Banya No.1 - Hoxton

We love this place - the banya experience is great, specially the new parenie with mineral water splash. The food is always very tasty!

Best Banya fur me in London, coming every Wednesday, do Parenie with Oleg, and massage with Marina . Enjoy the steam , not so crowded, and nice food ! I highly recommend

This experience was absolutely Amazing and lovely. The staff where really accommodating and respectful. The place was clean and so much culture. The ice bath itself was a hole experience. The banya hat was really helpful to wear inside the sauna, you don’t feel your head burning. I also had a body scrub which left my body clean and relaxed. Location is perfect there’s a bus stop 3 min away.

Looooooooovely spa experience. I booked a silver treatment package to take with my little sister and we were lucky enough to get the entire spa to ourselves (10am on a Thursday lol). All the staff were super kind and helpful, special shoutout to the lady (I’m sorry not sure about your name) who did our scrubs and mud masks! Parenie was amazing, so relaxing and cool, and the man who did it was very sweet. The sauna itself is great a lot of space and pretty intense in a good way, the hats were helpful with the heat (and cute 😆). The food and drink in the lounge were super delicious, the herring in particular was sooooo good, we had it on rye. Thank you for such a relaxing morning and for our mega soft skin right now. We’ll definitely be back!

💬 Overall impression Rating: 4.5–4.8 / 5 (across platforms) Widely considered one of the best and most unique wellness experiences in London, with a strong reputation for authenticity and results-driven relaxation. 🔥 What makes it special Unlike a standard spa, Banya No.1 focuses on a traditional Russian “banya” experience, built around extreme temperature contrasts: * Intense steam sauna (hotter than typical saunas) * Ice-cold plunge pools and bucket showers * Guided rituals like the Parenie massage (using leafy branches) * Structured cycle: hot → cold → rest → repeat This creates a deeply invigorating, almost adrenaline-like experience rather than just calm relaxation. 👍 Pros 1. Truly unique experience This isn’t a generic spa - it feels immersive and cultural. Many visitors say it’s unlike anything else in London. 2. Excellent staff guidance Staff (“banshiks”) guide you through the process, so you don’t need to figure things out yourself - great for first-timers. 3. Strong wellness benefits * Reduced stress * Muscle relief * Better sleep and recovery 4. Social but relaxed vibe It’s designed as a mix of wellness and social experience, with lounge areas and food between sessions. 👤 Who it’s best for * People who enjoy saunas, ice baths, or contrast therapy * Anyone wanting a different, memorable experience * Groups or couples looking for something social + wellness-focused 🚫 Who should skip it * If you want a quiet, pampering spa day * If you’re sensitive to high heat or cold exposure 🧾 Final verdict Banya No.1 - Hoxton is one of London’s most distinctive wellness spots. It trades traditional spa luxury for authenticity, intensity, and real physical impact.