At lunch if you've got a good one close to work. On the way home if you don't trust anyone but your regular guy or girl. First thing if you've found someone who'll do it that early.
Getting a haircut in London is as much about finding the time as it is about the actual trim, especially since leaving it until Saturday usually means you wait for half an hour just to get in the chair.
The capital is full to the brim of barbers, the City especially has some absolute corkers that make going for a back and sides feel like an absolute treat – rather than a chore.
Whether you're a beer-in-hand and beard-trimmed-too kind of guy, or more of an in-and-out who loves nothing more than a sleek interior – this selection of the City's best barbers offers a bit of it all. And then some.
Huckle the Barber
When Chris Ward set up Huckle the Barber in 2012, his mission was simple: create an environment that delivers what men want when it comes to male grooming; a friendly, relaxed space and tailored haircuts from some of the most experienced barbers in London. We didn't say short, we said simple. Every barber employed by the cutting-edge, and extremely edgy, chain has at least five years experience in the girls, and are said to be hand-picked by Ward himself. Buzz cuts start at £25, with a shampoo and haircut prices at £48. Don't worry, though, the craft beer, conversation and music are all complimentary.
340 Old St EC1V 9DS / 55 Lamb's Conduit St WC1N 3NB, hucklethebarber.com
The Ned
The Ned. Considering it only opened two years ago, the buzzing private members' club has gone to great lengths to secure itself the reputation it already has. Stunning interior? Check. A host of restaurants and bars, open to anyone to visit? Check. A rooftop with pool and bar? Come on now. Check. Slightly under the radar, though, is its luxury spa and barber offering. Kitted out and decorated to look like something out of The Great Gatsby, The Ned's barber offers haircuts, facials, manicures and traditional wet shaves. And to give it that extra speakeasy (exclusive) feel, all services – from a haircut to a traditional wet shave or facial – use a homemade range of styling and skincare products. Fancy that, old sport.
27 Poultry EC2R 8AJ, thened.com/barbershop
Ted's Grooming Room
Ted Baker does haircuts, who knew? A lot of people, actually. Ted's Grooming Room is all about lived experience: Ted enjoyed a hot towel and close shave, so you will too. In the business for over 10 years now, TGR prides itself on providing A-class service for a very affordable price. Oh, and the luxury experience is next to none.
25 Old Broad Street EC2N 1HQ, tedsgroomingroom.com
Adam Grooming Atelier
Adam Grooming may have a slew of high-end Turkish barbershops in some of London's most sought after locations (think The Shard Arcade and Eastcheap in Monument), but it's a unique and charming experience whenever you decide to go and whichever branch you decide to visit. Waistcoated barmen serving whisky upon arrival, followed by your stylist telling you what kind of haircut you need and not vice versa – overall not your average trim. But then, who wants an average trim? Not Adam, that's for sure.
Multiple locations including London Bridge, Monument and Canary Wharf, adamgroomingatelier.com
Ruffians
Ruffians mission statement is as follows: "From day one, we wanted to create a barbershop that delivered the best service out there, and consistently so. We were frustrated with haircuts and customer service that were often hit-and-miss, and were determined to do better. That meant building the best teams and training them to our standard. It meant creating beautiful, stylish, relaxing spaces. But most of all it meant listening to our customers. We’re proud of our many awards, our teams, our community. And we’re proud that we give people confidence." Put simply, this is the place to get a trim. Period.
46-48 Rivington Street EC2A 3QP, ruffians.co.uk
