The Font Shakes Up its Position in South West London
In the increasingly competitive indoor climbing market, consolidation has come to South West London. The Font, a two-site London gym operator founded in April 2021, has acquired both Hang and Parthian Climbing Wandsworth—two competitors in the area’s surprisingly saturated market. The deal was announced on Friday, July 25th, shortly after separate all-staff meetings at each of the affected sites. It brings The Font’s footprint to four gyms—briefly—before the original Font Wandsworth location is shuttered and merged into the larger Parthian site. Once complete, the company will operate three gyms, cementing its position as “the capital’s first climbing brand to offer a multi-location experience with roped climbing.”
This is a local shake‑up with broader implications. Hang, a sleek bouldering gym based in the London Borough of Hounslow, opened in late 2021 and quickly developed a loyal following, with early momentum driven by support for the Bouldering Bobat crew. Parthian Climbing Wandsworth, launched in July 2023, marked the long-established brand’s first foray into the London market. By absorbing both, The Font not only removes direct competition but gains a foothold in every format of indoor climbing: bouldering, roped climbing, and specialist training facilities under one roof.
“The acquisition of the Parthian Climbing Wandsworth facility provides a unique opportunity to deliver a full‑service climbing gym in London,” The Font announced. “It will become our flagship site and the only facility in our capital city offering bouldering, roped climbing, training facilities and group fitness—all in one place.”
We were fortunate to speak with Joey Powis of The Font and John Dunne of Parthian in a call shortly before the announcement. Both were keen to emphasise that this was not a matter of selling out to the highest bidder at the expense of loyal customers—but rather a commitment to preserve, and enhance, the climbing community that both businesses had cultivated in Wandsworth. With The Font’s operational resources, broad hold selection, and investment being directed toward what is already a premium facility, climbers can expect “the best of both gyms under one roof.”
A key community highlight of The Font Wandsworth has been its ability to put on engaging and well-attended events—most notably Brawl on the Wall, a flagship bouldering competition known for its high energy and electric atmosphere. With ample seating, vibrant spectating space, a well-stocked bar, and a simple but quality outsourced food offering, the venue has become more than just a place to climb. It will be interesting to see how The Font incorporates these beloved features into the Parthian location, and whether the expanded site can carry forward the same sense of occasion and community-led excitement. The Font’s founders have previously positioned themselves as disruptors—offering café culture, DJ nights, and inclusive programming. But this is a different kind of move: not aesthetic, but strategic.
Climbing gyms, once run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, are becoming serious businesses. There are a multitude of challenges for owners, and London gyms face eye-watering rents far above the national average. Commercial leases are long. Business rates have essentially doubled since April. Insurance costs are high, and customer expectations continue to rise. There is logic to consolidation. London’s climbing market is no longer frontier territory—it’s a competitive map of overlapping catchments. By uniting these Wandsworth locations, The Font lowers overheads, strengthens its membership base, and simplifies the brand landscape for customers.
Staff from Parthian have been transferred under TUPE regulations, whereas Hang staff were fully merged into The Font - through purchase of the whole business - and transition plans suggest minimal disruption to climbers. “We are committed to a seamless transition,” said Parthian, noting that “all existing staff at Wandsworth have been given the opportunity to transfer across to The Font,” and that memberships will automatically be honoured under the new operator.
For customers of Hang, there is both continuity and change. The Font states that “Hang is already a brilliant facility and we don’t plan to make any major changes initially,” though it promises improvements in services, events, and memberships as systems are integrated. Existing Hang and Font members can expect seamless access across sites by autumn 2025.
Still, such deals carry risks. Local communities often grow attached to the quirks and cultures of their favourite walls. Hang was known for its design‑led aesthetic, Bouldering Bobat staff personalities, and unique vibe; Parthian, for its heritage, modern walls and high spec training facilities. Whether The Font can retain that loyalty while operating at a larger scale remains to be seen.
Yet in a market seeing slower urban growth and higher financial barriers to running a successful gym, the message—at least in London—is clear: upgrade your facilities and programming and scale sustainably, risk being forced into a merger by market pressures, or bow out.
