Articles
Originally published on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
The Experientialist: Carter and Bond
A treasure of a men’s barbers combining old school cool with quirky West London charm
Women-folk love to wax lyrical about their hairdressers, colourists, stylists, et cetera. For us chaps, however, with just the one scissor-wielder to choose for the whole lot the decision can be tougher. So The Experientialist took a spin in Carter and Bond’s barbers’ chair to test out their skills. Could this be The One?
The Location
Nestled opposite The Westbourne pub, past the retro-tastic window display of tin robots and beach books, Carter and Bond hides a veritable hair emporium. In the back beside the glass counter of chocolate cigarettes stands a huge antique Georgian sink – for old-fashioned, head-forward hair washing – and a single barbers’ chair surrounded by a mountain of hair products boutique and curious alike.
The Experience
The electric clippers stayed on their hook next to the hot towels the whole time, replaced by a whir of scissors, a scrape of cut-throat and a spot of conversation so relaxed it was like hanging out with your favourite old uncle. And then there’s the head massage: none of that namby-pamby scalp-tickling nonsense! This was a fabulous skull-drilling to wake the dead. The cut was absolutely spot-on too – and we’ve heard only praise for their hot towel wet shave.
The Upshot
It might not be the best place for asymmetric styles du jour… But with a strong eye for what looks good, a faultless hand, and a relaxed school of service (not to mention a price) that harkens back to the classic London of their cinematic namesakes, Carter and Bond is definitely worth a spin. Think old school West End meets quirky West London – but with zero pretension. And pick up a pack of those chocolate cigs on your way out.
Exclusive UJ Subscriber Offer.
Fancy trying out one of these fantastic barbering services for yourself? UJ Subscribers can get a whopping 50% discount on their first appointment, simply by quoting yours truly. Available until the end of September. Enjoy, you perfectly polished gentlemen, you.
Info
Carter and Bond
83 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH
Haircuts available every Wednesday and Sunday
Haircut & wash: £27
Haircut, wash & hot towel wet shave: £45
