Kink in the United Kingdom

Greetings lovers and losers.

As per My introductory post, I have been a Pro-Domme in the UK for the last five years. I know stuff about the UK.

As this board seems predominantly USA based, feel free to make general comments about kink in the UK in this thread or ask general questions about coming to the UK such as dungeon hire, kink shopping, etc.

Please note: My opinions are biased

Slaves note: if you ask which Domina I would reccommend, guess who I'll tell you? Feel free to do your own homework otherwise

I for one am glad to see a European presence on this board and I look forward to your insights.

The one thing that I noticed when I sessioned in London dungeons on a visit a few years ago was that poppers were used in both dungeons I worked in. The majority of the subs I saw there requested poppers. We don't get much call for them (I don't think the ones sold in the shops here have the same ingredients as UK brands) and usually it's someone traveling from Europe that requests them. Personally I am glad it's not popular here because the stuff smells vile. ;-)

You do have some amazing dungeons - exceptionally well equipped and it was a treat to session there.

Indeed Ayn. I am a dual national so I notice major session differences/preferences when sessioning in Europe as opposed to North America.

CP and poppers are much more in demand in the UK and other parts of Europe compared to North America. Acutally, I don't think I've ever used poppers in a session in North America (and if I did I would have made them supply it themselves as I wouldn't typically have it in stock). UK on the other hand... its like one in three.

As for dungeons for hire in London...there are some great ones!

London is the best City for forcedbi and other CFNM parties.

This is such a fascinating thread!

I am looking to travel to London and Dubai in late winter or perhaps early spring, depending on obligations. The London part will be mostly social, but I have been thinking about setting up around two to four sessions while there. Any advice on the difference between doing this in the U.K. versus the U.S.?

I will probably spend more time shopping, and plan to visit Fetters for BDSM gear and What Katie Did for lingerie. Any other must-shop places?

I am sure Lady Bellatrix can give you much more useful advice that I can but I did session in two different dungeons while there. One was West End Dungeon http://westend-dungeon.co.uk/ which is rented by the hour just like here in the U.S. I think it was 50 pounds an hour. The other was Better than a Bed which was a bed and breakfast type dungeon. http://www.betterthanabed.com/ I rented that by the day and also stayed there. The proprietress was a hoot to hang out with.

Both were very conveniently located. I was advised to stay in Central London and I believe they were both in W1. Both were very well equipped, but Better than a bed was more atmospheric.

I made contact with these dungeons well ahead of time and asked all the pertinent questions. A colleague of mine got a nasty surprise at a dungeon there recently when she had to pay up front to book. Yikes.

Thank you! I will look into those once I know travel dates.

Hello Mistress Genesis,

The main difference between sessioning in the UK vs USA in my opinion is the law. I know legalities differ from state to state with some places being stricter than others. But in the UK you're pretty much ok. No one out here uses the referencing system much. And one thing you'll have to watch out for is the unfortunate but extreme volume of timewasters. Find a way to take a deposit and operate a strict no deposit = no session rule.

As for shops, I hope you have a slave footing the bill! London is super expensive and with the exchange rate on the dollar, you will probably find every thing expensive.

Economics aside, I recommend the following:

- Regulation near Angel tube: they carry Fetters products, and although they are aimed at the male market, they will have all the impliments you'll need. It reminds me a lot of Mister S in SF

- Libidex near Covent Garden tube: great selection of "off the peg" latex and great staff who will chat and tell you what's going on in London

- Coco de Mer also Covent Garden: kind of like a high end BDSM boudoir selling lingerie and and kink friendly fashion. Pricey.

- there are countless other latex shops to hit: Atskudo, Breathless, Honour and more...

Hope that helps!

Bxx

I cannot comment either way on the West End Dungeon as a rental as I have neither been there nor do I know Mistress Vanessa.

I have worked out of Better than a Bed once. Agreed, that is it quite atmospheric and well equipped. It is often booked up well in advance.

I also highly recommend Blue Door Dungeon in Angel which is run by Master Jason. The rate is £50/hr and he does a deal if you book 4 hours. http://www.bluedoordungeon.co.uk/ it is My favourite place to rent in London. He is lovely to deal with. However, he does also get very booked up so advance notice is required.

Hope that helps.

Bxx