Working and great gym equipment. Very friendly staff Lifts always working Works always willing to help out Variety of facilities Very nice concierge
Location
Switch locationPitfield Street, N1 5FT Hackney, GB
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Better is a nation-wide chain of health centres (eg. gym, swimming pool etc) that serves local communities in the respective areas. I rang up the Better Gym Hackney/East London helpline recent... See more
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I just wanted to leave a review to say how impressed I was with the service I received from Dan this evening. I was having trouble booking tennis courts, but he jumped in to help right away. In fact... See more
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I recently tried Winta’s Menopause for Women class and really enjoyed. At the moment, they all seem to be in the morning, which makes it really difficult for those of us who work during the day. More... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Welcome to Better! We’re a charitable social enterprise, committed to the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. From gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools to lessons and courses for both adults and juniors - plus libraries and children's centres - we've got it all. So whether you’d like to try something new, keep the kids entertained or have a dip in the pool, discover our inclusive range of activities, suitable for all ages and abilities at your local Better centre today.
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Pitfield Street, N1 5FT, Hackney, United Kingdom
3.6
Average
133 reviews
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No armbands = no family fun
I attended a Family Fun swimming session with my husband and my 5 and 2.5 year old....and it was anything but fun. We've enthusiastically attended family Fun sessions at the Brittania Leasure centre since our youngest was 3 months old and as a result both children are confident in the water and able to paddle around and float without the support of a flotation devices (which we have never used). Until our experience today I would highly recommend it. However, when we attended today, after getting changed, going down the slide 3 or 4 times and swimming in the pool for about 5mins we were told that we needed to get out of the pool because the children didn't have armbands on. Apparently a new policy says that all children under 8 must wear them.
This policy has been introduced because (quoting Duty Manager James) "some parents can't be trusted with their children" so they are punishing all children under 8 and forcing/humiliating them to wear armbands, regardless of whether or not they can swim. Other parents and children were similarly being instructed to leave the pool if they didnt have armbands. Several children were in tears.
When I questioned the Duty Manager why this new policy wasn't communicated when tickets were purchased, or indeed when we were allowed in...we were simply told that this information is included in the booking information (it wasn't) and that there was a sign at the entrance (a small A5 sign is on the desk...but nothing on the giant information chalkboard at the entrance).
I will be requesting a refund, as we felt cheated out of the best part of £20, but more importantly, as parents we have no plans for our children to wear armbands if they can swim already, so we won't be returning unless this ridiculous new policy changes.
So, much like many others who "can be trusted", we are sorely disappointed that a brilliant local resource has been effectively ruined by a lazy, poorly thought through policy.
I do hope Better Health reconsider.
September 8, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Please accept our apologies for your experience at Britannia Leisure Centre.
We agree that on this occasion we got things wrong and will be addressing the issues using the customer feedback you have provided.
We will be issuing you a full refund and hopefully be able to offer you and your children a better experience in the future. Our team will be in touch privately to make arrangements.
Joseph Rham
Customer & Communities Director
I like the place and the location
I like the place and the location. At the moment my experience there is great.
August 20, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Hi Lady Andrea
Thank you for your review,
We are very pleased to see you are currently having a great experience and you like the place and location.
We hope this continues and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Tennis courts are made of plastic
Tennis courts are made of plastic.
Anyone serious about playing tennis will find the courts not fit for pourpose.
On top of that they are expensive too compared to proper tennis courts that can be found in the borough.
A total waste of space and money
August 28, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Evening Mr/Ms Stefano,
Thank you for your review.
We are very sorry to hear that you did not find the Tennis Courts at the Britannia Leisure Centre fit for your activity. I will pass your feedback to the attention of the centre management team. We hope you get to enjoy the other great range of activities available at the Britannia Leisure Centre.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Issues with cleaning and tidiness
Dirty changing rooms and rubbish everywhere around the cafe.
August 22, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Dear Swimmer Mom,
Thank you for your review.
We are deeply saddened to hear about your experience when you attended the Britannia Leisure Centre recently. Providing excellent customer service and well-maintained facilities is a top priority for us, and it's disheartening to learn that you did not receive the level of service we aim to provide when you attended the centre. I will ensure this feedback is passed on to our management team at Britannia so they can investigate and resolve these issues in a timely manner.
We appreciate your feedback as through feedback we can provide a better service.
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Still have had no classes
Still have had no classes, they just keep getting cancelled last minute. The booking process is also a bit complicated.
August 11, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Hi Vanya
Thank you for your review .
We are very sorry to hear about your experience with us and an email has been sent to your directly regarding your review.
Please reply to the email and I will do my best to assist in resolving your query.
Kind Regards
Amir
I love the facilities and the classes
July 31, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Dear Melissa,
We appreciate your feedback and are pleased to learn of your satisfaction with your membership at the Britannia Leisure Centre. We are delighted that you find the fitness classes offered at our facility enjoyable and hope that your positive experience continues.
Best regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Morning Tafadzwa
Thank you for your review.
It's wonderful that the centre is nearby, making it easily accessible and you have met the friendly staff.
We hope you enjoy your time at our centre and thank you for choosing Better.
Regards
Amir
Simple the best!
Simple the best!! Great customer service and the staff treats you with respect.
July 9, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Hi Cavern
We are very pleased to see you are enjoying your time at our Britannia Leisure centre and you have had the chance to meet the great team at the centre.
We hope this continues and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Great gym and staff
I love the gym itself. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Location is good for me. However I only joined to do the classes, and I’m a bit disappointed to discover you have to cancel a class four hours prior or you receive a cancellation fee. I’ve only been joined a couple of weeks and have received two already. With work and life sometimes it is difficult for me to plan far ahead, and I think a two hour cancellation period would be sufficient before receiving a fee.
June 20, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon Natasha,
We appreciate your feedback. It brings us great pleasure to learn of your satisfaction with your membership at the Britannia Leisure Centre and the consistently friendly and helpful service provided by our staff. We regret to hear of the two penalty charges you have incurred since becoming a member. Please be advised that these charges have been implemented to discourage the booking of activities without subsequent attendance, as our classes fill up rapidly. Should you cancel a class with less than four hours notice, a penalty fee is applied; however, the centre's staff is more than willing to waive this fee so that you may continue booking with us.
Hope this helps.
Charmaine
The sensory pool was introduced for…
The sensory pool was introduced for people with disabilities and sensory needs. The pool is often over loaded and mostly with families and young youth without these issues. Causing sensory overload for those vulnerable. Staff not bothered by this and not sure who I can complain to about this.
June 27, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon Nadia,
Thank you for your review.
I am very sorry to hear that the pool is overcrowded when you attend a sensory swimming session at the Britannia Leisure Centre. Are you please able to fill out the attached Find Reviewer so I can escalate this to the attention of the centre manager so they can discuss this with you directly?
Kind regards,
Charmaine
It was great and I got a good workout
May 28, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Hi Sanoya,
Thank you for your review.
We are so happy to read this and to hear that you enjoyed your workout - keep up the good work!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Excellent facilities
May 18, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Hi Panos,
Thank you for your review.
We are so happy to hear you are enjoying Britannia Leisure Centre - it truly is an amazing facility!
Warm Regards
Hazal
First time at the swimming pool
First impression overall very pleasant, but with few minor disappointments after visiting main swimingpool area today. On the good side - new facility, clean and well-maintained.
Just a few minor complaints though. Firstly, something I struggle to understand why swiminpool lockers still require a pound to open, I mean with all the available tech we have these days, a brand new facility like this could have a better system in place - I never carry cash on me these days and to arrange a pound to be able to have a locker access is a little annoying. Secondly was struggling to find male changing room, couldn't see the signs anywhere and only later found out by asking staff that theres no dedicated male changing room for swiming area. This isnt a big problem that there is only a mixed changing facility on site within swimming poolbut a better, more visible sign before entering changing room would be helpful. I think the only visible sign I found was - family changing room, thought I wasn't in the right place, bit confusing. Also it was a very busy period , a lot of people around but no sitting places available in the area before entering the changing rooms and its where we take off our shoes, would be nice to provide more seating places there.
Lastly its great sauna is available straight within the swimming area but the temperature was far from what sauna experience is supposed to be, I left after 10 minutes practically without any sweat. Would be great to make sure the optimal temperature is maintained.
Apart from these minor disappointments, I really enjoyed the experience and will be coming back
February 24, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Hey Marcin!
Good morning and thank you so much for taking the time to give us your review and feedback. We really appreciate it!
We're sorry to hear that you experienced some issues during your visit to the Britannia Leisure Centre, but we're grateful that you still managed to enjoy your time there. Your feedback is important to us, and we'll make sure to pass it along to the centre manager so they can address the concerns you raised.
Although we may not be able to fix everything right away, we'll do our best to address the issues that we can in a timely and efficient manner. We hope these changes will make your next visit even more enjoyable!
Thanks again for your feedback, Marcin. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Britannia Leisure Centre soon!
Best regards,
Charmaine
Great space and facilities
Nice and varied facilities at the newly built centre (Britannia in Hackney). Great design, light and space. Friendlier staff. I recommend!
January 10, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon
Thank you for taking the time to leave our centre and staff a review.
We are very pleased to see you are enjoying your time with Better.
Your feedback will be passed on to the centre and hope you get to use all of the facilities available, including the rooftop football pitches!
Kind Regards
Amir
Frustration about the classes
Joined the gym with excitement but was disappointed by the sparse Pilates class schedule, offered only once a day in the mornings conflicting with my work hours. The popularity of these classes adds frustration, as they fill up within seconds each evening, turning sign-ups into a competition. On a positive note, the gym facilities and staff are commendable, but the limited Pilates options impact the overall experience negatively. Hoping for improvements in class availability and a more inclusive registration process.
January 24, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Morning
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
We are pleased to see you are finding the gym and staff commendable.
In regards to our classes and activities, these are available 6 days before taking place, this allows all of our members to have the opportunity to make a booking.
Your feedback has been passed on to the centre, they will be able to look into the availability of more classes.
I hope this helps
Regards
Amir
A lot of the cardio equipment is out of…
A lot of the cardio equipment is out of service including treadmills which is the most popular machine. When I went on to an exercise bike to wait for a treadmill I was getting it set up and realized one of the pedals was gone. Cleanliness is also an issue, there have been multiple soap dispensers in the women’s changing rooms that have been empty for days at a time.
January 22, 2024
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Morning Andrea,
I hope you are doing well today. I am writing to express my gratitude for taking the time to share your feedback with us regarding your recent experience at the Britannia Leisure Centre.
I am sorry to hear about the issues you faced during your visit. Please rest assured that your feedback is of utmost importance to us and we take it very seriously. We understand the impact that such experiences can have on our customers and we are committed to making things right.
I have immediately escalated your concerns to the centre manager for their immediate attention. They will investigate the points you have raised and take appropriate measures to address the issues promptly. We value your business and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve these matters.
Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to ensure your satisfaction in the future.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
Best regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Morning
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
It's great to see you are enjoying your time at our centre.
We hope this continues!
Kind Regards
Amir
A beautiful gym with everything at hand
I was recommended this gym from my Physiotherapist after a spinal injury. I was offered assistance from a specialised assistant on how to use the gym apparatus and the swimming pool.
Britannia is a beautiful gym and the cafe area too. I looked forward very much to going and the staff were excellent.
July 29, 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon
We are very pleased to see you are enjoying our Britannia Leisure Centre alongside the centre staff.
We hope your journey with Better is enjoyable and that you have the opportunity to use all of the facilities at Britannia.
Kind Regards
Amir
Katherina was wonderful
Katherina was wonderful at explaining what is involved with my membership and taking me through exercises, and made it much less daunting for me after not using the gym for a long while. Where I am let down is when trying to book classes on the app. I can never get a space for aqua aerobics and even though I am on the waiting list and a space becomes available I don't get a notification on the app only an email. This should be automated so you move from the waiting list automatically when a space becomes available.
November 3, 2023
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon Iyanu,
Thank you for your review.
We are very happy to hear that Katrina was kind, welcoming and professional when assisting you with joining online and during your induction. We hope you can continue to enjoy the Britannia leisure centre and the great activities they have on offer. In regards to the booking of Fitness Classes, most customers do this a week in advance as these get booked up very quickly. As a prepaid member you can book 7 days in advance from 10pm at night so if you try to book at that time you should get a space.
The waiting list does not guarantee you a space in a class as you would only get a notification once someone cancels their session. However, everyone who is on the waiting list will also receive the same email notification so it's fastest finger first as to who get the space. We are unable to notify our customers via text message or via the App so this is why this is done by email.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
I am very delighted with the gym with…
I am very delighted with the gym with all its structure and the very good service, thank you very much for the service.
November 1, 2023
Reply from Better - Britannia Leisure Centre
Good Evening Lisandro,
Thank you for your review.
We are very happy to hear that you are enjoying your membership at the Britannia leisure centre. We hope you continue to enjoy this centre and the great activities they have on offer.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
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