Business is clearly booming for Ruffians. Originating in Edinburgh, the barbers chain set up its first London premises in Covent Garden in January 2014. A Marylebone branch opened in January 2016; then, just nine months later, this one arrived on Rivington Street in Shoreditch.
Each branch has similarly slick decor – exposed bricks, wooden countertops, Edison light bulbs – but that’s not to say they’re carbon copies of each other. This one caters to the hordes of trendy professionals that work in the area, and so is a little less buttoned-down than the other two. The vibe is friendly and informal; beers or soft drinks are dished out upon arrival. Services offered range from a haircut and cutthroat razor shave (£50 each) to a ‘Ruffians Refresher’, which involves a spot of exfoliation and moisturising, and an upper body massage (£15). And yes, at 50 quid a haircut more than a snip (ba-dum) – but it’s a solid 45-minute session in which you can consult the barber about what you’re after. I was lucky enough to get my locks chopped by the manager, award-winning Tommy Cunliffe. I couldn't have asked for a nicer three quarters of an hour.
That’s the key to Ruffians: you and your follicles are well looked after. It’s presumably a big part of their meteoric success. I came out with a much tidier head, and a cheerful grin on my face. The pressing question is: when and where will their fourth London branch open? This much seems definite.