Best place to get you kids swimming. Wendy is a superstar and really gets the trust and confidence from the children. Would recommend to any one. The swimming baths also has great facilities for all
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Location
Switch location1 Norman Street, EC1V 3AA Islington, GB
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Our daughter loves going to Ironmonger for swimming lessons and progressed really well during the summer swimming camp. Special thanks to Wendy and Stefano!
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I am a long term user (swimming) and very satisfied (I go off- peak). The pool is clean and clear virtually all of the time. The ground floor changing room/showers need more regular cleaning though... See more
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I was lucky enough to get my daughter booked onto the free swimming lessons that are offered in partnership with Islington Council, during school holidays. It has been a God send for my daughter, hel... 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.
Contact info
1 Norman Street, EC1V 3AA, Islington, United Kingdom
4.3
Excellent
125 reviews
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On becoming a member
Due to the temporary closure of Golden Lane I was offered a transfer membership for older people and yesterday I availed myself of it.
The process was very easy with staff member Umma being a very helpful, kind and knowledgeable. The facilities look inviting and I am keen to start using them
May 7, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi David,
Thank you for sharing your review!
We're so happy to hear that you had an amazing experience with Umma when making changes to your Membership.
It's great to know that she was very helpful, kind and knowledgeable, which positively impacted your visit.
We can't wait to see you using and enjoying our facilities!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Very good experience as just transfered…
Very good experience as just transfered from another sports centre. I had two accounts and Umma I think her name was really helpful in sorting out this issue and my first time at the centre. Especially, wirh app and scanning and a coin for the locker. Not to mention Shen I came out after a swim I mentioned some locker and electrical fault issue. The next day the socket which was hanging off was repaired!
May 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Aeron,
Thank you for sharing your experience and welcome to the centre.
It’s great to hear your transition from your previous sports centre went smoothly and that you felt supported on your first visit.
We’re especially pleased to know Umma was able to help get everything sorted for you!
It’s also good to hear your feedback about the maintenance issue was acted on quickly after you reported it — we’ll make sure this is shared with the team involved.
We really appreciate you taking the time to leave such detailed feedback and hope you continue to enjoy your visits.
Warm regards,
Azaria
I am a long term user (swimming) and…
I am a long term user (swimming) and very satisfied (I go off- peak). The pool is clean and clear virtually all of the time. The ground floor changing room/showers need more regular cleaning though - it's got worse in the last few years.
I have just completed the membership transfer from Golden Lane, and was given super service by Umma, when there were a lot of grumpy, impatient people doing the same as me. She calmly dealt with each person, never rushing them, whilst completing a number of complicated registration steps. Well done. People at the reception area are very helpfull/friendly in general as well.
May 1, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Marty,
Thank you for your continued support and for taking the time to share your feedback about Ironmonger Row Baths.
We’re really pleased to hear you’ve had such a positive experience over the years,
It’s also great to hear Umma made your recent membership transfer smooth, we’ll make sure your kind words are passed on to her.
We do appreciate your honest feedback about the ground floor changing rooms and showers.
Thanks again for your feedback, and we look forward to seeing you on your next visit.
Warm regards
Azaria
I have attended over sixties swimming…
I have attended over sixties swimming lessons in Ironmonger swimming pool the staff here are amazing . Specially Ms Wendy Scanlan she is very professional in her teaching although I attended classes before I come to Ironmonger pool I could not swim correctly. Wendy showed me techniques in just 3 times now I am swimming with confidence.
Big thanks to Wendy,
Kaboutar Babaahmadi
April 30, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Kaboutar
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that Wendy at Ironmonger Row Baths has been so supportive with your swimming lessons. It's wonderful to hear that you are now swimming with more confidence.
We will ensure that Wendy receives this feedback
Kind Regards
Rachel
Staff gave me a wrong information so I…
Staff gave me a wrong information so I didn't get a service
April 21, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Ruth,
Thank you for your review!
We're sorry to hear that our team may have provided incorrect information.
We're more than happy to assist further if you'll give us the chance.
If you have the time, please send an email with some more information to our Customer Service Team.
Our email address is: customerservices@gll.org
We look forward to your response and the chance to make your next visit more enjoyable!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Great Experience
Great Experience, al Staff is super kind. Love the pool and activities such as Pilates, Yoga and Core Training. Thanks
April 28, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Pablo,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying Ironmonger Row Baths!
And look forward to seeing you again
Warm Regards
Tom
I’m really enjoying my classes and it’s…
I’m really enjoying my classes and it’s a really nice environment to be in and I’m looking forward to the next one. Michael is a really good PT, the facilities are really clean and the staff have always been so helpful.
April 22, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Kelly,
Thanks so much for your lovely feedback.
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying the facilities at Ironmonger Row Baths.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and are happy that this has been reflected in the service you have received.
We have also passed on your comments to the centre!
Warm Regards
Azaria
I really like the place and the people…
I really like the place and the people working here. However, there are just not enough classes for the community. All the fitness classes sell out immediately.
April 6, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Good Morning,
Thank you for your review!
It's amazing to hear that you enjoy the community we have at Ironmonger Row Baths, and our team too.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding the availability of our fitness classes, and we're more than happy to raise this with the wider team for further review.
Thank you again for sharing this with us!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Temporarily in London
I'm a foreigner staying temporarily in London. I am preparing for a swimming event and had the need to keep training while here. I was told about Better and when I tried to sign in everything was very easy. I'm attending the swimming pool three times a week and I feel very at ease. It is also very interesting to know that the Iromonger Row Baths were built in 1931, this gives the swimming pool a very special atmosphere.
March 27, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Giuseppa
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying your swimming at Ironmonger Row Baths, and that you found the joining experience and accessing the centre nice and easy.
Warm Regards
Rachel
The thing is
The thing is, I ordered a membership card and got sick very soon. I visited the pool only once this month. This is not about the quality of the services - they work perfectly. It's just something that upsets me.
March 12, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Anastasiia,
Thank you for your review!
We're deeply saddened to hear that you fell ill shortly after signing up with us.
We're more than happy to investigate this further if you're able to provide a medical document, and we can query with our refunds team what our next steps would be.
If you'd like to proceed with this, please contact us at Customerservices@gll.org
Thank you again for sharing this with us!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
The swimming instructors were great
The swimming instructors were great, friendly, helpful and excellent with children.
Nonetheless the changing rooms are quite rundown, a better maintenance while waiting a refurbished will be most appreciated.
February 28, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Naia,
Thank you for your review!
We're thrilled to hear that our swimming instructors have been so great, friendly, helpful and excellent with children during your visit to Ironmonger Row Baths.
We also appreciate your comments regarding the changing rooms being rundown, and wanting this area to be refurbished.
We're more than happy to raise this with the wider team.
Thank you again for your feedback!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Fernada
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see that you are having an all-round good experience at Ironmonger Row Baths, and that you have had the opportunity to meet the wonderful team.
We are also very pleased to see that the team is taking great care of the facilities!
Kind Regards
Amir
A better experience.
The renovated Ironmonger Row Baths provide a truly special experience. I work in south Islington and frequently make my way there. I actually rejoined Better very recently as I was impressed with the improvements to the facilities and the services offered. It also pays to be a member as the value increases that way. The staff are efficient, polite and friendly. Multiple rooms prevent overcrowding and the booking system does too, although the space is in so much demand that it is hard to make a weekend booking. Places are “sold out” almost a week in advance. I have been there many times in the past and was a member before the pandemic. While the prices have increased quite a bit since, I can tell why. It is a better experience.
February 24, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for sharing this with us!
We’re delighted to hear how much you’re enjoying our renovated facilities at Ironmonger Row Baths, and that the improvements encouraged you to rejoin.
It’s especially meaningful to hear this from someone who has been a member both before and after the pandemic, so you've seen the changes we've made first-hand.
We’re pleased that our upgraded spaces, booking system, and overall experience have made a positive difference.
We're thrilled that our team’s efficiency and friendliness have stood out during your visits.
Thank you also for your feedback regarding the availability on the weekends, as this helps us to make improvements.
We can't wait to see you again soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Bathroom stalls
There is not much toilet paper, and the light is not functioning.
Dirty toilets since two weeks
February 19, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear of your experience at Ironmonger Row Baths.
We have passed on your feedback to the centre so they can look at improving.
Kind regards,
Hazal
Ms Star
Hi
Your website is totally puzzle who someone not regularly online users. Suppose to be easy to get login or add a child membership in one under your account. Too much website for book, for membership for login. You have to jump one to others especially if you have same email addresses for all your children and you. .. Totally messy. !!?? To login..
Also Ironmanger needs more stuff , they are tired to talk about given an information .Also Ironmonger Better needs hygiene in swimming pools and bathrooms especially changing rooms, old ages . Pools water is very cold even in winter.They needed healthy checks by inspector then renovations.I have been few Better pools in Islington, this is the worst , it’s impossible to compare with the others . We are all sick and have a cough after cold swimming pools and freezing bathroom . Thanks Better .
February 15, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hello Star,
Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed feedback.
I’m sorry to hear that you found our website confusing, especially when trying to manage bookings and memberships for your children.
I have passed your concerns about the cleanliness and hygiene at Ironmonger Row Baths to the centre manager for their attention and review.
Kind regards
Jasmine
Wendy' s teaching
Wendy gave me the most fantastic swimming lesson in the over 60's swim class
She really was brilliant both to myself and my husband
Now feel so much more confident trying freestyle ....
Very patient and calm
I can't recommend the baths enough...
The man there (think his name started with R!) was also very patient with the swimmers and very nice to have around
February 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Jane
Thank you for your review
We are very pleased to see that Wendy is providing fantastic swimming lessons, engaging with you and your husband, which has led to your increased confidence.
It is also great to see that another team member has been able to add to the great atmosphere, and we will be sure to pass your feedback on!
Kind Regards
Amir
Clean pool and easy to use service
January 22, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying our facility at Ironmonger Leisure centre.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and are happy that this has been reflected in the service you have received.
We have also passed on your comments to the centre!
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
Great staff. Give them a better reception desk!
Great staff, very helpful and knowledgeable.
The reception staff have a poky little temporary desk to sit at. It gives a strange impression for me as a first time user
You have this beautiful building and an impressive view of the pool at the entrance, spoiled by a makeshift desk which looks like it cost £20 from B&Q. Your great staff deserve something better!
February 2, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hello
Thank you for your comments and feedback.
We are happy to know, that you found our staff to be very knowledgeable and helpful, at The Ironmonger Row Bath.
I have passed on you feedback to the centre manager to review.
Kind regards
Thanks to Holly
Thanks to Holly, one of the trainers, my son finally had his swimming space even he is SEN! Helpful, nice and lovely Holly, you are the dreamed worker for every employer! But also whole the swimming team is very good and experienced. Well done, guys!
January 7, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hi Petya
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see that Holly has been able to assist with your son's swimming lessons and to know your son is enjoying the lessons.
We will be sure to pass your feedback on to the team to review!
Kind Regards
Amir
Yoga class in the evening is amazing
Yoga class in the evening is amazing. Very helpful and thoughtful instructor.
Sadly, the toilets were not well-serviced and the women’s loos didn’t have any paper.
January 6, 2026
Reply from Better - Ironmonger Row Baths
Hello Em,
Thank you for your 5-star rating.
We are delighted to know that you are enjoying the Yoga class.
Kind regards.
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