London’s oldest spa is under threat of modernisation. Porchester Spa, one of the capital’s oldest bathhouses, offers a range of massages and grooming treatments within an art deco setting.

 

More than 1,000 community members and bathers have launched an online petition against the modernisation of the Queensway site, originally known as the Turkish and Russian Vapour Baths when it opened in 1929.

 

The bathers acknowledge that the refurbishment by Westminster Council is “much-needed”, but say that some of the proposed changes “will be to the detriment of our community”.

 

Proposed changes include mixed gender bathing sessions, which the petitioners believe are discriminatory against religious bathers whose cultural traditions forbid such mixing. The plans also consider introducing a “cover-up policy” in the existing relaxation area to introduce a new dining facility.

 

One of the most distinctive features of Porchester Spa is its practice of “schmeissing”. The Yiddish word translates to beat or whip, and involves an individual lying down naked in a steam room, whilst a “schmeisser” rubs a soapy raffia brush over them.

 

Back in 2006 the site underwent a refurbishment, with the traditional green and white tiles and art deco features retained. But locals fear the new plans will turn the historical site into “a bland metropolitan spa”.

 

Westminster City Council owns the bathhouse, and says the changes “seek to enhance the Spa, including increasing accessibility and potentially providing a number of service improvements”.

 

After the council’s consultation period closes on Tuesday 28 February, the feedback will be released in due course.  According to the consultation form, works are expected to begin later this year.

 

Other bathhouses in London include Ironmonger Row Baths near Old Street, and York Hall Day Spa in Bethnal Green - but neither quite have the charm of Porchester.

 

Find the petition at change.org