The Fiver:  Five of the Best Barbershops in London

Fancy a trim, sir?  We all need some good grooming once in a while, whether we need a bit taken off the top or whether there’s nothing on top and you need your facial hair styled.  If you find yourself in need of a haircut abroad or just want to treat yourself to some male pampering, London has tons of great barbershops that will cater to your needs above the neck.  To help you out, we’ve identified five of the top barbershops across the city for you to consider when you want to look and feel fancy.  If you think we left your favorite out, you can share it with us in the comments.

Ruffians

Ruffians has four locations across London, and just stepping into any of them will show you why this barbershop chain has been awarded the UK’s Best Barbershop—twice.   Ruffians’ barbershops stick to a clean, minimalist aesthetic with tiled walls and old-school barbershop chairs, but the barbers themselves are up to date on the latest trends and equipment.  They put a focus on consultation to get you the best look that’ll make you happy and look your best.  If the prices scare you, however, you can book a “graduate” haircut with a newly minted barber for a reduced price. 

Pall Mall Barbers

Pall Mall Barbers is a barbershop for people who are looking for a place with history.  They have three locations in London, but the oldest is on 45 Fitzroy St in Fitzrovia and has been around since 1896.  Pall Mall Barbers is also one of the more affordable options on this list, with cuts starting at £17 to have just trimmers taken over your head.  And if you’re worried about the cost, meaning you won’t get the good treatment, this shop is good enough for the Prince of Wales himself, so it should more than meet your style needs. 

Truefitt and Hill

Now, if you want to go for a barbershop that is oozing posh, Truefitt and Hill is the way to go.  This barbershop has been around since 1805 and still brings its a-game with old wood mahogany, leather barbershop chairs, and private suites for your very special grooming session.  Granted, such treatment is going to cost you, and even a simple shampoo and blow dry is going to run you £30 (but you get a scalp massage as part of it) and upwards of £195 for a full spa-like treatment, including a manicure.  For £110, you can take a shaving class to learn how to maintain the highest standards for your own facial hair care. 

G.F Trumper

G.F. Trumper is a barbershop that has been around for over a century and is located in the Mayfair area of London. This barbershop is a classic establishment that still retains the look and feel of a traditional barbershop, which is perfect for those who appreciate a more traditional and refined look. The barbershop boasts a wide range of services, including haircuts, shaves, and facial hair grooming, all of which are expertly done by the barbers, who have years of experience under their belts. One of the standout features of G.F. Trumper is its selection of grooming products, which includes a vast array of shaving creams, aftershave balms, and hair styling products.

Gentlemen’s Tonic

Gentlemen’s Tonic is another place where you can get all the male pampering that you deserve.  This place in Mayfair is a full-on men’s spa where your visit will not just include a haircut and beard trim but also a massage, a facial, and even a cocktail, depending on the package you choose.  Be aware, though, that this is going to be one of the most expensive options on this list, with the spa packages running from £99 to £275.  Definitely something if you really want to treat yourself, though.  Also, be prepared to stay a while since most of the treatments run for over two hours, no matter which one you pick. 

Author: John Rabon

John is a regular writer for Anglotopia and its sister websites. He is currently engaged in finding a way to move books slightly to the left without the embarrassment of being walked in on by Eddie Izzard. For any comments, questions, or complaints, please contact the Lord Mayor of London, Boris Johnson's haircut.