With the Olympics coming up in London, the city has become a hive of cultural events, new ventures and exciting regeneration projects. One of the best things we've heard about is the Barking Bathhouse, a spa and bar designed by Something & Son, due to run from 13th July til 9th September.

As part of the Create festival and the London Cultural Olympiad, the 6,000 square foot space draws on, 'innovative health, beauty and design practices to bring about a little health and relaxation this summer.'  The Bathhouse revives the spirit of Barking's former Bathhouse which closed in 1986 and encompasses features from both 20th century working-mens' bathhouses and ultra-modern spas. It offers traditional spa services (massages, pedicures and so on) but the setting is a little different...the design is prefabricated pods inspired by Barking’s industrial heritage: the black-stained timber farm buildings of Essex and the wooden beach huts of Kent.

Something & Son, whose previous project includes Farm:Shop, are a London based design practice who develop projects rooted in innovation and sustainability. The Bathhouse fits this bill with the relaxation pods designed so they can be assembled on site, so that after it closes they can be recycled for use in the  local community. The team are also working  closely with local beauticians and gardeners to develop natural treatments that use produce from local allotments.

If that's not enough, The Bathhouse will also run a varied events programme to cultivate happiness and wellbeing ranging from philosophical talks to chocolate-making workshops, plus laughter yoga, clowning workshops and comedy nights.

Sounds awesome! Check it out for yourself here.