Sunday, 15 November 2026
Local business

Ember House opens on Portland Road, Hove, with sauna, gym and café

The independent wellness space at 186-188 Portland Road opens on Monday 16 November with small-group training, yoga, Pilates, a Finnish sauna, cold plunges and a café open to everyone.

The café at Ember House on Portland Road, Hove

Ember House, a new independently owned wellness and community space, opens on Portland Road in Hove on Monday 16 November. It brings coached training, yoga and Pilates, a sauna, cold plunges and a café under one roof at 186-188 Portland Road.

More information and memberships: ember-house.co.uk, or email hello@ember-house.co.uk. Find it: 186-188 Portland Road, Hove.

What is inside

  • Training studio: coached small-group personal training, focused on building strength and fitness for everyday life, plus open gym sessions.
  • Movement studio: yoga, Pilates and other classes.
  • Recovery space: a large Finnish-style sauna, handmade in the UK, and cold plunges.
  • Café: coffee, smoothies, shakes and a simple selection of healthy food and snacks. It is open to everyone, including people not using the gym.

Ember House says the design is a world away from a traditional gym, with warm, contemporary interiors, a café and an outdoor terrace. It plans to host workshops, talks and events through the year.

Memberships and drop-ins

A range of memberships will be available, including standalone movement and recovery options. Drop-in visits will also be available.

Co-founder Richard Harmer said: "We wanted to make looking after yourself feel like a natural part of everyday life." He said he and his team have lived locally for 20 years and love the neighbourhood feel around Portland Road.

Background

Plans for a café, sauna and cold plunge in the former print shop at 186-188 Portland Road went to the council's planning committee on 28 October. Read our report on the planning decision.

Map showing Portland Road in Hove
Ember House, 186-188 Portland Road, Hove. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Map link: Open the area on the map.


Ember House: 186-188 Portland Road, Hove. Opens Monday 16 November 2026. ember-house.co.uk.

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