About Shibari Lounge
Who we are
Shibari Lounge is a neurodivergent-aware rope studio based in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, just outside London. The space exists both in person and online, offering workshops, rope jams, private sessions, photography, and community-led events centred around rope practice, creative exploration, and connection.
Designed as a calm, low-pressure environment, Shibari Lounge welcomes beginners, experienced practitioners, and those simply curious about rope. Whether attending a class, developing skills, collaborating creatively, or engaging with the wider community, the emphasis remains on communication, consent, and thoughtful practice.
The Lounge extends beyond the physical studio through online learning, shared resources, and collaborative events. The space is also adaptable, supporting a range of practices — from rope and photography to movement-based sessions, workshops, and other small-group activities — allowing people to explore at their own pace.
Our Values
At Shibari Lounge, everything we offer is grounded in respect, safety, and inclusivity.
Consent is Key.
Every interaction — online and in person — is built on informed and negotiated consent. Frameworks such as RACK, PRICK, and SSC support risk-aware exploration.
Body Positivity.
All bodies are welcome. The space celebrates diversity in size, shape, gender, identity, and ability, encouraging exploration without expectation.
Diversity & Inclusion.
Shibari Lounge is LGBTQIA+ friendly and committed to creating a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels.
Learning and understanding.
Rope and BDSM can involve unfamiliar terminology. Helpful external resources such as The Kinktionary and Shibari Study’s Glossary are shared alongside workshops and guidance, while an in-house one is in development.
Respect the space.
Shibari Lounge works best when everyone helps look after it. Being mindful of boundaries, equipment, and each other helps maintain a calm and welcoming environment.
Please take a moment to read the FAQs, Code of Conduct, and Terms & Conditions before attending. These outline expectations for using the space and help ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
The Space I Longed For
Shibari Lounge is more than a studio. It’s a space designed to support presence, comfort, and connection — somewhere to arrive, settle, and practise without pressure.
I created the studio to balance Japanese-influenced rope aesthetics with a sense of warmth and ease. It is intentionally calm rather than overwhelming, offering rich textures, adaptable environments, and a pace that allows people to move and explore in ways that feel right for them.
Every element of the space has been chosen with intention, guided by the needs of the community who use it:
Lighting that adapts — Dimmable, colour-changing, and adjustable in every direction.
Sound that soothes — Music can be soft, off, or tuned differently on each side.
Comfort you can feel — Cushions and blankets in different textures, sizes, and weights.
Flooring to suit you — EVA foam matting, traditional Japanese tatami, or a cosy rug — each one suitable for floor work and suspension.
Always clean, always cared for — A fresh, hygienic, and welcoming space.
Shibari Lounge is a neurodivergent-aware, inclusive, and private space created for those seeking intimacy, connection, and thoughtful rope practice. It is somewhere to play, learn, connect, and simply be.
This is the space I longed for - and one I’m proud to share.
Bex
Founder, Shibari Lounge
The Studio Location
Nestled on the Thames Estuary, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex is a vibrant coastal town in south-east England, known for its artistic community, independent shops, and traditional fishing heritage. Just 40 minutes from London Fenchurch Street via the c2c line, it offers an easy escape from the city while remaining highly accessible.
Shibari Lounge is located in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea, just off The Broadway, surrounded by cafés, art spaces, and the gentle buzz of the seaside. A short walk from Leigh-on-Sea Station, the studio is easy to reach by train, and only a ten-minute drive or quick taxi ride from London Southend Airport.
If you’re arriving by car, local street parking is available, and the nearby Elm Road car park is free after 6pm — ideal for evening jams, workshops, and events.
The coastal setting brings together a sense of calm and creativity. With sea air, walkable streets, and a strong local community, Leigh-on-Sea provides a grounding backdrop for in-person rope practice and creative exploration.
📍 To protect the privacy and comfort of the community, the studio’s exact address isn’t published online. Full directions are provided by email after booking, alongside tickets. This helps keep Shibari Lounge discreet and welcoming for everyone attending.
The Lounge Beyond the Studio
Shibari Lounge began as a physical studio, but the same ethos now extends beyond the building.
Through online learning, live sessions, and shared resources, elements of the Lounge can exist wherever you are — whether that’s at home, in your own studio, or a quiet corner of the world. The intention remains consistent: a low-pressure environment where learning can unfold at your own pace.
Online sessions are designed to be accessible and grounded. There’s no expectation to perform, keep up, or remain constantly visible. You’re invited to listen, reflect, and engage in ways that feel right for you — much like the experience within the physical space.
Rather than being fixed to one location, the Lounge becomes something you can return to in different ways — in person, online, or through shared learning — supporting an ongoing relationship with rope and creative exploration.
You can also join the Shibari Lounge online community across various platforms to stay connected beyond the studio.
Community & Guest Educators
Shibari Lounge is created and run by Bex, with the atmosphere shaped by the people who pass through the space. Visiting educators from the UK and internationally occasionally teach workshops, bringing different perspectives and approaches to rope.
Some events are supported by collaborators or occasional volunteers, helping to welcome newcomers and maintain a relaxed, inclusive environment during jams and workshops.
Rather than a fixed team, the Lounge grows through collaboration — shaped by guest teachers, returning attendees, and those who contribute to the space in different ways.
If you’re interested in teaching, collaborating, or hiring the venue for your own events, please get in touch at hello@shibarilounge.co.uk
