Salon review: Cucumba, the Urban Pit Stop provides comfort for commuters

There's nothing like a good massage to have you viewing the world with a smile on your face, but trying to fit one into your hectic day can often be more trouble than it's worth. Booking an appointment, paying a deposit, calling when you're running late.. argh! That's why Cucumba is such a fabulous retreat , since as well as booking appointmenst they also offer a walk in service. And if you're rushed for time they have their treatments arranged into 10 minute slots if you just fancy a cheeky massage or eyebrow wax.

It's open Mon- Friday 10am -8pm and weekends 11-7, plus Sunday by appointments, so whether you pop in for a quick fix in your lunch-break or a more luxurious treatment after work there will be someone to see you! The lovely English speaking staff are all trained in every area, so the same girl who gives you a wax might also be massaging you, and they're very knowledgeable about the body, from Reiki, to checking your posture.

I popped in for an hour after work to try them out. I booked in for a 60 minute Cucumba Super Deluxe session, £56, and was greeted by the friendly staff. After plying me with water and taking down some notes about my health and lifestyle (and not wincing at my alcohol consumption) they asked what I'd like done. I has a fair few options available, so I was quite overwhelmed. Should I opt for a 30 minute back cleanse and 30 minute extraction facial, or would I be better off with threading, a wax, a foot massage and hand massage? They even have snooze booths, for customers who get so relaxed after their treatments that they just want a little nap!

I finally chose my treatments, and opted for a forty minute back massages and 20 minute 'pit stop' of a pedicure. Once I was derobed with my face in that funny circle all massage beds have, my therapist got to work. She started off by stretching out my arms in various positions to let the muscles unwind, and used firm to moderate pressure up and down my spine. She'd already asked what areas I wanted her to work on so i sank into a dreamy state of massage like bliss while my aches and pains were prodded our of me. I can see why snooze booths would come in handy now!

Once that had finished I was advised to drink lots of water to flush out toxins and headed upstairs for a pedicure. My feet were scrubbed an buffed to perfection, with not even a shudder at my gnarly toes, and filed into neat square shapes. Polish was applied and new magazines were in plentiful supply as we chatted about the salon.

I left with an extra spring in my step and a back that was knot free for the first time in ages, and all in 60 minutes! I think I understand why fans of this salon always come back for more now, and I made sure my loyalty card was tucked carefully in my wallet.

Cucumba 12 Poland Street London W1F 8QB, Telephone: 020 7734 2020

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