Sobell Leisure Centre image

Sobell Leisure Centre

Sports complex Recreation center Indoor playground Leisurecentre Ice skating rink

One of the Most Reviewed Recreation centers in London


Address

Tollington Rd, London N7 7NY, United Kingdom

Website

www.better.org.uk

Contact

+44 20 7609 2166

Rating on Google Maps

4.10 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Monday: 6:30 am to 10 pm
  • Tuesday: 6:30 am to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 6:30 am to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 6:30 am to 10 pm
  • Friday: 6:30 am to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: centre (14) staff (14) play (12) time (11) soft (8) trampoline (8) kids (8) session (7) good (7) area (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Terry H. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice centre but couldn't use the showers as they wanted to close at the same time as our ice hockey session finished. So had to go home sweaty and smelly. Paid to use the facilities but wasn't allowed, hence the 1 stars rating
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ananda F. 2 years ago on Google
    Booked a party there for 20 children: £400. Email communication was abysmal. I had to go there personally, twice. Phone is not an option. (Only did it because my kid was very keen.) Kids enjoyed the trampolining, but food quality was poor, asking for extra squash was a bother, switching off the lights to sing happy birthday didn’t happen. The parties are booked back to back, staff is stressed, unapologetic and shouted at my guests to hurry up 5 min before we were suppose to leave - I didn’t think we were late at all. Uncalled for. Never again.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Niamh O S. 8 months ago on Google
    Soft play - the centre is still very much bare bones from the flooding last year. Went today for the first time and truthfully they shouldnt be putting on scheduled play time. Its a room with gymnastic mats, a few soft shapes and balls. Also no lift to get the buggy up/downstairs. Someone helped me with the buggy going up and I was fine coming down but I only have 1 baby but othees may struggle. I look forward to visitng when its renovated.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 karoon taekwondo Academy K. 5 years ago on Google
    Fantastic GYM in Isligton and London friendly club with good management Thanks for All people work at the sobeil leisure centre We are run taekwondo at Center very happy Recomind to All family to live be in Isligton can found All Activity in the gym London taekwondo
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 A F. 3 years ago on Google
    Very expensive. Bad mannered staff. Would not come again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Tiffany M. 1 year ago on Google
    Used to love this place, been coming here for years. But last weekend was the last straw. My son is nonverbal autistic and was treated disgustingly by the employee of this centre. I have seen many other reviews on other sites also complaining of untrained and incompetent staff, as well. Obviously there is a trend. The heavy set black woman with the furry fake eyelashes has earned a formal complaint from me, due to her grievously unprofessional attitude and behaviour in the soft play.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Luke W. 4 years ago on Google
    Today is a hot day and it's hotter in here than it is outside. Payed for little one to use the soft play area and we were both ridiculously hot and sweaty within 10 mins. The air conditioning is non existent and I'm actually surprised this place is allowed to be open in this condition. The soft play itself is fantastic but please sort out the temperature.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Herrera-Bardi S. 2 years ago on Google
    Well, it is okaaaayish..I am very particular about hygiene, the toilets have to be inviting to use, fresh and clean. I did not see any buffet, to buy drinks, or snacks.. The play are is good. I think some fresh air would be great and natural light. Sorry for this review, but I think improvement is necessary specially there are many activities running in this centre. I wish you all the best.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Mrs �. 2 years ago on Google
    It was a bit hard to find the number to buy the parking ticket (we aren't local!), but the centre itself was great. We had booked a trampoline session for the kids, though there was a lot of rush and confusion with where to go, and where to buy the socks etc. The staff were friendly, though the safety video was not something being particularly watched by anyone in the group. Make sur RTO take kids to the bathroom before jumping, as they have to go all the way around the building to follow the one way system back to use them once their session has started! It's very difficult to understand what is being announced on the loudspeaker, though staff often translate on the floor luckily!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dexter M. 7 months ago on Google
    Gymnastics is amazing my teachers are so supportive 1 day I got front handspring on the table vault
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Mr C. 10 months ago on Google
    This place has changed ever so much since I was a kid. Tha5s going back 25 years, I used to go everywhere and they also had special offers and prices for half-term all day passes for kids. Not sure if they do that anymore. I.took my daughter to the trampoline Park, I must say it is a heck of a lot of fun BUT get your fitness up as you don't realise how tired and shorting jumping around can be. Good little waiting area, good for parties, I would just suggest that when waiting to go in that the team ard a bit more speedy, those running late to the allocated time slot should loose time, you shouldn't make everyone wait for 1 or 2 people to hurry up. Staff are a bit uncaring but you only see them when you go in n that's it so not a big deal. Overall I would bring my kids again to the trampoline park. Update: now not reopening the ice rink, very sad news! Lost 1 star
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M M. 8 months ago on Google
    Ive gone trampolining with my school friends. They give you grippy socks and do a presentation in front of a tv to teach u the rules. it was fun, good memories!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 optimisticrealism x. 4 months ago on Google
    It's under refurbishment so although open,lots closed and limitations as to what you can do, the reception staff are quite unwelcoming and butch, mainly one. The soft play is such a big space but has barely anything in it, it had a few soft building pads,a large entertaining connect four stand up unit and a tiny ball pit with lots of balls...and that's it..needless to say my child got bored after 20minutes, and we lasted 30 mins, don't know that I'd go back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lexy A. 1 year ago on Google
    Use to come here for years as it’s quite local to me. I tend to opt for the gym, steam and occasional classes which on most occasions have been a pleasant experience. My usual visit consists of gym then steam, to which, after a sweaty session working out of course I’ll be hitting the showers before entering the steam facilities. On one notable occasion as I sat quietly, minding my business, enjoying my relaxing steam session. A FAT, nosey, old biddy body abruptly interrupts me …. “Excuse me! You’ve got to shower before you come in here”, shocked at the sheer rudeness I just replied “I have” without giving a thought to retaliate. “Well, I didn’t see you!” OMG is this woman for real?! - she “didn’t see me” because she walked in when I went back into the changing cubicle (as she walked in) prior to entering the steam room and AFTER I had come out the shower to adjust my bikini bottoms as they were almost falling off . I didn’t bother to explain as why should I have to? I just asked her why she was watching me. On other occasions you will come across a bunch of middle aged prunes, hogging the loungers all day, eating fruit they’ve packed for their day out, having a mothers meeting and gossiping about people - I had also been a target once (not sure why but I always seem to attract the weirdos) - all because I’m minding my own business, going in to do what I intend to do (to relax not join in idle gossip). “You can’t be like that in here” one shouted - as they didn’t get a response from me, they make sure you know they are talking about you (highlighting your race etc). Middle aged bullies thinking they own the place in the steam/sauna room, AVOID if you can! Better to use the facilities at the Archway branch. Overall Sobell is a decent centre but ruined by the calibre of people who frequent their steam/sauna facilities.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rosa 3 years ago on Google
    love this place will come again
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 myr4_2k09 2 years ago on Google
    Really fun pace suitable for all ages children and adults. Play facility's and varied activities . making people of all ages feel welcome to play and have fun
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura S. 5 years ago on Google
    Great for kids Brilliant for a rainy day. Can be quite packed but it’s a good size space. There is a separate bit upstairs for under 5s which is still big enough. There is a seating area upstairs looking down into the trampoline area and a kiosk that sells drinks and snacks

  • 5/5 Walking M. 3 months ago on Google New
    Nice atmosphere Professional customer service Clean place Low price Worth it to visit

  • 1/5 Matt B. 3 months ago on Google New
    Staff are friendly and do their best but GLL/Better are killing this place. They've already successfully killed the ice rink... what next?

  • 4/5 Simon H. 2 years ago on Google
    Massive sport centre, we booked squash courts there before finding out they no longer hire our rackets or sell balls. Went to the nearby sports direct on Holloway road to get some squash balls so we could play. The sport centre staff were very helpful.

  • 3/5 Mandy W. 1 year ago on Google
    It is cold. No heat in main area. Apparently 18 degrees in gym but doesn't feel like it. Main door to gym doesn't close properly so can feel breeze coming through. Reason: Bad Water damage last August and some equipment still not fixed. (After 7 months)

  • 4/5 Nadeena 2 years ago on Google
    Visited here a number of times over the years for the trampoline park and Ice skating. The trampoline park is quite over priced for a 45min session but does have some nice features although the slide needs reservicing as there is no slip to it not to mention there is static electricity as you go down it. The lack of slip resulted in me scrapping my arm. The ice rink is lovely and well kept, pricing reasonable too. I think they need to allow customers in slightly earlier as 5mins before an activity isn't enough time to prepare or use the toilet before the activity begins.

  • 2/5 Sabrina T. 2 years ago on Google
    Disappointed with the loss of 15mins trampoline time as it states Jump Time is 60mins but it's actually 45mins once you have checked in and watched the safety video. This wasn't the case before covid. It should be made clear on the website when booking.

  • 5/5 Tunde D. 2 years ago on Google
    Polite staff, great equipments, classes entertaining

  • 1/5 Christian K. 2 years ago on Google
    extremely upset and disheartened. I took my son trampolining with 5 of his friends as a birthday treat. I then tried to set up a cake at an empty table surrounded by other empty tables completely out if the way when a member of staff called Tanya came storming over and said RIGHT I NEED YOU TO PACK EVERYTHING UP RIGHT NOW. I replied oh I'm sorry do you mind if I ask why as I have done this numerous times in the past. She then said the candles were a hazard unless in the special party room. I said OK sure is it as all possible I could please just cut up the cake and give it out to the children as they leave. She then tells me I can't do this as her staff may have nut allergies. I pay a monthly membership and spent £60 on entry for them to bonce plus money on slush and she couldn't even have the decency to talk to me nicely. Presumably because I hadn't spent 100s of pounds on the party room! I have been going to sobell centre since I was a small child and taking my children there since babies, I've paid for so many parties in sobell over the years and set up cakes and never been treated this way. Definitely will be looking for a new center to spend my time and money on. I honestly felt bullied by Tanya what a horrible experience

  • 5/5 Nicolaj S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great experience for the kids and for anyone that likes trampolines. The centre is reasonably well run and maintained.

  • 3/5 moon p. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely leisure centre, with lots on offer. We've been to soft play, gymnastics, ice skating, and there's lots more. Sadly at the moment reduced due to flooding and now repairs. Only reason for three stars instead of 5 are the minging ladies toilets downstairs. They need replacing.

  • 4/5 Yael R. 2 years ago on Google
    Went skating with the kid was great. Not too crowded

  • 1/5 Sanj S. 4 years ago on Google
    I went there from Ilford to find out they were closed the lady put the phone down on me and the website is soo misleading I would not recommend this place to anyone and it is soo bad I am soo angry right now!

  • 4/5 Pandora The Phobia D. 2 years ago on Google
    It was very fun with lots of things to do for all ages. My only problem is that the wipe out is barely ever open, I don't just mean in the session but every time I go, it's closed. I asked a member of staff and they said it wasn't open even though in the safety video, another member of staff said that everything WAS open

  • 2/5 Abda M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very mixed service and frustrating experience. With the exception of Eileen’s body conditioning and cycle classes and Tina’s yoga classes (both trainers are really excellent), other classes regularly start late or are cancelled without notification. The centre charges £3 if you miss a class you’ve booked, yet cancel classes themselves without notification even if you’ve booked - so you may turn up to a cancelled class. The gym also does not have wifi which is unusual.

  • 5/5 Vlad K. 1 year ago on Google
    The trampoline area is one of the best in central London. Definitely recommend a visit. They also have a gym, and ice rink, and other amenities that are usual to Better centres.

  • 5/5 Robyn T. 4 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyed it here

  • 3/5 Marcus W. 1 year ago on Google
    I play squash here with a friend roughly weekly. The courts are decent, though it's a bit of a lottery whether the lights will be on or whether you need to hunt down a staff member to get a token. Staff are generally friendly if a little elusive at times and they could do with having two rather than one at the front desk as queues can build up. The changing rooms are definitely the worst part of this leisure centre - showers sputter at you rather than actually shower you, they often smell and recently there was literally a pair of soiled underwear in them. They also don't feel that clean and the hair dryers in the men's changing room have been broken for months. At £14+ for 40mins, the squash court pricing is also a little steep. Can't comment on the gym or other facilities.

  • 5/5 Sander B. 4 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyable place to take the kids. Bear in mind that the family hours (early morning) offer the best time for the kids, since the later times are more rowdy. I most definitely will visit again soon.

  • 5/5 Dsmantl A. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to a Spin class recommended from a friend.. was proper hardcore! Will be choosing the right time to work up to it as you need to be super fit to come out of it not feeling the burn.. will work up to it in the next few weeks! The teacher was extremely good though! Much respect to Saturday’s spin class!and it’s participants!

  • 5/5 Joseph S. 2 years ago on Google
    My family love the Sobell Leisure Centre, my youngest is always asking to go to the soft play area "the fun ball maze" and my eldest loves either trampolining or ice skating. Theres lots more on offer and available to do but the aforementioned are our regular activities and we always have fun. The staff are always friendly and helpful and the changing areas and toilets are kept in good order on our visits.

  • 4/5 Oo L. 1 year ago on Google
    Good to have a cafe and some sitting areas to chill after playing sports. Toilets are quite often not very clean unfortunately.


Call +44 20 7609 2166 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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