Gay masseurs in London: work and play

Part 1: Anthony and Rodri

This post is based on a conversation between a writer for Touch of London and two gay masseurs in London: our masseur, Anthony, and his friend, Rodri, who works with a few other agencies (published in 2018).

Keeping their own hours

Quite predictably, I first asked them about hours that they work and how they ended up working as gay masseurs in London. Anthony tells me that he got into the industry through a friend. Rodri nods, he also knew someone who made the first introductions. “It was not on Indeed [a job search site], that’s for sure”. And the hours? Freelance work allows them to keep their own hours. “Although, of course, you have to think about the clients, and when is a good time for them”, says Anthony seriously. “So sometimes you end up working late, but, on the other hand, at other times you get to sleep in”.

How gay masseurs in London let their hair down

What do they like to do in their free time? They both laugh. “Clubbing”. “Going out. It’s a physically demanding job, so it’s great to have a drink and relax a little afterwards”. They both love Soho, although Rodri is concerned about the future of this Central London area, with the gentrification and new developments threatening its bohemian spirit. “Gay masseurs in London, like other gay guys, have a safe space here…and freedom. But I don’t know, people have been saying it’s going to change”. What else do they like doing? Anthony likes soaking in a hot bath, and just relaxing in general. Rodri likes travelling. He says that he will often treat himself to a short break abroad, given the opportunity, and Italy is his favourite destination. “Food in London is just not as good as in Italy. But on the other hand, it’s easier to stay looking good here, soon as I go to Italy it’s — (he gestures to indicate a big stomach)” .

Memorable clients

Their favourite client? These guys tell involving tales of good times they have had. Champagne in hotel rooms, dinners in the best restaurants of the city, unforgettable massage experiences. Looks like the life of gay masseurs in London can be really rewarding sometimes. “But sometimes it’s just meeting someone who’s really nice, and the chemistry is right”, says Anthony. As much as they value a touch of luxury, these masseurs get equally excited about compliments and good feedback, which sometimes reaches the agency without them knowing. “You finish the massage and you hope you were able to give a truly special experience to someone. But you don’t know, you are not sure. Then [James] calls, says the client said all these great things about me. It makes my day”. I make a mental note to remember to pass the feedback on, because truth be told, sometimes I forget.

Anthony jumps up. He’s got a client in an hour and a half, but wants to have a shower and prepare beforehand. We say our goodbyes. I settle the bill for two coffees and a fresh mint tea, and feel somewhat relieved that these masseurs did not order champagne on this occasion.

Part 2: Alexander

Written by Touch of London based on a conversation with Alexander in 2018. Alexander has since moved from London. We last heard from him in 2019 and he was still working as masseur abroad.

Clients and friends (and my client friends!) often ask me: is gay massage what you want to do in life? Did you come to London for that? Don’t you get tired? Yes, I like being a masseur, and no, I don’t get tired, or tired enough to quit. Let me tell you why.

The fun factor of gay massage

Firstly, as jobs go, my job is fun. Not to boast, but do you get to get hot and sweaty with a mysterious stranger in your job? Ah, I thought not. The very thought gets me excited. See, there I am, jumping out of my shoes to go to work. Not many people can boast that. But not so fast, hothead. There is a lot of competition for gay massage in London, and to provide the very best, I have to be ready to put in extra effort.

Keeping in shape

Working out…the less fun part of being a gay masseur.

So first I go and sweat it out in the gym, giving my muscles more tone and collecting appreciative looks from strangers (thank you!). I have a swim in the pool to make sure my breaststroke is quite as good as I thought it to be. You could say that it’s not quite the necessary skill for massage, but hey, it keeps me in shape. I’ve read that swimming tones pretty much all of your muscles, and so I like to throw in some pool time into my workout. Otherwise it’s mostly strength training. It can be tiring but it’s good that my job keeps me in a good shape. I can work out but I’m not sure if I would have the motivation to cut if I didn’t need to have good muscle definition for my work.

Pleased to be acquainted

Then finally, it’s the people. I enjoy the new faces, the conversations we have (or, if you prefer, let’s just be quiet – I am fluent in body language), the relaxing times together. Being able to make a difference to how someone feels through intimate massage is a great feeling. So you can say my job satisfaction is through the roof. Most importantly, I love to bring people pleasure.

We haven’t met yet, perhaps? That’s always exciting: what are you going to be like? What story your body will tell? Are you tense, nervous, under pressure? Will you relax under my touch immediately, or will you really make me sweat first? I am intrigued. There is only one way to find out. Afterwards, you can ask me if I like my job. And I will whisper: oh yes, I do. I love it.