Norwich has joined the growing Ping Pong Parlour revolution, with the city’s Castle Mall encouraging shoppers to pick up a bat and have a game.

Three free-play tables have been set up in the shopping centre from today and will run throughout the winter into the new year.

Players can also pick up some tips from the top this week as Mark Dare, Coach of the Year in the Pride of Table Tennis Awards, will be sharing his expertise and offering advice on joining clubs in the city.

Norwich is one of several locations to embrace the Parlour idea in recent weeks, following Birmingham, (Intu Merry Hill), Kingston (The Rotunda), Northampton (Grosvenor Centre) and the original Parlour in Hammersmith (King’s Mall).

Parlours in Ipswich (Sailmakers) and Maidenhead (Nicholsons) are due to reopen soon after operating this summer, while Ping! cities Blackpool, Oxford, Barnsley, Nottingham and Leeds all had Parlours this summer – the latter two are still up and running.

Ping Pong Parlours have already opened in several other shopping centres nationwide and form part of Table Tennis England’s vision to inspire people to get active and lead happier, healthier lifestyles by introducing table tennis into the places they already spend time in their everyday lives.

Robert Bradley, Centre Manager said:

We are excited to be hosting a Ping Pong Parlour at Castle Mall. The beauty of the parlour is that it’s just for fun, you don’t have to be a pro table tennis player to take part. We think it’s a great attraction for families and students.

Helen Dennett, Table Tennis England Projects Officer, said:

Ping Pong Parlours form part of our vision in the Mass Participation Team to provide opportunities for everyone to lead happier, healthier and more active lives.

We’re delighted to be working with Castle Mall on this project, and have many more parlours in the pipeline.

For more information on Ping Pong Parlours, or to get involved, click here.