Frances Hastings Beauty Therapy, 106 Beckenham Lane, Shortlands, Bromley (020-8466 0101; www.franceshastingsbeautytherapy.co.uk)

Atmosphere and clientele: A white, bright and spotless salon on the London-Kent border catering for everyone from Bromley yummy mummies to beauty-conscious teens. There’s also a range of treatments designed especially for men.

Treatments: Frances Hastings Beauty Therapy offers everything from St Tropez fake tan and massage to red-vein removal and Botox (the latter two carried out by qualified nurses). Our spy had an Advanced Facial using Dermalogica products (£60 for a 90-minute treatment) to combat congested skin. As well as manual techniques, the therapist used a galvanic and high-frequency machine to enhance product absorption and painlessly aid decongestion.

Staff: Frances, who performed the facial, has 42 years’ experience as a beauty therapist – and it shows. Her customer service, the treatment itself, and the emphasis she places on client skincare education are all utterly exemplary.

Highs: The cherry-stone thermal pillow placed on the spy’s feet to keep them warm during the treatment, and the complementary back massage afterwards.

Lows: None.

Marks out of five: Five.

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