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.
However, while the ambience at Blade does indeed resemble a nightclub, we’re talking the kind of nightclub patronised by the likes of Cary Grant or Fred Astaire in a 1940s movie.
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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.
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