Bathhouse Videos

A hat-trick of thanks to the Bathhouse Blog as they are also responsible for this post.  One of the great challenges I face when teaching students about the phenomenon of public sex, is explaining the physical dynamics of these spaces.  Grupo Pases (a Spanish Sauna group) have produced a series of videos for their venues which offer a (albeit glossy) insight into their spaces.  Ignore the 'party' videos but take a look at the others - they are really useful, and are comparable to UK sauna spaces.  They are pretty safe viewing too although expect lots of bare bums on show, and a surprise amount of friendly contact.  The backing music choices are inspired.  Check them out here.

Legal Challenges for Saunas

Still on the subject of bathhouses and saunas, I was also struck on the Bathhouse Blog site by a couple of stories which reveal the contemporary legal issues that bathhouses seem to face in the UK.  The first concerns the rather well known Honeycombe sauna in Blackpool which was refused a license for alcohol beyond 8pm, but was granted extended opening hours.  I was slightly surprised by the 'sex club' fear comments as arguably that's how the club has traditionally been viewed.  However, their own website emphasises how the venue is mixed and for people of 'any sexual persuasion'.

The second story concerns Basement Sauna in Leeds.  It managed to get itself in a spot of bother over not having a music licence.  That must have been a blow for patrons, and not in a good way.

Bette Midler at the Bathhouse

I mentioned Bette Midler and her bathhouse entertaining days in my Sewell post the other day; the excellent Gay Bathhouse Blog links to a story in the Australian (and which first appeared in The Times) where she reflects on those experiences (sadly behind a paywall) and also a piece on the PriceSource website last month in which she talks about her bathhouse days.  Well worth a read.

Bent - Dec Issue

You can download for free the December issue of the ever excellent Bent magazine here. An interesting series of profiles on Saunas including Newcastle's newest addition - REM Sauna,

Bathhouse Blog

I've just discovered this amazing blog - bathhouse blog - packed with news on bathhouses globally. Check it out!