Really intrigued about Turkish baths, Steam Rooms, Banya's, Hammams 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
* 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. Am I right in thinking this is more Docklands?
* 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!
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
* 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. Am I right in thinking this is more Docklands?
* 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!
