roger.n.browning

Recent refurbishment has transformed famous venue

These baths date back to the 1930s but underwent a substantial upgrade in 2012. The swimming pool is one of the best and biggest in central London, there's also a Turkish Bath (spa) and a gym on two levels. The gym is very geared towards cardio work, one floor is entirely cardio equipment and the other is devoted to half cardio. This means that the free weights area is very small and the machine weights area is also quite compact. I've only used the gym a couple of times and it's a nice, airy, space but the small weights area is restrictive. For me the best thing about Ironmonger Row is the Turkish Baths, there are two steam room, two saunas and three (progressively hotter) warm rooms (Hammams) plus a plunge pool and a relaxation area. Men only days are limited, just Tuesday all day and Thursday night. The rules state that swim suits must be worn at all times though men often go nude in the steam rooms, sauna and hot rooms, just wearing a towel or swim suit to walk between them. It's never that busy and the majority of men who use it are gay so it's friendly. Watch out for their special offers and discounts

Size is everything

This is a big gym, built around a central swimming pool, which has a running track and good facilities. I've been using it regularly for over a decade now. There are plenty of machines/weights etc so that even at busy times it never feels that crowded. It is used by a broad range of people, those who live locally (like me) and many City workers. There are separate steam rooms for men and women (unlike the nearby Moorgate branch where these facilities are shared). A lot of gay men use this gym, if you're using the sauna or steam room it soon becomes obvious who they are!