A Manhattan inspired beauty salon has celebrated opening its doors with a transatlantic cocktail party.

More than 150 people turned up to see Croydon mayor Margaret Mead officially open the Avante Garde Artiste salon, beauty room and nail bar on February 26.

Mum of two Marianne Simons travelled from Croydon to New York and Egypt to research ideas for her relocated business, filling the room with specially commissioned art and adding colour co-ordinated balloons for the opening.

She said: “The thinking behind it was very much a celebration of the journey thus far and thanking the team and wider community for their continued support.

“I started the business with an established, loyal client base.

“Many of my original clients remain with me, but my client base has expanded greatly, mainly through word of mouth, and now covers a wide demographic, so I wanted the launch to have a welcoming ‘home away from home’ feel.”

More details about the London Road salon are available by calling 020 8689 9888.