Lifestyle
Originally published on Tuesday, 22nd June 2010
Twistin’ by the Pool
The newly-restored 1930s Marshall Street swimming baths lead the pool pack
The gym is too sweaty and serious. Your local pool all urinating infants and floating plasters. And the great British seaside – well, let’s just settle on it not being all that great… So where do you go for a dip?
The mahoosive indoor pool at the new-ish £31m Hillingdon Leisure Centre isn’t a bad start for ‘real’ swimmers. But with its cute café and plenty of space to stretch out in the sun with a schlocky paperback, the restored 1930s outdoor pool is even better. (Albeit out in Uxbridge.)
Head a little further out still and the folks at Cowley Manor have their über-chic Pool.Side at C.Side. Sun loungers, waiter service, chilled music, cocktails, the whole shebang – you can even hire it for midweek private parties (did someone say pool partay?). And if the water gets too much, why not book a little blanket-time amidst their 55 acres for a private picnic hamper (from £45).
Back in the heart of Soho, meanwhile, the stunning Marshall Street swimming baths are at last due to open after an £11m restoration. Closed since ’97, the 1931 Grade II listed building is an elegant marvel to behold – all Sicilian and Swedish marble, bronze fountains and vaulted roofs – and is finally, finally ready to bring a touch of glamour and convenience to our escapist dips.
So if there’s no answer when you call us next month, we shouldn’t be too far away…
Info
Marshall Street Leisure Centre is set to open 3rd week of July
Sign up now to receive two months free membership
15 Marshall Street, WC1F 7EL
Website
Pool.Side at C.Side
Cowley Manor, Cowley, GL53 9NL
Website
Hillingdon Sports Leisure Complex
Gatting Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1ES
Website