East Ham Leisure Centre - 324 Barking Rd
Hani O I have a mixed review for this place. I’ve only joined 3 weeks ago and these are my thoughts (this is coming from someone who goes there by herself and doesn’t have any kids, and only uses swimming pool + gym):
- Changing rooms aren’t the cleanest. There’s limescale in some parts, especially showers. The first week didn’t smell but for some reason, during my third week, I could smell urine as soon as I walked in. The changing rooms need to be cleaned better and something needs to be put in place so that those who use it, don’t leave it dirty.
- Swimming is ok, I only go in the mornings. Each day, there’s different lanes with different speeds, so if you’re a slow swimmer, you can go in the slow lane for example. I’ve never had any issues of someone “telling me off”, maybe because I was there on my own and I just quietly left after my swim.
- I didn’t really have any communication with the receptionists so I can’t comment on this but the times I’ve asked questions, there was always someone nice enough to respond and explain the things to me. First day of joining was very daunting but one of the lifeguards with a red t-shirt made me feel at ease and explained the rules so that I’d be more familiar (the guy with light brown hair and always smiling).
- I haven’t been to the female gym (yet). But the normal gym has all the basic necessities and plenty of machines and free weights for people to use. Off-peak times are the best as the gyms are usually kinda empty.
Overall, it’s a good place if you aren’t picky and can withstand the dirt of the changing rooms. You can find different activities, follow the rules and get on with your things. However, if you start picking at everything and have other issues then it might become challenging.



