Was there a while back and afterwards decided I shouldn't have bothered. Hardly anyone there, rude staff, not a nice environment.

A visit here proved an appalling way to treat a gay man at a gay venue. Particularly when the owner has stated in interview that he wants to help resolve the loneliness epidemic and create a safe haven. Rubbish! I have membership (so they have my details on record) but I had to endure the most horrendous personal search on entry to the locker room. In full view of everyone. It is degrading. The bouncer was obnoxious and rude. He barked at me twice to empty my pockets, as if I was deaf. His fingers and his nose were in absolutely every single small item from my bag, which was emptied across a small table. He immediately confiscated my empty water bottle as if it was his right. It is my property! Show some respect! I was also carrying medication, so Heaven knows what would have happened if he had found it. He insisted I put my eye-drops in, there and then. I explained that I didn't want to. He was then on his radio right away, to announce what had happened to the front desk. It was the coldest of dispatches, as if I was the lowest of the low. In this manner, I was brutally packed off: my personal belongings together with my wits in disarray. Just horrible. It was an upsetting ordeal. It was a personal assault. I felt nothing but traumatised. It would prove a distressing experience for anyone wishing to make a discreet visit to a spa. When I received my card, I asked at the desk if I really would be so stupid to bring in illegal substances with my details on file. The guy at the desk would only keep repeating "Everyone gets searched!" quite nonchalantly, as if he hadn’t a care, least of all for my welfare. Why should he, you may ask. It was obvious how distressed I was. How callous can you get. There was no trace of empathy. No understanding. No apology. Nothing. No awareness that is was a paying client, let alone a human being, to show concern for. I recall, a few months prior, when another staff member tried to push me out of his way as I was walking up the stairs. He looked dumbfounded when I wouldn't allow it. Do the staff here, let alone the disgracefully aggressive bouncer, have any customer service training? They have zero knowledge of compassionate communication. On the night in question, I went on to another spa instead. I was allowed entry no problem. I enjoyed a calm and relaxing evening, and made a new friend. Their bag check was quick and appropriate. I was treated with kindness, courtesy – and above all RESPECT. Their staff were warm and friendly, and knew how to treat their visitors. My rating here reflects that I got to use none of the facilities. The cleanliness rating is aligned with previous experience, in consensus with other reviewers. Maybe things will change with the refit. Can you refit people's attitudes though? Attitude, to me, on the gay scene, is not a good word.

I’ve been to Sweatbox a few times now, and as it goes, it’s not the worst sauna in the UK...but I do think the hype that comes with it is unjustified. I am aware that a few British gay porn producers made movies there, and used the name to boost a bit of advertising when Sweatbox first opened. Good for them! After all, let’s face it, only a small percentage of gay guys go to a sauna just for a jacuzzi and steam session alone. I would say I have been at least 6 times in the past year. The big advantages are the location to central London & Soho, and the fact that it has a fully equipped gym. I like a good workout, and it’s nice to get a post-workout testosterone boost, and a good ‘pump’ before having a session. Don’t expect David Lloyd facilities though, and the water fountain doesn’t always work, it could do with a cleanup and reorganisation, but it’s a useable and serviceable gym. Staff on the door are usually friendly, but sometimes busy, so you have to wait a towel you get is pretty rubbish. It gets wet very quickly, but the staff seem happy enough to change a wet towel for a dry one if you take it upstairs. Lockers are a bit too small. I know there’s a problem with 24 hour saunas being used as hotel rooms or impromptu homeless shelters, but if i’ve got a rucksack with a change of clothes for the gym, it is a very tight squeeze to get it all in. Next floor down is the ‘wellness’ area with a 10-man jacuzzi (but could easily fit more), benched dry room, corner hot dry room, steam room, showers and a sort of maze (not sure what the point of this room is. It’s got a corner area but is mostly just an empty dimly lit room). Showers are not great. Usually either dribbly or weak, with cold-to-lukewarm water. Only 6 shower heads, and if it’s busy, guys waiting to shower can clog up the area. Jacuzzi can sometimes be over-chlorinated. Not a good sign. Sometimes, I’ve felt ‘grit’ at the bottom of the jacuzzi, but the water is usually at the right temperature. I guess this is a bit subjective but the steam rooms are all way too hot, especially the small one in the corner. There can be sporadic outbreaks of sexual activity here, but without a better regulation of temperature or facilities for guys to stay hydrated, I’m surprised there haven’t been more accidents. The wet steam room is of particular note. It’s got benches either side, and a dark area at the back. It’s almost always foggy and slippery, and woe betide you if you’re sitting in the wrong place as a gust of hot steam coming from underneath the benches will likely cause 3rd degree burns. Lowest floor is the ‘play’ area with a chill-out lounge. Facilities are again practical. There is what looks to be a hall of mirrors, an area with a few cubicles with slings and a large open cubicle area, a small maze area with lockable cubicles and a dark room. There used to be a small movie room showing porn, but this seems to have now been closed off. - Beware the uneven floor heights and steps. I’ve stubbed my toe several times around this area! As for activities, like with any sauna, it depends on the time of visit, and how busy it is. I think this place has a fairly decent mix on a good day. As for action, again it can vary. I’ve been here and had a few gropes from a few people, but got a bit bored and moved on, but I’ve been in some very raunchy spontaneous group sessions & orgies with some real fit horny guys! The trouble is that there is still no consistency or pattern. You could have a very boring Friday/Saturday night, or an amazing fun-packed Tuesday afternoon. You just don’t know what (or who) you’re going to get. Lounge area is ok, but usually unmanned. It also seems to be the only place where you can get condoms from if the mood strikes. TV usually shows tacky camp shows, American sit-coms & reality shows etc. Overall, the place is good. It’s not great, but it’s not as polarizingly bad as the reviews say. There seems to be an objection to being searched once inside. I’ve never had a problem with being searched anywhere, as I don’t have anything to hide. - never had a problem with staff being rude, ever!

Went on Thursday (31/05/18) was a great time really attractive guys throughout. Nice working jacuzzi at a decent heat, good bubbling. There is a standing steam room and one to sit down both at lovely temperatures. Sauna area was a bit small to be honest, but again good temperature. The cruising area was great plenty of rooms for private fun, glory hole area, sling area, random mirror room. Free condoms and lube at the bar area would rather they be throughout. For under 25’s you pay a £10 deposit but you get this back at the end on Monday and Thursday. All in all had a great time; would go again. No one was pushy or following me at all, anyone I didn’t really wanna get with I just said no thanks to and they were chill.

I've been several times to this sauna, and being a good-looking mature guy (51) I've had very good times, good visits and boring ones. Certainly the place could be much better. Managers need to go on a field trip to Germany and check the quality of gay saunas there. Many people say that the place of full of attitude. I'd say not much more than anywhere else and you have to respect that not everyone will like you. A little bit of more dark spaces will help people to relax and just have fun. The current layout doesn't help. People keep going and paying, so changes are not going to happen any time soon.

Unfriendly staff. After you paid ur entrance fee that provides u with nothing except two towels u walk down the stairs to be frisked by an unfriendly person in front of everyone in the dressing room. When u tell him that its quite uncommon to be frisked after you paid he basically tells u ur not complying. I've never felt so badly treated in a sauna as this one.

The place is dark, dirty, scruffy and needs a deep clean and refurb. Yup it's in central London? As always with saunas you pay your money....you take your choice.....but jeez at least make it a nice experience for gay guys...the ones with the decent attitudes anyway.

Like any sauna, it's all about who happens to be in on the night. Saturday night was fun, but Sunday's crowd wasn't so good. It's a good environment to play in (though the cabins are a little small), and I liked the nicely scented steam in the sauna. Great value if you can go for 2 nights.

This sauna is definitely not the best in London, it’s scruffy and dirty, the toilets are badly in need of refurbishment as is the whole establishment. Uneven floors, grotty cabins and facilities. I doubt it has been cleaned under the non slip mats since it opened. On arrival you get frisked by a grumpy mono syllabic security guard who felt it necessary to even open my wallet and check my credit cards. One inadequate tiny towel that is useless for drying off once having used the facilities.

Went with a friend when we both finished work one night, intending to head there for a couple of hours. Queued to get into the locker room it was so busy, a real mix of different guys from bear types to young muscle twinks. Impressed with the range of facilities and level of cleanliness - not sure if we just got a good day but would certainly head back to London just for a trip here again. Haven't tried the gym and as a gym goer I don't think I'd like such basic facilities but it's worth a go I guess.

It is not the best gay sauna in London, the facility is because its location is in Soho, near to all shops, very central, the problem is inside, every time is going worst with old infrastructure, smell awful, that the staff make up with deodorant, lockers are old, showers area is horrible, it needs an upgrade, it is attractive due they have offer the 24 and 48 hours, sometimes the staff at the reception is rude, to be honest, there are better saunas in London than Sweatbox sauna.

Sweatbox is my fave out of 4 saunas I visited in London, the busiest indeed! Although it has not the best facilities but the people coming are mostly young and sexy which most of the time my problem because they are not into me, LOL! Their 24 and 48 hours access is also very helpful. As a tourist, you can have fun, beer, dance, music and again more fun in one day (in SOHO). Security is tight, not a problem purely understandable. Friday evening while in the queue, they stopped 2 guys from entering for bringing something not allowed and the security staff found it in their wallet. They did not also allow me to enter on early hours of Saturday because I am drunk which is blessing in disguise because I passed out. Imagine if it happen to me inside the sauna and not in my hotel room. I would like to commend their Security Staff especially that black guy for his customer service that is beyond expectation. Ciao!

I have been several times, I like the sauna and location is unbeatable in Central London. You can go on certain days and times where you can find a lot of people to play and fuck there. Remember this sauna is open all the time and you cannot expect the staff to work like ants cleaning every bit of cum there is. It is just impossible. Anyhow, the manager should be strict and maintain this sauna, kept to a great standard as we have visitors from all over the globe. If you come to London and you want to go to a Sauna I give you my advice: - Pleasuredome (END OF THE WEEK) (AFTER WORK TIMES) (clean, nice premises, pool, not very horny, just to relax) - Chariots Vauxhall (Friday or Saturday after 2am) (U can get very hot guys) - The Stable (Only on JAMIEHP PARTY) (On private party you can go for fun and relax it pays) - Sweatbox (Saturday or Monday busiest days) (saturday you can have fun with visitors and Monday busy with under 25s, U can do a lot)

I went there for one time and I will never go again to this place in my life! The facilities are really dirty and there is water leaking from the roof at the basement where most of the people are located. Terrible! A smell permeates each and every corner to the point I could hardly breathe. The water leakage is next to the electrical cables at the ceiling (i.e. lights etc.) Also the staff are very rude and aggressive when u try to speak to them or ask for a query. The most terrible intensive security search (nor just a check) I have ever been into in my entire life. Much more detailed security check than in any airport in the world!!! Absolutely ridicules for a sauna. It is not the W.H. it is just a sauna! If you don´t want to be checked in every part of your body by staff and if you don´t want even your wallets being opened everywhere and looked- avoid going to this place please. They even check customers bags and confiscate water bottles.

I've been several times on trips to London, always during the day. In general there isn't much action going on - if anyone starts playing in the steam room, a crowd quickly gathers. In general the facilities are fine, could be better but usable. The staff aren't great, and seem to be suspicious of people in general. I have been lucky enough to have a couple of amazing encounters there, but other times have come away unsatisfied.

I've been. The location is unbeatable and there are some nice guys there. You pay for 24 hour access which means you can go there for a few hours, then go to a show, and then revisit afterwards, all for the one entrance fee. The showers are fun, as are some of the private and mirrored areas. Condoms and lube are free from the bar area. Downsides are the place is smelly here and there, especially the steam rooms, while the two sauna cabins are just tatty. The "towels" are really just rags you wrap around and not very sexy, attractive or practical. The security at night is heavy. There are no seats on the toilets. I wouldn't rule out going again, but plan on trying all the other London saunas before revisiting this one.

My partner and I were on holiday in London from July 3 to 10, 2017. Was the worst experience in a sauna. That place is the dirtiest sauna in London, all areas were stinky, lots of humidity.

Sweatbox really is a dreadfully place. The staff are so rude and barely acknowledge you at the reception. I've been twice now on a weekend and on both occasions it was dead, probably about 15 guys. If you've ever been to a sauna in Europe you will think this place is a joke. Not good at all.

I had unpleasant greeting. Staff member became suspicious that I was drunk. If he had been a native English speaker he would've realized I was a North American trying to figure out the menu of options and he mistook my fatigue (jet lag) for intoxication and turned me away at door. I've never been more sober.

Despite the ban to poppers, and that most guys got a lot of attitude, it's still the best sauna in town. If you are local you will probably manage to find out the best day and hour for you. I've always had fun and I'm going back again. The 24 hour pass it's handy for a late first day and and early revisit the day after. You have to leave before your entrance time on the first day. Fair

This is only one sauna in London, where you can meet young and nice guys on Mondays or Thursday, other days are not that busy. Don't go in whirlpool, dirty, same like sauna and steam room, bring your slippers.

22 year old so as it's free on a Monday I can't complain! Really busy and mixed age and race, was so shocked at how easy it was to go from walking around to one minute later having action with the biggest tool I've ever seen! Not joking i was struggling for days. It's the perfect place!

Went on Saturday, May 27 at 10pm, not that many people (about 30). All were older than 25 and some just stood around. Then, went on May 29th, a Bank holiday and Mondays are free for under 25. Thought would have more cuties....more people than Saturday (about 50) but definitely not crowded.

Been a few times to Sweatbox and always found some fun. I'm a larger bear type middle aged guy so get ignored by some if he body beautiful but always end up hooking up. Second time I went I had a great three way with a guy I'd chatted to in the gym then ended up joining him and a very hot guy. My most recent visit I had fun with a nice guy from Abu Dhabi and we exchanged numbers and he came back to my hotel for more fun later I always try and make a visit when I'm in London and the 48hr pass is good value if I am there for a few days, especially as I'd be paying for a gym anyway as the gym is very good.

They make out to be the best gay sauna in London but in reality it is just meh. There are often used condoms and bottles of lube on the floor which you step on. There is also often a musty smell, it could do with a deep clean. Facilities are okay at least. However, it is full of older people, middle aged upwards and is very rare you find a young person.

Taking to account great saunas in Berlin, Paris, Vienna or even Budapest, this is probably the worst gay sauna in Europe. Which is really shame cause London is European gay metropol, and rest of saunas in town aren't much better. Owners of this place evidently capitalising on its location and are unwilling to invest to renovation. (especially bad joke of this place is so called "jacuzzi") No matter how long you going to scrub or sanitise, the place is just overused and old. And you can definitely see and smell it once you are there! Wouldn't recommend to anyone who's overly hygiene sensitive. If it's your first gay sauna experience, this can turn you off for the rest of your life! Nonetheless, this place is still quite popular due to its location and you can meet some really nice guys there. So, if you're adventurous enough, brace yourself and you can have quite a good fun!;)

The clientelle is over 50s and it doesn't get busier than 20.or 30 ppl. Paid for a 24h ticket. Came back a few hours later and the staff said they had no records to check. Apparently I should have gotten a card to get in again, which I hadn't and was not informed about. They charged me again.

Not the cleanest place but a lot of handsome boys. Generally people came here for action and you can have a lot of action If you want. In the bar I analysed a Brazilian guy from staff and his simplicity, sincerity attract me a lot. I find him the best guy in this sauna for his general attitude, acting... and I regret that my projects în London are finished. He give me the hope that I can find any moment somebody to love even if my academic mathematics job make me too busy... Conclusion for me is that Sweatbox is a good place to relax but also a place where you can find a boyfriend for long term. May be this is a silly review (for a 30years old man)...but is what i feel .

After reading so many reviews about this place I decided to go and see it by myself. I think a gay sauna running for that long always has seen better days. But if you are going to a place like this, you cannot expect to enter into a surgery room. It's best to go and see it by yourself. What is clean or dirty depends who sees it. I had a lot of fun myself... and I'm just a regulars mature guy.

I went there 3 times in winter the cabins area is very cold I think there is no heating there I felt very cold and I spoke to one of the staff but it seems they do not care.

Nice big sauna but in few areas I really [did not like] -steam room opposite showers and some cabins. Also some areas need urgent renovations. I remember first months, years when they opened/ it was much better .

Dirty place, smells bad, towels, (if you can call them that as they are more like floor cloths), are next to useless. Poorly maintained. I would not go back.

Not too bad but the people there is not a lot

Went on a Saturday evening (my third time in total) and the place, to be honest, is a dump. Given there are some hot guys that go here, but all in all, it in need of a big make over. The steam room/sauna absolutely stinks and the rooms are tiny and of limited numbers. Got the potential to be amazing here due to the location and its location is probably the only reason guys go here. Good service from staff however.

I went to the sauna quite confident it was going to be a nicely maintained place where I can have some fun. Unfortunately, the place was rather dirty, stinked, the saunas were small. There is an urgent need of refurbishment. There was only 1 towel... not enough. Free condoms and lubricants. But most of the guys were young and handsome. I had an amazing action like never before so I'm going to come back!

I have been going to SweatBox for over four years now, whenever I visit London! The staff has always been so nice and kind and treated me with great respect. The day I arrived in London, I always buy a weekly pass, so I can come and go as I please. I have met the nicest people from all over the world on vacation like myself, as well as locals. When your friendly to people I find that people are very friendly to you there. I often joke with the staff, that I'm one of the older customers, yet everyone is still so nice and friendly! I highly recommend this as a fun and relaxing sauna Londothe theme nights are the best! Usually busy! Always fun!

This establishment needs good redesign and investments. Dirty floor, no tiles only concrete, urine spots in the toilets. The layout and design are not helping shy strangers to establish contacts, just the opposite. Avoid at any cost!

Well absolutely filthy. Sweaty smelly towels locker room stink of sweat , jacuzzi / stroke large cold bath filthy condoms under feet in jacuzzi and slimy seat even though is says no sex in there. Private cubicles mat on floor no room to lie down dirty feet walking all over expected to lie down well I can't. Steam room sauna room was ok and hot.

Visitor from Australia. Have been there on a Thursday. It was not quite busy and it was foam party there. It was a great night and I get a friend there. I took 48hours pass out. It was good. When I come back again it was Saturday night. So many people around. And some actions that night. Good place to have fun and enjoy. Definitely will come back when next visit

'Been to this lovely Sauna and met this fellow David. We were meant to exchange numbers but kinda lost each other at the end of the night. I hope you're reading this and will get in touch. Thanks SWEATBOX!

The Best sauna clube in London. I went to Chariots (Vauxhall and Covent Garden) and The Stable. These three clubs are not crowded. Sweatboxsoho is the most crowded one. Price is average not expensive. Employees are mostly patient (especially the guy who is baldheaded, he works generally nights) Everyday, there are lots of guys, but sunday night is quiter than other 6 days. If you go to London, you have to go Sweatbox at least two times. On the other hand, Age range changes between 20-50 mostly under 27-28. Italians and spanish prefer to go there. As a result you have to go Sweatbox. I have been in London 12 days and I went there 6 times :) GGG

Visited Sweatbox last Friday and Saturday as i got a unlimited access pass for 19 Pounds. The facilities were much cleaner - steam rooms, sauna, jacuzzi and the private cabins despite being very busy. I think weekend nights continue to be the best because of after party crowd. There is a good mix of young and middle aged men between 20-40 years from all races. Hats off to the new Colombian cleaner who keeps the place very clean and is on the job full time. This sauna will benefit from a bit of modernisation given its great location and the best crowd

good size for a sauna, interesting places to explore. Has a few issues that could easily be fixed: 1) More cleaners and more frequently. Number of areas have unpleasant mold and urine smell. Regular cleaning will really help. They must know this; seen this comment in several other reviews going back a while. 2) Cold Jacuzzi - I am stumped by this one; I wanted to sit and soak my knee, but very uncomfortable with not having real hot water. Very disappointing for a sauna 3) What's with the Sham-wow towels they now provide? not really absorbent. It's made of material similar to lint-free cleaning cloths. Service was good. The guy running the front desk while I was there was nice and helpful to all customers who were speaking with him.

I usually visit Sweatbox and sometimes book a massage. This has happened during the last three years. But unfortunately this place does not change. There is a terrible smeel of mould, premises are not cleaned properly and the staff has an attitude of " I dont care". In general the frequence is mixed but I have noticed lots of Asians nowadays. Average of age from 20-50. Very few interesting guys. But I think this is general rule in London. Nice guys dont go to saunas in London unfortunately. It is not like Berlin or Vienna. The gay sauna scene in these cities are quite good. The location is perfect but the premises looks run down and there is always something broken or something dripping from the ceiling. The price is the regular price for saunas in London. So the general rule is: if you dont mind with cleanliness and you dont expect much in frequence, this could work for you.

There is a strong smell of mould in some rooms which I found concerning and they don't supply flip flops like some other places do. It seems a little run down but it is not a bad design and amongst the guys were some good looking ones, perhaps due to the location. The gym looked amazing - I just wish I had my gym clothes with me to try it out.

I went twice -Sunday and Monday as the price of GBP19 included a 48 hour pass. I was delighted to see a full time cleaner and also staff cleaning and spraying freshners around busy areas. Thank you management- the place does not stink anymore!! I regularly visit Sauna's to relax and meet like minded men. Not necessarily intercourse, but (safe) play is good!! This place never disappoints - best bodies, all colours and nationalities - best for crowds aged 20-40 years.

I am a visitor in London, visited Sweatbox sauna on Tuesday afternoon around 3pm. The place got busy after 4:30, and the crowd was very good too, age group 20-40 years. The place wasn't clean but not dirty either! I had fun with two Italians and also played with another 3 guys in the Steam room. I will visit again very soon... Feel sorry for one older guy who wanted to join group play but he was told off, and he politely went away. We could have let him stay and just watch.....

...rude staff with a take it or leave it attitude problem. Perhaps they got out of the wrong side of their beds that day. The place wants a damn good bloody clean (filthy, grimy, tired and BORING). In fact it needs to be fumigated and thoroughly steam cleansed to rid it of the stench that wafts through the entire complex. One ceases to comprehend exactly how management and the owners are otherwise blinkered or oblivious to their workplace environment as to the stench they quite obviously take for granted... A few Air Wick air fresheners would not go amiss, likewise a few automatic air freshener sprays about too. Come on! Clean your poor act up - PLEASE, PLEASE! Will attempt another visit sooner, or later, armed with own towels, flip flops and nose peg (just in case!) and air fresher spray and an extra inquisitive probing attitude!!

I was in London for 5 weeks in the summer from Africa, and visited the Sweatbox three times. I had visited a few other major London saunas before that, it was at either the Pleasuredrome or Chariot Waterloo that I picked some free gay magazines, while reading them at home, I read some articles about the Sweatbox and some lovely pictorial review of the customers staff and facilities, I was already falling in love with the place. I couldn't believe my luck when I saw a cut out coupon for a £5 discount if I come in before noon I think. I went to the Sweatbox box and really enjoyed myself at the cost of £12 only. I returned a few days later, and still enjoyed the great facilities including polite and very helpful staff. I like your selection of staff really varied in terms of color and age and are all very friendly. A couple of days later I came back exactly on the 12th of August, 2015 and that was supposed to be my last visit because I was already booked to travel back on the 15th. While in the sauna I met another lovely young black guy with whom I became friends with, when he wanted to go he suggested we go out and have lunch, that it can collect a ticket that will allow me to come back. I did as he suggested and to my pleasant surprise the ticket did not only allow me back after three hours but that I can come back the next day and stay up till 3pm without paying a penny. I say this is the best sauna in the world. Your flexibility and foresight is unmatched vis: the 24 and 48 hour policy, the under 25 Monday free entry and £5 rebate. I discovered your facility rather late, close to the end of my visit but I thoroughly enjoyed myself in every visit. I will come back next summer and hope to enjoy myself even more. Thanks and keep up the good work.

I go to saunas for occasional fun. I have to say this is the best because this place is always busy with the best looking men -all ages and color. Friday and Saturday late nights are really good for both - action and crowd, a lot of bi sexual men who come in after party hours. Mondays are busy (and free for under 25's) but action can be very limited. This is not the cleanest sauna in Europe, but i bet that it has the 'best men- Young, Hung and Beautiful' .

I went on a Monday, and yea, got in for free for being under 25. My first experience to a hedonistic paradise proved just fine. A lot of good looking young guys, older hunks, everything was on the menu. I found the guys a bit shy, but that didn't stop me from getting some... and some more. Oh, and I got tested there (seemed like a responsible thing to do), probably the oddest place on earth to do so.

I was very disappointed with the Sweatbox. I found the facilities to be very run down and badly in need of repair and renovation. The towels were just pieces of material that were very unpleasant and ineffective to use. The Cafe atmosphere was exceptionally boring and what was on sale was so basic it was hard to find anything worth purchasing. The staff appeared to be trying to do a good job with a very bad set of facilities. There was a dreadful odour throughout the place, some of the showers did not work and often there was no hot water. There was water leaking through the roof in some parts on the lower floor resulting in some sections being cordoned off.

(TGE - This is a verified management response) It’s true we certainly have a lot of conflicting reviews on a lot of websites. We’re certainly not perfect but the lurching between extremes, I think comes down mainly to two things: 1. Drugs. The gay community in London has a pretty major drug problem right now. We run a zero tolerance rule on drugs and unlike some other venues, we emphatically enforce it. This makes us a lot of enemies (guys we’ve thrown out, banned – even had arrested by the police) who seek petty revenge by writing bad reviews, complaining to the council etc. We enforce these rules as politely but as firmly as we can but we are bound to make enemies along the way. Within drug culture they don’t perceive themselves as doing anything wrong and think we’re just being mean and unfair not letting them have their fun the way they like it. But it’s my belief that the vast majority of our customers are not high and don’t want to be around those that are. So not only is drug taking illegal and dangerous, it’s also bad for business. I’m not just a guy who owns a sauna, I’m also a gay man of 51 who lost a lot of friends to HIV in the early days. I’ve been part of our community a long time and it upsets me dearly that we have achieved so many advances and then we hit a generation who seem determined to kill themselves with a cocktail of drugs. So I am not going to lessen our stance here no matter how many times we get bad reviews as petty revenge. 2. We had a dud receptionist. This is entirely my fault. We had a receptionist who covered the mornings. He used to be charming and much loved and trusted. But slowly I discovered that he would have horrible mood swings and would be very rude to customers. The review entitled “Spoilt by Very Rude Receptionist” is certainly down to him. He has now left us and won’t be coming back. I could go on to explain how his behavior was born out of some terrible issues and stresses that were going on in his personal life but I shan't because what he did was unacceptable and the fact that it went on for such a long time without me knowing is unacceptable of me. I made a mistake in trusting him. We’ve recently installed audio mics with the CCTV at the reception hatch – this is so that I can monitor the quality of customer service we offer. Since doing so, I’ve been able to directly investigate complaints. Of the 4 where I have done this, one has been a receptionist being a bit brittle and unhelpful (and I was able to watch it back with him and he accepts he was in the wrong). But the other 3 were customers being abusive because they weren't getting what they want and my staff being firm but fair. They then complain to me or go online to write an angry review. When they write to me I’m now able to respond pointing out exactly what happened. One of them accepted it and we’re all friends again. The other two were furious (I was calmer than Buddha!) and said quite blatantly they were going to give me bad reviews all over the web. We love in a culture where this is becoming too many people’s default act of revenge. As far as I’m concerned trolling is like an infantile form of terrorism – both relying on a cowardly anonymity. With regard to 24 and 48 hour passes, our rules are quite clear and all are written in our terms and conditions clearly framed in the entrance lobby so they can be read before entry. They are also written in and around the building to remind people: 24 and 48 hour passes work like this. Both start the moment you purchase them and end 24 or 48 hours later. If you overstay beyond that, you are liable for another day’s admission. However we also have a maximum stay of 8 hours with no return within 3 hours. Our reason for this is we are not a hotel and we do not think it is healthy for anyone to remain in a sauna for more than 8 hours. And if you are, there is a strong likely-hood that you are on drugs (see above). We never enforce this on the first offence (although I believe our dud receptionist above did try to). Receptionists are briefed only to warn customers if they have stayed more than 8 hours and only take it further if they are a repeat offender. It was an initiative I developed along with THT and David Stuart of 56 Dean Street. It allows us to have a reason to throw out people we believe are high but can’t prove if they go over their allotted time. There are some customers who get it into their heads that if they come back 5 minutes before their pass runs out, they can come in and stay as long as they want. I don’t pretend to understand how they think this is in any way an interpretation of a 24 or 48 hour pass but when they do, we politely explain the situation to them. Recently we had a customer turn up with 9 minutes to go on his pass. Our manager politely explained this to him and said he would need to take a £17 deposit before letting him in but that this would be returned as long as he left within the remaining 9 minutes of his pass. The customer’s English was not good (a common problem – often it’s very hard to explain things) and he took affront and was verbally abusive to my manager who remained calm but firm. I know this because the customer then wrote to me with a series of false allegations to get my manager in trouble. Fortunately I was able to watch and listen to the whole thing back on CCTV and I could see for myself that it was the customer who was being abusive. When I pointed this out to him he replied “Fxxk you I hate your sauna anyway it stinks and is disgusting” To which I responded by asking if he hated the experience so much why was he so desperate to come back? He didn’t reply to that. To be honest most of the reviews I see on the link you sent me don’t surprise me. It’s kind of parr for the course. You can’t make everyone happy. You have to piss a small amount off. But as we’re currently by far the busiest sauna in London, we’re clearly making enough guys happy. Oh and our 24 hour pass costs less than a single entrance to the 2 main Chariots venues (£19 single entrance) and Pleasuredrome is the same price as us for just one entrance. All have maximum stay rules. Unlike other London saunas we’re owned by a gay couple and we look after our staff like an extended family. I hope that ethos pervades into the way they behave with customers. I think mainly it does but I’m sure not always. They have to deal with a lot of abuse and this in turn can make them defensive at times. We train them hard and do what we can to give them the confidence they need to smile and let it wash over them. Of all the entries I saw in the link you sent me, the only one that surprised and upset me was the one saying “Only for the fit and young”. I hope nobody on my team told him this – it’s certainly not our policy and I loathe any form of bullying, discrimination and body fascism of any kind. Really loathe it. I grew up gay and bullied. A lot of bullied people go on to bully (there are a lot of gay bullies out there I feel). I don’t. And I don’t let my staff. If ever I felt this was what we are saying, I would be furious. That said we do have an image for being full of young and fit guys. And we do have a lot of them. And some of them are probably picky. But a lot aren’t. One of the happiest parts of my job is watching the friendships made at Sweatbox. We all tend to sex-shame saunas as being nothing more than meat markets. That’s only true if that ’s how you want to see it. I’ve made some of my best friends in saunas. We know guys who met at Sweatbox who have gone on to get married. And the friendships can often often transcend age, ethnicity and body type. My partner and I are getting married in August. I’m closing the venue for the night so that all the staff can come. On top of that, 25 of our guests are friends we’ve made through Sweatbox. And they’re not all young and fit! Perhaps this chap came on a Monday night in which the Under 25’s get in for free. That can be pretty full on, it’s true. One of the reasons we do that is because we also have 56 Dean Street doing HIV testing on Monday’s and the Under 25’s are often shy to go get tested at a clinic. I’ve taken the time to write this detailed response because I was very kindly offered the right of reply. However I don’t hold up much hope that my response is going to change many minds. Those that like us and get us don’t need the reviews – they know. Those with negative attitudes are only ever going to believe I’m a cynical businessman who sits all day counting his money and caring jack shit. Nothing I say is ever going to change that. That’s a change that has to come from within. So I think it’s something of a pointless exercise entering the ring with a bunch of anonymous trolls with an axe to grind or a prejudice to re-enforce. But I’m here, nonetheless. I like my business, I’m proud of it. I’m fond of my staff (our staff parties are awesome!) and I like the vast majority of my customers. I don’t even hate the druggy ones – I just don’t want them doing it in my building. But what I don’t like is anonymous bullying. And that’s why I don’t really want to be represented on any site where that can happen. I’m too old, frankly.

I read all the reviews and so I emailed the venue using their "info" email address. I got back a "failure message" So I filled in their mailing list sign-up. I put a message in the 'gym membership' section. I received a reply from them, now I have a direct email address. I have put all the complaints to him & await there response. Will post update if they reply.

I am a regular visit to the capital. Always try to find time to spend a few hours at Sweatbox. Although slightly claustrophobic, the facilities are reasonable, usually it seems pretty well maintained and clean, but the main attraction in the crowd. Never seems to disappoint. Had plenty of fun on every visit in the past few years. Attracts all types & colours which is really cool. Regarding earlier comments, I am over 40, but look after myself. Never had a problem gaining entry.

Come and go as you please its not true at all, unless you know how the 24 hour 48 hour pass works you will have a shock on leaving if you may have over stayed! You will be fined your repeat fee of entry for only even 10 min late leaving. The pass does not explain this in small print and there for will confuse you. This is however a money making ploy and a very nasty and unprofessional one of that. If you have any problems you can rest assure the owners of the sweatbox will not be contactable nor when you are fobbed off with there email address will they never respond back to you - very very bad manners. On reflection the sweat box is one of the most unclean unhygienic of saunas smelling of urine in the one steam room opposite the shower area. The cleaners do nothing apart from stand about playing on there I phones instead of keeping the sauna free from unhygienic matter.

It is all ways the way for places like this to be for the slim fit and young ! If you turn up and you are 40+ you are told you will not fit in. I chatted to a friend and ask hin the try it out as I had not gone in after being told to old . Yes, he was told he was to fat. But where do guy like us have to go under a train ? As you can see by the Photos not fat or old guy let in - what a shame.

This place is Heaven on Monday nights. Whatever you're looking for, it's there! I've had such a great time, often with young guys who are there for the first time. Hot & romantic. This place is not called Sweatbox for nothing. The cubicles do not seem to be ventilated at all, so it gets really hot and sweaty! I actually like that. The place is quite clean for a sauna and is patrolled regularly. You can come and go as you please for either 24 or 48 hours. It's good value, especially the 48-hour pass. The staff is courteous. My favorite place so far in London.

Great for tourists. Very central and busy. Visited London during May holiday weekend - spent too much time at Sweatbox :) but very much enjoyed the "sightseeing".

Great for tourists - central location makes it very convenient. Very nice gym on the ground floor. The sauna is in the basement. £18 entry fee, but you can by a pass for 10 visits for £100. Locker room feels very secure with security cameras. Free condoms and lube available. Being an Asian visiting London I find that Sweatbox tends to attract a mixed crowd with quite a few Asians and British guys who like Asian :) 4 - 8 pm is peak time, particularly Sunday. Like other London saunas, it does not look very clean and air in the basement feels a stuffy. But overall, still think it is a better option that Chariots.