Whether it’s the eternal winter we’re currently experiencing, the tourists that seem to be incapable of standing on the right, or the to-do lists that resemble the length of a novel; we Londoners sure are a stressed-out bunch. And so, I suppose it’s pretty convenient that London’s oldest spa has just swung open its oh-so relaxing doors, ready to loosen the shoulders of even the most uptight city dwellers, having undergone a three month (and £3 million) makeover.
Porchester Spa has been perched proudly on Queensway for almost 100 years. And having been paying its dues for nearly a century, it was high time that the iconic Grade II* listed building was given a bit of TLC. The spa underwent three months of refurbishment work, and is now – once again – open to the public.
Known for its gorgeous art deco interiors and housing several original features from when it first opened in 1929; Porchester Spa is a local landmark in its own right. The spa boasts a 30metre pool, two workout studios, a multi-level gym, two steam rooms, a sauna, a plunge pool, a relaxation room, and three different types of Turkish baths. There’s a tepidarium (the warm one), a caldarium (the hot one), and the laconium (the extra hot one). It’s like the Nando’s of the spa world, really.
What refurbishment work has been done?
The renovation saw the gym get a rather hefty upgrade, with the three-level gym becoming the proud owner of seven new pieces of equipment. The spa also introduced a new women-only gym as part of the upgrade, and the main workout studio has been transformed with new floors, walls and mirrors. The ceilings have been strengthened, and the walls, ceilings and balcony have all had a fresh lick of paint. And the swimming pool has had a rather green glow-up, welcoming a heat-retaining cover to improve energy efficiency, and an air source heat pump (which is set to result in a 60% cut in carbon dioxide emissions).
Credit: @citywestminer via Instagram
There’s never been a better time to treat yourself to a bit of well-needed rest and relaxation. And having just been restored to its gorgeous 1920s glorythere’s never been a better place to do so than at London’s oldest spa.
Find out more about Porchester Spa and plan your visit here.
