Benders Sauna Social

The Bender Defenders Leisure Committee presents: Benders Sauna Social!

Following our Saturday class on 1st March at Chisenhale Dance Space, we’ll be gathering at Hackney Sauna baths for an evening of relaxation to soothe sore muscles and chill. Cant attend Saturday’s class? No worries, all Bender Defenders are welcome!

What to expect:

We will have the Lunar Lodge Sauna to ourselves from 6 - 7:30pm. It comes with its own private changing rooms, showers and cold plunge.

If you’re attending the Saturday class at Chisenhale Dance Space, we’ll walk down and get the bus together to Hackney Wick Community Sauna. If not, meet us down outside the venue at 5:45pm.

As in all our spaces, we don't tolerate transphobia, fatphobia, ableism, racism or fascism and as always cops and soldiers are not welcome :) :) We will have a small number of free spaces available for those who can't afford the ticket price - if this is you, send us an email at the.bender.defenders@gmail.com.

To help us cover this, please consider adding a ‘pay it forward’ donation to your ticket if you are able to.

More details:

Benders Sauna Social will take place at Hackney Wick Sauna Baths, The Baths 80, Eastway, London E9 5JH. The nearest station is Hackney Wick (step free access, 9 minute walk) The nearest bus stops are Bus stop P (Buses 236, 276, 388, N26), 30 sec walk, and bus stop Hackney Wick, 30 sec walk (Buses 236, 276, 388, N26)
Bender Defenders Social will have exclusive use of the Lunar Lodge Sauna area - however, there will be other events happening in the building, so you may come across people who are not part of the social whilst in the cafe area or en route to the toilet. A more discreet route to the toilets can be made via the lift entrance.
The sauna area itself is a drug and alcohol free zone. You are asked not to consume alcohol or other substances in this area. Alcohol is sold at the cafe so you may come across it in that area - however it is strongly advised not to drink alcohol when using the saunas.
There are 7 steps into the building, and then a short walk through the cafe and down a corridor, and then 7 steps down to the sauna area. Alternatively, there is a lift access - the route will be sign posted. This route takes you to the sauna area through a set of fire doors with a small lip.
Unfortunately none of the saunas are wheelchair accessible - the majority of them have a few steps in, with one having a sloped entrance (however a narrow door).
The (cold) showers have three steps.
The cold water barrels have several steps up and you lower yourself onto the seat inside.
The outdoor individual changing areas have a small lip and then one step up. There are chairs in each cubicle.
There is seating available outside, as well as in the separate indoor cafe area.
The ground is a mix of astro turf and pallet wood - there is a slight lip where the pallets are placed. The ground may become wet and water logged. We recommend you wear flip flops/shoes outside.
The Sauna area is outdoors with low level lighting (festoons and fairy lights).
Please be aware the weather may be cold or rainy - there will be a small fire for warmth outside (as well as in the saunas) but it is advisable to bring warm dry clothes with you.
Please do not attend the event if you have symptoms of Covid 19, have tested positive, or have come into close contact with someone who has. If you are able to, we encourage people to test before coming.

What to bring

sandals / sliders / flip flops
swimwear
a towel to sit on in sauna
a towel to dry off
a padlock for lockers
bathrobe (optional)
sauna hat (optional)

Sauna etiquette / safety

Check with everyone in the sauna before adding water - or anything else - to the coals.
Spreading the heat with a whisk/towel/fan is allowed, but again, check with those around you.
Make space for others to sit where possible.
Rinse before your first cold plunge. We recommend sauna then rinse then plunge then back to sauna.
CLOSE THE DOOR! - don't let that heat escape. Enter and leave as quickly as possible, never leave the door open.
Do not stay in the sauna for over 15 minutes, there is no need to push yourself. If you are a first time sauna go-er, listen to your body.
Strictly no sauna competitions.
Nothing unusual on the coals, water is great.
No glass bottles are allowed in the changing rooms, shower room, or the sauna itself.
No photos, it's best to leave phones in the lockers.

If you have any specific access needs please email the.bender.defenders@gmail.com

London Events Sauna Social Community