The present invention provides a pod for preparing a beverage comprising: a lower compartment (31) defining a storage volume containing a water-soluble composition or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; the lower compartment comprising an upper surface (27) containing one or more apertures (25) forming an inlet of the lower compartment (31) and a lower surface formed at least partially from filtering material (12), the filtering material forming an outlet of the pod; the pod further comprising an open-topped upper compartment (21) above the lower compartment (31) which defines a chamber suitable for receiving one or more flexible pads containing one or more beverage ingredients; wherein an outlet of the chamber of the upper compartment communicates with the inlet of the lower compartment, wherein the apertures (25) of the inlet of the lower compartment are arranged for showering and or jetting in use water into the lower compartment (31).