Further information can be found at:

http://www.islington.gov.uk/DownloadableDocuments/CouncilandDemocracy/Pdf/irb_fl\
c_consultation_report.pdf

--- In IMR_Turkish_Baths@..., "london_cam_guy82"
<LondonCamGuy@...> wrote:
>
> Wow it is quiet here!
>

Probably 'cos IMR has been closed for refurbishment - probably in the same way
that York Hall has gone. CJB.

Interesting document - I think the plans look quite good.

--- In IMR_Turkish_Baths@..., Chris J Brady <chrisjbrady@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi -
>
> Wonder if anyone has seen this?
>
>
http://www.islington.gov.uk/DownloadableDocuments/Environment/Pdf/Planning_/Majo\
r_Schemes_Kings_Cross/final_ironmonger_brochure.pdf
>
> or
>
> http://tinyurl.com/ykgrr67
>
> I guess we need to attend the meetings or give them feedback (last page of PDF
doc.)
>
> Chris B.
>

Hi -

Wonder if anyone has seen this?

http://www.islington.gov.uk/DownloadableDocuments/Environment/Pdf/Planning_/Majo\
r_Schemes_Kings_Cross/final_ironmonger_brochure.pdf

or

http://tinyurl.com/ykgrr67

I guess we need to attend the meetings or give them feedback (last page of PDF
doc.)

Chris B.

http://www.thecnj.co.uk/westend/2009/091109/wnews091109_09.html

West End Extra - by JAMIE WELHAM

Published: 11 September 2009

SHMEISSING might sound like a medieval torture technique but nobody would ever
knowingly pay to be hurt... would they?

The Jewish massage technique, which translates from the Yiddish as “beat”,
is nothing less than the “Rolls-Royce of massage” according to Lee Balch,
the UK’s only licensed shmeisser.

It involves being lathered in soap, vigorously rubbed and then beaten with a
rafia brush, all the time laying derobed in a steam room ratcheted up to 55C.

The shmeisse is completed with a heart-stopping plunge into a cold bath. It
sounds brutal, but a limber and refreshed West End Extra can attest it really
isn’t. The technique was brought to the capital by eastern European jews at
the turn of the century as a cheap way of getting clean.

Ian Wright, James Cracknell and Damon Albarn are some of Mr Balch’s fans.
“Nobody else can do it because they wouldn’t work in the heat. It takes it
out of me but you will leave feeling incredible,” said Mr Balch.

To arrange a shmeisse visit www.shmeisse.com or call Lee on 07973 218211.

==================

Comments may be added to the article. Or send an email to:

letters@...

==================

Just announcing my arrival

Shock - Ironmonger Row Turkish Baths, Islington is to be closed ....

for a reported �16m facelift.

London Lite reports: one of London's oldest Turkish Baths is to get a �16m
makeover to restore Islington's 71-year-old Ironmoger Row Baths near Old Street,
London, which has pools, steam rooms and marble massage slabs, go before the
Council on Thursday (21-5-2009).

Perhaps we need to make sure that Ironmonger Row does not become another
pretentious 'spa' such as York Hall that no-one can afford to patronise and
whose rules of use are so draconian as to be unwelcoming to many?

CJB.

How does the IMR whole body scrubs compare with those from the REAL
Turkish Baths in say Istanbul? And how much are they?

Cinetrip is a Hungarian arts organsiation sponsord by the British
Arts Council that holds 'raves' or disco / film / laser dance parties
complete with belly dancers in the 450 years old Turkish Baths in
Budapest. After a 4-year absence the management of the various baths
are now again supportive of these late night parties. The next will
be at Rudas on Feb 7.


"The most recent one on 17th Jan was in Gell�rt (Hotel), and later
on, probably over the summer its gonna be Szechenyi or Gellert - both
of which have outside baths as well as amazing indoors baths. Rudas
is tooooo indoors for the summer!!"

"The 'sparties' start at 9pm and the last location to stop music at
is around 4am -
the Turkish Bath closes at 2, disco cabin at 3, swimming pool between
3.30-4.00, and the hall around 4.00-4.20. There will also be several
performances as well starting at 11.00, 12.00, and 01.00 o'clock."

Bring: summer clothes and swim suit recommended, slippers a must and
don't forget your towel!


Tickets in advance: 5000 HuF
Tickets on the door: 6000 HuF
Tickets in advance at Merlin (Gerlóczy Street 4.)


For websites see:

http://www.cinetrip.hu
http://www.cinetrip.hu/sparty/
http://vimeo.com/2733706

For amazing photos of a Cinetrip partry with belly dancers and laser
show see: http://www.cinetrip.hu/magicbath/

Email: sanyi@...



Chris Brady

Wow it is quiet here!

Does anyone know where the Turkish bath scene in Eastern Promises was
filmed? The exterior shots were done at IMR but the inside scene was
not what I remember IMR to be.  It looks like a very large bath and
hopefully it was not filmed on a movie set.  Would love to know where
it is located.

Any information would be appreciated.

Hi,
I've been told that Tower Hamlets council want to hear the views of
York Hall users at a public meeting 12 dec 7 PM public meeting at York
Hall.

Please contact York Hall for more details.

Regards Mark

Hey All,

Dunno if anyone is intrested but IMR is going to be on Channel 4's The
Love Trap on Wednesday at 10pm.

Hi Chris. I'm not exactly a regular but I go maybe 3/4 times a year usually
in the colder months especially if the weather is horrible! I'm lucky - I
only live about 10/15 mins walk from the baths. I'd like to try Porchester
some time and the Docklands certainly seem to be quite active.

I've passed through Budapest a couple of times but have never been lucky
enough to visit the baths there. There are several to choose from I
understand.

Can you check the link you sent me - it doesn't seem to work.

I've requested to add you as a Contact on Yahoo - hope you don't mind.

Colin

>From: Chris Brady <chrisjbrady@yahoo.com>
>Reply-To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@yahoogroups.co.uk
>To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@yahoogroups.co.uk
>Subject: Re: [IMR_Turkish_Baths] Re: Paris Hammam
>Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:30:45 +0100 (BST)
>
>Colin - I've been there once. But Islington is too far from Heathrow where
>I live.
>
> I do however run a Turkish Bath forum at
>http://form.delphiforums.com/haman
>
> I was also an enthusiast of the baths at Budapest until they ruined them
>by demolishing them and then rebuilding them
>
> Chris B.
>
>Colin Fleming <flemingn18ng@hotmail.com> wrote:
> You're welcome. Are you a regular at IMR?
>
> >From: Chris Brady <chrisjbrady@yahoo.com>
> >Reply-To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@yahoogroups.co.uk
> >To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@yahoogroups.co.uk
> >Subject: Re: [IMR_Turkish_Baths] Re: Paris Hammam
> >Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:17:30 +0100 (BST)
> >
> >Thanks - Colin.
> >
> >Colin <flemingn18ng@hotmail.com> wrote: --- In
> >IMR_Turkish_Baths@yahoogroups.co.uk, Chris Brady
> ><chrisjbrady@...> wrote:
> > >
> > > A few months ago someone mentioned experiencing the authentic
> >Turkish Bath or Islamic Hammam next to the Mosque in Paris. I
> >questioned the safety of westerners going there bearing in mind that
> >westerners are not the most preferred of peole amongst Muslims right
> >now. But no-one replied. So has anyone been there recently and what
> >reception did they get? Thanks - Chris B.
> > >
> >
> >I been once about two years ago. It was an interesting experience
> >but I must admit it was slightly intimidating but that was mostly
> >because of my rather poor schoolboy French. The staff hardly speak
> >any English. It was mostly regulars there when I visited but they
> >were of all creeds and cultures. Nobody chatted to me (but I would
> >have struggled to converse unless they had a bit of English language)
> >but I didn't feel unsafe at all.
> >
> >It was a superb Hammam experience. The full works - soaping,
> >scrubbing, massage.
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>__________________________________________________________
>Got a favourite clothes shop, bar or restaurant? Share your local knowledge
>http://www.backofmyhand.com
>
>
>
>

__________________________________________________________
Get Pimped! FREE emoticon packs from Windows Live -
http://www.pimpmylive.co.uk

Hi Chris.  I'm not exactly a regular but I go maybe 3/4 times a year usually
in the colder months especially if the weather is horrible!  I'm lucky - I
only live about 10/15 mins walk from the baths.  I'd like to try Porchester
some time and the Docklands certainly seem to be quite active.

I've passed through Budapest a couple of times but have never been lucky
enough to visit the baths there.  There are several to choose from I
understand.

Can you check the link you sent me - it doesn't seem to work.

I've requested to add you as a Contact on Yahoo - hope you don't mind.

Colin


>From: Chris Brady <chrisjbrady@...>
>Reply-To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@...
>To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@...
>Subject: Re: [IMR_Turkish_Baths] Re: Paris Hammam
>Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:30:45 +0100 (BST)
>
>Colin - I've been there once. But Islington is too far from Heathrow where
>I live.
>
>   I do however run a Turkish Bath forum at
>http://form.delphiforums.com/haman
>
>   I was also an enthusiast of the baths at Budapest until they ruined them
>by demolishing them and then rebuilding them
>
>   Chris B.
>
>Colin Fleming <flemingn18ng@...> wrote:
>           You're welcome. Are you a regular at IMR?
>
> >From: Chris Brady <chrisjbrady@...>
> >Reply-To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@...
> >To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@...
> >Subject: Re: [IMR_Turkish_Baths] Re: Paris Hammam
> >Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:17:30 +0100 (BST)
> >
> >Thanks - Colin.
> >
> >Colin <flemingn18ng@...> wrote: --- In
> >IMR_Turkish_Baths@..., Chris Brady
> ><chrisjbrady@...> wrote:
> > >
> > > A few months ago someone mentioned experiencing the authentic
> >Turkish Bath or Islamic Hammam next to the Mosque in Paris. I
> >questioned the safety of westerners going there bearing in mind that
> >westerners are not the most preferred of peole amongst Muslims right
> >now. But no-one replied. So has anyone been there recently and what
> >reception did they get? Thanks - Chris B.
> > >
> >
> >I been once about two years ago. It was an interesting experience
> >but I must admit it was slightly intimidating but that was mostly
> >because of my rather poor schoolboy French. The staff hardly speak
> >any English. It was mostly regulars there when I visited but they
> >were of all creeds and cultures. Nobody chatted to me (but I would
> >have struggled to converse unless they had a bit of English language)
> >but I didn't feel unsafe at all.
> >
> >It was a superb Hammam experience. The full works - soaping,
> >scrubbing, massage.
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>__________________________________________________________
>Got a favourite clothes shop, bar or restaurant? Share your local knowledge
>http://www.backofmyhand.com
>
>
>
>

_________________________________________________________________
Get Pimped! FREE emoticon packs from Windows Live -
http://www.pimpmylive.co.uk

New member here!
Thought I'd say hello!

If anyone wants a chat i'm on messenger alot!

You're welcome. Are you a regular at IMR?

>From: Chris Brady <chrisjbrady@yahoo.com>
>Reply-To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@yahoogroups.co.uk
>To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@yahoogroups.co.uk
>Subject: Re: [IMR_Turkish_Baths] Re: Paris Hammam
>Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:17:30 +0100 (BST)
>
>Thanks - Colin.
>
>Colin <flemingn18ng@hotmail.com> wrote: --- In
>IMR_Turkish_Baths@yahoogroups.co.uk, Chris Brady
><chrisjbrady@...> wrote:
> >
> > A few months ago someone mentioned experiencing the authentic
>Turkish Bath or Islamic Hammam next to the Mosque in Paris. I
>questioned the safety of westerners going there bearing in mind that
>westerners are not the most preferred of peole amongst Muslims right
>now. But no-one replied. So has anyone been there recently and what
>reception did they get? Thanks - Chris B.
> >
>
>I been once about two years ago. It was an interesting experience
>but I must admit it was slightly intimidating but that was mostly
>because of my rather poor schoolboy French. The staff hardly speak
>any English. It was mostly regulars there when I visited but they
>were of all creeds and cultures. Nobody chatted to me (but I would
>have struggled to converse unless they had a bit of English language)
>but I didn't feel unsafe at all.
>
>It was a superb Hammam experience. The full works - soaping,
>scrubbing, massage.
>
>
>
>

__________________________________________________________
Got a favourite clothes shop, bar or restaurant? Share your local knowledge
http://www.backofmyhand.com

You're welcome.  Are you a regular at IMR?


>From: Chris Brady <chrisjbrady@...>
>Reply-To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@...
>To: IMR_Turkish_Baths@...
>Subject: Re: [IMR_Turkish_Baths] Re: Paris Hammam
>Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:17:30 +0100 (BST)
>
>Thanks - Colin.
>
>Colin <flemingn18ng@...> wrote:          --- In
>IMR_Turkish_Baths@..., Chris Brady
><chrisjbrady@...> wrote:
> >
> > A few months ago someone mentioned experiencing the authentic
>Turkish Bath or Islamic Hammam next to the Mosque in Paris. I
>questioned the safety of westerners going there bearing in mind that
>westerners are not the most preferred of peole amongst Muslims right
>now. But no-one replied. So has anyone been there recently and what
>reception did they get? Thanks - Chris B.
> >
>
>I been once about two years ago. It was an interesting experience
>but I must admit it was slightly intimidating but that was mostly
>because of my rather poor schoolboy French. The staff hardly speak
>any English. It was mostly regulars there when I visited but they
>were of all creeds and cultures. Nobody chatted to me (but I would
>have struggled to converse unless they had a bit of English language)
>but I didn't feel unsafe at all.
>
>It was a superb Hammam experience. The full works - soaping,
>scrubbing, massage.
>
>
>
>

_________________________________________________________________
Got a favourite clothes shop, bar or restaurant? Share your local knowledge
http://www.backofmyhand.com

I've seen some of the regulars at IMR wear cotton sarong-type wraps
round the waist which seems like a good idea to me rather than a
towel. Can anybody tell me where you can buy them?

Thanks.

" westerners are not the most preferred of peole amongst Muslims right
now. "

In my experience, if there's one place you can go to forget all that
'battle of the cultures' crap we get from the media and politicians,
it is at the hammam, wherever it may be. Earlier this year I visited
several neighbourhood hammams in Marrakech where I was the only
non-Moroccan present and I felt very welcome indeed.

Likewise at the New Docklands baths you'll see orthodox Jews and
Muslims (aren't they 'westerners' too?) bathing perfectly happily
together, giving the lie to the notion that we are all supposed to be
at each others' throats.

Besides, there's nowhere to hide a bomb when you're naked...

--- In IMR_Turkish_Baths@yahoogroups.co.uk, Chris Brady
<chrisjbrady@...> wrote:
>
> A few months ago someone mentioned experiencing the authentic
Turkish Bath or Islamic Hammam next to the Mosque in Paris. I
questioned the safety of westerners going there bearing in mind that
westerners are not the most preferred of peole amongst Muslims right
now. But no-one replied. So has anyone been there recently and what
reception did they get? Thanks - Chris B.
>

I been once about two years ago. It was an interesting experience
but I must admit it was slightly intimidating but that was mostly
because of my rather poor schoolboy French. The staff hardly speak
any English. It was mostly regulars there when I visited but they
were of all creeds and cultures. Nobody chatted to me (but I would
have struggled to converse unless they had a bit of English language)
but I didn't feel unsafe at all.

It was a superb Hammam experience. The full works - soaping,
scrubbing, massage.

--- In IMR_Turkish_Baths@..., Chris Brady
<chrisjbrady@...> wrote:
>
> A few months ago someone mentioned experiencing the authentic
Turkish Bath or Islamic Hammam next to the Mosque in Paris. I
questioned the safety of westerners going there bearing in mind that
westerners are not the most preferred of peole amongst Muslims right
now. But no-one replied. So has anyone been there recently and what
reception did they get? Thanks - Chris B.
>

I been once about two years ago.  It was an interesting experience
but I must admit it was slightly intimidating but that was mostly
because of my rather poor schoolboy French.  The staff hardly speak
any English.  It was mostly regulars there when I visited but they
were of all creeds and cultures.  Nobody chatted to me (but I would
have struggled to converse unless they had a bit of English language)
but I didn't feel unsafe at all.

It was a superb Hammam experience.  The full works - soaping,
scrubbing, massage.

I've seen some of the regulars at IMR wear cotton sarong-type wraps
round the waist which seems like a good idea to me rather than a
towel. Can anybody tell me where you can buy them?

Thanks.

I've seen some of the regulars at IMR wear cotton sarong-type wraps
round the waist which seems like a good idea to me rather than a
towel.  Can anybody tell me where you can buy them?

Thanks.

Just to let you know, there is a special offer running at New Docklands to
encourage
first-timers to try the place. They just have to turn up on a Sunday
and two first-timers can get in to the club for just �5 each.

Details from www.newdocklands.co.uk (the site says it's just July-August but it
is running
indefinitely)

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifically states them to be the views of Reuters Limited.

Reuters Limited is part of the Reuters Group of companies, of which Reuters Group PLC is the ultimate parent company. Reuters Group PLC - Registered office address: The Reuters Building, South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5EP, United Kingdom
Registered No: 3296375
Registered in England and Wales

Hi Mark

Good to know all is still well at IMR. Makes me want to pay a visit - haven't
been for a year or
so.

Interestingly I was told that there was a professional masseur there and that
customers
administering treatments was forbidden, as at Porchester and, of course, York
Hall as it is
now.

See you there in the near future!

David

• The towels are usually available, large and almost fluffy.
• The atmosphere is relaxed, people can talk and still find peace and quiet (if that's what they want) without undue interference from the management.
• Customers can give and receive back rubs.
• Nobody has an issue with or with not covering up.
• No ideas of converting the place into an upmarket, money grabbing "Spa" for the super rich Islington residents who cant be bothered to go to established venues that cater for their needs more than adequately elsewhere.

• The place (especially the hot rooms) had a fresh, just washed smell in the evening rather than the pungent, sweaty odour that often greets you.
• The showers had bigger roses, higher pressure and were clearly labelled hot and cold.
• There was a cold hose in the steam to rinse down the benches and one another.
• All customers always showered before using the plunge.
• Certain customers didn't wash out their towel in the plunge! Who are these people ! Its disgusting ! Where are their brains/shame/respect for others/common sense?

Anyone going to start a coversation here?