A CAFÉ and co-working space has opened up a relaxing area with a sauna and ice baths with views of St Catherine’s Hill.

The Pump House, in Garnier Road, has launched The Winchester Garden Spa, expanding its offering for its members and the general public for solo escapes, romantic breaks or to wind down from work.

The spa in St Cross includes a relaxation area, with seats, rugs, a fire pit and a table to order food and drinks to, two cold water plunge pools and a wood-fired sauna with a window looking over the River Itchen and St Catherine’s Hill in the backdrop.

READ MORE: The Pump House in Winchester launches new membership scheme

Hampshire Chronicle: The saunaThe sauna (Image: Newsquest)

Managing director Alex Donnan said: “There are still little things we need to improve on but we’re getting a lot of repeat bookings. We haven’t advertised it so it’s mostly been publicised through word of mouth.

“I don’t think we have anything else quite like it in the area. Even the hotels lack spa facilities. This is somewhere between a hotel spa and a rural spa. Customers have the luxury of being able to order food or drinks while they’re here and they can have a hot shower after too. If it was a really remote woodland spa, you often wouldn’t have the hospitality attached to it.

“It’s been really good so far, we’re still ironing out some little bits and the response has been wonderful. I want people to be able to work in comfort and look after their mental health. Having the opportunity to do something like this even during their work day is great.

Hampshire Chronicle: The covered relaxation areaThe covered relaxation area (Image: Newsquest)

SEE ALSO: Chalk stream trout company to mark 10 years

"We’re trying to bring hospitality and health into the co working space. I know how important looking after your wellbeing is. From a business perspective we also wanted to utilise the space we have, it’s such a scenic spot.”

Mr Donnan was also the owner of cafes Autumn House, in The Square, and Number 25, in Stockbridge Road, Fulflood, but declined to comment on the closures.

The Pump House opened two years ago as a co-working space during the week and a café, lounge and bar at the weekend. The Garden Spa is open to anyone but there is a discount for Pump House members.

The spa is bookable in half an hour (£15) or one-hour (£25) slots. Each session is open to a maximum of six people at one time. For more information go to The Winchester Garden Spa on Instagram instagram.com/thewinchestergardenspa/ or visit the Pump House’s website.