Ironmonger Row Baths
ironmonger row | london | ec1v 3qf
reception: 020 7253 4011 | memberships: 020 7689 9821
About the centre
Ironmonger Row Baths is a gem of a building resonating with 1930s charm. Listed grade 2 in only 2006, it still retains many of its original features. The pool hall is impressive with its huge vaulted ceiling and original wooden viewing gallery. The ‘old fashioned’ Turkish Baths with their mahogany and marble are now unique in central London.
The original building opened in 1931 with the aim to provide services, ‘within the reach of even the most slender purse’. It provided 80 baths, washing facilities and laundry for the East End poor. The swimming pool and Turkish Baths weren’t opened until seven years later in 1938.
The slipper baths closed only back in 1986 when some were converted into a fitness gym. The gym has now been moved to what was the old stepped cafeteria overlooking the main pool with it’s imperial 33 1/3 yards length. A few original cubicles and baths have remained intact, though they are now used as storage rooms. On the first floor landing you will see a strange looking service shoot. This provided towels to each floor. The tiny office that housed the bath attendants can also be seen.
The fully staffed laundry is still running so you can have a swim and a workout while your washing gets done.
Because of the main pools length, depth, location and special ambience people travel from all over London to visit. Ironmonger Row Baths regularly features in the media and is acclaimed as one of the best facilities of its kind in the country.
Ironmonger Row Baths is a member of the London Fitness Network.
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