Ever wondered if there’s a purse-friendly alternative to treating yourself in London? You may be surprised to learn that many training salons, restaurants and clinics in London offer the general public the chance of cheap London deals to treat your mind and body at a fraction of the cost. Hotcourses lists our favourite student training venues...

Beauty on the cheap

Student Hair and Beauty Academy - College of North West London (CNWL)

Both salons are furnished to a professional standard and run by experienced teaching staff. All treatments are carried out by supervised students up to NVQ Level 3 who are in training or up-skilling. Former hairdressing students have gone on to win numerous regional and national awards. 

Where is it? First floor, Arena House, North End Road, Wembley, London, HA9 0UU  (opposite Wembley Park tube station).

When’s it open? Term time only: weekdays and some evenings. Beauty salon: Telephone bookings taken by arrangement. Hair salon: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays by arrangement. Men’s barbering: Tuesdays from 6pm.

What's the cheap London deal? Our pick of cheap treatments: 60-min Dermalogica Facial for £10, 75-min Swedish massage including head massage for £12, 45-min manicure and pedicure £6 each, 30-min half-leg waxing £8. Haircut and blow dry for a snip of the price at £7.

How to contact? 020 8208 5454   




Splendid Touch - Lambeth College’s Student Beauty Salon

Splendid Touch is a low cost hairdressing and beauty salon at the Lambeth College Vauxhall Centre.  Advanced Hair and Beauty students (supervised by qualified staff) are studying on courses which require them to gain experience by working with real clients.
 
Where is It? Room B413, Vauxhall Centre, London, SW8 2JY

When’s it open? Wednesday and Fridays (term time only) between 9.00-4.00pm

What's the cheap London deal? Treatments available: The hair salon offers perms from £15 and highlights from £10. Lambeth’s beauty salon offers manicures and pedicures from £10, nail art from £1.25, waxing from £3.50 and eye treatments from £1.50.

How to contact? 020 7501 5427



T’ien Lewisham College’s Student Beauty Salon

T'ien offers a range of treatments to the public, delivered by students who are training for careers in salons, spas and the beauty industry. The salon offers a tranquil and stylish environment with the very latest in beauty equipment.

Where is it? Lewisham Way, London SE4 1UT

When’s it open? During term time: Mon and Fri 9.30am-5pm, Tues-Thurs 9.30am-8pm.

What's the cheap London deal? Treatments available: Manicures from £4, luxury facials from £10 and full-body massages from as little as £10.

How to contact? 020 8320 2901




Cheap Eats

 
Phoenix Restaurant - Lewisham College’s Student Restaurant

The Phoenix is a training restaurant that offers fine dining in an elegant setting at a fraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal with silver service presented to the highest standards. The Phoenix is also available for private hire.

Where is it? Lewisham Way, London SE4 1UT

When’s it open? The Phoenix is open term time only, Tues-Fri for lunch between 12-1.30pm.

What's the cheap London deal? Main meals usually cost from £5. On Gourmet Fridays, lunchtime main meals cost from £7.75. The food is prepared by year-three catering students and the restaurant promises fine dining at its best. Booking recommended. Evening dinner is available on certain dates (27 Jan, 25 Feb, 31 Mar, 22 Apr, 26 May). A three-course meal with coffee cost £18.

How to contact? 020 8694 3294

 

Tower Restaurant - College of North West London’s Student Restaurant
The Tower Restaurant is a fully licensed training facility that allows CNWL’s catering students to cook and serve in a realistic environment. It is open to the public and most meals include table service.

Where is it? Ground floor, Arena House, North End Road, Wembley, London, HA9 0UU

When’s it open? For lunch: Tues-Thurs, 12-2pm (last orders 1.30pm). For dinner: Thurs 6-9pm (last orders 7.30pm)

What's the cheap London deal?: International theme nights once a month, gourmet guest chef nights once or twice a year. Diners often rate the food outstanding and excellent value for money. Prices: Brent's best-kept secret! Beat-the-credit two-course lunch for £5.50. Three-course dinners £12-£14.50 per head (five-course guest chef meals £25).

How to contact? 020 8208 5226/7  and e-mail:    restaurant.bookings@cnwl.ac.uk

 

Everyone loves a bargain. What we all love more though, is something for free. There are quite a few free courses available, and you’d be surprised at the subjects that come up. We’ve scoured the listings to bring you our top ten free courses.