The Times Press Review: Eilidh Dorgan on Her Banya No.1 Hoxton Experience

Journalist and writer Eilidh Dorgan visited Banya No.1 Hoxton to try a women’s clothing-optional banya session and write about Britain’s growing interest in sauna nudity. She arrived feeling nervous and slightly out of place, only to find that most of the other guests had chosen to keep their swimwear on, which made the experience feel even more exposing at first.
But as the session went on, the awkwardness gave way to enjoyment. Between the heat, steam, Parenie Ritual, cold plunges and time to rest with tea, she found herself relaxing into the experience and leaving with a real appreciation for the banya. In the end, she described it as an amazing place to spend a few hours.
“The banya was an amazing place to spend a few hours, even when you’re the only one not wearing clothes. Once I pulled myself out from the depths of humiliation, I had a relaxing time drinking tea and moving between the heat of the steam room and the shock of the bucket showers.”











