Studio Spotlight: Is This London’s Quirkiest New Fitness Studio?

We’re certainly accustomed to downing tools and trekking across London to try out the latest fitness venues. But when we discovered that our latest voyage would be taking us to the streets of Homerton, even we were a little surprised…

However, The Refinery (East London’s latest fitness destination) is anything but predictable. Is it completely different to anything we’ve seen yet? Yes sir! And by all accounts it’s being tipped as London’s quirkiest fitness destination.

In keeping with the theme of its geographical location The Refinery is housed in the basement of an old carpark. Subtle signs still remain – the low ceilings, exposed brickwork and tunneled walkways, but founders Luca and Zoe Bertali, who personally redesigned the venue themselves, have created a unique space that exudes calm (thought with an definite air of eccentricity).

“London has a distinct lack of cool studios and so we wanted to offer something extraordinary, not just for yogis and the fitness fanatics but also for the local community,” said Luca.

And the venue certainly exudes a community feel. Marley (the now infamous fluffy cockapoo) sits quietly greeting newcomers and the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the reception area as attendees catch up after class. There’s even a treatment room where you can book yourself in for a deep tissue massage – not quite your average corporate gym.

So what about the classes?

There are three studios in total, a yoga studio, barre studio and cardio-based studio. Each space has a different vibe, but all are equally intimate.

And you won’t find yourself being gawked at through any glass windows. Instead cleverly placed cubbyholes adorn the studio walls, allowing bystanders to catch a glimpse of the classes without ruining the ambiance.

According to Luca, “the way the studio has been designed is unique, so hopefully when people come down to E9 they will experience something different and want to come again.”

The multitude of classes available certainly highlights the uniqueness and each session comes with a twist – designed to take your workout to the next level.

Disco Barre offers a tough barre-based workout with the addition of a disco soundtrack.

AAA: ASS-ARMS-ABS does exactly what it says on the tin, hitting all of the key areas of the body with a high intensity, turbo charged class.

Friday Night Chillfest promises to de-stress and detox participants through deep stretching, accompanied by candles, incense and Ibizan beats.

And with Kettlebell Sculpting Power Hour, Voga, Neon Fuel Street Dance and Dynamic Pilates also part of the packed timetable, there’s little time to get bored.

Want to get involved?

The good news is there aren’t any contracts at The Refinery, instead participants can book individual classes or buy class bundles.

Better still, if you’re trekking across the city in your leg warmers to try this studio out, first timers can get in on the fun for a one-off special price of £5.

To find out more visit The Refinery website at: www.therefinerye9.com