Club Zeus sauna opens with hopes of creating a 'gay social hub and members-only club'
It is opening in the site of the former Boiler Room
A new company is bringing a sauna to Sheffield with plans to create a safe environment for gay and bisexual men.
Club Zeus is set to open with a “pre-launch party” on Friday (August 21) on the site of the former Boiler Room on Saville Street East.
The business, run by Olympus Leisure Limited, is described as a “private men’s sauna” designed for gay and bisexual men.
Announcing the opening on their website, the new company wrote: “Our pre-launch party is planned for Friday, August 21 at 6pm, followed by our full opening on Saturday, August 22 at 12 noon.
“Pre-launch tickets will go on sale online first to Gold members, followed by general online sales. All dates remain subject to change.”
A licencing application sent to Sheffield City Council reveals that the business plans late night alcohol sales, as well as provisions for playing films and recorded music between 11am to 3am every day.
They have also applied to allow for permission to host live music each day between 11am and midnight.
A spokesperson said: “Our intention in Sheffield is to create much more than simply a sauna.
“We are developing Club Zeus Sheffield as a gay social hub and members-only club, incorporating facilities including a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, alongside a fully licensed bar, weekday social events such as karaoke, quiz nights and prize bingo, and further additions as the venue continues to develop.”
On April 20, Sheffield Magistrates’ Court enforced a three-month closure order on the Boiler Room after hearing evidence that drug-related crimes had taken place on the premises.
The court heard at the time that police don’t oppose a business of this nature operating legally, adding that “there is clearly a need for that in the area” and explaining that in the decades that The Boiler Room had been open there had rarely been any problems.
District Judge Marcus Waite ultimately passed a temporary closure order, saying in court: “I am satisfied that in these circumstances, despite the fact that the former tenant has vacated the premises, there does need to be some certainty that, at least for the immediate future, use of the premises will not revert to the difficulties we have already had.
“I therefore think it is necessary to make a criminal order.”
Olympus Leisure Limited clarified that Club Zeus is not affiliated in anyway with the Boiler Room.
They said: “Club Zeus Sheffield is a completely new business operated by Olympus Leisure Limited. We have no ownership or management connection with the former Boiler Room operators or the historic incidents reported.
“We have worked closely with the council, police, fire service, environmental health and health-and-safety officers to establish a safe, responsibly managed venue for Sheffield.”
Editor’s note: This article was amended on August 28, 2026, to clarify that Club Zeus is not in any way affiliated to the Boiler Room.