York Hall

Cleared up the backlog from the studio this weekend, as I can finally see my desk now, so hopefully I will be spending more time writing there overlooking the view of London Fields Park. As well as pondering when will London Fields Lido reopen, I was told that it would reopen in August back in April, however, according to this Hackney Gazette article, one can still hope that it would reopen in 'Late Summer'. Never mind to me - Because in my memory, Lido is always for winters. At least from my first encounter.

My next local swimming pool by proximity is York Hall in Bethnal Green. I used to live on Old Ford Road and walked pass every day but never been in until very recently. Built in 1929, York Hall was originally served as the gymnasium and swimming pool, it has also been best known as boxing venue since 1960s so often there would a flock of big blokes queuing up in front of the hall during events. I am also very tempted to try out the newly launched spa experience from their Turkish bath. Something very incongruous about this place - a gym, a swimming pool, with spa plus a boxing venue? Today when I walked in there was a Hackney Kilo Sale going on there. A hall with many hats, you don't say.

From the entrance writing to the foyer and swim poster one can see the history of typography along the years. I also love walking up the stairs then you see this impressive dome ceiling.  

““I love the refreshing feeling of water lifting up from my skin. Alongside to the weight trainning and running, swimming has been good to the body.””

Main Pool is 33m offers an additional room for confident swimmers to reach, with lanes doing laps and water workout area for water aerobics or for kiddies playing in their swimming noodles. However, the downside of the pool is the facilities are rather worn out, the showers, toilets and changing rooms are slightly smelly. With a handful of kids running around with their half eaten bread...I recommend coming in early mornings before work, or evenings after work.

After the swim, I walked up to the spectator seating where all the parents on their phones waiting for their kids finishing their swimming lessons. Here I am, taking off my googles and swim cap, I love the refreshing feeling of water lifting up from my skin. Alongside to the weight trainning and running, swimming has been good to the body.

York Hall Leisure Centre
5 Old Ford Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PJ

Opening times:
Monday - Friday: 7am - 9:30pm
Saturday: 8am - 8:30pm
Sunday: 8am - 7:30pm
Time Table

Entry: Peak - £4.00 | Off Peak - £3.25