From necking a G&T in the back of a black cab to quaffing bottled libations at the cinema, Londoners have proved time and time again that they will sip their cocktails pretty much anywhere. And why waste time in plush city centre surroundings, on leather comfy chairs with a soundtrack of pumping music - without a drink in hand? Cue the new generation of hair salons-cum-bars, offering everything from DJ sets to live sports screenings and teams of in-house mixologists. So, whether your style is short, long or perhaps just straight, our guide to London’s secret barbershop bars is here to get you sipping and snipping. May the scissors be ever in your favour...
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The Gobspy
Considered royalty on the London secret bar scene, The Gobspy is the glorious prohibition-style bar that lurks below an unassuming City barbershop. Reserved for an exclusive group of those who are in the know, if you do manage to find the secret staircase you’ll be greeted by a wonderland of low hanging lights, velvet furnishing and an impressive collection of liquor. Head here on a Friday evening for live music and some seriously sultry date-night vibes.
Descend the stairs to discover the secret lair that lies beneath.
Blade Soho
The pioneers of the term ‘hair clubbing’, the team behind Blade Soho don’t mess around when it comes to their mission of combining the worlds of hair care and hospitality. Serving up a selection of great drinks over even better dos, they have a strict BYOF (bring your own friends) policy. Skip the inevitable foil ennui that comes with a three-hour long colour session by ordering in a round of cosmos and debriefing on all the latest goss. Carrie Bradshaw... is that you?
The perfect place to let your hair down on a Friday night.
Near & Far: Brunch & Blow
Near & Far’s latest enterprise is all about the glam. Bringing in a team of expert hair-stylists from Barber & Blow, their brunch and blow offering includes two hours of bottomless booze along with some Mexican-style cuisine and your very own styling sesh. Just make sure you settle on a style before the free-flowing margaritas kick in - pencil cut hair à la Fleabag is not a look.
The ultimate prep for your Saturday BNO.
Beasy Bar
Located in the heart of Soho, this sultry spot is combining late-night lock-ins with cutting edge trims. Masterfully disguised with a vintage shop front, only the neon sign towards the back of the salon gives this place's game away. Turning things up as dark falls, clients are invited to make a bee-line for the bar to enjoy mouthwatering cocktails and dancing late into the night. Available for private hire, this is the perfect place for a quirky bash. The good news? You won’t have to venture far for that all-important pre-party blow dry.
Watch as hairdryers are dutifully packed away and this place becomes a den of late-night mischief.
Bike Shed Motorcycle club
With locations in London and LA, the cool cats behind the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club have recently turned their hand to trims. Their sleek Shoreditch outpost was already home to the mother of all bike stores, as well as a sprawling bar and restaurant, but now? It also boasts its very own hair chop shop. Bringing their signature grunge style to the Parts and Labour barber, head here for cutting edge trims followed by a round of ice-cold espresso martinis.
The spot that delivers trims as cool as the icy cocktails.
Ned’s Barbershop
Located in the basement of swanky hotel The Ned, this barbershop has all the style and sophistication you would expect from a member of the Soho House family. Open for guests of the hotel and visitors alike, the wood-panelled speakeasy-style den was designed with luxe pampering in mind. Indulge in a little hair TLC before heading upstairs to one of the hotel's many bars and restaurants. Head here on the first Monday of each month and you'll be able to enjoy live music courtesy of London's best up and coming artists - perfectly accompanied by a smoky old fashioned at The Nickel Bar.
Hidden underneath the former bank you'll find a wonderland of vintage chic.
Greenwood London
Victoria’s number one bar for catching up on all the latest sporting fixtures, Greenwood is buzzing with football fanatics and rugby devotees from morning ‘til night. Fill your boots with their menu of mouth-watering bar snacks and hearty burgers before popping over to the in-house Sharps Barber for a quick freshen up. You won’t even have to miss a minute of the action whilst the team gets to work; each mirror comes with its own TV showing back to back games and pundit analysis.
Catching up on the latest scores with a pint in hand? You won't want to leave.
Salon 64
Loved by the likes of Laura Whitmore, Joel Dommett and Liv Bentley, this West London celeb hangout looks more like a five-star hotel lobby than a beauty salon. Regulars in the know tend to slip past the mirrors and chairs at the front of the venue to the slinky marble bar that lies behind. Make it onto the exclusive client list and you can expect a menu of hand-crafted cocktails and sexy indoor fire pits (here’s hoping the hair spray is non-flammable).
The hair salon that looks to be straight outta' a 007 film.
Looking for more hidden gems? Check out our guide to the best secret bars in the capital here.
