everything is OK but need to more cleaning and spread air freshness...
and customer service should be more nice n friendly..!!

have been going to this venue for quite some time now and find it one of the most freindly and sociable bars/club of its type . staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and as far as i have seen very attentive at keeping the place clean,great value for money and better than alot of other venues out there , great mix of guys from young to older muscle daddys .entry gets you free drink and entry all day .

This place is a sex club- if you go there, you know what to get. I enjoy naked nights there as everyone's walking round with a boner, there's group sex to join, or you can cop of with someone to a cabin. What more do you want for 7 quid? Yes it gets a bit dirty as the evening goes on, but not more than you would expect given the activities!

was there on thursday nite naked nite and the place was very dirty staff did not show much willing to serve at the bar or any cleaning realy shame as this is a good cheap club mangerment need to do more with there so called staff

to be honest i find the staff quite nice and they are always busy with the amount people in there its one of the best if not the best places i have been 2 in my time on the gay scene nd i have been around the world

Yes, the staff can be a bit slow at times, but it's undeniable the place is fantastic because of the punters. The majority of guys are young and sexy (muscular!). Always a horny crowd. Guaranteed to please. Oddly enough, the horniest nights are the "fully clothed" nights: tuesday and friday. Give it a try: you will NOT be disappointed.

Sadly must agree with the last two posts. I have visited this venue for a number of years and always found it to be clean and well maintained during my time at the venue. I visited this Bank Holiday weekend and honestly felt standards had dropped significantly. Whilst this post is critical please take it as an opportunity to return to your previous high standards. Also this is not a criticism of the staff, with often just 3 or 4 staff trying to manage the bar, cloakroom and front desk. you are just short staffed.

I agree with the last review. The owners are becoming a bit lax with cleaning and customer service. The other night, stood naked waiting ages for my clothes basket while staff and a customer were arguing. This was the most uncomfortable part of the evening. Come on guys be a bit more sensitive to your clientele.

This place is going down hill like most clubs of this type. I visit The Vault every time I'm in London (from up North) and on each occasion i can see a decline.
1) Staff can be a bit more polite and friendly and help make customers more comfortable, after all, it's not like going to Tesco is it?

2) Cleanliness. Seems to be getting dirtier as time goes by. Yes, the chap will give the place a brush around 6pm, getting ready for the 7pm crowd, however, it needs more than a brush mate, a good mop with bleach and a wipe down of the cubicle sofas with bleach will get rid of the piss, sweat, cum and shit smells! The smell was so bad last week, it was like having your head in a bum. Some may enjoy this but not me.

On a positive note, the price is fair, so if you have to leave because the place stinks, you won't be losing much.

I went on Thursday night, nudity required, and true to the word, everyone was totally nude...save footwear!The place was kind of smelly, but with more than 100 naked guys walking around doing some of everything, that was to be expected. The rooms were very dark and the "vaults" were almost totally dark, but there were plenty of places to do "your thing"! The bar was nice and the entire staff was friendly and helpful.There were all types of guys there...short, tall, super thin to large guys, white, black, Asian, Hispanic, Arabic...you name it! Of course, most of the crowd were thin white guys...this is London! At first glance it appeared that there was someone for everyone, but as I observed (which is what my entire visit turned out to be), I noticed that there were definitely cliques and preferences. I saw MANY hands being swept away during attempts at fondling another guy...some of them rudely swept away! Guys, seriously if ur really THAT HOT, you should be at home with someone equally hot!I'm a black male, short and stocky from the US. Although I'm sure they didn't notice I was from the US, guys certainly noticed my short, stocky frame. Or maybe they DIDN'T notice, because I received barely a glance from anyone, and guys seemed to hug the wall to avoid brushing against me.All in all, if you're a younger, fit, white guy...or a fit guy period, this is definitely the place to be...at least on Thursday nights!

Wow, what a place. You definitely would want to 'cum' again. It was a real throbbing night. It was wall to wall strapping men and cannot wait to get back there and sample some more....

I've been there three times now and always had lots of fun. Last time I tried the stripped night on last bank holiday in may. I went in before you had to get naked just in case I would feel uncomfortable as I never tried a naked cruise before. But when I saw the guys getting naked at 7, I just had to stay and it was really worth it. Was a great night, lots of hot guys and great cocks. There was definitely sth for everybody, very nice staff and attitude free gays. Really enjoyed it and will come back for another stripped night, probably already tomorrow.
Really recommend it!

Visited a few times I am early 40's and always find a hot looking guy, was in for underwear night 15th May met a very hot Brazilian guy would like to meet again.

Having returned recently, I must congratulate the team and staff behind this venue. Air conditioning has finally been installed, painting seems to be ongoing creating a clean image and the door prices have remained low and stable. Although there is a turnaround of staff they remain friendly and helpful,

Any other venues a la Vauxhall are dirtboxes in comparison and do not supply the cleanliness and comfort. Just one point to make is cleaning starts relatively early and one is made to feel they are in a rush to get rid of us.

Now it's open at 1pm, there seems to be another alternative crowd of guys,music is quiet and the atmosphere extremely enjoyable during lunch break or a shopping trip.

Friendly staff and fair entrance price but this venue is heavily let down by unimaginative use of lighting and a rather dull/serviceable appearance. I went on the Naked night,and for a 2nd time on a normal Friday night.

If you don't like saunas, where you must walk around naked or in a towel, and you're looking for a bit of fun no-strings-attached sexual action (from groping to whatever...) with your clothes on (or off when you choose to do so, not when you check in), Vault is one of your only options in London. (You can also do naked and underwear nights, but then, so far as I can see, you might as well go to a sauna.) I'm from California, live mostly in Madrid. Vault can't compete with the big darkroom and sexbars of Spain or Paris or even Berlin and San Francisco, but it outshines everything else in London. (There used to be a good place in King's Cross, called Central Station, where all kinds of hot guys--younger and older--went for a good time in the "underground club" on Th, Fri, or Sat, but it seems to have fallen off; I was there a couple of weeks ago on Friday and it was pretty dead--nothing like the hot, energetic vibe of 4-5 years ago.) The checkroom and bar staff are super friendly and helpful, the entrance fee is reasonable (GBP 6 gives you a first drink too), and the set-up is OK. The front area is pleasant--a nice bar, good lounging area, and so on. The problems lie in the back areas. The "cabinas" are dark and dirty, and the same few guys tend to hang out in them all night long and prevent others from using them. There are five or six privacy spaces (you can lock the gates) at the very back of the club. Problem is, if you're more than 5'5" tall you'll bang your head constantly (these are, in fact, the "vaults"), and they're not really private--they're set up so that anyone can look in at you over the gates. I'm OK with voyeurs, and like to show my stuff off, but I was turned off by some of the guys making comments, giggling, etc. while I was with my sex partner. Then there's a common area for group gropes. The whole place is not very large (about one-tenth the size of Strong Center in Madrid or Power Exchange in San Francisco). But what counts are the guys!

Hey guys, I've been there plenty of times on a Sunday and always have a great time. Busy, full of hot guys, and the action is pretty continuous.
Anyone been recently to Underwear Wednesdays or Stripped Thursdays? Interested to hear how busy and how good the action is. Cheers.

Well I don't recognise the place the previous reviewer describes. I go regularly now on a wednesday as I do have a bit of a pants and speedo fetish and I love Vault 139 for its frank and sexy activities. It's very clean and friendly. Loos and bar area especially. Friendly staff too. The cruise area needs a sluice down occasionally which the guys do do, and considering the non-stop action which occurs there, lunchtime to the early hours, it will get a little musty occasionally, which only adds to the atmosphere for me! I'm a fit presentable 50 year old man so my success with the other clientele generally is a come and go thing but I understand that as the young beauties tend to prefer each other. But they do frequent the place regularly. Maybe our friend's view of the place reflects his body count maybe? Keep up the good work guys. Hot!

Thought I would give it another try - was so disappointed the last time. Filthy place - wouldn't touch again with a bargepole. Really unfriendly and seedy. Won't go again and wouldn't recommend. Try a more stylish venue guys and give this one a wide berth!

Hi guys i'm coming to London next month (february) and i would like to visit this venue. Can someone tell me how this place is?? I would like to visit one of the underwear or stripped nights. Is it safe to put you're clothes and values in the cloakroom?? (sorry that i ask that). Greetings from Daniel

Went there Thu 21/1/10 and had a fantastic time. The place was full of up-for-it guys. Soon hooked up with with a cute black boy who got as much as he could take (a lot!!) - we both had a great time!

Not a place to be missed - it's for the up and cumming people...

hi guys went to this place for the first time on weds 13/1/10 very nice place and great friendley staff but the guys in there were very pretentious .... it was like been in charriotts sauna in liverpool street 5 or 6 yrs ago that was all so the same very pretentious on a saturday and sunday .... will defo go bck and try it again next time i am in lnd and hopefully diffrent lot off guys ....

hi guys went to this place for the first time on weds 13/1/10 very nice place and great friendley staff but the guys in there were very pretentious .... it was like been in charriotts sauna in liverpool street 5 or 6 yrs ago that was all so the same very pretentious on a saturday and sunday .... will defo go bck and try it again next time i am in lnd and hopefully diffrent lot off guys ....

Travelled over 300 miles to Visit for the first time last Wednesday night. I was hoping to go to stripped but could not make Thursday. Not to be beaten I asked the guy at the door if I could go nude. He said it would be fine. Lots of guys, all ages but many in 20's and 30's in gear ranging from skimpy jocks to baggy boxers. Intimate and exciting and a fair amount of action all night. Good value and impressed with the welcoming pack issued on entry for £6, containing condom, lube, cloakroom ticket and free drink voucher. As the evening went on others felt the erge to go naked at times which seemed appropriate considering the intense sexual arousel being generated. Friendly staff, fairly clean and a pleasant environment - will be going back again.

I'm new to London and I've never been to one of these cruise bars. Do guys go alone? What is the crowd like? I'm 24 and (no offence) I wouldn't really feel comfortable if the place was full of much older guys.,

thanks for your help guys

I'm new to London and I've never been to one of these cruise bars. Do guys go alone? What is the crowd like? I'm 24 and (no offence) I wouldn't really feel comfortable if the place was full of much older guys.,

thanks for your help guys

Was there for the first time in April, really nice place and the audience seems to be into having lots of fun.

Went to a strip night, just wonder how it would be the cruise afternoon and undies on Wednesdays...

How does it work for people who get there before 7am and want to stay for the night action.

Are people requiered to leave and come back or can they just stay...I know it must sound like silly question but just in case...

Had a great time here on a Sunday evening while visiting London. A little more light might help with low ceilings and uneven floor, but a nice crowd--up for group and/or one-on-one--good clubby music, and a hot vibe!! Will definitely make it a regular stop when in town.

Went there for the first time on Friday night and thought it was great. Reminds me of that legendary place, the Kings Cross Cruise Club - oh the fun I had in that place!
That step at the end of the dark room is a bit of a pest, maybe just a hint of a concrete slope will solve the problem.
How fantastic is is that somewhere like this is open right in the middle of London. And how clever to open it early evenings just catch all the horny guys on their way home from work! Clever marketing there chaps!

I think I shall become a regular. Why sit at home wasting your time on Gaydar when you can go in there and get what you want very quickly indeed.
What fun!
Mr Naughty Bush

Sorry for being dumd on these things, but when and what time does this place open? I work pretty locally so would be in office gear when I arrive, but I guess I can do what an earlier reviewer mentioned and strip to undies and leave stuff in secure cloakroom?

Just need to know detail on when I can go and I am there!

I really appreciate that the music is not too overpowering so you can have a proper conversation at the bar. It would be a plus if a dj was playing even at moderate volume. There is plenty of space to dance.

I was there last saturday night. There is no dress code on saturday and personally I prefer sexy outfits. The dark room was the busiest area but other spaces look largely underused, even the work space behind the bar -a large triangular space designed to handle four barmen- when the only barman sometimes leaves to do the cloakroom, so why not projecting video all over the floor...

I felt I was the only one last night to try the sofas in the lounge area. This space has a good size and is well contained with the sofas facing each other. I wonder if it would be busier with warmer light filters.

The small arches are the perfect spot to show off as there is some light in the arches and guys watching from the corridor stay in the dark. Two original inflated matresses look well suited for dirty minded action. Personally I think black is over in sm and I hope more guys will try colour rubber and sexy sportswear ;-0

I'd suggest a rubber and leather saturday night because the venue is already well suited for that and there is nothing like that on saturday in this part of London.

Because it's a bit less distinctive than the former Man Bar with its psychedelic tyre tables and industrial shower room at the end, I think just one ray of red laser light across the corridor near the floor may be enough to create something.

A french young man

Had been to manbar regularly - thought new venue very good - staff friendly - although two minor moans - yoiu can easily trip in dark room - there's a slight step which is pretty hazardous when you are not expecting it - also in the vaults there's not alot of room if you want to stand up.... leave that one for you to figure out ... had a great three way no attitude ... will definitely be back.

Mad Max

I've never been to Manbar, but I'm used to this kind of places from Gran Canaria's Yumbo Centre. Surely I'm eager to pop in Vault 139. Can someone fill me in about the cloakroom? Is the system decent? Can you leave your backpack together with your clothes and valuables? For underwear and naked nights do they have any rule for shoes? Thanks a lot. Hope to see you there ;))

James

Yeah - I liked it. I take the point about it being a bit like SubStation South. Sure - it needs to bed in a bit, but I like the way things have been arranged. Gives the impression of being thrown together (though I bet it's taken loads of planning). That really nice guy on the door from Manbar is there too. I reckon that it might attract a few more people now that it is central (though trickier for me personally). Need to lose the silly picnic bench - it detracts. Why not just have some black mattress things direct on the floor, together with a couple of chairs and sofas? Low a moody music - which is spot-on. Atmosphere with no attitude - great! One (pretty minor) point - you're gonna hit your head and trip over the uneven floor (there is a kinda pavement kerb thing in the darkroom). Don't let it put you off, but just be aware of it. There ain't much they can do about it I suppose.... I'd rate the whole place at 8/10

Love it and think I'm in love with the cute barman ;o)

So far so good!
How exciting to have a venue like this opening in central London as we don't all live south of the river!
I mostly agree with the other reviewers. The staff seem really friendly and so far there is much less 'attitude' than Man Bar. The venue is pretty good and I prefer the circular corridor from the series of dead ends and small dark rooms. It will probably need a bit more 'tweaking' to get it just right. How about a sling or two in one of the arches?

Have been twice now to the Vault. Excellent venue and no attitude. Loved it.

I have been there a number of times now on the nude evenings. I must say I went to one or two of the same evenings at the manbar and never really had fun. I found the manbar allways full of guys with a really shitty attitude. A bunch of old musclemary's only into eachother. This place is completely different. There is something for everyone and guys are generally much friendlier. Yes you still get the odd miserable bastard but far less than at manbar. The other thing to note is that the audience has become markedly younger than at manbar. (Perhaps it is the more central location) Now when I say younger I don't mean it is the new GAY with a bunch of pre-pubescant screaming boys, I mean to me it seems that there are more guys in their late 20's, 30's and 40's going rather than the monsters that lurked in the dark rooms at manbar.There is no dark room at this place which is really good because it is nice to see what you are doing. The owners had a clear choice, put some light in and get sexy young chaps in or recreate the dirty smelly dark cesspit that was manbar. Thankfully they chose to bring a bit of light in and they have attracted the right sort of man!There are 5 vaults containing sofa's and stools and even one with a picnic bench and then an area that looks a bit like an abandoned dancefloor with a mirror that for the main cruising area. The lounge area is sub devided by the typical sex-club army camoflage material with a good number of sofa's and seating for a good number of chaps. The music is also not overpowering and it does feel a bit like a pub.There is much more chatting and drinking going on at this place than at manbar and generally a much friendlier atmosphere than most places. It is clean and the drinks not too expensive. The staff is very friendly and good looking. If you are into this type of thing, get down there.

Thank god i read the review after i went. that gentleman who slated the place obviously had a bad time but i had a fantastic time loved the venue dark and lots of different areas for fun. The barman was funny and goodlooking (hot bod too) the dj rocked and the doorman was chatty and told me all the things they have planned for the place next month, it sounds fantastic and cant wait to go back when next here (might even come back specialy). expect to see a lot of berliners as i will be telling them all where the sexyiest place in london is.

Vault is not like Manbar in any way and thank goodness. Manbar was dirty and smelly, full of people with no respect for people of surroundings. I always wondered what their homes might be like and if they treated it with the same disrespect. It's a monument to the old gay school of filth is best. Well, if thats what you want then I suggest you go to some of the other dirty places like playpit, fort,central station.
I welcome the fact that the owners, forced out of their old home are working on this by talking to customers, and lets face it, they have only been open for a few weeks. I have been 3 times and its extremely busy with plenty of happy punters, many of them old faces and many new. If all the old moanies decide not to come then I for one will be ecstatic. It must be a nightmare setting up a new business with fire, health n safety,etc.
I will be joining 6 of my friends tonight, so see you there.
James.

Another good night last night. Need to stock some wine though.

bigger,; yes! but not a patch on the manbar! not very well thought out space wise so the this large venue has a lot of dead space.

the bar/ lounge area is too big and too bright (lets face it this is not where we come to moswtly hang out and chat with our friends) the space is too open so loses the intimacy that you had at the manbar.

behind the scenes it gets worse, where manbar felt like a series of rooms this just feels like a series of corridors. the main corridor which leads to badly lit arches ( which were too small for large voyeuristic groups but too open for intimacy) was the main congragating place but was very unsatisfactory as people were constantly shuffling pass up and down the corridor. Just beyond this there is another big unutilized space which felt like a dead dance floor because there was nothing withing it to break it up and make it more intimate.

the furniture which has always help break up the space at manbar was lacking (there just wasnt enough of it well enough place) in such a big area.

all in all i was very disapointed having spent many happy nights at the manbar on various nights

but to be contructive rather than just damning- they need a few more walls or curtains to break up space and so that the back corridor doesnt feel like to only cosy space- more furnishings to make spaces more inviting and lose the feel of a school disco.

I will try it again in a few months but at the moment i cant advise anyone to go there and if it doesnt improve i can see them losing a whole swath of customers including myself.

aug 04 2008