We tried a celebrity-style manicure at the posh new Bristol salon - and they nailed it

The arrival in Clifton of the UK’s top luxury nail salon was a little lost on me. After all, I would win gold awards for nailbiting - a disgusting habit, I know, but one I’ve had since I was teenager many years ago.

But for my 16-year-old daughter, however, the news that Townhouse had opened in The Mall, not far from The Ivy Clifton Brasserie (of course), was certainly the hot topic for Bristol teenagers this week, even though Bella and her friends were biting their own nails as they awaited their GCSE results.

It’s not the first Townhouse in town - there’s one located in H Beauty at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway - but it’s the first standalone store for the brand.

Known for its chic interiors and impeccable manicures and pedicures, Townhouse counts plenty of big names and influencers amongst its clientele in London.

Apparently, leading cast members from popular TV shows like Game of Thrones, Sex and the City and Made in Chelsea go there for their Instagram-friendly nail treatments, which start at around £30.

The mere mention of Townhouse being the nail salon to the stars had my daughter booking a slot at the new Clifton store immediately.

Bella went for the luxury manicure and gel, a 50-minute treatment that costs £48. For that price, you get shaping, buffing, cuticle care, extended massage, a luxury hot cream treatment and the nails are finished with your choice of gel.

The nail artist for the appointment was Jess, who was friendly and chatty, checking with Bella if she was OK with the nail shape and running through numerous colour options.

The salon itself is an oasis of calm with relaxing music, an easy-to-use check-in point and a fridge of canned mineral water and iced oat coffee.

Jess told us that the most popular colour at the moment was pink because of the Barbie film and also ‘pina colada’ colour because of influencer Molly-Mae Hague. Apparently, five customers had gone for the ‘pina colada’ that day.

The colours are displayed on iPads at each nail station and staff are knowledgeable and happy to give advice. Jess made Bella feel totally at ease, explaining each stage and there was a genuine sense of care and concentration throughout.

After the 50-minute session, Bella was delighted with her gleaming pink nails and Jess reassured her that it’s company policy that they repair any chipped gel nails within seven days.

Customers are also given an information card about how to maintain nails post-visit and Bella was given a complimentary Townhouse-branded nail file to use at home.

It’s more than a week since the appointment and her nails are still in perfect condition, which isn’t always the case when visiting cheap and cheerful high street nail bars.

OK, it might more expensive than some places but as far as being a classy salon offering some much needed luxury and pampering, Townhouse has certainly nailed it and Bella’s already planning a return visit.

Of course, as the person who will inevitably be paying, I’m already nibbling my own nails again.

Townhouse, 48 The Mall, Clifton Village, Bristol, BS8 4JG.