My child is enjoying her swimming lessons. The teachers are very accommodating and experienced. Even though it grouped, they can identify when a child needs extra support. The staff at the reception a... See more
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Location
Switch location164 Portland Road, SE25 4PT South Norwood, GB
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This southnorwood branch is brilliant. Not only are the staff welcoming and very friendly and helpful always with a smile, but they also take that extra time to help you if needed and are very patient... See more
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Despite booking a swimming session the pool was incredibly busy, 5/6 people in each single lane. This was due to a swimming lesson over running by 30 minutes. When we escalated the issue with the... See more
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Great introduction back into the gym after a year off. Jean-Luc showed me around the gym, he made me feel very comfortable with the machines and with my workout plan. Both him and Yath were both espec... 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
164 Portland Road, SE25 4PT, South Norwood, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
60 reviews
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Overall I enjoyed my swim however the…
Overall I enjoyed my swim however the previous pool had a radio on poolside which allowed a more relaxed feel while swimming. I understand you cannot have music on while taking a lesson but swim fit would be appropriate
September 3, 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Mark
Thank you for your review.
We are pleased to see that you enjoyed your swim session with us and appreciate your feedback regarding the music. We have passed your feedback on to the management team at the centre to review, and we hope this will help in improving your experience with us.
Kind Regards
Amir
Cannot book classes at certain times of the year
The actual classes are excellent, however it's impossible to book them at certain times of the year. so I'm paying my monthly subscription for nothing.
Also because they don't have professional cleaners the floors can be dirty.
August 29, 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Pauline
Thank you for your review,
We have emailed you directly regarding your Better membership.
Please reply to the email at your earliest convenience.
Kind Regards
Amir
Staff are always polite a d helpful
Staff are always polite a d helpful. Always ready to answer questions too.
August 22, 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hello Sam,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that our Customer Service Team were able to assist you.
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 agent who assisted you!
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
Friendly staff, good variety of equipment
Friendly staff, equipment are in good condition, well looked after and maintained.
August 5, 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hello JJ,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that our Customer Service Team were able to assist you.
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 agent who assisted you!
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
Much appreciate supervised sessions
I very much appreciate my weekly supervised sessions at South Norwood Leisure centre. There's a sense of community there for the supervised sessions.
I have one reservation, and that is related to the e-mail I was sent about my renewal. It didn't give the amount of my subscription, so I'm hoping that it will remain unchanged. A note of that would have been helpful in the renewal e-mail.
July 24, 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Ruth,
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with the weekly supervised sessions at South Norwood Leisure Centre. We’re delighted to hear you enjoy the sense of community during these sessions!
We also appreciate your feedback regarding the renewal email. We understand how important it is to have clear information about subscription amounts, and we apologise for any confusion caused. Your suggestion is very helpful, and we will certainly take it into consideration to improve our communications going forward.
If you have any further questions or need confirmation about your subscription, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.
Thank you again for your support!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Carla,
Thank you for your feedback!
We're glad to hear that you had a good experience at the South Norwood Leisure Centre. If there's anything we can do to make your next visit even better, we'd love to hear it!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
This southnorwood branch is brilliant
This southnorwood branch is brilliant. Not only are the staff welcoming and very friendly and helpful always with a smile, but they also take that extra time to help you if needed and are very patient. Did not think that they could top this wonderful experience, but today they had a young lady cover one of the classes Named Aurora wow they need to find this young lady a time slot at southnorwood leisure centre so she can do her own classes .Before someone else sees how great she is and offers her a place elsewhere 😀. From one very very happy member 😊
June 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Patsy,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you've had such positive experiences at our South Norwood branch. Our team takes great pride in creating a welcoming, friendly, and supportive environment, so it's incredibly rewarding to know that this has made a difference for you.
We're especially delighted to hear your kind words about Aurora. We'll be sure to pass along your glowing feedback—she’ll be thrilled to know she made such a strong impression. We agree she’s a fantastic talent, and your suggestion about giving her a regular class slot is much appreciated and will certainly be considered.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. We’re lucky to have members like you!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
"Simply the best
"Simply the best! I can't praise South Norwood Leisure Centre enough. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to go above and beyond compared to any other leisure centre I've visited. The pool is kept in excellent condition, with the water temperature, cleanliness, and overall quality being exceptional. The gym is equipped with modern equipment and maintained at a professional standard. I highly recommend joining today. Many thanks to the team!"
May 23, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Don,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review!
We're absolutely delighted to hear that you've had such a positive experience at South Norwood Leisure Centre. Your kind words about our staff, pool, and gym facilities mean a great deal to us. We work hard to maintain high standards and ensure every visitor feels welcome and supported, so it's incredibly rewarding to hear that reflected in your feedback. We look forward to seeing you again soon — thank you for being a valued part of our community!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Just to clarify that this review…
Just to clarify that this review reflects a single event today. I have been a Better member for over 12 years and always had a good experience. I have recently joined the South Norwood as my local new centre. I have a Swim UK membership and booked online to attend a session. Whilst inside the pool area I'm confronted by the staff to verify if I had a booking(wet in my swimsuit I get back to the changing room to prove my slot!) Which I did. The staff apologised but advised there's been an error on their system and (by that time it's 3 of us waiting for permission!) And it's just a class for children on schedule, hence we couldn't swim as it's against the law! In the meantime the lane swimming pool was empty, the small pool was used by children. 1pm in the afternoon. I asked to speak to the manager who also apologised on an error on their system. He also said it's breaking the law sharing a changing room with children! Utter nonsensical excuses, for God knows whatever reason as I'm here now at the Forest Hill pools where adults and children happily share changing rooms and the swimming pool too. Norwood had one empty pool and declined as entry. Totally unacceptable, I'm only giving 2 stars as it's otherwise we'll maintained and the staff are polite. The management though...really poor experience.
May 19, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Jona,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for being a loyal Better member for over 12 years — we truly value your continued support.
We’re very sorry to hear about the frustrating experience you had at South Norwood. We completely understand how disappointing it must have been to arrive for your swim, only to be denied access despite having a valid booking. Your feedback highlights a clear failure in our internal booking and communication systems, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.
While we appreciate your kind words about our team and the facility’s condition, it’s clear that our handling of this situation fell short of expectations. We are currently reviewing the circumstances of your visit to ensure such issues do not occur again, especially when it comes to system accuracy and staff communication.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention — your input helps us improve.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Lacks maintenance and cleanliness
Lacks maintenance and cleanliness. Last week I reported to a member of staff about the Low Row machine, which the bench is still broken and no action has been taken. The straps of the rowing machines are completely loose and it's not possible to use the machine appropriately.
May 14, 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Roberto,
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We sincerely apologise for the issues you've encountered with the equipment at the South Norwood Leisure Centre and we understand how frustrating it can be when things aren’t in proper working condition. Please know that we take all concerns seriously and will follow up with our maintenance team to ensure these issues are addressed promptly. Your experience is important to us, and we are committed to improving the overall cleanliness and upkeep of the facility.
We appreciate your patience and your help in bringing this to our attention.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Tea & cakes for VE Day celebrations!
It was very kind of the staff at South Norwood Leisure Centre to provide tea and cake for those of us who were there on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It was a mark of the kindness and consideration of the staff. Thank you!
May 8, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Ruth,
Thank you so much for your kind words.
We're truly glad to hear that you felt welcomed and appreciated at the South Norwood Leisure Centre during the VE Day 80th anniversary. It was our pleasure to mark such a meaningful occasion with you, and we're delighted that the tea and cake added a special touch to the day. Your feedback means a lot to our team — thank you again!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Deeanne
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that a brilliant service is being provided and hope you enjoy using the facilities at the South Norwood Leisure Centre!
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Andre,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging words!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience with us, particularly regarding the inviting atmosphere and attentive service. It truly means a lot to our team. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon to the South Norwood Leisure Centre for another memorable visit!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Friendly Approachable front of house
Friendly helpful staff who assisted my wife and I with our app set up..... also supplied us with cards just in case....
Very nice and clean gym.... not too busy if you go at the right time.
March 22, 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hello Garry,
We truly appreciate your thoughtful review!
It’s wonderful to learn that our team could help you and your wife with the app setup, and that you found our gym to be clean and inviting. We’re glad to hear you had a good experience at the South Norwood Leisure Centre, and thank you for highlighting the card supply too. We look forward to welcoming you both back soon – ideally during those quieter hours! :)
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Natalie
Thank you for your review,
It's wonderful to hear that you are having a positive experience at the South Norwood Leisure Centre and that the staff is creating a great environment for you and other members.
Thank you for choosing Better!
Kind Regards
Amir
Polite
Polite, kind & very experience staff, week 4 and my daughter can swim. Her confidence in the water has gone from 20% to 95% and the glow on her face is priceless!
February 27, 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Emani-Sky,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We’re thrilled to hear about the progress your daughter has made and how much her confidence in the water has grown since attending swimming lessons at the South Norwood Leisure Centre. It's truly a pleasure to be part of her swimming journey, and we can’t wait to see her continue to shine. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to more glowing moments in the future!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Friendly staff and a nice atmosphere.
February 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Steven
Thank you for leaving a review,
It is great to see the centre has a nice atmosphere and you have had the opportunity to meet the centre staff.
We hope you continue to enjoy your experience with us and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
POOR COMMUNICATION numerous occasions I have feed back…
On numerous occasions I have feed back to management a number of concerns I've had for a while being a long standing member. The cleanliness was a big issue that has been recently improved. The biggest issue for me is the number of cancelled classes at short notice. The staff team do not know when an instructor is not able to take a class. For me that is poor communication skills. Quite a few members turned up for a class which was cancelled without any notice. A manager did pop into the studio once prompted to apologise for the cancellation. People make a concerted effort to attend the gym on time for their classes. This has happened far too many times without any compensation.
Members are charged a fee for not cancelling a class in time. Maybe, this should be reviewed given the poor weekly activities which are not been managed properly. There are some great instructors at this leisure centre hence their classes being well attended. There is no feedback provided by management based on the countless surveys members have filled in. Some new hand weights recently arrived. This is following on going complaints that most of the equipment used was not fit for purpose. It's also a health and safety issue. The whole reason people go to the leisure centre is to improve their mental health and well-being. I look at the boards placed around the centre with statements from Better making promises they obviously cannot keep. A proper review needs to be undertaken. I have touched on the most pressing things for me at the moment. I feel this is enough for starters
January 2, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Good Evening Sandra,
I hope this message finds you well.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences regarding the recent cancellations of fitness classes at the South Norwood Leisure Centre. I truly appreciate your feedback.
I understand how frustrating it must be to have classes cancelled on short notice, especially when you're looking forward to maintaining your fitness routine. We strive to provide our members with a consistent and enjoyable experience, and I apologise for any inconvenience this situation has caused you.
Thank you again for your understanding and patience. We are committed to making your experience at our leisure centre as positive as possible.
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Members attending classes and no instructor or prior notice
2024 ended with us members turning up to find after we have waited 10 minutes that the class is cancelled due to no instructor. We are given no notice when we check in, it takes a member to go to the desk and then we are told no instructor is available. This has happened 3 times to me and more times to other members. And today yet again no instructor even though the person at the desk stated when asked ‘yes the class was still happening’ There is no communication between managers and staff. Additionally numerous classes have been taken off the timetable even though last year we were promised more classes. Members keep complaining in person and by email and little changes. We pay every month yet we receive less and less.
It seems unfair that we are not offered even proper apologies or a reduction in our membership for even a month. Better professed health and well being yet we receive, filthy mats, closed swimming pool and more, plus staff that seem unaware of what is happening. Thus creating stress and annoyance to members. Surely 2025 Better Gyms needs to do better.
January 2, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Good Evening Avis,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding our fitness classes.
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced with the frequent cancellations of classes at the South Norwood Leisure Centre. It's understandably frustrating when scheduled activities are disrupted, especially when members are not notified in advance.
I want to clarify that our team can only inform customers of class cancellations once we receive notification from the instructor about their inability to conduct the session, whether due to unforeseen circumstances or scheduling conflicts. Unfortunately, this sometimes results in delays in communication, and I regret that this has affected your experience with us.
Your concerns are important, and I’ll ensure that this feedback is addressed with our management team to explore ways we can improve our notification processes. We value your membership and strive to provide you with a better experience moving forward.
Thank you once again for bringing this matter to our attention.
Best regards,
Charmaine
No swimming throught the Christmas…
No swimming throught the Christmas holiday.
December 29, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Natalie
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused you during the Christmas break.
I can confirm Swim Sessions are back in action on 2/1/25 and I have attached a link below if you wish to make a booking!
Activity booking (https://bookings.better.org.uk/location/south-norwood-leisure-centre/swimming)
We hope to see you in the New Year.
Kind Regards
Amir
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