Visited Vault 139 twice a few weeks ago and have a bunch of observations.
Went to one underwear night and a wear whatever scenario and it was definitely interesting.
First thing’s first, was way more packed than I anticipated. Like each time (which was different days), it was buzzing. Way more than other places (i.e conventional saunas) on comparable days.
The price is good value. It’s a whole tenner less than most places and the experiences are pretty interchangeable. Plus a free drink as part of entry fee. So good bang for your buck...literally lol.
Was clean with constant air-con that kept the atmosphere free of the "scents" that can typically go along with places like this. A fair bit of man musk as you passed people, but that added to the sexiness of it all. More on that in a bit.
A broad range of ages and it legit felt everyone ranged from somewhere in their 20 to 40s. No complaints, as it's my sweet spot.
While the underwear sessions are cool, the clothed session opened me up to a new, heightened sense of horny. Just the idea walking in and roaming fully clothed…amongst those naked and many not…was so hot. Especially when it came down to action. Simple as it sounds, taking off clothes “in the moment” and generally having fun while semi/clothed is an incomparable high. For the experienced types reading this, what I’m writing is probably standard-fare for cruise bars. But having mostly frequented saunas, this aspect has them beat hands down.
As a POC, this definitely was one of the least “diverse” places I’ve ever been to in London, in terms of the clientele.
Pronounced population of Caucasian people and the other POCs where present seemed to specifically be there for…that. For context, I’m into all races but the whole "POCs not interested in other POCs" thing (while extremely common and sadly no longer surprising) is still…so disappointing to see in motion and remains quite the sight to behold. And I say this as someone who doesn’t have issues attracting guys in traditional spaces. Not to get too deep, but IMO there’s clearly something psychological at play that makes this still a “thing”. Not just here but at countless similar places. Pretty sure it’s simple in some cases and deeper in others, but it’s absolutely a…thing. Any POC's who get what I mean and experience similar, drop me a DM so I know I'm not imagining it lol.
I definitely got attention (and generally know attraction palettes are personal), but the observation still holds.
Beyond this, I found the openness of the areas to play a little…overwhelming. Maybe it’s an initial reaction. Not new to fun in such places being out in the open, but even the "private cabins" are kinda pointless as everyone walking by can see right into and over them. If that floats your boat, cool, but I have to be in the right mood. This is one thing I think this place could borrow from some of the saunas, where the private areas are pretty much totally private. It’s an easy means of appeasing both the exhibitionists and the private freaks lol.
They need to enforce the no mobile rule way more aggressively. Because there was absolutely a bunch of people on their phones where the action was taking place.
Initially thought I was being pedantic, until…I saw someone literally snapping photos of someone in their jockstrap (unbeknown to the subject) and sending it on messages. I couldn’t believe it. Was such a violation.
Yes, there are many out gay guys that frequent these places, but it’s equally a place of expression for bi, curious, and exploring guys. As well as gay guys (out and not out) who simply want to have fun with like minded with the assurance of privacy.
It’s not the venue’s fault per se, but a simple and strict no phone policy would easily nip that in the bud. I did only see this once, but once is enough, right?
If they can get a better grasp on the phone thing, there's definitely enough to warrant more visits. Between the comparably cheap price to the broad age range to the themed sessions, it's a decent spot.
Went to one underwear night and a wear whatever scenario and it was definitely interesting.
The Good
First thing’s first, was way more packed than I anticipated. Like each time (which was different days), it was buzzing. Way more than other places (i.e conventional saunas) on comparable days.
The price is good value. It’s a whole tenner less than most places and the experiences are pretty interchangeable. Plus a free drink as part of entry fee. So good bang for your buck...literally lol.
Was clean with constant air-con that kept the atmosphere free of the "scents" that can typically go along with places like this. A fair bit of man musk as you passed people, but that added to the sexiness of it all. More on that in a bit.
A broad range of ages and it legit felt everyone ranged from somewhere in their 20 to 40s. No complaints, as it's my sweet spot.
While the underwear sessions are cool, the clothed session opened me up to a new, heightened sense of horny. Just the idea walking in and roaming fully clothed…amongst those naked and many not…was so hot. Especially when it came down to action. Simple as it sounds, taking off clothes “in the moment” and generally having fun while semi/clothed is an incomparable high. For the experienced types reading this, what I’m writing is probably standard-fare for cruise bars. But having mostly frequented saunas, this aspect has them beat hands down.
The Hmm
As a POC, this definitely was one of the least “diverse” places I’ve ever been to in London, in terms of the clientele.
Pronounced population of Caucasian people and the other POCs where present seemed to specifically be there for…that. For context, I’m into all races but the whole "POCs not interested in other POCs" thing (while extremely common and sadly no longer surprising) is still…so disappointing to see in motion and remains quite the sight to behold. And I say this as someone who doesn’t have issues attracting guys in traditional spaces. Not to get too deep, but IMO there’s clearly something psychological at play that makes this still a “thing”. Not just here but at countless similar places. Pretty sure it’s simple in some cases and deeper in others, but it’s absolutely a…thing. Any POC's who get what I mean and experience similar, drop me a DM so I know I'm not imagining it lol.
I definitely got attention (and generally know attraction palettes are personal), but the observation still holds.
Beyond this, I found the openness of the areas to play a little…overwhelming. Maybe it’s an initial reaction. Not new to fun in such places being out in the open, but even the "private cabins" are kinda pointless as everyone walking by can see right into and over them. If that floats your boat, cool, but I have to be in the right mood. This is one thing I think this place could borrow from some of the saunas, where the private areas are pretty much totally private. It’s an easy means of appeasing both the exhibitionists and the private freaks lol.
The Bad
They need to enforce the no mobile rule way more aggressively. Because there was absolutely a bunch of people on their phones where the action was taking place.
Initially thought I was being pedantic, until…I saw someone literally snapping photos of someone in their jockstrap (unbeknown to the subject) and sending it on messages. I couldn’t believe it. Was such a violation.
Yes, there are many out gay guys that frequent these places, but it’s equally a place of expression for bi, curious, and exploring guys. As well as gay guys (out and not out) who simply want to have fun with like minded with the assurance of privacy.
It’s not the venue’s fault per se, but a simple and strict no phone policy would easily nip that in the bud. I did only see this once, but once is enough, right?
Overall...
If they can get a better grasp on the phone thing, there's definitely enough to warrant more visits. Between the comparably cheap price to the broad age range to the themed sessions, it's a decent spot.
