Kenwood Ladies' Bathing Pond — Local services in London

I rarely write reviews, but was openly discriminated against by this establishment and want to make sure others know what kind of establishment it is before choosing to attend.

I love cold water swimming and my friend loves this pond, so I was excited to experience the place. I’m a queer-presenting person who has always been allowed into women’s only spaces. I read and followed all rules posted on the very detailed rules board in front of the gate. I entered with my friend, paid entry, changed into my swimsuit (swim shorts and no top because I’ve had a complete double mastectomy), and walked outside to take a dip. We were being respectful and quiet patrons.

I was stopped immediately before entering the water by 2 workers, that quickly became 5 or 6, almost the entire staff. They staunchly and intensely argued that I need to wear a swim top regardless of my chest having no breast tissue or nipples, and regardless of my strong discomfort with their request. They claimed repeatedly that it was a rule, but could not produce a rule stating this. I was wearing a swimming costume appropriate for my body and no rule or sign specifies that people with a body like mine must wear a top. I have been to all-women’s spaces before and have never had an issue like this. The staff’s claims included that it’s a “city of London rule,” and that “in the entire world a women’s swimming costume includes a top.”

Their insistence was so strong that it went on for maybe 10-15 minutes before I finally realized there was nothing they could physically do, so I got in the water against their wishes. It was a lovely swim, completely bittered by the entire staff making it clear that someone with a body like mine is not welcome there.

The extremity of the number of staff involved and their unwavering insistence is what made this occurrence very obviously discriminatory against me as a queer and trans appearing person. I would not recommend you come here or support this establishment if you are a queer person, queer-presenting, or ally until the staff culture has...

I can appreciate that it may not be the easiest to manage a queuing and booking system but it does not excuse the staff from their rude and controlling behaviour. I arrived today asking whether they might accept walk-ins in case no shows arrive, as they usually do, and honestly, the staff acted like I was trying to get into Berghain. I didn’t mind waiting so I sat on the bench, but was promptly told to leave and not to sit on the bench as it was confusing for them to manage those booked in vs those walking in. They were unnecessarily rude about it but I just brushed it off. When I came back at the time they’d specified, a dozen people had already queued up (somehow they were permitted to sit on the bench). The staff then scolded another visitor who had come to ask a question because the visitor wanted to leave for 5 minutes before joining the queue (apparently she was not allowed - wild) and told her off for not wearing shoes because ‘she should be wearing shoes walking around’. Everyone around was shocked by her behaviour and it created a really negative vibe to an otherwise lovely place. When sunbathing after my swim, multiple other visitors were expressing that the staff is unnecessarily rude as well. Maybe figure out how to manage a queue while also being kind! It’s a lovely place and it’s a shame the...

I recently visited Kenwood Ladies' Pond and was faced with racial discrimination. As a dark-skinned black woman, I was called out and told I wasn't a strong swimmer in a space that was predominantly occupied by white women, with an entirely white staff. My white friend, who was swimming at the same level as me, was not approached or questioned at all.

Upon entering the water, I took my time adjusting to the cold, which might have influenced my initial movements. However, during the entire hour I spent there, I swam confidently and comfortably without any issues. Despite this, I was singled out, while my friend was left alone.

I have swum in the mixed pond many times without ever being singled out or questioned, which makes this incident even more disheartening. It’s evident to me that the staff at Kenwood Ladies' Pond could benefit from unconscious bias training. The assumption that black people cannot swim is a harmful stereotype that has no place in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

I hope this feedback is taken seriously, as everyone deserves to enjoy the pond without being subjected to discriminatory...