A qualified lawyer and former manager of womenswear and superbrands for Selfridges, this bijoux beauty salon is Maryam Zandi’s latest venture. Nestled in a well-heeled row of houses, just a short walk away from Notting Hill tube, it’s a compact but chic affair that reflects Maryam’s impeccable style credentials. On entering, you’ll be greeted by Maryam’s oh-so friendly pooch, Cookie – he’s the only dog that’s allowed inside the Chiltern Firehouse, dontcha know. The ground floor is devoted to manis and pedis; downstairs, you’ll find treatment rooms for massages and facials. It’s already proved a hit with the A-list crowd (Sienna Miller and Lindsay Lohan are among the famous faces who have passed through MYZ’s glass door), but despite it’s pedigree and uber-fancy location, the prices are remarkably reasonable, with manicures starting at £12 for an express treatment.
We opted for ‘Maryam’s Favourite,’ a forty minute manicure (£38) that’s unlike any nail treatment we’ve ever experienced, which kicks off with the hands being wrapped in warm paraffin wax. Yep, paraffin. Despite sounding scary, and looking a bit strange, the stuff leaves your hands as soft as a baby’s. Afterwards, our nails were buffed and polished to perfection using Essie products. There’s a lovely laid-back vibe to the salon, thanks to the friendly service offered by Maryam and her team. If you’re after a truly A-list treatment without the snootiness or the price tag that so often comes as part and parcel, we’d recommend a trip.