Cowshed Spa at Shoreditch House, East London 3.6 7 reviews

Great place to get a deep tissue massage post-gym workout!

Really enjoyed the experience at Cowshed at Shoreditch House. We made a day of it and swam in the pool, relaxed on the deck, had some lunch, and mixed in a 30 min back massage. My therapist was a very nice and friendly guy that happily adjusted the treatment to include a scalp massage at my request. All in all it was a lovely day!

My friend and I went in for the 30 minute massage and incredible! Very worth the value to say the least.

I had a back massage at Cowshed last night (always go on a Monday for the 50% off for under-27s!) and it wasn't as amazing as usual. The previous treatment had run slightly over, so I was waiting quite a while and I'm pretty sure my treatment was rushed through. Despite telling the therapist I liked quite hard pressure, she just didn't seem to be able to give the same effect as the usual male therapist. I wasn't given a choice of oils, or asked how I was feeling - she just slathered on the 'horny cow' as 'most people choose this one'. Having said all this, it was still pretty good. She got all the knots out of my shoulders, could tell I wasn't in the mood to chat and recommended exercises I could do to improve the condition of my shoulders between massages. I'll still go back, as it is so convenient, but don't go with any huge expectations of luxury relaxation.

The Cowshed Spa at Shoreditch House is nothing short of a godsend if you are a member of the House - and even more so if you happen to be under 27, thus qualifying for the famed 'half price Monday' discount which is valid throughout the different facilities. I visited tthis time for a much-needed Salt Scrub (£50 for 45mins, or £25 for U27) in preparation for a winter sun break in an attempt to slough off that dry, rough 'central heating' skin that often appears this time of year. The spa requires a credit card to secure your booking, and staff handily call a day ahead to confirm your visit.
The spa area is surprisingly quiet and peaceful considering the gym is adjoining but it really must be noted that this is not a spa in its own right, as such, but more of a convenient outpost of the Cowshed spas - you could be sorely disappointed if planning an entire day's visit. With that in mind though, the treatment rooms are well equipped; they smell gorgeous thanks to the Cowshed candles, and the decor is calming and rustic tones of woody brown and green. My treatment began with a request to don some fetching disposable knickers, then the therapist got to work with a stiff bristled dry body brush - not painful, but rigorous upward motions certainly aren't relaxing - but pain is beauty, after all. Coarse salt crystals in peppermint oil were then used to buff me all over. As there was no shower facility I had to pull on a robe and use the changing room showers to rinse myself off with the appropriately named 'Grumpy Cow' shower gel. Super-soft contouring cream finishes off the treatment with a cheeky massage across the neck, shoulders and facial pressure points so you leave feeling thoroughly pampered with utterly smooth skin. Already counting down to my next visit.

As soon as you walk into the Cowshed Spa you feel a sense of balance. Greeted by a gorgeous rustic decor, you feel an effort has been made to make you feel at home. The therapists are knowledgable and friendly and treat the time you have with them as gold dust, allowing you to drift off to that heavenly place called bliss and leaving you to recover gradually once your time is up. Simple touches such as their special blends of tea and crisp cold jugs of water with fresh mint add to your sense of well being whilst at the Spa. There is a whole array of treatments from manicures to scalp massage, and they have a resident Physio for any of those accidental strainings in the gym next door! There is also a steam room (mixed) so don't drop your towel on entry!!! And as you leave, the reception area is just like a candy store full of gorgeous products for every occasion....

i love this club and am a member, and use it all the time for the gym, the pool, the food and the bars. but i dont advise the treatments i had. the pedicure involves lying flat and orchestrating your legs into a big metal bucket, which is very unrelaxing and inconvenient. Whereas the korean place around the corner costs half the place and is easy and comfy. the massage was fine if you like a stroke, but if you are looking for anything more than smells and lightweight stroking, dont bother. Although i did see today that they are now offering sports massage, and chances are these will be the real deal. just dont have the pedi.