Community Sauna Baths takes on Hackney Wick's 1930s Bath House

London has fallen for the communal sauna, and few organisations have done more to spread the habit than Community Sauna Baths. Now the social enterprise has a new responsibility: looking after the 1930s Bath House in Hackney Wick where it all began.

In October 2025, Hackney Council announced that Community Sauna Baths would manage the full Bath House building at 80 Eastway under a new agreement. The building will stay open as a not for profit space, with a remit to protect the small and independent businesses based there and to run it in the community's interest.

Hackney's mayor, Caroline Woodley, called the Bath House "a vital community and creative space" for Hackney Wick. Charlie Duckworth of Community Sauna Baths described it as home to "many small businesses, creatives, and neighbours", and reflected on how far the enterprise had come, growing "from one sauna in the backyard to five sites across London".

Community Sauna Baths launched its flagship Hackney Wick venue at the Bath House in 2021. It is known for wood fired saunas and cold plunges, and for a relaxed, sociable atmosphere where chatting is encouraged. Its sites across the capital have included Stratford, Bermondsey and Peckham, alongside Hackney Wick.

Inclusivity is central to the model. Community Sauna Baths offers concession pricing, discounted community sessions and a social prescribing programme. In 2025 it ran a £230,000 community fundraiser to fund repairs at the Hackney Wick flagship, improve infrastructure across its sites and expand social prescribing, including free community sessions. Supporters could pick up rewards ranging from bulk discounted sauna sessions to raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

The programme goes well beyond a quick sweat. Country and Town House has highlighted sessions including mum and baby mornings, sound baths and queer poetry nights, and in March 2025 the Hackney Wick site hosted the Saunaverse, a 12 hour sauna festival.

For many regulars, the appeal is simple: warmth, cold water and good company, at a price that keeps the experience open to everyone.

Community Sauna Baths is at The Bath House, 80 Eastway, Hackney Wick, E9 5JH, close to Hackney Wick station. To book a session and find other locations, visit community-sauna.co.uk.