Garra fish pedicure

I've often eaten fish for lunch, but I've never been eaten by fish on my lunch break. Then I visited Spa in the City in St Ann's Square.

“The best way to describe the feeling is like a really great form of pins and needles.”

This new city centre spa stands out from the surrounding shops because instead of a window full of mannequins in designer outfits, it's got a window full of fish tanks. Fish tanks with feet dangling in them from above.

It's the place to go in the city centre for a garra fish pedicure – the 'new craze' in the beauty world that's actually been an established treatment in spas in Turkey for years.

The garra fish, or 'doctor fish' as they are commonly known, gently nibble away and exfoliate your dead skin cells, giving a relaxing massage and leaving your skin silky soft and smooth. At Spa in the City, the little tiddlers are used for both pedicures and manicures.

As a full-time worker and mother, I don't normally have time for spa treatments. But as this place is within five minutes of the office, I was able to head down there for some fishy foot therapy, followed by a non fish-related massage, in my lunch break.

When I arrived I put my feet in a fish-free foot spa for five minutes to prepare my skin. Then I was shown to one of the tanks where the garra fish were swimming around.

I'd been told that the treatment was pain-free but I was still apprehensive about immersing my feet. But as soon as I did, and the fish commenced their lunchtime snack (my toes), I started to relax. The fish don't actually have any teeth, thankfully. They dissolve the dead skin using enzymes.

The best way to describe the feeling is like a really great form of pins and needles. I sat there for 30 minutes and despite the strangeness of the situation, it was enjoyable. It was just odd to think that it was fish performing the pedicure rather than a person.

When I took my feet out, they were lovely and soft. The little fish had devoured my flaky dead skin. If I had a course of these treatments, I imagine it would make a big difference to my feet.

After my pedicure I was taken downstairs to the treatment rooms – which were quiet, secluded and ideal for a lunchtime escape. I had opted for a back, neck and shoulder massage. The therapist worked hard on loosening my tense muscles, helping the rest of me feel as relaxed as my feet. If it hadn't been 1.30pm on a week day, I would have completely fallen asleep.

After the massage it was time to head back to work. But the lunch-time 'me-time' meant that no amount of office stress could phase me. Spa in the City is the perfect place to nip to in your lunch hour or to take a break when shopping. It's a little bit of tranquillity in a fast-paced city.

Spa in the City is currently offering two deals to Manchester Confidential readers:

Pedicure + massage + file and polish for hands: £45

This discounted package includes a 30 minute Garra Fish pedicure, a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage, and a file and polish for your hands.

It's ideal as a Valentine's Day or Mother's Day gift. Or just as a treat for yourself.

To get this deal, just call Spa in the City on 0161 834 9271 and quote 'Manchester Confidential'.

2-for-1 on garra fish pedicures
Prices start at just £6 per treatment.

Click here to get this deal.