Pride and groom

Ruffians

Edinburgh born and bred, Ruffians first ventured south of the wall in 2013, bringing with it a laid-back, down-to-earth vibe and unrivalled male grooming expertise. This Shoreditch outpost occupies an old abattoir, but rest assured; any chopping, cutting and cleaving today takes place in far more refined surroundings. That said, an Aberdeen Angus taxidermy head protruding from the wall nods to the building’s past life.

46–48 Rivington Street, EC2A 3QP
ruffians.co.uk

Ned’s Barbershop

Just as the speakeasies of prohibition America were hidden underground, The Ned’s subterranean bootlegging barbershop lies two floors beneath its grand 3,000sqft lobby. Fit for Al Capone himself, patrons are offered a whisky with every ‘Full Groom’ service – the best of the roaring 20’s recreated for the 21st Century Gatsby.

27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
thened.com

Huckle the Barber

Huckle takes its music almost as seriously as its grooming, boasting a playlist ‘everyone wants to get their hands on’. Free from the clutter of other ‘over-the-top’ outfits, distressed wooden floorboards and a no-nonsense approach make for a more mature environment. Grab a glass of single malt, sink into the high-backed leather chair and wait for inspiration to strike.

340 Old Street, EC1V 9DS
hucklethebarber.com

Banya No.1

The heyday of East London’s Russian banyas may be long gone, but Banya No.1 is resurrecting this unique institution, reinventing it for modern tastes. One of the city’s more unusual spa experiences, ‘Parenie’ involves a vigorous full-body message with bouquets of birch, oak and eucalyptus, followed by a dip into ice cold water to reinvigorate the body and mind. Though not for the faint hearted, authenticity and pure curiosity have made it popular with those seeking something a little different.

17 Micawber Street, N1 7TB
gobanya.co.uk

Murdock London

A proud Redchurch Street resident, this is London’s original Murdock. With ‘inherent good manners and artisanal values’ at its core, welcome to a contemporary take on the quintessentially English grooming experience. Not only the place to discover your new look for a new decade, it also offers a range of gift sets – ideal birthday presents for the other dapper gents in your life.

46 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP  
murdocklondon.com