New Hove destination brings training, movement, recovery and community under one roof

Things are hotting up on Portland Road, as independently owned Ember House gets ready to open its doors on 16th November.

Bringing together training, movement, recovery and community under one roof, Ember House has been created as somewhere people can look after themselves, connect with others and enjoy spending time.

At the heart of the new 186–188 Portland Road destination will be four distinct spaces.

A training studio will offer coached small-group personal training, focused on building strength and fitness for everyday life, alongside open gym sessions. A dedicated movement studio will host yoga, Pilates and other classes.

For those looking to unwind and recharge, the recovery space will feature a large Finnish-style sauna, hand made in the UK, and cold plunges.

Completing the line-up will be the Ember House café, serving coffee alongside smoothies, shakes and a simple selection of healthy food and snacks.

The design is a world away from the traditional gym environment, with warm, contemporary interiors and a distinctive visual identity running throughout. From the café and outdoor terrace to the sauna and recovery space, Ember House has been designed to feel as much like somewhere to spend time as somewhere to work out.

Ember House will also offer plenty of flexibility in how people use the space. While a range of memberships will be available for those wanting to make it part of their routine, including standalone movement and recovery options, drop-in visits will also be available.

The café will be open to everyone, whether they’re visiting Ember House for a workout or sauna session, meeting a friend, getting some work done or simply popping in for a coffee.

Beyond its fitness and recovery offering, Ember House will host workshops, talks, events and other gatherings throughout the year, creating more opportunities for local people to come together.

Richard Harmer, co-founder of Ember House said: “With Ember House, we wanted to make looking after yourself feel like a natural part of everyday life. That meant creating somewhere that takes a more considered approach to training and wellbeing, but also somewhere people actually want to spend time.

“You might come for a training session, yoga, class or sauna, but stay for a coffee, get some work done or catch up with someone afterwards. We didn’t want to create somewhere people simply come in, train and leave.

“We’ve lived locally for 20 years and love the strong neighbourhood feel around Portland Road and the brilliant mix of independent businesses. Ember House has been created with that in mind, a place people feel comfortable coming back to, whatever brings them through the door.”                                                                    

Ember House opens at 186–188 Portland Road, Hove, on 16 November 2026.

For more information about Ember House, memberships and drop-in options, visit ember-house.co.uk or email [email protected].