These are the best barber shops in London

Chop your mop with the help of the capital’s finest cutters

Haircuts can be the source of dread for a lot of men. After all, there’s quite a bit that could go wrong. What if your barber gets a little trigger-happy with the clippers? Gives you an unequal fade? Or attempts to style your overgrown coiffure into a New Wave fringe? And, worst of all, you don’t get a second chance at a trim for a month or so, and you can’t exactly wear a baseball cap into the boardroom. However, with the below selection of well-skilled barbers, your barnet will be in a good hands. Take a browse, choose one that suits you and have your pompadour primped to perfection in no time.

The Refinery

Its two locations in Mayfair and Harrods should go some way in telling you just how exclusive this grooming house is. We hesitate to simply go with “barbers” as this establishment actually offers full-blown spa treatments, including massages and detox facials, and thanks to its moderate prices (cuts start from £39) it’s one of the cheapest, yet most opulent, spots for a tidy-up.

Best for: Every grooming need, Price: Haircuts from £39 (Knightsbridge only). Massages from £45.

Ruffians

Having moved down from Edinburgh, award-winning grooming locale Ruffians is conquering London with some well-preened aplomb. Its relaxed Covent Garden location has become a hotspot for marvellously groomed gents (there are outposts in Marylebone and Liberty as well) and there’s also a range of in-house products so you can maintain the same professional level of style between trims. The “Ruffians Refresher” (which is essentially a face exfoliation complete with a moisturiser and skin consultation) will also help shed off any unwarranted stress.

Best for: Fuss-free chops, Price: Haircut £55. Ruffians Refresher £15.

Aono London

Aono is at the forefront of championing the modern man’s style needs. Located in the menswear department of upmarket department store Harvey Nichols, this bijou-sized British barbershop fuses fashion and lifestyle by offering a full service (including quick tidy-ups and wet shaves) from early ’til late (10AM to 8pm on weekdays), so gents can drop in for a cut at their leisure, indulge in some retail therapy and leave the Knightsbridge location looking slick and sharp. There are two chairs on offer, so service never feels crowded, and it’s currently the only barbershop stocking House 99, David Beckham’s latest grooming collaboration with L’Oreal.

Best for: the man of leisure

Ted’s Grooming Room

With the British sun slowly coming back, it’s time for your flowing winter locks to get a much deserved tidy-up. And we can’t think of many places that can rival Ted’s Grooming Room when it comes to giving you a razor sharp chop. Each in-house stylist uses ancient techniques taken from the Ottoman Empire to provide you with whatever styling you require (ear flaming is also carried out), while additional services such as a hot-towel Turkish shave make for a relaxing session in the chair. Moreover, with 13 outposts based in London, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you can always pop-in for a last-minute fix.

Best for: A Turkish barber experience without having to jet abroad., Price: Haircut £32. Cut-throat shave £28.

Nomad Barber

Having spent a year traversing the globe to learn and document the history of barbering (there was even a vlog titled The Nomad Barber), Miguel Gutierrez has set up shop on the London’s Brick Lane. The experience at this stripped-back joint takes some beating as it has an air of luxury rarely seen outside of the confines of Mayfair. Competitive rates belie the lavish nature of each session, and the soothing and clean ‘Bazaar Shave’ is worth the visit to east London alone.

Best for: Adventurous cuts, Price: Back and sides from £23. Shaves £35.

Pankhurst

Part speakeasy, part gentleman’s club is how Pankhurst is billed. Just off Carnaby Street sits this incredible location featuring bespoke chairs (all of which have been hand upholstered by Bentley’s craftsmen for your perching pleasure) and a whiskey lounge (so you can truly relax with a tipple while an expert stylist sorts out your mane). What’s not to like?

Best for: Unwinding with a glass of Balvenie in hand, Price: Haircut £55. Classic wet shave £55.

Joe and Co.

Light, airy and kitted-out with cream-coloured walls, Joe and Co. provides a refreshing respite from the capital’s more dingy and traditional barbershops. However, don’t be fooled by the informal and straightforward setting, for Joe and his team of stylists take their craft seriously. Before taking a pew, a thorough consultation is always offered, combining your wants with a cutter’s judgment and experience. Better still, almost all follicle-related needs are covered, including grey hair blending and moustache styling.

Best for: Those with salt ’n’ pepper hair, Price: Stylist haircut £44. Grey hair blending £28.

Want to always look your best? Check out these grooming gadgets that are absolutely worth your time and money.

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more