Sweat, Sip, Unwind!
How a visionary duo turned a niche sport into a lifestyle experience
A new breed of urban spaces is emerging, where fitness, community, and leisure meet in carefully curated harmony. At the forefront of this shift is a striking new concept: a padel court paired with a specialty coffee shop, under one cohesive brand, “the Central”.
For the founders, Mohammad Faisal Farooq, Mohammad Fahad Farooq and Taha Zafar, it was never just about sport. “We wanted to create more than just a facility; we envisioned a lifestyle space where people could connect, unwind, and stay active,” says the co-founder in an exclusive sit-down. “Combining padel with a coffee shop felt like the perfect blend of movement and community. It’s about making wellness social, approachable, and enjoyable.”
The idea wasn’t born in a boardroom; it came from observing what was missing in everyday life.
“We noticed a gap. Traditional gyms can feel intimidating, and most cafés don’t offer more than a casual chat,” they explain. “We wanted to build a bridge between wellness and leisure, something energizing, yet comforting.”
That “something” turned out to be padel, a fast-growing racket sport with European origins, now rapidly gaining ground in South Asia. The game is social, easy to learn, and doesn’t require elite athleticism, making it ideal for Pakistan’s vibrant, youthful population eager to try a new sport.
“That’s precisely why we chose it,” says Faisal. “It’s dynamic, engaging, and inclusive. We saw an opportunity to introduce something fresh while shaping its cultural footprint in Pakistan from the ground up.”
While the courts are the beating heart of the space, the experience stretches far beyond just a match. The environment is intentionally designed, upbeat, themed game evenings, social mixers, and curated playlists that match the mood of the hour.
“It’s about the vibe,” Faisal laughs. “Think friendly competition, laughter, and post-game banter over cold brews. Whether you’re playing or just watching with a latte in hand, you’re part of the energy.”
This isn’t a place for just the pros. In fact, the space prides itself on being beginner-friendly and socially inclusive. Coaching programs, youth camps, and community tournaments are already in the works.
This isn’t a place for just the pros. In fact, the space prides itself on being beginner-friendly and socially inclusive. Coaching programs, youth camps, and community tournaments are already in the works.
“We want everyone from first-timers to seasoned players to feel welcome. This is where your wellness journey can begin without judgment.”
At the other end of the court, quite literally, is a chic coffee bar serving more than just caffeine. Designed with the same attention to detail, the café invites players and passersby alike to linger.
It’s a mix of gourmet and socially driven,” the team explains. “Whether you’re cooling down after a game, waiting for your child’s session, or just looking for a cozy corner to work the café is for you.
Staying relevant in a fast-evolving wellness and food landscape means staying responsive — and agile. The menu is curated with freshness and balance in mind. Cold brews, specialty blends, wholesome snacks, and the house favorite, a vibrant pink lemonade, make it more than just a pit stop.
“We’re exploring franchising, private memberships, and even corporate wellness events. But we’re not rushing. Quality comes first.”
“Innovation for us means listening to trends, to our team, and to the people who walk through our doors. Whether it’s a new smoo-thie, a better booking system, or a wellness collab we’re building for the long game.”
What sets this space apart is not just the novelty of the concept, but its soul. There’s a warmth to it, a sense of belonging that extends from the courts to the café tables. It’s part playground, part third space, part wellness hub.
“We want people to feel inspired and at ease,” Faisal concludes. “You don’t need to be an athlete or a coffee snob to belong here. Just come as you are.”
In a world where wellness is often commodified and community feels increasingly virtual, this Islamabad-based initiative is a refreshing, real-world antidote, inviting us to move, connect, and sip our way to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
