The other evening I went to get my feet nibbled. A few of my friends and I visited Top Notch Salon in Waterlooville to pay a visit to some very friendly Garra Rufa fish.
After seeing the Garra Rufa fish on The Only Way Is Essex I have been desperate to try it out for myself. On TOWIE the girls were bathing in a pool of them while drinking sparkling wine. My Portsmouth experience was nowhere near as eccentric.
Two of my friends were incredibly scared by the fish. They were bigger than I expected but they were definitely no piranhas. Putting their feet in to screams and giggles after 10 minutes, they’d had enough and it was my turn.
I went for it, I plunged my feet into the surprisingly warm water and let the fish do their work. The sensation was extremely tickly and very peculiar as they made their way in between my toes, hoovering up bits of dead skin.
After 10 minutes, I began to get used to the sensation and realised how much I’d love to fully immerse myself in a tank of the little fellas just like the TOWIE girls.
After 20 minutes I’d had enough. I took my feet out and inspected their work like an over enthusiastic boss. They had definitely done something to my feet, as they were certainly smoother. The big chunk of dead skin on the ball of my foot had obviously been too much for them as they had completely ignored that and been more interested in my toes. I think they were trying to tell me to invest in a pumice stone.
As far as the salon goes it was a bit dated and the staff kept their distance as we were obviously the last customers of the day.
Overall, it was a fun experience and one I’m glad I did while it’s still kind of trendy. I can’t see this particular craze lasting forever but for now it’s a giggle and worth it for the talking point.
We were referred to the salon from Groupon and paid £10.80 each for 30 minutes with the fish although we didn’t spend anywhere near that length of time with them. Apparently it was meant to include a foot massage but we didn’t get a mention of this on the day.
Portsmouth has its own shop called Pompey Fish Doctors on the Eastern Road in Fratton. They specialise in the fish and charge £10 for 15 minutes with the fish which includes a foot rub after.
Personally I would go again but probably not to Top Notch salon. Maybe I’ll give Pompey Fish Doctors a try next time, I wonder if they’ll let me get in the tank with a glass of bubbly like the TOWIE girls?
KIMBERLEY BARBER
