Empire of Highgate woman ‘in premier league of London madams’ lives on 10 years after her death

Aqua Sauna, in Holloway, was once part of Josephine Daly’s multi-million pound vice empire, and owners have applied for a special treatments licence despite police fears girls working there could be put at risk of “harm” or “exploitation.”

The premises is owned by Daly’s daughter Emelia Tawiah, who lived with her in Hornsey Lane, Highgate. But Ms Tawiah insists she has no part in the running of the business.

It also emerged this week that Ms Tawiah is the listed owner of another property advertising itself as a sauna – Lanacombe Sauna, in Crouch End Hill, Crouch End, which is also applying for a special treatments licence.

Police and Haringey Council this week confirmed Lanacombe Sauna – the same name as another sauna which was part of Daly’s empire – is being “monitored”.

Ms Tawiah denied knowing what either of the premises – for which she is the listed owner, according to Land Registry documents – are being used for.

The Ham&High visited her at the Hornsey Lane seven-bedroom property – named Bunty’s Corner, after a dog buried in the garden – where she denied that her mother had died 10 years ago.

Speaking of the allegations that she owns the saunas, she said: “This is the first I’ve heard of it. I lease them out. I don’t know what they are being used for. I only see the person I lease the one out to in Hornsey Road [Aqua Sauna] once every three months.”

The Ham&High contacted Lanacombe Sauna on Sunday, when we were told by the receptionist there is a £20 “entry fee” before a £120 an hour charge with any of the on-duty girls. When asked if this included sex, the receptionist said: “You discuss that with the lady, Sir. I can’t answer that.”

Another premises owned by Ms Tawiah since 1995, formerly Ishka Bath & Massage, in Hampden Road, Harringay, was shut down “some years ago”, said police.

Police are opposing Aqua Sauna’s application for a special treatments licence for massage and steam room facilities.