2 /5 Shandelle B: Disappointing Experience in an Otherwise Beautiful Space
This was my third visit to Inner Studio — and unfortunately, a second disappointment.
My first visit was marred by inconsiderate guests who were rating women’s bodies amongst other things, but since that could have been a once off, I decided to give them another chance. The second time was a much better experience as I did one of the breathing classes followed by the cold plunge and sauna. I suspect this brings in a very different crowd as I honestly had such a wonderful experience that time.
This time, though, it wasn’t unruly patrons but a group filming professional content for Instagram - complete with a cameraman! If you’re going to host a shoot with footballers, the least you could do is let those with a pre-existing booking know or do it after hours.
The last thing paying guests want while sitting in a pool or sauna is to overhear off-season banter from the forward-line or be asked to move aside for the next shot. This wasn’t a few casual selfies - they were filming a podcast at one point.
The warehouse itself is a beautiful space, but the experience continues to be undermined by poor management and a lack of professionalism.
Inner Studio feels less like a thoughtfully run wellness business and more like a place for its owners to host mates, film content, and chase a vibe, rather than deliver a consistent guest experience.
I read a review from an LGBTQI patron who discussed the lack of non-gendered changing spaces. While I can’t speak to that broader issue I did however feel during this visit that this is twice I’ve felt a definitive “bro” energy and lack of sensitivity to the atmosphere could make the space feel unwelcoming or exclusionary to some guests.