Betty is 16.5m x 9m room with a state-of-the-art AV system the perfect space for theatrical performances, live music events, film screenings, launches and more. Betty is separated from our café area using a 59dB rated partition wall, so you ‘ll be able to move between areas – but sound won’t. Chairs, Tables, AV System and projectors all included in your hire.

Staff Onsite Fees for out of hours Hire

Betty

Charity/ Artist Rate

Community Price

Community Weekend Rate

At 5.3m x 5.3m, Mike’s smaller than Betty but just as functional and ideal for meetings, presentations, yoga classes, rehearsals, auditions and more. Chairs, Tables, AV System and projectors all included in your hire.

Mike Room

Poplar Union

We at Poplar Union are dedicated to providing a wide range of events and activities to benefit our community. Our upcoming events include health and fitness classes for women, Children's dance sessions, line dancing get-togethers, drawing and drama clubs for kids, and various other workshops and classes such as Yoga, Pilates and meditation. We also host special festivals that brings our community together such as supper clubs and music events. 

Our aim is to create a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, learn new skills, and have fun. Through these events, we strive to promote physical and mental well-being, creativity, and community engagement.

We cater to a diverse range of individuals, including women from low-income households, families, children, and the elderly. Our events are designed to be inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities and those from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. By providing a variety of activities, we aim to address the specific needs and interests of different groups within our community. 

Join us for weekly Pilates sessions with Michelle Turner! Pilates is an all over body workout with a specific focus on the core and spinal health. The lesson involves standing sequences for balance. 1 hour sessions at £10 each, yoga mats provided Spaces are limited, so please book in advance. Please note that this class is not suitable for children.

Mike

Welcome to the Women's Health Class at Poplar Union!Come join us starting on Mondays at 10:00 AM for a fun and informative session focused on women's health.Learn about nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and more in a supportive and welcoming environment.This event is perfect for women of all fitness levels. Don't miss out on this opportunity to prioritize your health and wellness.Designed for people who don't want to exercise in a mixed environment or are on a low income and referred by their health practitioners.

Along with putting on in-house events, we have two great multi-functional, high-spec spaces available to hire. Betty, our large studio space, and Mike, our meeting room, can be used for performances, live music, meetings, launches, creative workshops, film and photography shoots and much more.Hire a space at Poplar Union, and you’ll also have the option to make use of our excellent general facilities: our in-house café, Poplar Bakehouse; catering*; baby change facilities; and full disabled access.Our office opening times are 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, but we will occasionally be open for shows and bookings outside of these hours. If you require access to the venue outside of regular opening hours, please let us know by calling 020 3039 3333 or email hire@poplarunion.com

Thank you for your booking. We’re pleased to confirm your reservation at Poplar Union.What to Expect<ul><li>Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow for setup or check‑in.</li><li>A member of our team will be available on-site to offer assistance.</li><li>Any equipment or materials agreed as part of your booking will be prepared for you.</li></ul>Before You ArriveIf you need to update or amend your booking, please contact us at info@poplarunion.com or call on 0203 039 3333 On the Day<ul><li>Check in with staff upon arrival.</li><li>You are responsible for ensuring your activity runs safely and smoothly.</li><li>Please leave the space in the condition it was provided.</li></ul>CancellationsIf you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible. Our cancellation policy applies according to the timeframe given at the time of booking.We look forward to welcoming you to Poplar Union and hope you have a great experience.

Strength and Sisterhood invite women to join our Taekwondo and self-defence classes starting in March 2026. These sessions are designed to equip women with practical skills that support personal safety, confidence and overall wellbeing.Each class includes core Taekwondo techniques, effective self-defence strategies and simple strength building exercises. The sessions are suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience and are structured so that everyone can progress at a comfortable pace.Our aim is to provide a supportive and positive training environment where women can focus, develop their skills and build confidence through consistent practice. Alongside the physical elements, the classes offer opportunities to improve discipline, concentration and body awareness.By joining these classes, participants not only learn valuable skills but also become part of a growing community focused on empowerment, wellbeing and mutual support. We welcome all women who want to feel more confident, active and develop their skills. Come train with us!

Age 18+

<h2>Class description</h2>Discover the calm, feel the energy, and move at your own pace in our beginner Tai Chi class.In this welcoming, no‑pressure session, you’ll learn simple, flowing movements that are gentle on the joints and easy to follow, even if you’ve never tried Tai Chi before. Our instructor guides you step by step, focusing on relaxation, posture, and breathing, so you can build confidence while you move.Each class begins with light warm‑ups, followed by clear instruction in a short Tai Chi sequence designed especially for beginners. You’ll practise slowly, repeat as much as you need, and always have options to adapt movements to your body.Expect a friendly group, a calm atmosphere, and plenty of encouragement. Come as you are, wear something comfortable, and leave feeling more relaxed, more balanced, and a little bit taller in yourself. The class is term only - £50 for 10 sessions. <h2>Matthew Leavey | Tai Chi and Shiatsu Massage Tutor</h2>Matthew Leavey is an expert Shiatsu massage therapist and Tai Chi instructor with over 26 years of clinical and teaching experience (Fellow of Shiatsu Society and Cert Ed. Tai Chi Instructor, Wu Kung Federation). Matthew practices an advanced form of Shiatsu utilising acupressure points; Zen methodology; and extended qi (energy) meridians. He has worked with a wide range of clients ranging from elite athletes to people living with chronic pain and severe mental illness.Matthew joined Idea Store Learning in 2012 and developed introductory workshops and courses at beginners and improvers level to bring Shiatsu and Tai Chi to the local community. His philosophy is that everyone should be able to benefit from learning about Shiatsu and Tai Chi regardless of their circumstances. Matthew supports learners to develop their own practice of regular exercise to promote a sense of lightness in the body together with an overall improvement in their state of wellbeing. <h2>Q&amp;A</h2><h3>1. Do I need any experience to join?</h3>No experience at all is needed. This class is designed especially for complete beginners, and you’ll be guided step by step through every movement. <h3>2. What should I wear?</h3>Wear loose, comfortable clothing that lets you move easily, and flat shoes or trainers (no bare feet or socks). You don’t need any special uniform or equipment. <h3>3. I’m not very fit / I have stiff joints. Is this suitable for me?</h3>Yes. Tai Chi is low‑impact and gentle on the body, and movements can be made smaller or adapted if you have limited mobility. You’re encouraged to work at your own pace and rest whenever you need. <h3>4. How long is the class?</h3>Classes usually last around 90 minutes. This includes a warm‑up, learning and practising movements, and a short cool‑down at the end. <h3>5. What will we actually do in the class?</h3>We start with simple warm‑ups, then learn a small number of Tai Chi movements, practising them slowly and repeatedly. Over time these movements link together into a short, flowing sequence. <h3>6. Will I be able to remember the moves?</h3>At first it’s normal to forget the sequence. The class is taught slowly, with lots of repetition and clear demonstrations, so over a few weeks your body will start to remember naturally. <h3>7. Do I have to do partner work or be touched?</h3>Not necessarily. Some classes include optional, very gentle partner exercises to explore balance and coordination, but you can always choose to observe or sit those out. <h3>8. Is Tai Chi a martial art or just for relaxation?</h3>Tai Chi comes from a martial arts tradition, but in this beginner class the focus is on relaxation, posture, balance, and wellbeing. You’ll experience the calming side first, without any pressure to learn self‑defence. <h3>9. Can I join if I’m older / recovering from illness?</h3>Many older adults and people in recovery enjoy Tai Chi because of its slow, controlled movements. If you have a health condition, we recommend checking with your doctor first and letting the instructor know before class. <h3>10. Do I need to bring anything?</h3>Just bring yourself, a bottle of water, and perhaps a light layer in case you feel cool during relaxation. Everything else is provided. <h3>11. How often should I attend to feel a benefit?</h3>Most people start to notice improvements in relaxation, balance, or body awareness after a few weeks of regular weekly classes. The more consistently you come, the more you’ll get out of it. <h3>12. I feel self‑conscious in new classes. Will I stand out?</h3>Not at all. Everyone is focused on their own movements, and it’s perfectly normal to wobble, turn the wrong way, or lose your place. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive rather than competitive.

Tai Chi for Wellness - Beginners course - 10 sessions 19th May-July 21st- Age 18+

Join Lyn Hill in these friendly, fun weekly line-dancing classes and learn the dance craze that swept the nation. Make new friends, keep fit and most of all, have fun! ﻿The classes are a brilliant space to get fit, make new friends and release your inner dancer! No experience necessary and classes are Covid-secure. Each week there will be time for tea, biscuits and a chat with old and new friends.

Thank you for your booking. We’re pleased to confirm your reservation with Poplar Union. What to Expect<ul><li>Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow for setup or check‑in.</li><li>A member of our team will be available on-site to offer assistance.</li></ul>Before You ArriveIf you need to update or amend your booking, please contact us at info@poplarunion.com or call 0203 039 3333. On the Day<ul><li>Check in with staff upon arrival.</li><li>You are responsible for ensuring your activity runs safely and smoothly.</li><li>Please leave the space in the condition it was provided.</li></ul>CancellationsIf you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible. Our cancellation policy applies according to the timeframe given at the time of booking.We look forward to welcoming you to Poplar Union and hope you have a great experience.

Welcome to "Create, Draw, Meet," a fun and inclusive social meetup for all abilities held every Wednesday. Join us for 2.5 hours of creativity, where everyone can express themselves through different artistic activities.What We Offer:<ul><li>Creative Exploration: Enjoy drawing, painting, collaging, textiles. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, our meetup is the perfect place to explore and develop your talents.</li><li>Inclusive Environment: Our sessions are open to everyone, creating a welcoming and supportive space for all. Help is on hand if you need creative guidance</li><li>Flexible Donations: Join us with any donation amount that suits you. Your contributions help keep this community-driven initiative alive and thriving.</li></ul>Please be aware that the class capacity is 20 people.

Starting in June 2026, Poplar Union will host a series of grief workshops led by Tahmina Hakimova-Rees. On Wednesday 20 May, you can meet Tahmina and ask any questions you may have about the workshop. This free introductory session is a chance to find out more before the workshops begin. Grief is often associated with the death of a loved one, but it can arise from many other forms of loss. This workshop creates a safe and supportive space to explore grief in all its forms—whether it’s the loss of a relationship, a change in health, identity, career or life direction. Together, we’ll gently unpack what grief can look and feel like, how it moves through us and how to support ourselves and others through it. We all experience heartbreak. Loss is universal and grief exists because our world is constantly changing. What to Expect: The workshop is conducted once a month, each session has a different topic and grief movement sequence. We will begin with an exploration of grief theory and emotions to understand how loss impacts us on emotional, physical and energetic levels. Then, we’ll move into grief movement, breathwork, journaling and sound to support emotional release and reconnection with the body. The session will close with a gentle meditation and a deeply relaxing sound bath to soothe the nervous system and integrate your experience. This workshop is for women navigating loss—whatever that loss may be. Come as you are - no previous experience is needed. You can do the grief movement session from the chair, it is very accessible. About Tahmina:Tahmina is a certified yoga instructor, including special yoga for children and adults with additional needs, as well as a certified Grief educator and Grief Movement Guide and Grief Yoga teacher. Tahmina is a certified Sound therapy practitioner with singing bowls which she uses in her sessions.She discovered yoga studying in Costa Rica, at the United Nation's University for Peace and has been practising Hatha and Vinyasa yoga for over 18 years. Over the years, Tahmina teaches yoga and mindfulness classes, which are inclusive and accessible to anybody. The style of yoga which Tahmina uses is Hatha and Yin yoga, as well as grief and somatic yoga. Tahmina combines in her sessions gentle movements, breathwork, acupressure points and Qigong, meditation with singing bowls. Tahmina has a lived experience of losses and grief, and facilitates a women only Grief Cafe at St.Paul's Way center.

Open to everyone from beginner to experienced writers, whether you want to write a story/a play/lyrics or poetry, join our weekly workshop. A welcoming and non-judgemental space for beginners through to experienced writers, each session will explore writing techniques, provide a space to share work, and to develop your ideas. All types of writing welcome!

This is an early morning walk for people in the local area. It’s great to start your day well, talk to some positive people and see the sun

The patio outside E5 Poplar Bakehouse

Patio

Thank you for your booking. We’re pleased to confirm your reservation at Poplar Union. <h3>What to Expect</h3><ul><li>Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow for setup or check‑in.</li><li>A member of our team will be available on-site to offer assistance.</li><li>Any equipment or materials agreed as part of your booking will be prepared for you.</li></ul><h3>Before You Arrive</h3>If you need to update or amend your booking, please contact us at info@poplarunion.com or call on 0203 039 3333 <h3>On the Day</h3><ul><li>Check in with staff upon arrival.</li><li>You are responsible for ensuring your activity runs safely and smoothly.</li><li>Please leave the space in the condition it was provided.</li></ul><h3>Cancellations</h3>If you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible. Our cancellation policy applies according to the timeframe given at the time of booking.We look forward to welcoming you to Poplar Union and hope you have a great experience.

FREE yoga sessions every Friday from 11:15AM to 12:15 Noon for:<ul><li>Women from marginalised communities</li><li>Those living with health conditions or referred by a GP/health practitioner</li><li>Women unable to access mainstream yoga classes due to financial barriers</li><li>Women on Universal Credit</li></ul>✅ Inclusive &amp; Supportive Environment✅ Gentle Yoga for All Levels✅ Health-Focused Practice

<h2>Bow families at Poplar Union</h2> Making playful paper puppets with Phoebe KaniewskaCreate your very own moving puppet out of card with artist Phoebe Kaniewska. Using butterfly pins, we will create mystical, mythical or real characters that can move their arms and legs, decorated with paint pens. Will you create your own mini-me, a robot, a fairy or a moon puppet? Open to children &amp; families of all ages, all materials provided This workshop is part of the Bow Arts Poplar Consortium Exhibition 2026 at Poplar Union.Opening hours:Thu 7 May - Thu 28 MayMonday to Saturday10am - 4pm

Tiny Builders &amp; Little Sculptors – Small Worlds, Big IdeasStep into a world where imagination takes shape! Tiny Builders &amp; Little Sculptors celebrates the creativity of young minds through playful cardboard constructions and expressive clay sculptures.This exhibition showcases the incredible work created by families and children aged 0–5 and older siblings as part of our SEND STEAM sessions at Poplar Union, highlighting their creativity, curiosity, and exploration.Join us to explore their imaginative worlds, celebrate their achievements, and see how little hands can make big ideas come to life.Funded by Save the Children UK.

Tiny Builders & Little Sculptors Exhibition 

"Tower Hamlets Family Meet-up for bumps, babies and toddlers:&nbsp;Your village in the city!Join us with your bumps, babies, toddlers and partners at&nbsp;<a href="https://system.spektrix.com/demo1/website/CookieBounce.aspx?redirect_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpoplarunion.com%2F" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(218, 0, 111);">Poplar Union</a>&nbsp;and enjoy a friendly boost of positivity to help you along your journey through pregnancy into parenthood with support and friendships.The Tower Hamlets Family meet-up was born out of passion for supporting the local new and expectant parents community and offer them professional support and friendship. We have been going strong for over 8 years now!We’ll talk all things bump, birth and beyond! It’s a chilled and lovely atmosphere to take a breather, get peer support, meet other lovely parents and chat over a nice cuppa.It takes a village to raise a child, welcome to yours!This meet-up is for new and expectant parents, those with babies and toddlers. Please kindly note that we’re not a playgroup or a baby class, but we do have a little play corner with toys for your little ones.We’re a team of parents and perinatal professionals with a wide range of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood knowledge, skills and expertise. We can support you antenatally and postnatally and we have a wonderful network of perinatal and early years experts on hand.Each month we have other perinatal/early years professionals who join us! Who comes vary from meet to meet and this will be advertised on our&nbsp;<a href="https://wrapahug.com/contact/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(218, 0, 111);">social media&nbsp;</a><a href="https://fb.me/e/2EOhmYpAe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(218, 0, 111);">posts</a>&nbsp;@wrapahug_sling_library(If you are a perinatal/early years professional, you are welcome to attend to provide free support to parents. This must be agreed prior to attending the meet-up by emailing Mel at <a href="mailto:mel.wrapahug@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 181, 118);">mel.wrapahug@gmail.com</a>).&nbsp;Mel and her sling volunteers are here to tell you all about babywearing, fit check your slings, show you how to feed in slings and help you try some slings on. We have a wide range of slings and carriers available at the meet-up you can try on and hire if you wish to do so. Please note that the meet is usually very busy so there is only so much time we can offer per parent so we can help everybody safely.The meet runs from 10.30am to 1pm every first Thursday of the month expect August when we take a break.There is plenty of space to accommodate buggies and people! Entrance is via reception or the cafe.Partners and grandparents are very welcome!You don’t need to live in Tower Hamlets to attend, all welcome.You can get drinks and food from the awesome E5 Poplar Bakehouse cafe in Poplar Union but we also provide refreshments and homemade cakes as the cafe is very busy (please bring a reusable cup).There are toilets and baby changing facilities in the building.Ticket booking is required.&nbsp;When booking, only book tickets for the adults attending, not the babies. Ticket booking&nbsp;does not&nbsp;book you in for a sling appointment; we don’t book 1-0-1s at the meet-up, just come at the start of the meet and come talk to us about your babywearing needs. It’s helpful to&nbsp;<a href="https://wrapahug.com/contact/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(218, 0, 111);">contact us</a>&nbsp;beforehand to let us know what you need help with (please email&nbsp;Mel at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Mel.wrapahug@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 181, 118);">Mel.wrapahug@gmail.com</a>)This support group is ran entirely by volunteer perinatal professionals who are here to support new and expectant parents.The meet-up is funded by Easy Peasy for the months of April, May and June 2026, so no donations to cover room hire fees will be required for these meets. You only need to book a free ticket.If you would like to support Wrap a Hug sling library and their volunteer work, you are welcome to make a donation via they 'Buy me a coffee' to help cover the volunteers’ expenses, thank you: <a href="http://buymeacoffee.com/wrapahug" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 181, 118);">buymeacoffee.com/wrapahug</a>&nbsp;"

Tower Hamlets Family Meet-Up - Bumps, Babies and Toddler group

Along with putting on in-house events, we have two great multi-functional, high-spec spaces available to hire.Betty, our large studio space, and Mike, our meeting room, can be used for performances, live music, meetings, launches, creative workshops, film and photography shoots and much more.Hire a space at Poplar Union, and you’ll also have the option to make use of our excellent general facilities: our in-house café, Poplar Bakehouse; catering*; baby change facilities; and full disabled access.Our office opening times are 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, but we will occasionally be open for shows and bookings outside of these hours. If you require access to the venue outside of regular opening hours, please let us know by calling 020 3039 3333 or email hire@poplarunion.com

Welcome to Poplar Picks! Join us at Poplar Union for a community morning once a month. Together we will clean our streets and park to help reduce waste. You can take part on your own or as part of a group, litter-picking is an easy and fun way to get active, improve your wellbeing, and take care of the environment on your doorstep.We start at 11 am, meeting outside the E5 cafe. You will receive all equipment and some guidance on the areas for litter picking. We want to keep this flexible and want to keep to the Bartlett Park and surround area.

Whether you’re entirely new to crocheting or looking to refresh your skills, this class is the perfect place to start. You’ll learn the basics, including foundational stitches, how to read patterns and tips for selecting the right materials. No prior experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and creativity.

Come and enjoy 3 blissful hours of relaxing hand stitching and take away your own quilted hexagon, complete with wadding and backing fabric. Come and enjoy 3 hours of relaxing hand stitching and take away your own quilted block, complete with wadding and backing fabric. This neat and innovative quilting technique is a fantastic way of using scrap fabric or upcyling pre-loved textiles. A perfect “on-the-go” project. Small group format for plenty of guidance and connection. What you’ll learn: <ul><li>The basics of the Quilt As You Go patchwork technique</li><li>How to cut, fold, prepare, layer and stitch fabric shapes by hand</li><li>Tips for colour, print and embellishment combinations to make beautiful patchwork</li><li>Create complete quilted sections ready to assemble</li><li>All materials provided – 100% lightweight cotton if you’d like to bring your own fabric</li><li>This is a hand sewing class – no sewing machines</li></ul>Suitable for beginners – no sewing experience needed! About Keren Keren is a print designer and educator with many years’ experience designing textile prints for the fashion industry. Her designs feature on garments for international clothing brands, wallpaper, accessories and interiors. Her workshops are a chance to share and learn new skills in a welcoming, creative and inclusive environment. Small group for plenty of guidance and connection.<a href="https://www.kerenmcconnell.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(193, 86, 42);">https://www.kerenmcconnell.com/</a><a href="https://www.mcconnelldesign.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(193, 86, 42);">https://www.mcconnelldesign.co.uk/</a>

A soundbath is an instrumental sequence which takes participants into a deep state of relaxation. The frequencies of the different instruments and the way they are played are designed to guide participants into an Altered State of Consciousness. The session lasts around 45 mins; after everyone has found a comfortable position on their mats, the session begins with Himalayan Bowls, leading to Gong, and finishing with Crystal Bowls before a short sequence of therapeutic percussion which helps to lift participants out of the Altered State. In this state numerous positive health benefits can be achieved, including lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and less mental and physical tension. It can improve mental, emotional and physical wellbeing and create more emotional and mental flexibility. You don’t need to do anything to prepare – come as you are. A handout will be sent to you beforehand so you know what to expect, but the great thing about a soundbath session is that it can be experienced on multiple levels; from relaxation to meeting aspects of ourselves that we struggle with, to setting personal intentions. About HeatherHeather trained with the British Academy of Sound Therapy, known as BAST and qualified as a sound therapist in 2022. She runs regular group soundbath sessions in London and follows the BAST method which is designed to take clients into a deeply relaxed, altered state of consciousness. Heather is a huge believer in the body as a vessel for healing and has a somatic approach to therapy and sound healing. As a musician, she has always found the vibrations of the instruments she plays to have a therapeutic effect and as a sound therapist loves to facilitate a space where people can relax into their bodies in a safe environment and meet themselves at a level beyond words. As well as being a freelance clarinettist, she enjoys making her own sound pieces, incorporating sound therapy instruments and field recordings, primarily of birds and water. She also facilitates guided self-reflection in some soundbath sessions; providing clients with the opportunity to go deeper and gain more insight into their health and wellbeing on the different levels of their being.<a href="https://www.heatherryall.com/soundbaths" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(193, 86, 42);">Website</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/heather_sounds/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(193, 86, 42);">Instagram</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Heather-%20Sounds/100088360362679/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(193, 86, 42);">FaceBook</a>

Poplar Union

Pilates

Women's-Only Health & Fitness Class

Self Defence Class for Women

Tai Chi for Wellness - Beginners course - 10 sessions 19th May-July 21st- Age 18+

Create, Draw, Meet

Grief Workshops free info session

Creative Writing Workshop

Morning Walking Group

Yoga with Ana

Bow families at Poplar Union

Tiny Builders & Little Sculptors Exhibition

Tower Hamlets Family Meet-Up - Bumps, Babies and Toddler group

Poplar Picks

Crochet with Janki

Quilt as you Go workshop

Relaxation Soundbath