Here in Gay Londontown, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places for gentleman of the homoxual persuasion to meet, greet, cruise and booze. For those of you a little shy to flirt in bars/clubs, ditch the trousers and pick up a towel for an altogether more relaxed approach to relaxation…
CHARIOTS
• Vauxhall
This branch situated in the middle of Vauxhall’s gay village is perfect for those leaving after hour clubs when you’ve got ‘disco dong’ (the uncontrollable horn from dancing with sweaty men all night). It’s undoubtedly, popular with South London clubbers and 24-hour opening times all weekend, mean you can bounce from club to cublicle and from dark room to dance floor. Two saunas and two steam rooms mean you leave with a shine to your skin and a spring (or limp) in your step.
63 – 64 Rail Arches, Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, SE1 1TE. Entry: £19, concession: £17. Mon – Thurs: Midday – 9am. Friday Noon – Monday.
• Shoreditch
London’s biggest sauna brings you three floors of frolics and fun, with a roman-style swimming pool to cool off after getting hot and sweaty with one (or perhaps more) of the clientele. Inside you’ll find a mixture of office lads unwinding (and undressing) after a hard days work and East End boys lookin’ to ditch the leopard print and pick up something wilder.
1 Fairchild Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3NS. Entry: £19, Concession: £17. Everyday from midday – 9am.
• Waterloo
Boasting the UK’s largest sauna cabin, video lounge and a 40-man steam room it may not be as popular as some of the other Chariots venues, but it’s great for a low-profile rendévous with certain mature gentlemen. A down-low locale for those on the down-low.
• Limehouse
Situated just by BJ’s White Swan, you’ll often find some of their patrons inside (the sauna, that is). There are three themed floors, so explore the venue – as well as your sexuality – and find the niche for you. Prided on its ‘no attitude’ atmosphere, you’ll often find a wide range of guys, including city men swinging by after work drinks.
574 Commercial Road, Limehouse, E14 7JD. Entry: £15, concession £13. Mon – Thurs: 11am – 1am. Fri – Mon 1am.
• Streatham
With intimate and comfy décor, Streatham’s cruising den is a far cry inside from its rough and ready exterior. Although with fortnightly themed nights for the ‘Big and Hairy’ that’s not to say the same for its clientele. You’ll also find dedicated steam theme nights.
292 Streatham High Road, Streatham, SW16, 6HG. Entry: £15, concession: £13. Mon – Thurs: Noon – 1am. Fri Noon – Sun midnight.
PLEASUREDROME
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – you’re sure to find city suits that work hard and play even harder. The spa consists of a pool, large showering areas and even a glory hole section for those more daring. Plenty of rooms upstairs, the low-ceiling cabins are the perfect fit for fun! *Wink wink*.
Arch 124 Cornwall Road, Waterloo, Se1 8XE. Entry: £15. Opem 24/7.
SWEATBOX
A short mince from Soho means Sweatbox attracts social scene queens as well as gym bunnies looking to burn a few extra calories. Discounted entry for under 25s sees twinks entering the playground for some after school activity, and with three floors, massage room, foam parties and even DJs performing, there’s a lot going down – if you know what we mean.
Ramilies House, 1 – 2 Ramilies Street, Soho, W1F 7LN. Under 25: £10, Over 25: £16 for 24 hours, £18 for 48 hours. Open 24/7.
STEAMWORKS
One of the only saunas in London with no private rooms, this New Cross-based establishment is perfect for those with no insecurities (and morals). Expect south London college kids as well as those looking to get steamy after getting steaming in one of the surrounding bars.
309 New Cross Road, SE1 6AS. Entry £9 – £12. Mon – Thurs: 11am – Midnight. Fri – Sun: 24 hours.
SAUNA BAR
Situated in the heart of Covent Garden with a discrete door way, not only is this premier sauna bar much less innocent than it looks, but nobody will know you’re entering a ‘spa’ (or anyone else for that matter). One of the ‘cosier’ venues in London, enjoy a bit of boozing before your cruising – and recline in a hot tub big enough for a football team, *licks lips.
29 Endell Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9BA. Under 25: £9, over £15. Sunday – Thurs: 11.30am – Middnight. Friday/Saturday: 11.30am – 7am.
THE LOCKER ROOM
Dirty bitches can recline in a sling, while divas can recline on the large bedded area while catching up on ‘Jocks and Cocks 4’. There’s a 15-man sauna, and an underground den of private cabins – for those of you that aren’t fond of sharing! And heated floors will keep temperatures up, so you won’t find yourself shrinking under that towel!
8 Cleaver Street, Kennington, SE11 4DP. Entry: £9 – £11, Weekend pass £15. Mon – Thurs 11am – Midnight. Fri – Sun: 24 hours.
E15
Simplistic in style, but big on action, this Stratford-based sauna can in parts make you feel as if you’re sitting in your own living room, and in others – a basement dungeon. Sit and stroke while catching up on Loose Women (while surrounded by loose men) or get pinned up against the S&M board for a spankin’ good time!
6 Leytonstone Road, Stratford, London, E15 1SE. Entry £12 before 6pm, more after. 9am – 10pm everyday.
800
Often frequented by cross-dressers and their admirers, 800 is one for those looking to quite literally let their hair down – just don’t get that weave wet in the hot tub girl! And as relaxation goes, you’re not even permitted to wear a towel – exhibitionists ahoy!
800 Lea Bridge Road, Walthamstow, E10 7DY. Entry: £10. Midday – Midnight everyday.
ME1
Aptly named ‘The Barn Lounge’, you’re sure to find a few animals inside! And be sure to bring your hard hat, for some hard action in the construction zone. And once you’re done drilling away, chose one of the three lounge areas, large sauna or steam room to relax in.
Foundry Wharf, Rochester (just off high street), Kent, ME1 1TH. Entry: £8 – £10. Mon – Sun 11am – 9pm.
GREENHOUSE
Premier saunas with venues also in Darlaston (West Midlands) and Newport, the Luton location has large 30 man steam room, and a 20 man Jacuzzi – so you can be sure that things will definitely heat up! And they offer free toiletries in the locker room – happy days!
23 Crawley Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 1HX. Mon – Thurs: 10am – Midnight. Fri: 10am – 4am. Sat: 10am – 6am. Sun: 11am – Midnight.
