Mystery surrounds new Old Town 'launderette' with a difference

On the surface, the new Swindon business on Victoria Road appears to be nothing more than a retro-inspired launderette.

The building that the new establishment has appeared in was the former Baila Cofee and Vinyl - a daytime and nighttime venue that regularly held music nights and served coffee and cocktails.

Despite being a popular venue among Swindon locals Baila closed in February last year, sparking an outcry of disappointment at the loss of yet another club venue in the town.

But while those who still miss Baila might be aggrieved at its seemingly mundane replacement, there's some suggestion that things might not be exactly as they seem, and this could be another unique addition to the town's nightlife. 

Baila Coffee and Vinyl, which used to be where the launderette now is (Image: Newsquest)

Work has been done on the bright-blue painted pocket laundrette over the last few weeks and it almost looks ready to open. But, despite not being open yet there is already washing in the machines and the signs on the window are in old English money.

Also visible is what appears to be a secret door, and there's what appears to be an outside space around the side, which is an odd thing for a laundrette to have. 

On top of this, a member of the public talking to the sign writer who was working on the building reported that the sign writer laughed when asked if it was really a launderette. 

So what's really going on? Well, the Adver got hold of the owners of the building about their new Old Town high street arrival and this was the response they gave.

"Thanks for your email and getting in touch, we're busy plumbing in the final washing machines for our opening very soon!"

"We can not either deny or confirm what may be hiding behind our washing machine doors! We are shortly due to open our website for pre-bookable washes soon.

The new launderette is next to Longs Bar on Victoria Road (Image: Dave Cox)

"I can share that people in the heart of Old Town, Swindon, will be getting an experience like no other very, very soon!

"Kind regards Dot & her team of merry laundry staff!"

While the statement didn't confirm what the launderette really was, the owners did provide a website that might give the game away - www.oldtownlaundrybar.com.

On the website, a quick spin, hand wash and deep clean are offered, but when you go to book you are taken to a new page that says: "Take a load off and enjoy a break from the draining household chores that leave you feeling thirsty!"