. We just ask that only four play on the court at any one time, so everyone gets a fair go and the games flow.

Card in the app when you book. In person you can pay by card or cash. Simple as that.

Currently 6 days a week 9-9 & 10-7 Sunday. The only time we shut is over Christmas and New Year.

Yes — 10% off. Just show your student ID when you come in.

Yes — 10% off for blue light card holders. Book as normal and show your card when you arrive.

Absolutely — children are welcome. We also run a dedicated kids' class; you'll find the next one in the Programmes section of the app.

Not yet — full changing rooms and showers are being built and will be ready by the end of 2026, alongside a physio and sports-massage centre. For now, come changed and ready to play.

Yes — 10% off for blue light card holders. Book as normal and show your card when you arrive.

Yes — the venue is accessible. If you've got specific requirements, give us a shout before you visit and we'll make sure everything's sorted.

 Yes — we've got locker storage you can use, free of charge.

Yes — ultra-fast Wi-Fi throughout the building. Plenty of people work from the café over a coffee, no problem at all.

Course you can. The café's open to everyone — come for a coffee and watch the courts from the sofa, whether you're playing or not. That's rather the point of the place.

Course you can. The café's open to everyone — come for a coffee and watch the courts from the sofa, whether you're playing or not. That's rather the point of the place.

Not yet — but watch this space.

We do. There's a proper café serving coffee from Scout (a local roaster), cakes from Carrot Top Bakery (local too), plus soft drinks, energy drinks, protein shakes, water and a range of snacks. Come for a game, stay for a coffee.

Yes — no need to own a thing to start. Standard paddle rental is £3 per person, or treat yourself to a premium paddle for £5 and try something that'd cost £150–300 to buy.

Standard rental (£3) gets you a solid paddle to play with. Premium (£5) lets you try a top-end paddle worth £150–300 — worth it if you want to feel the difference, or you're thinking of buying your own.

Yes — we've got a full retail store on-site with paddles, balls and Matchbox gear. An online shop is coming soon too.

We love them. Get in touch and we'll sort the courts, the space and the café side so you can just turn up and enjoy it.

Rough rule of thumb: if you play once a week or so, an off-peak membership in your sport pays for itself fast. If you're in most days across different sports, All Sports is your one. If you can only ever play daytime, off-peak is unbeatable value. Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp or call — we'll talk you through it properly.

Starter (£10/mo) is the easy way in: free racket rental for yourself every visit, 10% off your chosen sport, and 10% off drinks. It's perfect if you're just getting going. The off-peak and All Sports memberships are about unlimited play — proper value once you're playing regularly.

Memberships are rolling monthly with 30 days' notice — no long lock-in. Give notice through the member portal or by email and you'll stay active through the notice period.

Just the standard membership agreement you accept when you sign up. Rolling monthly, cancel with 30 days' notice.

Normally memberships run continuously, but we know life happens — so we can pause in genuine extenuating circumstances (injury, that kind of thing) at our discretion. Have a chat with us and we'll sort something fair.

Some memberships come with guest passes (Founders get 3 a month, for example), and they reset monthly. When you're adding people to a booking in the app, you'll see a "use guest pass" option — tick it and your guest's covered.

Nope. Rent one from £3, or try a premium paddle for £5. Buy your own from the shop when you're hooked.

Pickleball's usually doubles (four players), but you can play singles on the same court too. Coming without a full group? Use the app to join an open game, hop in the club WhatsApp, or come to an open play session and we'll match you in.

Just comfy sportswear and trainers with a decent grip — nothing special. Bring water, or grab one from the café.

Padel's played as doubles, so a game is four — but you don't need to bring three mates. Book with friends, join a session, or use the club WhatsApp and we'll match you with players at your level. Plenty of people come solo.

No — rent one from £3, or a premium paddle for £5. The shop's there when you want your own.

Yes — we run padel socials regularly. You'll find the next one in the Programmes section of the app.

The real thing. The Big Sim runs on the ProTee VX system with real ball-flight data and a full course library through GSPro, plus a driving range, practice areas, and a range of challenges and games — whether you want to lower your scores or just have a laugh. There's even a swing camera so you can watch yourself back.

Up to eight in the bay — it's built to be social. There's bar-top seating, a big corner sofa, a dartboard and a TV, so it's as much a hangout as a golf session.

Depends on your group and pace, but as a rough guide: an hour for drills or a practice session, around 2 hours for two people to play a full round, and add roughly 45 minutes per extra person playing a full round. Every group plays at its own speed, so it's a guide, not a rule.

No — we've got a set you can use for free. It's an older set, so if you've got your own we'd encourage you to bring them, but you'll be absolutely fine either way.

Definitely — it suits kids, adults and the elderly, and every skill level. Whether you've never held a club or you're chipping away at a handicap, the sim doesn't judge. It's as good for a laugh with mates as it is for serious practice.

Yes — you can bring food and drink from our café straight into the bay. Make a proper evening of it.