A new sauna and ice bath café in Ancoats is hoping to encourage more young people to socialise away from pubs and clubs.
Kontrast, which opens today, features two saunas, multiple ice baths and a café with locally blended coffee and organic snacks.
Inspired by popular cultures seen in Japan and Scandinavia, the space is hoping to encourage conversation without the need for alcohol.
Jamie Smith, owner of Kontrast, said: “Coming to a sauna after work and chatting to your friends is just a massive part of the social fabric in other parts of the world.”
With a recent Aviva study finding that 61% of 18-24 year olds are looking to cut down their drinking, Kontrast is hoping its new community space may help those who are wanting to socialise without a drink.
“We don’t have a huge amount outside of social spaces outside of drinking in England,” said Jamie.
“I think you feel just a bit more open when you’re in there and a bit more just more willing to chat to people.
“We’re just trying to create a space where you’re able to see your friends somewhere which is not centred around drinking.”
As well as promoting healthy, organic conversation, Kontrast’s two state of the art saunas, infrared room and three ice baths come with huge physical benefits.
Regular sauna use can help muscle recovery, improve your immune system and even reduce stress levels.
Ice baths can be scary for some, but a single plunge can reportedly boost dopamine levels by 250%.
Group hikes and wild swimming are among the ambitious future plans for the café, who are hoping to become a community mainstay.
“Everyone can benefit from it – we’re trying to be accessible as possible,” Jamie added.
Single 45 minute visits are available to purchase for £9, with tiered monthly memberships available to purchase starting at £34.
You can see more at their website here.
