From speakeasy-style spots in five-star hotels to establishments over 200 years old, here's our rundown of ten of the best barbers in London.
Samuel Hopkins - Staff Writer•
There’s nothing better than getting a good haircut, but in a city of nine million people, finding a good one can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Luckily for you though, we’ve decided to do all the groundwork to find where’s best in town to get your barnet trimmed, so you won’t risk making a fashion faux pas. So here it is, the Secret London roundup of ten of the best barbers in London:
1. Ruffians
Two-time winners of the UK’s coveted ‘best barbershop award’, Ruffians is thoroughly deserving of its place on this list. The prices are competitive and the staff are both knowledgeable and friendly, and there are now four branches dotted across our beloved capital – one in Covent Garden, one in Shoreditch, one in Marylebone and one in Liberty in Soho, just at the northern end of Carnaby Street.
The focus here is on high-quality haircuts, beard trims and cut-throat shaves, and all their branches are bright, spacious and decked out in lovely Scottish oak desks. You can even indulge in a tipple of some whisky as you get your hair snipped. Sounds pretty good to us!
You’ll find Ruffians at four different locations across London. You can find out more here.
2. Joe & Co
Next on this list of the best barbers in London is Joe & Co., a modern spot right in the heart of Soho. Run by stylist to the stars Joe Mills – who has counted Jamie Dornan, Paul Mescal and Zayn Malik among his clients – it offers all the frills you’d expect from an elite salon, but with a much more casual and relaxed atmosphere.
The highly-specialised team here cut an array of classic, creative and modern hairstyles, and their mission is to make you ‘leave feeling relaxed and looking your best’. There are also free-flowing complimentary drinks – including wine, beer, and freshly-brewed coffee – throughout your trim, and ‘friendly banter’ to boot too.
You’ll find Joe & Co. at 26 Peter Street, London, W1F 0AH. Nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
3. Ned’s Barbershop
Located in the former Midland Bank building in Bank, it’s easy to be blown away by The Ned. The Grade I-listed building is very Great Gatsby-esque, with vintage furnishings, dark oak panelling and ambient lighting dotted through the cavernous five-star hotel and member’s club. Head downstairs though to Ned’s Barbershop and you’ll find something much more cosy.
The classic, speakeasy-style space feels exclusive, and they offer haircuts, express facials and traditional wet shaves. There’s also Ned’s Club Spa nearby which offers a variety of relaxing treatments, from manicures and pedicures, to advanced facials, massages and hair services. Time to get pampering yourself we say!
You’ll find Ned’s Barbershop at 27 Poultry, London, EC2R 8AJ. Nearest station is Bank.
4. Murdock
If you’re wanting to look and feel sharp, then Murdock is a pretty great place to go. The ethos here is to get you feeling confident, and you’ll definitely feel that on leaving here. Expert barbers cut a range of different styles to fit exactly what you want, and you can also enjoy complimentary drinks during your visit including tea, coffee, beer, Harris Gin and even Glenfarclas Whiskey.
Be sure to check out their website once you’ve left as this classy spot is well known for their grooming products. Beard balm, sea salt spray, quince and oakmoss conditioner and matt mud – it’s all here!
You’ll find Murdock at three different locations across central London. You can find out more here.
5. Geo. F. Trumper
This next addition to our roundup of the best barbers in London is a real golden oldie. Open and cutting barnets since the mid 19th-century, Geo. F. Trumper is quite possibly the OG of barbers in London, and their master barbers do a mean trim, paying major attention to detail.
Their St James’ branch also does a great wet shave, and all barbers are also trained in beard styling, so you can expect to come out of here looking pretty damn fine.
You’ll find Geo F Trumper at 1 Duke of York Street, London, SW1Y 6JP. Nearest station is Green Park.
6. Gentlemen’s Tonic
With a glitzy Mayfair location, Gentlemen’s Tonic has both style and luxury in spades. Their highly-trained, friendly and professional staff offer bespoke treatments, which include everything from a haircut and finish to a prep facial, beard trim and a traditional wet shave.
They also sell an award-winning selection of grooming products so you can look as fly as you possibly can at all times of the day.
You’ll find Gentlemen’s Tonic at 78 Tachbrook Street, London, SW1V 2NA. Nearest station is Pimlico.
7. Pall Mall Barbers
Serving Londoners all the way since 1896, the team at Pall Mall Barbers certainly know a thing or two about cutting hair. They’ve got six different branches dotted about the city, and have worked with brands including the Champion’s League, Master Card, Google, Facebook, Hugo Boss and the England Cricket Team.
They’ve even got the Royal seal by cutting the hair of H.R.H. Prince William, so you know that you’re in good hands here. On top of scissor cuts, skin fades and head shaves, they also do beard styling and wet shaves too.
You’ll find Pall Mall Barbers at various locations across London. You can find out more here.
8. RXB Barbers
Another worthy addition to this list of London barbers, RXB Barbers excels in pretty much every type of service of make grooming, but it’s their brilliant skin fades that really come out top. Just down the road from Brixton and Oval tube stops, they also do sharp scissor cuts, beard styling and tapering, and prices range from just 20 quid.
Plus, the customer service is spot-on, there’s free Wi-Fi and the atmosphere is warm and friendly, so this is a good barbers that you’ll no doubt be coming back to time and time again.
You’ll find RXB Barbers at 80 Brixton Road, Vassal, London SW9 6BH. Nearest station is Oval.
9. Truefitt & Hill
Our penultimate entry on this roundup of the best barbers in London is ‘the oldest barbershop in the world’ according to the Guiness Book of World Records, so they certainly know a thing or two about cutting hair.
Established in 1805, famous clients at Truefitt & Hill have included Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill, John Wayne and even the British Royal Family – so this place is a *ahem* cut above the rest. As well as haircuts, they also offer traditional hot towel wet shaves, beard trims, manicures, facials and even shoe shines, so this is a pretty damn classy place if you ask us.
You’ll find Truefitt & Hill at 71 St James’s Street, St. James’s, London, SW1A 1PH. Nearest station is Green Park. You can find out more here.
10. Ted’s Grooming Room
Rounding off this list of the best barbers in London is a 19-strong chain of barbers set up by the famous British designer of the same name: Ted Baker. Inspired by a trip to Turkey, you’ll be treated to an authentic experience of prestigious Turkish skill, down to the massage, the hot towel service and ear-flaming, of course.
You can also choose to have brow threading, a hot wax facial or a beard shave, and if you want to go all out, why not opt for Ted’s Grooming Room’s Ultimate VIP Experience? You’ll get all of the above, an eye mask and even a scalp, face, arm and shoulder massage! Go on, treat yourself.
You’ll find Ted’s Grooming Room in various locations across London. You can find out more here.
Looking for even more pampering? Here’s our rundown of seven soothing spas In London.
Tags:hair care, manicure, massage, spa
