If you’re a gay man with a sexual appetite of any kind, then you probably know about Sweatbox. It’s the infamous gym slash sauna that’s conveniently tucked away just off of Oxford Street. In our younger days we’d try to peek into the upstairs gym area. Then they got wise and frosted the windows, HUMPH! Anyway, it’s an awesome erotic menagerie; gym for some, sauna for others, bit of both for the rest of us!
We love Sweatbox’s sexy, sensual atmosphere just as it is, but rumour has it, there’s changes afoot. We caught up with owner Mark to find out more
“Sweatbox is now in its tenth year. With so many gay businesses closing that makes us virtually an institution. But to be honest, we feel like we’re only just coming of age. We keep getting busier and busier and the boys just keep getting hotter and hotter. We have all sorts of expansion plans underway that we can’t discuss just yet. But, yeah, I’d saying business is booming!” – Mark Ford
Mark, you tease! In the meantime, let’s talk about the amazing facilities! The Sweatbox gym is the real thing – not just a battered multi-gym gathering dust in the corner! It has everything you need for a full body workout – using machines, free weights or a combo of both. And whilst yes, it’s true they do have more than their fair share of sexy shirtless hunks, they’re also one of the friendliest, most attitude-free places to work out, whatever your body shape.
Plus, what other gym has all this plus the free and unlimited use of London’s busiest and sexiest sauna! One which offers:
2 LARGE STEAM ROOMS (1 with cold bucket shower)
2 SAUNAS (1 large, 1 cosy and intimate)
GIANT JACUZZI
A LABYRINTH OF REST ROOMS AND PLAY SPACES
COFFEE BAR AND CHILL OUT ROOM (you can watch Golden Girls!)
FREE WIFI AND COMPUTER TERMINALS
UNLIMITED TOWELS
OPEN 24 HRS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Whew! And if that’s not enough, what about their events? In addition to regular community support events like free instant HIV testing and advice forums, Sweatbox has their legendary HARD UP nights…
HARD UP MONDAYS – EVERY MONDAY
Feeling a bit skint after the weekend? Nevermind! Everyone 25 and under gets in FREE. Must have valid photo ID. Free entry valid from 10am – 12am (Midnight) Under 25s must bring their own towel or rent one for £1. Paying customers will be given two towels ONLY during this event.
HARD UP THURSDAYS – EVERY THURSDAY
STILL skint ? Well never fear, because now you can be Hard Up on Thursdays too! Same rules apply as on Mondays, so why not nip over and take a peek?
Sweatbox is at Ramillies House, 1-2 Ramillies Street, London, W1F 7LN. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For entry pricing and gym membership info please check www.sweatboxsoho.com