Clara

The old centre, in a flat above a narrow lane where you can hear the bars close at one, and a settled quality about her that does not match how young she is. She uses more gel than most and takes longer over the back than she strictly needs to, which is the part regulars mention first. Her hour has a shape to it: slow, then slower, then something with real weight behind it. Dinner bookings suit her, and she travels well when the arrangement is made far enough in advance.

Clara decides which bookings she takes and may decline any of them; she sets the limits for what a session includes, says what they are, and may end a visit at any point, as the terms set out.