Merchant Square (canalside, Waterside House), ping-pong in Paddington

Photo: Merchant Square

Merchant Square (canalside, Waterside House): Ping Pong in Paddington, London

FreeWalk-in3 tablesOutdoorGroups

Merchant Square, Paddington, London ยท W2 1AS

Merchant Square is a canalside development in Paddington with three free outdoor table tennis tables sitting right by the water next to Waterside House. There is no charge, no booking and no fuss. You just turn up and play, which makes it an easy stop if you fancy a quick game between meetings or a relaxed afternoon by the canal. It suits friends, families and anyone who wants a bit of low-key activity without committing to a venue or a bill. The one thing to remember is that the tables are bring-your-own when it comes to kit, so pack your bats and balls before you head over. There are also giant games dotted around the square and plenty of bars and food spots along the canal if you want to make a longer afternoon of it.

The table tennis setup

There are three outdoor tables set along the canalside next to Waterside House. They are permanent fixtures rather than a pop-up, so they are there whenever you want them. Because everything is open air and unstaffed, you bring your own bats and balls. There is nowhere on site to hire kit, so it is worth a quick check before you leave home. The tables sit in the open public space of the square, which means anyone can wander up and play.

Good to know

It is completely free and there is no booking system, so you simply take a table when one is open. Quiet weekday afternoons are your best bet if you want a guaranteed table; lunchtimes and sunny weekends get busier. The tables are outdoors, so rain will call a halt to play. When you are done, Merchant Square has bars, restaurants and a street food market along the canal, plus giant games if you want to keep the group entertained.

Get directions

Common questions

What is Merchant Square table tennis?
It is a set of three free outdoor table tennis tables on the canalside in Merchant Square, Paddington, next to Waterside House.
Is the ping pong at Merchant Square free?
Yes. The tables are completely free to use and there is no charge at any time.
Do I need to book a table?
No. There is no booking. You just walk up and play whenever a table is free.
How many tables are there?
There are three outdoor tables.
Do I need to bring my own bats and balls?
Yes. There is no kit hire on site, so bring your own bats and balls.
Where is it and what is the nearest station?
It is at Merchant Square, Paddington, London W2 1AS, a short walk from Paddington station.

Other ping pong bars nearby