Get ready to relax at Cucumba

I hadn’t had a massage in years. I was always complaining about a sore back having been hunched over a laptop all day, at a useless old desk with an even more useless, wooden chair. It’s not the perfect work station and is almost certainly the reason for my aching back. I had frequently thought about getting myself a massage but things always seemed to get in the way and I just never got round to it.

That is, until I heard about Cucumba: the Urban Pitstop – a delicious pampering space in Soho that caters for the busy men and women of London who want a little bit of me-time, without the added hassle of having to leave the city, take a weekend off or spend a fortune.

Cucumba was set up in 2003 by two ladies who sought to create a relaxed and accessible environment in the centre of town, enabling workaholics/shopaholics/pamper-holics (delete as appropriate) to get their quick beauty fix, whether it be a ten minute pedicure or a 45 minute sports massage. Cucumba divides its menu up into time categories, ensuring that you know exactly how much time you will have to get back to work/the shops/your next treatment. Customers can either book ahead or simply drop in and are then asked to choose a treatment from either of the 10 minute, 20 minute, 30 minute, 45 minute or 60 minute menus.

I decided that a 20 minute ‘pitstop’ would suit best, allowing time to walk to Cucumba and back, without being rushed during a one hour lunch break. I booked ahead for Monday (it’s always nice to have something to look forward to once the weekend is over) and after much deliberation opted for an Aromatherapy Back, Neck and Shoulders Massage (£26). Within the 20 minute ‘pitstop’ category, other options included: a head massage, a speciality manicure or pedicure, threading and a facial – all for the same price.

Eagerly arriving 15 minutes early for my appointment, I expected to wait around in the reception area until the allocated time slot but was pleasantly surprised when – after a bit of confusion as to who I was and what treatment I had booked – I was seen to immediately.

I was given the option to have the massage done through my clothes, on a chair, or on a bed with oils. I quickly consulted the aching back which creaked in agreement that oils were indeed the way forward. It was a nice touch to be given that choice however, as I’m aware that some people would definitely be more comfortable with the prior option.

The massage took place on Cucumba’s lower floor – the main treatment area – which is sectioned into individual beauty rooms with huge curtains. This means that as well as being able to cater for numerous treatments at any one time, the floor can be opened up into one big space for private pamper parties that are also on offer at Cucumba. Options include, but are not limited to: pole dancing, belly dancing and make up and massage tutorials!

The spa has a luxe, boutique feel to it

Once in my treatment area, I was left to undress and make myself comfortable, lying face down on the massage bed. The chill-out music was soon switched on and the masseur went to work on my knotted back with aromatherapy oils, while I tried my very hardest not to doze off…

As might be expected, the 20 minutes flew by but it was certainly enough time for me to feel the difference in my back and I thoroughly enjoyed my very different and relaxing lunch hour. The process was all very swift, meaning I was in and out with plenty of time to get back to the humdrum of a working Monday and as expected, the afternoon was much easier to get through after such a soothing break.

Cucumba offer a decently-priced, convenient and most importantly, pleasurable experience in a relaxed and friendly environment: I will most definitely be looking into their other treatments when I next fancy a spot of mid-week pampering!

For a full list of treatments and prices, take a look at Cucumba’s website. And you can also follow Cucumba on Twitter, @urbanpitstop.