Atmosphere and clientele: Tucked away in the men’s department of Peter Jones, Footopia is a no-nonsense foot clinic offering a range of pedicures, as well as a more serious chiropodist service. The windowless waiting room is populated by a mixture of rather grand elderly ladies waiting to have their bunions seen to and yummy(ish) mums fitting in a treatment between choosing the curtains for Jocasta’s bedroom and picking up the kids from school.

Treatments and products: With the sandal season weeks (we hope) away, our spy was in dire need of something to restore her forlorn-looking feet. She was also suffering from a sore big toe. After a chat, it was decided that she should have the hour-long pedicure (£45). The treatment room itself was small but comfortable (if a little dog-eared). In an adjoining room the chiropodist could be heard wielding his whirring tools, so it was a bit like being in a dentist’s waiting room. Nevertheless, the pedicure was excellent: very thorough (vigorous even). The sore toe was dealt with painlessly, cuticles trimmed back and nails filed and painted to perfection.

Upsides: Professional, high standard of pedicure. If you want your feet sorted quickly and efficiently, this is the place.

Downsides: Clinical atmosphere; also, the loo was a bit on the smelly side.

Marks out of five: Three.

If you have a salon that you either love or hate, e-mail sarah.vine@thetimes.co.uk

Times recommends

• What took place in 2010...
• Can you really cure a hangover?
• Video: How to do glamorous smoky eyes