London chariots waterloo

Long ago, let's say, in the s and before, the gay population of London created, under unimaginable duress, a remarkably rich subculture, involving unique spaces, rituals, and languages all invisible by necessity to the society at large. By some accounts, all that came to an end after Stonewall, official decriminalisation, AIDS and the rest. Of course, increased visibility, destigmatisation and normalisation of homosexuals are all good things.

The hen parties aren't. We resent you; stop it. But it may come as a surprise to many straight Londoners how much of a exclusive, hidden gay subculture still survives. And this too is a good thing. Some of the spaces and practices we're thinking of are straightforward holdovers from the bad old days when homos still got forcibly lobotomised — for example, having sex in parks , which "good gays" are supposed to be embarrassed about, but for which Londonist's enthusiasm is a matter of public record.

Others examples are entirely modern inventions; we recently dropped the phrase "gaydar tricking" into conversation, and was then forced, awkwardly, to explain the concept. The modern gay sauna is a little bit of both — something old and something new. Public baths, Steamrooms, "Roman" spas, and hammams have been places for men to have sex with men for centuries. But the gay saunas to be found in London today have adapted to their time.

It is also something that remains surprisingly invisible to the general population — a certain Lononista, when told that this review would be written, replied "I didn't know there were 'gay saunas' in London". There are. London's newest sauna is in Vauxhall, and thus is newest addition to what has been hyped for quite some time as Vauxhall's "gay village," comprising, among other establishments, South Central, The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Crash, and The Hoist google it if you don't know.

It is located in two railway arches, and the ostentatious entrance directly faces MI-6, making it extremely convenient if you work for MI It is the newest branch of the ever-expanding Chariots empire , with branches in Shoreditch, Limehouse, Waterloo, Streatham and Farringdon.

Our straight readers may wonder: what goes on in these places? When it comes to trawling for action, there are a few unwritten laws.

Chariots does a lot to promote safe sex: it hands out free condoms and lube, and works with the NHS and Terrence Higgins Trust to provide health screening. I went and met a lovely Hasidic Jewish guy in the steam room instead. Speaking of hair, you might imagine that with that zesty, au naturel activity going on, a gay sauna would be caked in lube and all manner of curly follicles.

Sadly, I fear some misconceptions are fuelled by homophobia. Chariots Shoreditch closed in February , but the Vauxhall branch remains. And why not stay for some extra pampering in the form of a hot stone massage? Discover the best adult fun to be had in London. Support Time Out directly today and help us champion the people and places which make the city tick.

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