Gay London Life | July Pride '26 Edition - Magazine - Page 56
Thirty
Years On,
Pleasuredrome
Is Still London’s Ultimate 24/7 Escape
London’s LGBTQ+ scene has changed beyond recognition over the last three
Whether you fancy raising a glass to thirty years of queer history or simply
decades. Venues have opened and closed, neighbourhoods have transformed,
need a post-parade pick-me-up, it’s another reason to make a stop at one of
and the way we socialise has evolved more times than anyone can count. Yet
London’s most recognisable LGBTQ+ venues.
one place has remained a constant throughout it all.
This year, Pleasuredrome celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Since opening its doors in 1996, the iconic men’s spa and bar has welcomed
“Thirty years is something we’re incredibly proud of,” says Christopher
Amos, Brand Director at Pleasuredrome.
“For thirty years we have been here whenever London needed us, at any
generations of gay and bisexual men looking for somewhere to relax, switch off
hour, with no judgement and a genuine welcome. Pride is the perfect moment to
and simply be themselves. Even more impressively, it has done so without ever
celebrate that. Whether you have just marched or you are after a quiet escape
closing its doors. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Pleasuredrome has
from the crowds, the kettle, the pools and the bar are always on.”
quietly become one of London’s most enduring institutions.
Tucked away just moments from Waterloo Station, the venue has always
offered something slightly different to the capital’s bars and clubs. It’s never
been about flashy gimmicks or chasing trends. Instead, Pleasuredrome has built
In a city where venues come and go, reaching thirty years is no small
achievement. It’s a testament not only to the business itself but also to the
community that has supported it for three decades.
Pleasuredrome has witnessed countless changes in London’s gay scene,
its reputation on creating a warm, discreet and welcoming space where men
from the rise and fall of nightlife hotspots to the way people meet, connect and
can unwind at any hour of the day or night.
socialise. Through it all, it has remained reassuringly constant, a place that is
Inside, you’ll find pools, steam rooms, saunas and a bar, making it as much
a place to recharge as it is to socialise. For plenty of Londoners, it’s become
something of a sanctuary, somewhere to escape the noise of the city and
reconnect with themselves or with others.
That sense of sanctuary feels especially important during Pride.
open to gay and bisexual men every hour of every day.
As Pride weekend approaches, that sense of continuity feels worth celebrating.
Because sometimes, after the parade, the speeches and the confetti, what
you really need is a warm welcome, somewhere to unwind and the knowledge
that, no matter what time it is, the doors are still open.
While much of the city will be packed with parades, performances and
street parties, there are plenty of people looking for a quieter way to celebrate.
Pleasuredrome
After hours on your feet in Soho, navigating crowds and squeezing into packed
www.pleasuredrome.com
venues, the idea of slipping away somewhere warm, welcoming and open
124, Cornwall Road (corner of Sandell and
around the clock suddenly becomes incredibly appealing.
Alaska Street), Waterloo, London, SE1 8XE
Pleasuredrome knows this better than most.
Nearest Tube/Overground: Waterloo
To mark both Pride in London and its milestone birthday, the venue is
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
introducing £3 Pride shots for a limited time across Pride weekend.
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Men only, strictly over 18s, valid ID required.
