Nuffield Health Barbican Fitness & Wellbeing Centre

Negative experience: Today there was no water available in the facility, which meant that I was not able to shower after my run or fill up a water bottle. This is the first time in 15 years of my life when water was not available in a gym facility. What's worse is that the company announced last week an increase in the monthly membership fee for 2025 (see screenshot). So I get to pay more for worse service!

Fantastic experience: Cleanest gym I've been to.

Positive experience: TECHNOGYM equitment that is disapointinfly neither calibrated, nor has up-to-date software that works with the advertised smartwatches. Otherwise a spacious gym, with a beutifull gym area, sauna and pool. Shame the the premium Gym equitment that should justify the membership fee is not maintained or up-to-date. This seems to be a problem across the nuffied chain.

Fantastic experience: Best gym in London, lovely staff always friendly, plenty of space, & equipment love coming here

Fantastic experience: I have been working with my Personal Trainer, Harry Metcalfe for over 4 months now. Initially to help aid my recovery with an Achillies injury, Harry has focused on helping me achieve new goals, making every session challenging, rewarding and enjoyable. Each session is built to personal objectives, with a variety and range of many exercises, equipment and weights that I was not only unaware of, but now able to enjoy between my sessions too. My fitness, strength, agility and wellbeing has increased noticeably and I am happy and more confident with myself. I recommend Harry to anyone looking for great quality personal training, that can be tailor made to your goals.

Positive experience: Great gym, when it's quiet to moderately busy. When it's busy, it's a bit of a mess.... Classes seem to take priority re: equipment, people performing exercises for the class don't give a cr@p about people working out around them. Also, instruction on the punch bags can be really amusing.... You don't learn striking skills at Nuffield gym, it's just fancy cardio.

Fantastic experience: I've been a member here for a few years! Great atmosphere and facilities. Sauna, pool, equipment are all kept clean. Only challenge is the ceiling height for pull ups but that's no fault of theirs.

Positive experience: Lovely modern clean Gym with good facilities unfortunately the pool was too narrow and too busy for me.

Positive experience: Very good gym overall, especially at quiet times. Large space could be used better. For example all the benches, barbells and dumb bells are placed in a tiny little area. Classes take place in the main gym area while large studios lie fallow. Why not move things around so more people can use the open areas?

Positive experience: A very nice gym, well kept and well equipped. Most importantly, everyone puts their plates away! Only drawback is the ceiling is a bit low so overhead lifts can be a bit risky if you've long arms. Pool is a bit small but 25m so decent for training in A great gym

Fantastic experience: Lovely gym and great up to date equipment. I am going to give a big thank you to the lady that cleans the women’s changing room, her name is Aretusa. She is doing a great job keeping the area clean and tidy and is so friendly. Not enough credit is given to the cleaning staff as it is just expected so Thank you

Negative experience: The gym is nice and has a sauna and steam room within the changing rooms, which I really enjoy. However, the staff, on average, have been the rudest I've encountered at any Nuffield gym I've visited. Last night, I was drying my hair and packing up five minutes before closing time when the receptionist (Diana, I believe) approached me and told me I needed to leave immediately because she and the staff wanted to go home. I explained that I still had five minutes and would be out by closing time. However, she became aggressive and even threatened to cancel my membership. She then essentially threw me out of the changing room, standing there like a supervisor, watching me as I hurriedly gathered my things. Earlier that same evening, the cleaner had kicked me out of the sauna by shouting at me 20 minutes before closing time, using commands like "Get up," "You have to leave," and "Lights out, leave." Although I complied, as Diana later explained that the sauna closes at 9:30 p.m., the overall behavior of the staff made me feel unwelcome. I don’t believe it’s appropriate for cleaning staff to shout at members and issue commands in that manner. I have raised a complaint with the gym manager, and I hope that situations like this won’t happen to me or any other member again. I would also recommend putting up a clear sign with the business hours to avoid any confusion. Lastly, I am giving one star for the male receptionist who was working the same shift as Diana. He apologized after I explained what had happened in the women’s changing room.

Fantastic experience: Great Gym, Not too busy. Swimming pool and dry sauna.

Fantastic experience: I visited today for the first time as I have a week's pass at this gym. I loved it! The equipment is very up to date and the gym just had a very relaxing atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: Love this gym. The staff are all great, Very welcoming, professional, helpful and friendly. Great range of equipment and even at busy times there’s always space to workout. And the facilities are good including the sauna. Probably my favourite gym I’ve joined. Definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: Took part in the long covid rehabilitation programme, which was led by Emilia T. Couldn't recommend Emilia more if you have long-covid / ME-CFS. She's very personable, knowledgable and was just the advocate I needed to help me better understand and get more on top of my condition. The facilities at Nuffield are fantastic. Overall great experience.

Negative experience: I love the gym, the review has nothing to do with the gym but the cleaner (Aretusa) that I encountered today at the females changing room. I had misplaced my bag but I didn't know at that time and asked her for help to call a manager or someone since I was in a helpless position (I had just come out of shower, had no clothes and no phone). She refused and said it wasn't her responsibility. This is outrageous considering if god forbid I WAS in that situation and alone then I wouldn't be helped. Please- train your staff to be considerate and helpful for gym members who are in panicked situations. Of course I found my bag afterwards and nothing happened, but that behaviour from that cleaner staff was very unexpected and shocking.

Fantastic experience: Good variety of facilities. Not too busy

Fantastic experience: Very clean and friendly atmosphere

Fantastic experience: Probably one of the best and reasonable gyms in central London, near moorgate, Barbican.

Negative experience: Usually when I train at the Nuffield in Bristol we are not required to bring a pad lock as the doors have codes. Naturally I thought the same when trialling out the Barbican one. Whenever I have visited Barbican this week, I have been given one to borrow. Therefore I thought the same when training this evening. However today I was met in an unfriendly manner by Pasquale who told me that they don’t give out padlocks anymore. He then pretended that the policy changed in December and that they didn’t have any. I’ve come from work and have all my valuables with me. This is a huge inconvenience. Due to this treatment, I doubt I will train at this gym again and this is making me strongly consider whether I actually want my Nuffield membership anymore.

Fantastic experience: great gym, good people. classes are fun too. showers are clean and well maintained.

Fantastic experience: I recently participated in the Covid Rehabilitation Programme at Nuffield Barbican, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. The rehabilitation specialist, Emilia, was outstanding—she was not only highly knowledgeable but also exceptionally friendly and supportive. Her uplifting spirit made a significant difference in my recovery journey. The programme was well-structured and tailored to my needs, helping me regain my strength and confidence. I highly recommend Nuffield Barbican for anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate rehabilitation services.

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience in gym. Also enjoy the sauna, steam and jacuzzi facilities .

Fantastic experience: By far better than the GYMBOX which I used for 2 years prior to signing up for this gym (if you aren’t someone who does gym classes regularly)

Fantastic experience: Nuffield barbican is my fave of all the gyms. Huge sauna/steam in each changing room and excellent equipment. Only comment is I wish there were more earlier classes to suit the pre-office gym class crowd.

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym….incredibly well equipped for a city gym where space is a premium. The Technogym kit is great and very up-to-date. Cleanliness is 5* and staff are very friendly…I would highly recommend this club to others.

Positive experience: Great layout of a gym however you should be aware of the lower ceilings throughout most of the gym floor so if you’re hoping to do any exercises that requires height, not the gym for you

Fantastic experience: The best gym I've ever been to! Very clean and well looked after. The staff is very friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them. Great selection of machines, towels and sauna in changing rooms :) This is not my usual location but I'll be back for sure!

Fantastic experience: Luxurious but cozy gym just a minute away from Barbican station. I love the swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna which are all kept pristine. Towels, toiletries and water fountain are provided. All you have to do is bring yourself, a padlock, and your A-game!

Negative experience: The woman in reception is probably the rudest person I've ever met. I can see other reviews about her here too, Nuffield has gone massively downhill. They charge a premium but treat their customers like trash. Left my card at home and was turned away and accused of lying to her. It's 2024, why is there even a card system in place? Ofcourse we will sometimes forget it. Reception staff overhaul or in depth training required or people will just move gyms

Negative experience: Far too crowded. Often waiting far too long to be able to use machines/equipment.

Negative experience: I wanted to join the gym and went to Nuffield Barbican. I asked for a tour, the receptionist asked me to wait for 30 minutes. Then, a gentleman from the sales team approached me and explained that the club was closing soon, so he couldn't give me a tour as he needed to prepare to close the gym. It seemed like his priority was finishing work by 5pm. If this was the case the receptionist should have told me earlier. I requested to only see the gym as that the main attraction. His answer was no and asked for me to come another day. No appointment just to show up. Really bad customer service

Positive experience: I have been a member at this gym since it opened but am about to quit. It is has become suddenly ridiculously overcrowded. I can no longer access equipment. The pool and spa is becoming too busy to use. On top of this the prices have just gone up. Shame as I used to like coming here but now instead of looking forward to my workout I’m dreading it. It shouldn’t have to be like that. I tried to raise with management but they say there is nothing they can do. EDIT: increased rating because the gym floor staff, trainers and cleaners are all doing a great job. The place is still way too crowded but no gym in this area will limit the number of memberships they sell so it is unfair to judge Nuffield alone on this. Considering the challenges of finding a space and getting on the equipment, vast majority of other members are cooperative and friendly.

Negative experience: Overgrowded. Used to be great. They have now moved other club members to this gym and it’s almost impossible to have a proper workout, most classes are overbooked, and the bathrooms need more regular cleaning.

Fantastic experience: La meilleure salle de sport que j’ai testé, le centre est très bien tenu et très propre. La piscine/jacuzzi/sauna est un vrai plus et les cours sont diversifiés.

Fantastic experience: Usually quite.

Fantastic experience: I visited the gym on Saturday noon, which is likely to be a peak time, but there was plenty of space – it wasn't packed at all. The equipment is very new, and the range of it is great too. I loved the layout of the gym floor, with each area separated from the other, allowing for some privacy.

Positive experience: Good facility but the spa pool is very cold and they’ve turned the temperature down. I was told they’re trying to save energy because of the Ukraine Russia war but at the same time there’s 2 saunas and 2 steam rooms for male and female. Why can’t you just use 1 sauna and 1 steam room and ramp up the heat on the spa pool and you’ll save money, and keep everyone happy.

Positive experience: Ok place

Fantastic experience: Not gonna lie: This place is literally my spiritual home. They have everything, sauna, spa, pool, rehab room, nice staff…couldn’t say anything wrong about it. Been there, love there

Positive experience: I've been a member of this gym for months now. It is really clean and well-organised. Equipments are in great condition and the pool is nice, too.

Fantastic experience: I have had the pleasure of visiting the Nuffield (Barbican Branch) and I must say, my experience has always been outstanding. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by a knowledgeable and friendly staff called Zack. He always provides excellent customer service and goes above and beyond to ensure that the customers have everything they need and more. He really understands how to deliver service towards customers on behalf of Nuffield Health. His strong aptitude for customer service is what keeps me coming to this gym. You can always tell that it is extremely important to him that the customers come first and he always goes that extra mile to do everything possible to make the customers' requests come to life. His strong aptitude for customer service is what keeps me coming to this gym. Their clean workout environment, exceptional service, expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction have earned my trust and loyalty. I highly recommend this place!!!

Fantastic experience: This gym has newly opened. This was earlier a site of virgin fitness. All equipment is new and latest. Latest wattbikes are there as well. Specious and no dearth of things you will need. Highly recommended. For those coming by train, it’s right in front of Barbican station. Has a swimming pool and Spa as well.

Fantastic experience: Best Nuffield gym I have been to so far. Clean, all equipment is clean and the hydro pool is amazing.

Fantastic experience: A big fan of this Nuffield! They have 3 massive studios, 2 of them have video screens so you can have a class taught to you on demand video, very clever! There's a running track around the gym too, which is something different and a nice touch. The pool is great, I enjoy my swims there, and the facilities are clean and well maintained. There's a steam and sauna in both changerooms.

Fantastic experience: Nice place. Busy pool & you can accidentally clash with other lane swimmers but the Gym is fantastic. Nice jacuzzi.

Fantastic experience: Well managed gym. Staff are lovely. Facilities are very good. Classes I have tried have been good. Best overall gym I have been to.

Positive experience: Overall quite good but the pool can be crazy at times. The fast lane gets super busy or is closed for swimming lessons regularly making everyone use the slow lane which is awful and can be dangerous. Fire evacuations are not well managed.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and facilities.

Fantastic experience: Great service. I’m sure all specialists are great but my experience with Jon Gill - Outpatient Physiotherapy Lead - was above and beyond: depth of care, attention to all detail, reassurance, holistic approach (mental, physical, behavioral), humor :) Fantastic!

Negative experience: My recent visit to Barbican Nuffield Gym left me thoroughly dissatisfied. Gabriela Pelikanova's patronizing attitude during our legitimate booking was disheartening. Despite having proof, she accused us of fraud and asserted the right to refuse service without providing a valid reason. The lack of clarity on policies adds to the frustration. I would strongly caution against choosing this gym and recommend exploring alternatives.

Positive experience: Super high spec gym but only issue is minimal room for pull ups given low ceiling height.

Fantastic experience: The facility make me get my confidence. Better gym equipment, personal trainers and physiotherapy are friendly and they give good quality tips for my recovery. The place is very clean and better environment

Negative experience: When I attempted to use a 7 day pass using the code in my text message and my ID, OLIVER at the front desk said " this is an expensive gym" indicating I can't enter with the code. I felt he was racist and only spoke to me like that because he felt I didnt belong there as an ethnic person. My colleague used the code only yesterday and had no issues yet I'm told its an expensive gym and cannot enter with the code. His attitude was condescending and arrogant. I'm actually shocked.

Fantastic experience: I'm a tad biased as teach yoga here but have to say the facilities are incredible. As a PT I relish using the equipment after class, it's extensive and also plenty for rehab or injury prevention. I especially enjoy the stretch machines to gauge both hamstring and hip flexor flexibility along with the trigger point release massage guns and so much more. There's even a running track and every single piece of equipment you can imagine. The spa is also delicious.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and swimming pool. Modern equipment and not busy. I have had a really good time.

Fantastic experience: Good to see the old Virgin Active space fulfilled to it's potential.. new equipment, loads of space and clean

Positive experience: Very good fun with lots of new, high quality machines. The pool facilities are great. Not giving 5* as there is sometimes issues with the air-con and the lockers should really be updated to have codes like Cannon Street.

Positive experience: Great facility however some areas of the gym were too humid and warm due to the pool. No mirrors in some of the weight training areas as well.

Fantastic experience: The best gym in Zone 1 by far. Also good price for locals.

Negative experience: I wanted to try this with a view to joining. Unfortunately, the swimming pool was too warm and only offers 2 lanes, one of which is of irregular shape. The water is also above the recommended temperature (26,5 Centigrade) for adults to swim. The warning flags for backstrokers were not there. So, I swam in fear of hitting my head against the wall. Worst of all, there was no lifeguard. According to my partner, there was a disclaimer put up somewhere that usage of the pool is at own risk. I was not able to see this since I take off my glasses in the changing rooms, however, I doubt that such a disclaimer would cover them from a legal point of view if things came to worst. As long as they charge people to use it and include it in the membership package, they ought to make sure that use of the pool is safe. I am afraid I could never recommend anyone to swim in a less-than-safe swimming pool. Sauna and steam room are in the changing rooms, meaning that couples cannot enjoy a session together. There was someone in her gym leggings and top in the female sauna. I hope she hadn't wiped all the machines in the gym with it before she hit the sauna. Gym good. Sadly, I was the target of rudeness by the cleaner in the changing rooms. She shouted at me for leaving a CLEAN AND UNUSED ROLLED UP BY RECEPTION STAFF towel on the benches. After I told her that it was clean and someone else might need to use it, she shouted at me to put the towel in the basket next time because she's had enough of people taking a shower and throwing the towels in the changing rooms. Obviously, that was not what I had done at all. Next to this clean towel a used and dirty one had been thrown. It became obvious that the woman who had left it was the cleaner's friend, obviously, she was not shouted at or challenged about it but rather a friendly greeting was extended to her. Clearly, there is a double standard and lack of respect for customers here. I absolutely cannot tolerate to be targeted for rudeness and abuse by your staff and be charged for it on top of this. It spoilt the entire work-out and is the main thing that I will remember Nuffield Health for. Overall, thank you for letting us try your facilities for 3 days for free but we will not be joining and were surprised to come across so many problems in just 3 days. Lastly, I think that everyone should pay the same membership for the gym regardless of where they live. I would not be happy to be discriminated against and pay a higher price for not residing in the area. UPDATE: This review was posted here three times before. But has been deleted without any notification or response. I am now reposting it.

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff ......just opposite station...so easy to get to and great facilities

Fantastic experience: Great facility, great staff, great location, no pain, no gain.

Fantastic experience: Great gym, good location. It has one the best jacuzzi with swimming, suna and steam suna, always clean especially the changing the room there is someone constantly cleaning the area, staff are always welcoming and helpful at the front desk,

Fantastic experience: Went to visit Barbican branch of Nuffield with my partner as we're connect Members (didn't know about this lovely perk) and had a great time working out in their large branch. Wide open space, designed in an oval shape centred around the swimming pool in the middle, with a race track around it, with weights and machines situated around the gym. Slightly confusing if it's your first time, so would be great if the front desk gave directions for non home members. A suggestion would be when the pool gets busy, fast swimmers stay in the fast lane and don't come to the medium or slow lanes for that matter. Had a guy thinking he was the next best thing since Michael Phelps in the medium paced lane and kept over taking people - asked him to go to the fast lane as he keeps splashing people whilst over taking - didn't take the suggestion too well. His partner then said the same thing and he moved, then he continued to do the same thing in the fast.lane and annoy the other patrons - so they dialled up the speed and gave him some serious competition to put him in his place. Otherwise all round a nice diverse experience, great gym, beautiful location would certainly recommend to try this branch!

Fantastic experience: Great set up, loads of space and equipment. Nice, clean and tidy changing rooms. Spa pool is amazing with strong jets. Sauna and steam rooms in both changing rooms as well.

Fantastic experience: As a visitor I think this facility has everything and sad I’m not a local to join this gym I heard the premium is so low compared to US equinox

Fantastic experience: Top quality Olympic standard equipment, not too busy, never need to wait, cheaper than similar quality gyms

Fantastic experience: One of the best Gym in the city. Steam room sauna and big SPA are the cherry on the top. Squash and cycle playground and doctors a lot of space for workout and very cool machine for upper and lower body. For me is very convenient too because upstate I have my office but if you looking for a great place you can be more than satisfied. The staff is friendly and very caring.

Fantastic experience: Great spa pool, sauna and pool. Could do with a slightly bigger free weights area, and I would love gender neutral saunas so I can sauna together with my partner. Aside from that, all you could want from a Nuffield and a gym.

Negative experience: A dark pit. Ceilings are very low, swimming pool is a bathtub

Negative experience: This club was far better when it was run under Virgin Active, it’s gone downhill since Nuffield took over.

Fantastic experience: Fab

Fantastic experience: Nuffield Barbican is By far the best gym I have been to the staff are amazing and very friendly and the gym it self is immaculate. I would like to mention a particular member of staff who I have trained with Jon. O he is one of the best, friendly funny and his customer service is amazing. I would highly recommend Jon to anyone!! if your thinking about joining a gym I would strongly recommend Nuffield

Positive experience: Expensive, medium quality

Negative experience: The man's showers are covered in black mould. Is everywhere, on the walls, ceiling, etc

Fantastic experience: Spacious gym. Worth a visit!

Positive experience: Steps to small swimming pool (2 lanes swimming) . Not suitable for disabled people. One little step to the steam room. Was very quiet during the week.

Fantastic experience: Swimming pool, gym around the pool with windows viewing it, steam room, sauna, massage guns, a body fat measuring inbody machine and much more stuff not in your usual gym :)

Positive experience: Solid gym- good layout. Big sauna. BB.

Fantastic experience: I went to nuffield Barbican with a free day pass. The Gym is very big and clean. with a swimming pool and sauna. The staff and management are very nice and helpful

Fantastic experience: The gym is great, with excellent facilities. However, I believe it is a bit overrated to charge people £130 per month when they offer the same facilities that other leisure centers provide (i.e., sauna, steam room) and their membership is around £50-60. What made my experience so unique, though, is that my trainer is the best that I have ever had in my life. Emilia is friendly, caring, and very professional. I can't describe in words the effort that she put into making me reach my true potential and the confidence that I built thanks to her when working out. I highly recommend her. She is incredible.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing gym. Great layout, spacious. New and great equipment, weights and machines. Sled pull/push machine. Boxing bags. Sauna steam and nice swimming pool. Percushion massagers available. Extremely clean, plush. Friendly staff. Highly recommend :)

Positive experience: Recently started a pain management course at Nuffield center at the Barbican. I was immediately impressed with the facilities here. Apart from the main gym area there is also a rehab room with machines and free weights. There is a swimming pool and saunas in the changing rooms. Hundreds are lockers are also available. Membership is quite pricey starting at £90 a month. However if you break it down it works out at £3 per day which is pretty good value.

Fantastic experience: Quick

Negative experience: Poor experience with booking system. Booked for physio - cancelled things in my diary to attend appointment on time, but was double booking, but nobody thought to notify me of this error

Fantastic experience: Great place for training

Fantastic experience: Pretty decent, but I was there once, after work. Not too crowded, happy with the equipment and a pilates session. Warm water in the swimming pool.

Positive experience: Amazing Gym! However only giving a 3 star for the following reasons. The gym is in the city, where people wear suits and look smart, however there is no Iron in place to be able to press clothes after travelling with them in your bag, so you either have to go to work looking scruffy and unkempt or go to the cousin lane gym which also has a tumble dryer or moorgate which has two irons. It's a real bug bare considering I think a lot of people would attend (especially in the morning) for small factors like this. 2. It's supposed to be 'flagship' though you still have to take a padlock with you. I've only seen this in the Manchester on which is also a bit dates and the Shoreditch one which awful anyways. Other than that .. very good gym! Small features would be like an iron or tumble dryer ( which are little expense to a company charging £130 a month for membership) would add a little touch to the user experience. Hope to see them here soon!

Negative experience: Made me sign the contract under false pretenses, saying that I could bring my boyfriend everytime after I told him he’ll be visiting from abroad every 2 months for 10 days and then telling me I can only bring him once once I brought him. I’m also surprised by the cleanliness regulations, as it’s not mandatory to clean the work out Items nor to put a towel underneath you. The yoga mats are very dirty sometimes as are the benches. The different areas are very often out of cleaning towels so I can’t even clean before I use stuff. I already wrote a note in a “costumer happiness box”, where they “will get in touch asap”. This didn’t happen so I found the need to post a review.

Positive experience: Amazing

Fantastic experience: Spacious. Equipment is widely available during peak hours and classes always have spaces (probably because venue is newish and people aren't aware of it). I like that the sauna and steam rooms are in the changing rooms. Would be better if the lockers were electronic.

Fantastic experience: Great gym, lovely pool and friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: Lovely facilities. Only complaint pool was really cold

Fantastic experience: Top staff and facilities

Fantastic experience: Very nice gym, full equipped but the pool is too small in my opinion. Suggestion: do not give access to more than 6 people ... schedule their attendance...did not really enjoyed it with other 10 persons...

Fantastic experience: Best gym I’ve been to in London.

Positive experience: Went for Covid testing and they were efficient. Didn’t try gym, however. Staff seemed friendly.

Fantastic experience: Its amazing