Why We Started Bisque: Building a New Tennis Culture
Tennis has been a huge part of our lives for as long as we can remember. It’s a sport that has given us so much from competition, movement, discipline, and most importantly, connection. We played regularly, meeting up on weekends to hit, rally, and compete - but more than anything, to have fun. It was our way of unwinding, staying active, and catching up with friends.
Alejandro and Alex met at our old workplace and quickly bonded over our shared love for the game. Tennis became our go-to weekend activity, something we both looked forward to after long weeks. But as much as we loved playing, we couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.
We’d see run clubs taking over the streets, groups of people moving together, music blasting, energy high. They weren’t just running; they were building a community. It made us wonder: why didn’t tennis have the same thing? Why did it always feel so structured, so rigid, so exclusive?
How It All Started
Just before the summer of 2024, we decided to invite a few friends for a casual tennis session, followed by drinks at a pub in Fulham. We played music, kept the energy high, and just enjoyed the game - no pressure, no expectations, just good vibes.
Something unexpected happened. People on the other courts started noticing. They saw the fun we were having, heard the music, and soon enough, they started asking how they could join. “How do we sign up for this?” “Is this a club?” “Can we come next time?”
That was the moment we realised we were onto something. Tennis didn’t have to be just quiet rallies and competitive league matches. It could be social, fun, and inclusive - just like those run clubs we had seen.
What Bisque Means
The name Bisque comes from an old tennis handicap rule that allowed a weaker player to claim a point at any time - an early attempt at making the game more inclusive. And that’s exactly what we want Bisque to stand for. A space where everyone, regardless of skill level, can come together to play, improve, and enjoy the game without the pressure of traditional tennis culture.
We wanted to take the best parts of the sport from competition, movement, and skill but strip away the barriers. No strict dress codes, no stuffy club atmospheres. Just good tennis, good people, and a good time.
What We’re Building
Bisque is more than just an hour or two of tennis - it’s an experience!
• We play music to keep the energy up.
• We mix in fun games and challenges to keep things engaging.
• We socialise, making it easy to meet new people who love tennis as much as you do.
• And after we play we gather usually at a garden pub, a local cafe or brunch spot because tennis is better when it’s followed by a well-earned drink/snack!
We’re building a community, not just an event. A place where you can show up, hit some balls, make new friends, and leave feeling better than when you arrived. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who’s been playing for years, there’s a place for you here.
The Future of Bisque
We have big plans for Bisque, and we can’t wait to grow, evolve, and bring more people into this movement. We want to make tennis as fun, social, and accessible as possible, no matter your level, background, or experience.
If you’ve ever felt like tennis was missing something - if you’ve ever wanted a more fun, relaxed, and inclusive way to play - welcome to Bisque. We’ll see you on the court!
