Inside London’s hottest new fitness location

Last year was the year for fitness. There was 1Rebel with its innovative heated benches and cold towels post-workout, and Core Collective with its space that included a gallery, in-house juice bar and a whole bunch of other new studios. So we thought we’d seen it all… until we heard word of special kind of gym that wasn’t quite just a gym. We’re being covert, we know. But it’s true: this place is so unique, it deserves suspense. Read on to find out more about SKC and go inside London’s hottest new fitness location.

Fitness gets fancy

Discreetly tucked inside a Georgian music hall, South Kensington Club (SKC) is a members-only club that was once Ronnie Wood’s infamous Harrington Club. The venue’s bathhouse (a bit more on this later) extends to Queensberry Mews, which was artist Francis Bacon’s first London home and studio. The heritage and elegance isn’t lost in the interior or experience either – think polished hardwood floors, plush leather and country staircases. Head to the top floor for the gym, which features a skylit rooftop or book yourself in for a yoga, Pilates or barre session in the boutique studio (where temperature can be adjusted for a more intense workout and cleanse). There’s also a new boxing and training studio that’s being added, so stay tuned!

Fuel up

Yes, there’s a (cold-pressed) juice bar, but SKC also offers customised juice cleanses that you can enjoy during your visits or have delivered straight to your door. But if you have an appetite, the Mediterranean restaurant at the heart of the club serves fresh and healthy fare from breakfast through to dinner with gluten-free options! Finish at the Tea Library where you can enjoy a rare cuppa from around the globe. And as if there weren’t enough options, there’s also a cocktail bar in the Club Sitting Room for those who fancy a drink or two.

Relax and rejuvenate

After all that hard work, your muscles (and mind) deserve some TLC. For starters, take 15 in the steam room and follow that up with a refreshing saltwater dip in the Watsu pool. Main course gets even better in the bathhouse, where you can simmer down amidst the elements of water, fire, wood and stone in the Russian Banya and Turkish Hammam. For an added treat, book yourself in for a treatment in the private maya or cabin – total bliss!

Yes, there’s more…

It’s clear that SKC have thought of everything to satisfy their members. Even if you don’t want to train, eat, or be kneaded to sleep, there are also areas to do absolutely nothing but unwind and be inspired. Indoors, the Voyager club room offers visitors a whole range of books, photographs and maps to stimulate the mind. Outdoors, a terrace is set among Mediterranean trees for those who want a breathe of fresh air away from the rest of the world. But our favourite part? The Beauty and Barber where you can get a mani or pedi, or a blow dry before you head out for that dinner date.

If you’re wondering if this place is real, we wouldn’t blame you. SKC offers a dozen things at once – where all you could possibly want is under one roof. And that’s precisely why it’s London’s hottest fitness location.

For more information or membership enquiries, visit southkensingtonclub.com