London Hammam / Turkish Baths: Question + Tips?

[aurabka]

Really intrigued about Hammams, Turkish baths, Banya's etc in London.

Have always heard about these passively and a friend recently piqued my interest more after telling me about an enjoyable visit in Istanbul.

Want to go to a few in London (on Men Only days) and had a few questions. Before diving in, these are the ones that seem to pop up the most:

* New Docklands Steam
* Turkish Hammam (Dalston?)
* Banya No 1

Being transparent, I'm equal parts intrigued about the nonchalant brotherliness of these spaces and the undeniable sensual element. There's a slight contradiction in that, but I guess that's where the excitement/intrigue comes from. Have been put off by the full-on, all-out, "in your face" approach of some of the obvious steam spots.

Saying that, can anyone advise on:

* What actually happens at these places. I guess a rough guide of what to expect. Especially on a first visit. Some seem to have packages, but a lot of what I've read here seems to suggest a kind of "open plan" environment and mutual washes / massages by fellow visitors.

* Hearing a lot about the need to bring own towels. Can you bring your own soap and scrubs too? Kinda particular about hygiene, so ideally would want to. But would rather know ahead of time if I have to "let go" of that and embrace the communal aspect before attending (and possibly offending when there lol).

* Where's most LGBTQ / curious friendly? Keeping it real, I can't imagine being in this environment and not getting hard at times. At the same time, I'm understanding that discretion and respect for the space is a must. I plan on wearing shorts anyway, but don't wanna go anywhere that will throw me out simply for tenting. Any protocol when it comes to this?

* Is there any privacy? Not actively planning to "do" anything. But, like I said, a big part of the appeal is the bro-ness, the intimacy, and possibility. If at all there's the chance of anything happening, are there private (or at least more private) areas that aren't in full view of everyone?

Thanks!

 

[MelbourneSETradie]

I'm currently visiting London and would definitely be keen on visiting of these places...

Hopefully someone gets back before I leave..

Great questions you asked though.. very detailed!

 

[aurabka]

Thanks! Any luck?

 

[Ldnmassage]

Really intrigued about Hammams, Turkish baths, Banya's etc in London.

Have always heard about these passively and a friend recently piqued my interest more after telling me about an enjoyable visit in Istanbul.

Want to go to a few in London (on Men Only days) and had a few questions. Before diving in, these are the ones that seem to pop up the most:

* New Docklands Steam
* Turkish Hammam (Dalston?)
* Banya No 1

Being transparent, I'm equal parts intrigued about the nonchalant brotherliness of these spaces and the undeniable sensual element. There's a slight contradiction in that, but I guess that's where the excitement/intrigue comes from. Have been put off by the full-on, all-out, "in your face" approach of some of the obvious steam spots.

Saying that, can anyone advise on:

* What actually happens at these places. I guess a rough guide of what to expect. Especially on a first visit. Some seem to have packages, but a lot of what I've read here seems to suggest a kind of "open plan" environment and mutual washes / massages by fellow visitors.

At new docklands you pay simply an entry fee (need to book in advance). At Turkish bath in Dalston you’ll choose a package on arrival. New docklands is completely open plan and you go and do your thing as you please, either suggesting or waiting for someone (another client) to suggest a massage. Or, you can find the massage room (opening times displayed on the door) and see if the professional masseur is free when you’re there. New docklands has a massive sauna and four steam rooms plus an open cooling off area and plunge pool so you go between all of these as you wish. From experience, the steam rooms are where you’re most likely to have someone offer you massage. The hottest steam room is where the schmeiss happens , with clients offering this to each other, but I’ve generally found the schmeissing less open to newbies/ outsiders that those offering massage.
At Dalston there isn’t really anywhere to go other than where you’re told to by the employee who is washing you. You start in the steam room then are called to the hot / washing room and then to the relax/ massage area. So I don’t really think there’s any fhande

* Hearing a lot about the need to bring own towels. Can you bring your own soap and scrubs too? Kinda particular about hygiene, so ideally would want to. But would rather know ahead of time if I have to "let go" of that and embrace the communal aspect before attending (and possibly offending when there lol).

take your own everything to docklands, take nothing to

* Where's most LGBTQ / curious friendly? Keeping it real, I can't imagine being in this environment and not getting hard at times. At the same time, I'm understanding that discretion and respect for the space is a must. I plan on wearing shorts anyway, but don't wanna go anywhere that will throw me out simply for tenting. Any protocol when it comes to this?

Tenting doesn’t seem to be a problem at docklands but keep everything very down low (I’ve definitely enjoyed wandering hands in a massage, but discreetly) .

* Is there any privacy? Not actively planning to "do" anything. But, like I said, a big part of the appeal is the bro-ness, the intimacy, and possibility. If at all there's the chance of anything happening, are there private (or at least more private) areas that aren't in full view of everyone?

Thanks!

No privacy in either so i think you’d need to take any real fun you meet there home with you.
Let us know if you do visit and how you get on!

 

[aurabka]

At new docklands you pay simply an entry fee (need to book in advance). At Turkish bath in Dalston you’ll choose a package on arrival. New docklands is completely open plan and you go and do your thing as you please, either suggesting or waiting for someone (another client) to suggest a massage. Or, you can find the massage room (opening times displayed on the door) and see if the professional masseur is free when you’re there. New docklands has a massive sauna and four steam rooms plus an open cooling off area and plunge pool so you go between all of these as you wish. From experience, the steam rooms are where you’re most likely to have someone offer you massage. The hottest steam room is where the schmeiss happens , with clients offering this to each other, but I’ve generally found the schmeissing less open to newbies/ outsiders that those offering massage.
At Dalston there isn’t really anywhere to go other than where you’re told to by the employee who is washing you. You start in the steam room then are called to the hot / washing room and then to the relax/ massage area. So I don’t really think there’s any fhande

take your own everything to docklands, take nothing to



Tenting doesn’t seem to be a problem at docklands but keep everything very down low (I’ve definitely enjoyed wandering hands in a massage, but discreetly) .

No privacy in either so i think you’d need to take any real fun you meet there home with you.
Let us know if you do visit and how you get on!

Thank you!!

Actually managed to go New Docklands since my original post and your feedback is spot on.

Great place and kind of intriguing in that there is a definite air of sensual but it feels quite lowkey.

I didn't realize there was a staffed massage person there (guests just seemed to massage themselves). Is it on particular days or?

In general, what days would you recommend going (all things considered lol)?

Have a few more questions, but will ping them over on DM lol.

 

[ellipses]

What's the dress code at New Docklands? Naked with towel or swim wear?

 

[Ldnmassage]

What's the dress code at New Docklands? Naked with towel or swim wear?

Either! I tend to wear shorts but you’ll have them whipped off you as soon as someone wants to massage you. Not quite sure why that’s the protocol, but it is!

 

[ellipses]

Either! I tend to wear shorts but you’ll have them whipped off you as soon as someone wants to massage you. Not quite sure why that’s the protocol, but it is!

As in someone actually removes them from you? Sounds great!

 

[aurabka]

Either! I tend to wear shorts but you’ll have them whipped off you as soon as someone wants to massage you. Not quite sure why that’s the protocol, but it is!

Yep, that was my experience too.

Anyone else been to New Docklands? Interested in different experiences and really wanting to ascertain the best day/days before I try and go again.

 

[BatorDaddy]

I’m going to try out New Docklands Russian Banya & Steam Baths tonight. Sundays 6pm onwards are Male only.

 

[Ldnmassage]

I’m going to try out New Docklands Russian Banya & Steam Baths tonight. Sundays 6pm onwards are Male only.

How did you find it?

 

[itsmrhoax]

Thank you!!

Actually managed to go New Docklands since my original post and your feedback is spot on.

Great place and kind of intriguing in that there is a definite air of sensual but it feels quite lowkey.

I didn't realize there was a staffed massage person there (guests just seemed to massage themselves). Is it on particular days or?

In general, what days would you recommend going (all things considered lol)?

Have a few more questions, but will ping them over on DM lol.

Are the massages included in the price?

 

[BatorDaddy]

I went to New Docklands Russian Banya & Steam Baths for the 'men-only' session on Sundays from 6-10 pm.

It's approx £25 for the session, there is a resident massage therapist, but he was not there on Sunday. Professional massage treatments are extra and should be booked in advance.

As you enter, there is a reception area, and café, serving basic refreshments, and food although I did not eat there.

You pay a £10 cash-only deposit for your locker key and go to the changing rooms to leave your valuables. The dress code is shorts, towels, or naked. Most people are naked throughout the spa areas.

It was a very basic spa setup. There are 4 steam rooms with various temp, and one main sauna was in operation. There is a cold water plunge pool and a large relaxation area with open showers.

The experience was good overall, everyone is quite low-key and friendly. I was surprised that most people are open to offering a massage or accepting one from you. It was good to see men of all ages (25-60+), backgrounds, shapes, and sizes feeling comfortable with their bodies in a communal public setting.

This is not a gay sauna, so touching and sexual contact is discreet and low-key, but it does happen during the massages. Most people there seem to be gay, or bi-curious and on the down-low.

I will go again soon.

 

[dreallen]

I'm thinking of going this Sunday. Not sure if the 1pm or the 6pm would be better.

 

[aurabka]

I'm thinking of going this Sunday. Not sure if the 1pm or the 6pm would be better.

Did you go in the end?

 

[dreallen]

Did you go in the end?

I did. Had a good time, not too overt, but a good amount of people naked and lots of massage swapping.

 

[clav]

That's good to know that nudity is prevalent - the website says you're expected to wear swimming shorts so I was quite put off

 

[highnal]

Curious to know how the massage swapping works. Do you just randomly ask people? Is it done in the open with everyone else watching? Wondering how you can discreetly touch in that sort of setting!

 

[dreallen]

Curious to know how the massage swapping works. Do you just randomly ask people? Is it done in the open with everyone else watching? Wondering how you can discreetly touch in that sort of setting!

When I was there it seemed like either people recognized each other from previous sessions or just starting chatting and yeah literally just offered a massage. I haven't been there when it's super busy, but sometimes you can get the room to yourself or just with a couple other people for at least a couple minutes where hands may wander. Especially the steamier rooms, but they were a little hot for a long massage.

 

[aurabka]

Curious to know how the massage swapping works. Do you just randomly ask people? Is it done in the open with everyone else watching? Wondering how you can discreetly touch in that sort of setting!

When I was there it seemed like either people recognized each other from previous sessions or just starting chatting and yeah literally just offered a massage. I haven't been there when it's super busy, but sometimes you can get the room to yourself or just with a couple other people for at least a couple minutes where hands may wander. Especially the steamier rooms, but they were a little hot for a long massage.

I agree.

I'd probably add that the busier it is, the more likely you are to be offered a massage. For instance, if you're sat in a room where someone is massaging one person, then the next, then the next, you're likely to be asked if you want one too.

I have noticed that some (especially on certain days) are really grouped-up and their circles seem impenetrable lol. Also, actively asking "for" a massage doesn't really seem to be a "thing" (which is a little annoying considering how hot/unexpected some of the people there are). I've had better luck on that front by agreeing to swaps. Kinda rubbish for whoever is on receiving end, as I dunno what I'm doing lol. But at the same time most of the massages I've received have honestly just felt like a wandering hands opportunity. So fair is fair I guess lol.

I'm also kinda surprised at how openly yet discretely it all goes down. I'd say, if you think of most receivers generally laying on their stomachs, it leaves room for a lot of back rubbing then inevitable moving onto the torso/glutes where most of the massages magically seem to be concentrated. That, I'd say, is when most of the grabbing, reaching, tugging happens.

Again, I've only been a couple of times but was both immersed in it and observant lol.