For years, Mumbai has had cafés where people lounge for hours and restaurants where dinner somehow turns into midnight plans. But catching up with friends at these spots is becoming a thing of the past. Padel has been the “IT” thing lately, and we’re all catching up. So, I recently came across a new luxury sports destination that blends a gym, ice plunge, sauna, café and, of course, padel courts. Courtside in Worli is combining sports and socialising and serving it up as a winning combination.
I Visited Mumbai’s New Luxury Sports Club Where Padel, Coffee & Cocktails Collide
That’s probably what stood out most during a visit to Courtside in Worli, Mumbai. You arrive expecting a sports venue. Maybe a few padel courts and some smoothies. Instead, you walk into something that feels closer to a social club that just happens to have sport at its centre.
The padel courts grab your attention immediately. There are three of them, all sitting in the middle of the space like the main stage at a concert. Even if you’ve never picked up a padel racket before, it’s difficult not to stop and watch for a few minutes. It feels competitive without being intimidating.
That said, beginners don’t look out of place here either. They also have training sessions here.
Pickleball Fans Haven’t Been Forgotten Either
Away from the padel action sits a dedicated pickleball court. It’s smaller, slightly less intense and attracts a surprisingly mixed crowd. Some players seem to treat it like cardio, while others are clearly there for the social side of things. Both approaches seem perfectly acceptable. The entire venue feels designed around movement without making exercise feel like work.
Your Workout Can Continue Long After The Match Ends
Sport isn’t the only thing happening here. Pilates and Barre sessions run through partnerships with fitness studios, giving people another reason to show up even if rackets aren’t their thing.
Then there are the recovery facilities. Ice baths sit waiting for brave souls who willingly step into freezing water after a match. Nearby, saunas offer a much more relaxed experience.
The Coffee Crowd Might Arrive Before The Athletes
One of the more interesting things about Courtside is that some visitors probably never touch a racket at all. Speciality coffee from Every Morning Cartel has quietly become part of the attraction. The matcha crowd seems particularly happy. Morning coffee here feels less like grabbing caffeine and more like settling into the rhythm of the place.
The Sports-Themed Drinks Are Surprisingly Fun
A sports venue serving cocktails? Well, as outrageous as it may sound, surprisingly, it’s not uncommon. As Shoumik Shetty, one of the founders of Courtside, quoted, it’s a very common practice in the West. People grab a glass of bubbly or hop to watch a match in the stands. He wanted to bring down the concept to Mumbai and give sports a refreshing turn.
So we joined in and tried one of their best sellers: Peachy Palmer. It was refreshing without trying too hard to be complicated. Easy drinking, slightly fruity and something you’d happily order while watching a match from the sidelines.
The Spiked Electrolytes probably win the award for the best name on the menu. Thankfully, it tastes good too.
Then came the Courtside Honey Deuce, another playful nod to sporting culture overseas, where drinks and live games often go hand in hand.
Mumbai hasn’t traditionally had that culture. Courtside seems determined to change it.
Food That Stood Out
Food comes from Optimist, the venue’s all-day bistro.
The Courtside Benedict was probably the standout savoury dish. Rich but balanced and surprisingly satisfying after a game. An easy 9 out of 10.
The Scrambled Eggs scored similarly. It’s soft, buttery, and exactly what scrambled eggs should be, which sounds simple but rarely is.
The Bombay sandwich is one of the best sellers from their menu, which gives a proper Mumbai street snack feel but is loaded with cheese and perfectly toasted.
The Avocado and Kale Caesar salad offered something lighter but flavourful. We munched on it, pretending to be healthy after ordering cocktails.
The Confit Garlic Hummus was a solid 8.5 with the scrumptious toppings of olives and sundried tomatoes, with a generous portion of grilled pita bread on the side.
Dessert Quietly Stole The Show
Another surprising element on the menu was the desserts, but it ended up being some of the strongest dishes of the experience.
The chocolate and coffee mousse was excellent. Deep coffee notes, plenty of chocolate and almost impossible to stop eating. Easily a 9 out of 10.
The mango Basque cheesecake delivered exactly what one wants from a Basque cheesecake. Slightly burnt edges, creamy middle and enough mango without becoming overwhelming.
Then came the miso millionaire sticks, and they were dangerously addictive. Sweet sea salt flakes, rich dark chocolate, and the capacity to start a fight for the last bite. If anything deserves a 9.5, it’s these.
The Real Product Isn’t Just Limited To Sports
After a few hours, one thing becomes fairly obvious.
Courtside isn’t really just inviting you to play padel, and for the entire experience that comes along with it
The idea is to come for a game and spend an entire afternoon somewhere without needing a reason to leave. Coffee becomes lunch, lunch becomes a game, and then the game becomes cocktails. Somewhere in between, you’ve accidentally spent half your day there and don’t particularly mind. Mumbai doesn’t have many places that manage that. But we can proudly attest that Courtside has successfully figured it out!
Cover Image Courtesy: Greeshma Gupta, Supplied
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Is Courtside only for serious athletes?
No. Beginners and casual players seem just as comfortable as experienced players.
Do you need to play padel to visit Courtside?
Not at all. Plenty of people come for coffee, food or simply to spend time there.