A CUT ABOVE

Professional barber Ike Walmsley talks to Louise Busfield about his work and the refurbishment of his stylish shop in Longridge

Owner Ike Walmsley describes the Gentlemen’s Lounge as somewhere customers can come and have a chat and relax as well as leaving with a professional haircut.

He has created a buzzing atmosphere where everyone is welcome, young or old, giving clients the confidence to speak up and start chatting with other people.

“If I can make it that bit easier for someone to come out of their shell I feel like I’ve done something,” says Ike. “It’s putting everybody into one big friendship circle.”

Ike previously worked for a barbers for a year before taking the plunge and opening his own shop. Now, two years later the Gentlemen’s Lounge is booming. With an added new refurbishment on the second floor of the shop, Ike has created more space and provided the fantastic opportunity for busy clients to book their appointments.

Times are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to book for the upstairs and walk-ins are available everyday downstairs.

“It’s a new thing were starting,” says Ike. “We’re at our maximum, that’s why I decided to do the upstairs. We had a lot of people telling us, ‘I’d love to come to your shop, I’ve heard really great things but I just don’t have the time to sit and wait’.”

“We want to cater for as many people as possible,” continues Ike. “We don’t want to reach our limit, the idea is to keep growing.”

The shop’s interior blends effortlessly between the classic and old-fashioned barbershops of the 1920s, but with a clean modern look that brings it into the 21st century. Completed and designed by Ike’s father, Gary Walmsley, the idea behind the interior of the shop was to keep it looking timeless.

“I think the old school look never goes out of fashion,” says Ike. “Because it’s already vintage, it will always be in.”
Ike now has three barbers working with him, including his brother Chad Walmsley, Ethan Bailey and Mitch Facer all of whom have trained with the multi-award winning Cartmel Barbers.

“Everyone who works here could run the shop by themselves,” says Ike. “I think they have seen me and how I work and that has encouraged them to be the same.”

The Gentlemen’s Lounge also provides some exclusive extras for groomsmen before or on the morning of their wedding.

“To make it special for people getting married we will open a bit later or a bit earlier and go that extra mile for them, we’ve also got Jack Daniels on tap,” says Ike. “It just makes the day a bit more unique for them. We just want everyone to feel like they’ve been looked after.”

SPECIAL OFFER AT THE GENTLEMEN’S LOUNGE
10% discount quoting GENTS LOUNGE 10
10% off all The Gentlemen’s Lounge products

The Gentlemen’s Lounge
36 Inglewhite Road
Longridge PR3 3JS
07837 644389
www.thegentslounge.co.uk

Opening hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am-6pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm

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