Reviews by jemimastar

Saco (Hair Salon)
02 March 2008

I visited on the 20% discount offer from urbanpath.

Good points: the salon is very stylish, clean and well thought out in terms of layout, space and design. Both my colour and cut were super - much care and attention was given, they listened to what I wanted, were friendly and the end result was brilliant.

Bad points: when staying for 3 hours I expect to be offered a good choice of refreshments. I asked for a latte but was told their coffee machine was no more. Instead I got a horrible lukewarm filter cofffee. If a customer asks for something you can't offer, with a coffee shop on the doorstep I would expect you to offer to get it! The only other element that would prevent me returning: the price. Even with the hefty discount, my cut and colour came to £155. This is just ridiculous! I loved my visit, but without a discount this is far, far too expensive. With hardly any other customers there, I think Saco would do well to seriously review their price list.

Bar Red (Bar)
03 November 2007

Didn't even make it. After trying to book an area a month in advance, we met with possibly the snootiest woman of all time, who wouldn't give a reason but said she was "unable to accommodate us" in such a patronising and rude way. After hearing it was great for booking and being so welcoming, this woman has put me off ever attempting to go there again.

The Wolseley (Restaurant)
11 July 2007

Went for breakfast and ordered the crumpets - totally hard and overdone and could have easily been a 70p pack from a supermarket as there was no marked difference at all. My tea was also cold. Viewing the lunch menu, there does not seem to be one main dish suitable for vegetarians. This is such a snobbish and old-fashioned attitude given over 10% of people in the UK are non-meat eaters... plus they attract many of us media types for meetings, many of whom seem to be veggies, so what a silly thing to do. Won't be going back.

Beauty Works West (Spa / Salon)
15 January 2007

After reading rave reviews I booked in for the renowned BeautyWorksWest Ling Oxygen Plasma & Ultra-Sound Facial which Madonna apparently has regularly. The press reviews on the website are also unbelievable as are also the interviews with top models who swear by it.

The salon itself is pretty and nicely decorated but there is no wow factor or extra features like sauna or steam rooms - it's a no fuss approach but both in reception and beauty rooms - its clean, minimalist and a calming environment. You are asked to strip and slip between the covers on a heated bed which already is bliss. As with most facials lots of various lotions and potions are smothered on and taken off with warm cloth but it's the machines they use - facial steamer and an ultra-sound treatment that set this apart. There is also 10 minutes of severe pain with extractions- my therapist totally went for it and I was in agony. But then the light went off again and I was soon almost dozing off as my final mask was applied.

At £100 for 85 mins it's not cheap but for the first time ever after a treatment I've received comments from people about my skin looking so great. She has done a great job on my blackheads and my skin really is shining - almost a week after my treatment. I am peeling slightly but fresh skin is coming through so I can tell this has clearly had an effect. I will definitely be going back as this combines 'beauty and science' and I can see it works.