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

Hello,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 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.

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!With 60 years dance experience, you’re in excellent hands (or feet!) as Lyn will get you dancing, learning new steps and styles each week as well as plenty of line dancing. 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.

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 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>-currently fully booked-</h2> <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 (at £5 per session)Please be aware that for this class, we don't offer refunds for cancellations on your side. <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+

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> The tickets for the class are pay-what-you-can/donation based. If you would like to make a donation, you can pick one of the payment options on Plinth or pay on in person by cash or card. Please be aware that the class capacity is 20 people.

Free

Pay What You Can - £3

Pay What You Can - £5

Pay What You Can - £7

Join us every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm for an uplifting evening designed to spark connections, inspire creativity, and fill your week with shared fun.From chess and board games to crochet, quilting, and a cosy reading corner—our spacious studio will be buzzing with friendly faces and positive energy.We’ll start with a handful of activities and plan to keep growing, bringing even more variety as the year unfolds.Every Social Wednesday is a true community-powered experience—no instructors, just passionate people coming together to inspire one another! Dive in, share your talents, swap creative ideas, and discover new inspiration. We’ll supply the essentials like wool, crochet hooks, books, and quilting fabrics, but feel free to bring your favourite tools and add your personal touch to the evening.There will be gentle music in the background, and a tea and coffee area.

"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 is by donation, please make your donation when <a href="https://poplarunion.com/event/tower-hamlets-family-meet-up-bumps-babies-and-toddler-group/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">booking your ticket </a>to help us cover the costs of the room hire. We will also take donations on the day by card if you haven’t donated when booking but please donate online as this saves us precious time on the day, thank you.‘and remove the bit about the meet being funded for April May and June please?

Pay What You Can - £8

Unwaged/Low Income - Free

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

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

How could this event benefit you and your child(ren)?  

Have you been to a Poplar Union event before? What were the benefits for you and anyone you brought with you? (Eg connecting, welcoming, did you learn anything…)

<h2>Play Labs&nbsp;are creative play sessions (for ages 0-6) led by our Parent Play Champions.</h2> We welcome you to our Play Labs. Time to explore movement, sound, and sensory play!We are training a team of local Play Champions so expect a variety of different activities from our facilitating team over the next few months.These sessions will take place on&nbsp;Saturday mornings at 9.30 am&nbsp;from the&nbsp;13th June(Sat 13th and Sat 27th June will have a music and movement theme). <h2>Schedule:&nbsp;9.30am to 11.30am</h2> <h3>9.30am to 10.15am</h3>Babes in arms and crawlers with adults<h3>10.15am</h3>Juice, snack break and free flow activities<h3>10.45am to 11.30am</h3>Walking, jumping toddlers and children up to age 6 with adults<h3>11.30am</h3>Pack up and goodbye Adults must be accompanied by a child. Max 2 children per adult.&nbsp; <h2>FAQs</h2> <h3>Who is it for?</h3>Play labs sessions are designed for children ages 0-6 and are SEND inclusive. Older children are welcome to come along with their younger siblings. Parents or carers must be present during sessions. <h3>Can I book a one-off session?</h3>We encourage you to book a block of sessions so you can explore play over time with us.Though we do welcome one-off bookings, too. <h3>Who are the ‘Parent Play Champions?</h3>Parent Play Champions are local parents or carers undergoing a free training programme, ‘Power of Play: Parent Play Champions’, to equip them to facilitate inclusive play sessions for young families. They will help lead the play sessions. <h3>What is the ‘Power of Play: Parent Play champions’ Project 2026?</h3>Parent Play Champions is a free training programme for parents and carers in Tower Hamlets, funded by Save the Children and delivered by Poplar Union, Mindful Music and Blink Theatre. The programme supports local parents and carers to build confidence, develop creative play and facilitation skills, and gain hands-on experience leading activities with children.&nbsp;

Pay What You Can - £6

Pay What You Can - £10

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.

<h1>This is the final session and a celebration of our Parent Play Champions programme.</h1> <h2>Play Labs&nbsp;are creative play sessions (for ages 0-6) led by our parent play champions.</h2> We welcome you to our Play Labs. Time to explore movement, sound, and sensory play!We are training a team of local Play Champions so expect a variety of different activities from our facilitating team over the next few months.These sessions will take place on&nbsp;Saturday mornings at 9.30 am&nbsp;from the&nbsp;13th June(Sat 13th and Sat 27th June will have a music and movement theme). Schedule:&nbsp;9.30am to 11.30am <h3>9.30am to 10.15am</h3>Babes in arms and crawlers with adults<h3>10.15am</h3>Juice, snack break and free flow activities<h3>10.45am to 11.30am</h3>Walking, jumping toddlers and children up to age 6 with adults<h3>11.30am</h3>Pack up and goodbye Adults must be accompanied by a child. Max 2 children per adult.&nbsp; <h2>FAQs</h2> <h3>Who is it for?</h3>Play labs sessions are designed for children ages 0-6 and are SEND inclusive. Older children are welcome to come along with their younger siblings. Parents or carers must be present during sessions. <h3>Can I book a one-off session?</h3>We encourage you to book a block of sessions so you can explore play over time with us.Though we do welcome one-off bookings, too. <h3>Who are the ‘Parent Play Champions?</h3>Parent Play Champions are local parents or carers undergoing a free training programme, ‘Power of Play: Parent Play Champions’, to equip them to facilitate inclusive play sessions for young families. They will help lead the play sessions. <h3>What is the ‘Power of Play: Parent Play champions’ Project 2026?</h3>Parent Play Champions is a free training programme for parents and carers in Tower Hamlets, funded by Save the Children and delivered by Poplar Union, Mindful Music and Blink Theatre. The programme supports local parents and carers to build confidence, develop creative play and facilitation skills, and gain hands-on experience leading activities with children.

Play Labs - Parent Play Champions Celebration

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! Young people under 18 are encouraged if they are accompanied by an adult.

Poplar Union’s annual picnic has something for everyone: Street food, a craft market, children’s fairground rides, a children games corner, arts and craft activities, face painting, water activities with East London Canal Access Network, a clown on stilts, and a recreation of the Rosie Lee Tea Tent – with a difference.

Poplar Union

Pilates

Women's-Only Health & Fitness Class

Get Together to Line Dance

Self Defence Class for Women

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

Create, Draw, Meet

Social Wednesday

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

Morning Walking Group

Yoga with Ana

Play Labs (Parent Play Champions)

Poplar Picks

Play Labs - Parent Play Champions Celebration

Creative Writing Workshop

Repair Café

Poplar Picnic: Festival of Britain