Salon Review: Barbour and Parlour, Shoreditch, London 

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Review: Kathryn Lewsey

Located in trendy Shoreditch, Barber and Parlour is a handy pit-stop for your pampering sessions, housing both Cheeky and Josh Wood salons under one roof. Coming from the people who own Soho House, it’s the perfect place for both women and men who are in need of some TLC.

From the outside, this industrial building has kept its classic East London exterior of graffiti and street art. Inside, stairs lead up to Barber and Parlour’s restaurant, which offers everything from a quick coffee, to a leisurely dinner or Saturday brunch.

But upstairs is where the real magic happens. I checked in at the reception area, which also offers a boutique for beauty lovers; selling products from both brands, as well as staple essentials like Beauty Blenders and Tangle Teezers.

I was booked in for one of Cheeky’s Shellac Manicures and made my way over to the mani stations for my treatment. The open-plan space is where all treatments are carried out and its stylish décor makes this place an instant hit. Aside from the cute salon accessories and wooden tables, the walls are adorned with fun pictures like flamingos and speech bubbles.

My lovely therapist started off by removing my polish, before trimming and shaping them into a rounded shape. Next, she buffed away my nails and pushed back the cuticles in preparation for the polish.

I settled on a coral colour and the therapist set to work on the application. First, she applied a base coat, before putting my digits in the UV machine for thirty seconds. Continuing, she then expertly applied two thin layers of my chosen hue – each time placing them under the machine for around two minutes. Finally, a top coat was added to seal in the colour and provide a long-lasting finishing.

Completing my manicure, my cuticles to some nourishing oil and massaged a gorgeous Cowshed hand cream into my skin – it had never felt so soft!

Whether you want a quick-fix mani or fun day out with the girls, Barbour and Parlour is well worth the visit.

64-66, Redchurch Street, E2 7DP

www.barberandparlour.com