Gentleman 1919, located in the 8th arrondissement, is perhaps the archetype of French/ Anglo-Saxon masculine elegance. The pampered clientele sit back and relax with a scotch in one hand and a cigar in the other. Beard balms, Reuzel gel, shaving cream, Bullfrog eau de toilette, Kookabarra juice, vintage red wine, Brimoncourt champagne: nothing is too good for the clients of this barbershop. We settle ourselves into the chair and put our faith in the smiley Rudy, with his razor and beautiful blonde beard. This isn’t just any chair however – this is a 1963 Belmont leather armchair, complete with ashtray (in the armrest) and electric lever for a smooth, easy experience. In fact, all furniture has been carefully sourced and selected, with certain objects available for sale in the catalogue.
Then it’s through to the back of the barbershop for the speakeasy’s discrete bar, bedecked entirely in wood and complete with a huge smoking area. Expect the classics – like their beautifully bitter Negroni – alongside the signature Gentleman 1919 cocktail with whiskey, Mozart liquor and Chambord liquor – a lightly smoked concoction, epitomising the place’s love for alcohol, cigars and luxury.
TRANSLATION: LEONIE CATER