We just love discovering somewhere truly different, and Tillie's Nail Lounge is certainly that. Tucked away in Little Venice, it's the nail bar that Tillie - formerly a project manager in construction (no, we can't imagine her in a hard hat either) - always wanted to go to herself. If Rachel 'Shabby Chic' Ashwell had designed the Nail Lounge herself, it couldn't be more welcoming. The soft beige linen comfy sofas and chairs in which to recline while you're pampered. The gold mirrors and demi-lune tables (and all for sale; it used to be an antique shop). The tea and coffee and lemon-iced water, on tap. Plus - importantly - incredibly nice and competent nice nail technicians. (Shreen did a first-class job on Jo's toes with OPI A Good Mandarin Is Hard To Find, but then she did used to work with Leighton Denny.) Prices aren't silly: £35 for a luxury Tillie's Manicure, but just £15 for a 15-minute touch up or £25 for an 'on-the-go' (ideal for weekly maintenance); the Tillie's Pedicure is £39 for 60 minutes. A nicer place to hang out while our polish is 'setting' - with a glossy and a cuppa - we can't imagine. Good luck to Tillie and all who sail in off the streets of Maida Vale!Tillie's Nail Lounge, 5 Formosa Street, London W9 1EE/020-7266 2620
Open Tuesday to Sunday
www.tilliesnaillounge.com
