A NEW barbershop has opened in Wokingham, and its owner says it is here to stay.
Cuts and Culture began trading on Wednesday – offering fresh fades and sharp cuts – even before its new sign was up.
“We’ll have that over the door soon,” said proprietor David, “once planning permission is sorted.”
The business runs from what used to be NatWest Bank, on the corner of Broad Street and Rose Street.
“I love this building, its architecture, its windows,” he said.
“It’s one of the things that made me want to bring the business here.”
Built in 1929/30, the construction first served as a banking hall with shop spaces and office accommodation.
Since the closure of NatWest in the town it has been converted into 1, 2, and 3 bedroom luxury flats above, with business outlet space below.
Originally, David’s plan was to replace the original windows, but he has instead chosen to restore the historic arched frames.
“We’ve been given permission to change the doors, though,” he said.
“At first we wanted them to be all glass, but we weren’t allowed because that wasn’t in keeping with the building’s character.
“It was a bit annoying, sure, but we appreciate that this is what keeps Wokingham looking the way it does, and I really respect that.”
It has taken since December to get the shop ready.
While David is keen to preserve the original character of the exterior, inside the look is fresh and contemporary – almost electric art deco.
“The building was just a shell when we took it over,” said David.
“We’ve tried to keep the design theme very modern.
“A lot of barbers are very traditional, but we’ve tried to do something different with our decor and lighting.”
David and a colleague had been cutting hair and shaving beards in Reading.
“I worked in my friend’s Reading barbershop for around 10 years,” he explained.
“But I’ve lived in Wokingham previously for a couple of years and I’ve always loved this town, its markets, the fairs, the community feel it has.
“It’s such a friendly place – a number of people have already popped their heads in at the door while we were doing the renovation to ask when we were opening, and to wish us luck.
“I don’t know any of them, but they all wished us well.”
Wokingham isn’t short of barbers.
“That doesn’t worry me,” said David.
“We believe in what we do, and we’re here for the right reasons.
“If you do good, good will come back to you.
“We want to be part of the community, and we’re keen to build relationships here.
“We’ve taken a 15 year lease, so we’re here for the long term.
“I’m really excited to be opening, and looking forward to getting started.”
Cuts and Culture is at 5 Broad Street.
For information, visit: cutsandculture.co.uk
