The Spa and Barber at Alfred Dunhill

Time Out says

Mon Jul 18 2011

You may feel a little self-conscious approaching the rather grand Bourdon House, home to luxury brand Alfred Dunhill’s flagship store, but a calm, unpretentious welcome makes you feel as though you’re a member of an exclusive men’s club (which, incidentally, is just what occupies the other half of the building). Step through clouds of cigar smoke on the Cellar Bar patio, up the plush carpeted staircase, and into the barbershop where everything is exquisitely done yet reasonably priced. Very ably run since 2011 by Colombian-born Jay Anaya, it’s a perfectly masculine and discreet small studio where you can have your hair primped and coloured in privacy. There is a full grooming package on offer from manicures to massage, but it’s the wet shaves and cuts that are most popular. So popular, that you need to book weeks in advance – there are only three chairs, and Jay is the only fulltimer, though he has part-time assistance. The service is impressive – personable, skilled and versatile – with contemporary styles on offer as much as classic, sober cuts more befitting a Mayfair hedge-fund manager. A spa area offers treatments for men and women if you need the full service, and the Cellar bar does a brilliantly spicy Bloody Mary, delivered to the barber’s chair. Most of the customers might be rich Mayfair menfolk, but the barbers’ is open to all, and is excellent value for such individual service.

Haircut, £50; wet shave, from £40.