Blade, on Soho’s bustling Frith Street, markets itself the place to go to experience “hairclubbing” - that is, a salon with the vibe of “a kitchen at a great house party”, as the website explains.
You might be forgiven for feeling a little bit of trepidation at the idea, which at first glance conjures to mind an Abercrombie and Fitch-style darkened room filled with painfully hip employees and a blaring pop soundtrack.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
As I enter the unisex salon, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald crackle through a gramophone, interrupted only by soft chatter and the chink of ice in a whisky tumbler.
Coffee is served at the upstairs counter, while the downstairs hosts a bar bursting with unusual offerings, from biodynamic champagne to Arran Gold, a Scottish whisky cream liqueur that knocks Baileys under the table.
I take my seat with a glass of organic bordeaux - “our favourite at the moment” says Blade founder Julia Olofsson. The Russian-born stylist runs the salon with her husband Stroo, a whisky aficionado who keeps the bar stocked with unique blends from off-the-beaten-path distilleries.
While my stylist gets down to business, I try a Scotch Godfather from the cocktail menu, a blend of 12-year-old scotch, amaretto and orange bitters that proves the perfect winter warmer.
The hurly-burly of the typical Soho salon, where customers all-too-often find themselves hustled through a trim by a stylist with one eye on their next client, is totally absent.
In fact, the whole experience, from shampoo to the final post-blowdry styling, proceeds with the same relaxed, friendly ambience that characterises the salon as a whole.
Every chair in the salon is equipped with an iPad, so customers can peruse the menu or simply watch their favourite Netflix show - although those in search of a more social experience are encouraged to bring friends, whether for a casual catch-up or a special treat for birthdays or hen parties.
In keeping with its ‘more than a salon’ vibe, Blade hosts a monthly jazz jam session and a range of special one-off events.
On 30 November, the salon welcomes Clackmannshire brewery Haviestoun for a day of Scottish beer and ale tastings in honour of St Andrew’s Day.
Alongside their haircut, guests can sample cask ales, craft lagers and filtered bottled beers - including Blade’s own limited edition dark ale, Blade Engine Oil - with music from jazz ensemble Giacomo Smith and The Hops.
When it comes to style, charm and sophistication, Blade is a cut above.
-
Political cartoons for February 16Cartoons Monday’s political cartoons include President's Day, a valentine from the Epstein files, and more
-
Regent Hong Kong: a tranquil haven with a prime waterfront spotThe Week Recommends The trendy hotel recently underwent an extensive two-year revamp
-
The problem with diagnosing profound autismThe Explainer Experts are reconsidering the idea of autism as a spectrum, which could impact diagnoses and policy making for the condition
-
Arcadia: Tom Stoppard’s ‘masterpiece’ makes a ‘triumphant’ returnThe Week Recommends Carrie Cracknell’s revival at the Old Vic ‘grips like a thriller’
-
American Psycho: a ‘hypnotic’ adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis classicThe Week Recommends Rupert Goold’s musical has ‘demonic razzle dazzle’ in spades
-
Can London’s pie and mash shops make a comeback?Under the Radar Traditional East End eateries are on the ‘brink of extinction’ – but a younger generation is giving the Cockney cuisine an unexpected boost
-
Breaking news: the rise of ‘smash hit’ rage roomsUnder the Radar Paying to vent your anger on furniture is all the rage but experts are sceptical
-
Why is London’s property market slumping?Today's Big Question Some sellers have reported losses of hundreds of thousands of pounds
-
Jane Austen lives on at these timeless hotelsThe Week Recommends Here’s where to celebrate the writing legend’s 250th birthday
-
David Hockney at Annely Juda: an ‘eye-popping’ exhibitionThe Week Recommends ‘Some Very, Very, Very New Paintings Not Yet Shown in Paris’ testifies to the artist’s ‘extraordinary vitality’ and ‘childlike curiosity’
-
The Peninsula: London’s first billion-pound hotelThe Week Recommends As the capital’s super-luxury hotel scene continues to expand, the respected brand is still setting the standard
