Vauxwall Climbing Centre

OK
So its clean, and most of the staff are friendly — Which is really amazing for a climbing centre. I feel like there isn’t a particular need for the staff to go above and beyond at many of the climbing centres I’ve been to. But these guys did there best with our group.
My personal issues:
1. Its just bouldering, but i’m not going to mark it down, because it is what it is, I like top roping, don’t go here for that.
2. Chalk, Chalk and more chalk — As someone who climbed on sandstone from ten years old, and indoor climbed the odd time, I don’t see the point in encouraging children to use chalk — if as an adult you want to use it, fine, I climbed 20 years without chalk, and my friends only used it as adults when they really got into it. The whole place had a fine coating of chalk dust everywhere — we have reached peak chalk now, if you condition kids to climb with chalk, they’ll not be able to do without (and be moaning at me because i didn’t bring any.
Service
Our instructor, and the female (only one female, and she was behind reception) were really on point. There were a few others who didn’t seem particularly positive and happy. But i was surprised, at how friendly they were, perhaps because our last experience the staff were so rude.
The walls:
It’s bouldering, and it’s under an arch at vauxhall — but they’ve actually got a lot to do! Lots of routes, not too many overhangs, for a wide selection of ability, and actually not too short.
Café: Mini café — good seating area next to one section of the bouldering, which allowed lots of parents to watch their kids climb. And a mini selection, including tea in actual cups (hate paper cups), the food was locally sourced from local businesses and the compulsory banana sales for climbing cafes.
The rules/​Vibe:
It is very much a twenty/​thirty something haunt, it doesn’t lend itself to a family atmosphere, again this is a personal preference, I’m not a fan of topless climbing for indoor climbing, as it doesn’t provide a very inclusive feel to new men, and actually can be seen as quite intimidating to some women. Not to say its not somewhere i wouldn’t take the kids group again — I would, the staff are really on point, and the lighting and atmosphere of the place is great. Our group loved it.
Summary: Staff are great! Location is new, very much cliquey climber venue if you like that.