Sauna culture has taken the UK by storm, and in recent years, a number of venues have opened across Yorkshire.
As a keen sauna-goer, I’ve tested Pool Bridge Farm, on the outskirts of York, and Järvi, at Draughton Heights Campsite.
Surrounded by peaceful countryside, these venues are perfect for a leisurely reset on a quiet weekend or evening.
But I have always wished they were closer, so I could book midday slots — I have an awful habit of wasting my lunch breaks.
Then I stumbled across Kontrast: a sauna café in Saxton Gardens. Opened in May 2026, the wellness cafe combines cold plunging with traditional and infrared saunas.
For those working in Leeds city centre, there are 45-minute sessions at 12.15pm from Wednesday to Friday.
Located beneath the red-brick arches on Railway Street, Kontrast is less than a 15-minute walk from Leeds Corn Exchange, or a 10-minute Uber from Leeds Station. I decided to put a session to the test.
Stepping through the converted railway arch, Kontrast made an instantly trendy impression.
The whole theme was industrial: its walls had white corrugated panelling, and its furnishings were crafted from rough-cut wood or metal.
Behind a welcome desk, a large menu offered health-conscious drinks, from electrolyte slushies to ginger shots and matcha lattes.
Having arrived a little early, I ordered a £4 chai latte and took a seat in an adjoining café area.
Decorated with checkered blankets and earthy-toned cushions, the café also has an apt selection of books, including Britain’s Best Saunas, by Lucie Grace.
Having reserved a communal session, there were only seven people in our group, including myself and my partner.
A sauna attendant gave us a quick tour — and a final chance to hire towels or sliders, if anyone had forgotten them — and then the clock started ticking.
Next to the changing cubicles was a row of hot and cold showers.
At the far end of the complex, there were three saunas: two traditional saunas (where the air is heated by steaming coals) and an infrared sauna (where light panels heat the body directly).
For cold plunging, there were four tubs at incremental temperatures: 3-5°C, 6-8°C, and 13°C.
I started in the ‘Silent Sauna’, added two ladles of water onto the coals, and sat for a sizzling 15 minutes.
Then I grabbed a drink from the complimentary water station outside, hovering for a minute as I braced myself to brave a cold plunge.
Lowering myself into the 3-5°C tank, I attempted to control my breathing but was distracted by the hilarious sight of my partner yelping as he dipped his foot into the tank.
Flipping the sand timer, he stayed submerged for an extra 30 seconds, though, so I guess he was the real winner.
Alternating between hot saunas and cold plunges has scientific benefits, including reduced stress and boosted mood.
During this session, I especially noticed the benefit of the cold plunge; I felt instantly uplifted and refreshed.
With 30 minutes left, I spent 15 minutes in the infrared sauna, then returned for a final cold plunge.
After a quick turnaround, I was back at the welcome desk, ordering a ginger shot and electrolyte slushie to go.
As an inner-city wellness experience, I was impressed by the value for money. A single session costs £12, with bundles of five sessions available for £47.50.
It also felt organised; the session began promptly, the sauna attendant announced when there were 10 minutes left, and there were enough changing rooms and showers to avoid queues.
With offices nearby or flexible working hours, Kontrast is one option for a wellness-focused lunch break. Alternatively, there are 6.30am and 7.45am sessions, easily factored in before a 9:00am start.
I think I’ll be sticking to the later slot. Cold plunging is an admirable way to kickstart a productive morning, but half-asleep, I’m not sure I’d be brave enough.