In this second of our monthly challenges Katie Beswick (@ElfinKate) asks you to help her discover the Very Best pedicure in Leeds.

The Marxist voice in my head tells me that paying someone real life pound notes to slough the dead skin off your tootsies is trés bourgeois. Fortunately, in terms of the requirements of this challenge, I’ve mostly managed to silence the Marxist voice in my head by aggressively ingesting nail polish fumes when the beautician asks me to select a bottle of colour. I’ve had a lot of practice, having indulged in regular pedicures since I was about sixteen. That’s thirteen years of strangers touching my feet and painting the toes shiny colours while I enjoy the head-spinny intoxication that used to be reserved for glue-sniffers – what bliss!

Since moving to Leeds though I have struggled to find a regular place to spend my wages in this manner. I’m fairly picky about what makes a good pedicure experience; especially since adopting the narcissistic practice of posting pictures of my naked hooves on social networking platforms for the admiration of an indifferent public (any scientists reading: is it possible all those years of varnish vapour ingestion have caused some kind of chemical imbalance inside my brain?). I still very much yearn for Helen’s Nails, Woolwich, which – as far as I’m concerned – offers the best pedicure in the whole of London. I’m hoping y’all can help me find a Northern replacement.

So here’s what I’m after: price is obviously a biggie – any more than £30 for a pedicure and you’re talking silly money. Also, weirdly, I’ve found that the cheaper places tend to do a better job; around £20 seems to be the optimum price for a quality finish. Then there’s the cleanliness of the venue at a close second – no greying towels or mouldy sinks please. A silken sole is also fairly important to me; I like them to rigorously remove all the dead skin with a rough buffer and one of those sharp cheese grater things, stopping short of drawing blood, obvs. I’ll also be awarding points for range of colour, quality of polish, manner of staff (I’m not too fussed about surliness, provided they’re confident with a pumice), convenience of location etc.

I’m not sure how many other Culture Vultures are fans of beauty, but I’d be most obliged should you post recommendations and your own top pedicure tips in the comments box below.  If you happen to run a business which includes giving pedicures don’t be afraid to tell us all about it, or encourage your customers to do the same.

I’ll be short-listing mid Feb and telling you all about the winner by early March.

Wish me luck.

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