You cannot judge a book by its cover. A lovely place from the outside, but unfortunately it is run…read moreby a bunch of imbecile muppets. We had booked the NCP9 lifeguarding course for my daughter in February 2023, which was due to start during May 29th half term. She turned up for the course only to be told that the course had been cancelled. No apologies from the course management for the cancellation nor as to why we weren't informed of it at first. If we had known this earlier, we would have organised an alternative. Now, her plans and half term have been ruined thanks to a parade of incompetent dimwits. As for the refund, the staff have to speak to their head office about reimbursing the money (which they were more than happy to take). Hadn't they thought of speaking to us about the cancellation first?!?

I've been using this pool for a number of years, all the way back to when I first moved to Harborne…read morein the late 1990s. Back then, Harborne pool was a fairly run down (but nevertheless charming) Victorian pool - with a high glass ceiling and changing rooms that lined the pool. I really used to enjoy swimming there - it was very peaceful. This recently opened new centre on the site of the old pool is also very good. It is BRAND NEW, and you can tell. The facilities are excellent and the pool is first class. They have also added a gym on the 2nd floor which makes the whole building look very impressive when you drive past. I've not used the gym, but judging by how busy the exercise bikes and running machines are in the wide window that overlooks the road, the gym is very popular also.

So, the Cube hasn't been around for -very- long in Birmingham, but I hadn't had a chance to…read moreproperly check it out as yet. As I very rarely come to the Mailbox area of the City (this probably stems from being a student and not being able to afford to come here), when I saw an offer for Afternoon Tea; I thought it was about time to get down and properly have a nose. I was looking for an excuse to meet up with my friend (Lula Belle of http://www.glamourinthecounty.com/) for sparkly and chats, it was a good an excuse as any to book up and invite her down to join me. First thing of note, the renovations/work that is currently going on in the Mailbox has made it a darn confusing place to be. Rather than going in the main entrance, we had to walk around the side of the building and then travel the escalators to then go down the stairs to get to the Bridge for the Cube. This, however, was only the start of our incredible journey to find the Lounge in the Cube. Once we had got in the Cube, we went down to the ground floor (where the are is most visible) just to realise all the doors are closed off. There was signs on the doors advising us to go the level 6 though. "Great!" we thought and toddled off. Are there any signs telling you what floor you're on? No, No there aren't. After finding an exit had been closed off (for more work), we finally found a friendly security guard who advised how we could get to the Club and spa (up the escalators, around the building, along the bridge and down yet more stairs). Once we had finally got into the building, however, it was worth the trek. We were greeted at the smart reception (by a gigantic climbing wall, who knew that was there?) by a friendly member of staff who gave us directions to get through the warren like building to reach the cafe/bar. Once we had reached it, it was like a little breath of fresh air. Greeted by bright purples and yellows with fabulous design details and obvious cleanliness and care; we knew this was the right place to be. Once we had confirmed our reservation, we were asked whether we would prefer tea or coffee, if we had any allergies and whether we wanted sweet Prosecco (the answers were coffee, no and Of Course!). We found ourself some comfy high backed chairs towards the back of the venue and sat back to await our Afternoon Tea. First thing of note, I have never HAD afternoon tea before. As another hit in my "Festival of First's" activities, I thought this might be one I would really enjoy (spoiler alert: I wasn't disappointed). The coffee and Prosecco was delivered within a couple of minutes. The coffee was hot, strong and delicious. The staff (and the company) was wonderful throughout the whole experience. As soon as we had finished a pot of coffee, it was refilled and bought back promptly. The selection of finger sandwiches, cream scones (with fresh fruit and jam) and cakes were fresh and delicious (and we were given just the right amount). We were booked in for tea at 3pm. By 6pm, we were still sitting and enjoying the chilled out atmosphere (as well as the last of the coffee). Even though the venue closed at 6pm, we weren't once hurried out or asked to move on. The food, staff and overall experience was fantastic. As a note to the Cube though; better signage would be a good idea!

I managed to get a good deal for a day spa visit here for my mums birthday for the both of us. The…read morestaff were welcoming on arrival even though we did have to call twice to find out how to get there as neither of us had been there before! There is a good size changing room for women, with showers and hairdryers. The pool would seem to be too small for swimming lengths but good for relaxing, which I'm sure is the point of a spa. There are 2 jets which massage your back while your in the pool, though initially they can feel slightly harsh you do get used to it. There are showers by the pool to rinse off afterwards. There are also two saunas (at different temperatures) and a steamroom. Around the corner is a chill out area with pods which can fit in two persons. It is very relaxing. Our day visit included lunch but to get to it we had to walk back through the main reception, which was strange. It also felt rather weird to eat while in a dressing gown while others are fully clothed. People don't seem to walk by the fully glass walls that often but I did feel slightly uncomfortable being in a dressing gown. It was quiet which was nice and there were sofas so you could relax with a glass of wine. The wine cost more than I expected to pay but then I realised it was a spa in city centre Birmingham. We had facial included in the price and got a pedicure for extra. The staff were very knowledgeable when it came to the facial and they took care considering my nose job. The young lady talked me through the process beforehand and tailored the facial to suit my personal needs. It was very relaxing and my skin felt fabulous afterwards. The pedicure included a nice glass of champagne and a massage. It was worth it and the nail polish lasted ages! The day was perfect but did not last long enough but came out feeling very relaxed. It was the best way to end the week.

This sauna caters to the gay,bi and open minded male market. It's really clean, well designed and…read morehas excellent facilities. First time users get free membership, and then pay a per-visit admission charge. In addition to sauna, steam room, jucuzzi and shower facilities there is also internet access - inclusive within the admission cost, as well as free coffee and tea refreshments. The staff and clientele are friendly, and will show first time users around, if they wish. Fresh towels are available too, which is refreshing when you may have worked up a sweat whilst there.

I booked myself in to have the Java body wrap which provides firming and slimming results…read more When I got there, they measured my body taking note of my current body size. Then I had to put on some very attractive paper pants before the lady started to wrap me up using lots of bandages that had been soaked in what can only be described as a clay like substance. They were left on for around 60 minutes whilst I was left to lay on the bed and relax. Afterwards I was measured again and I had lost a combined total of 5 inches from different parts of my body. Very impressive.

Beth is the most amazing massage therapist. She has helped me with back, neck, and shoulder issues,…read morewhich are aggravated by my hours behind a computer. The spa itself has been refurbished, and there are now some amazing new treatments rooms (including a double room for couples/friends). This is a dry spa so there are no wet rooms/sauna etc. It is a restful, peaceful place to visit, and has a lovely team there. Worth signing up to their newsletter online so that you get sent a discount code for your first treatment.