Crafting a respectable image is crucial in today’s society, and has the power to open all kinds of doors in both your personal and professional life. While there’s more to life than looking good, the sartorial male knows all too well that a polished appearance can make all the difference when it comes to meeting people for the first time and can go a long way towards creating the right impression, showing that you’re someone who pays attention to the small details and holds yourself to very high standards. And, in today’s modern world, where men are taking better care of themselves than ever before, the appetite for quality men’s grooming is at an all time high.
Whilst a well-tailored suit can go some way towards ensuring you’re received in the right way, well-styled hair, a perfectly-trimmed beard and just about every other aspect of men’s grooming shows that you are a professional in every sense. Not only that, but looking good makes you feel good, cultivating self-assurance and boosting your overall sense of self-esteem – so that regular trip to your favourite grooming emporium might just be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
One London grooming emporium that understands all too well the importance of looking and feeling impeccable is Chiswick-based West and Hunter, which has made a name for itself as the very best in the business in the English capital. Catering specifically to the discerning gentleman, this West London haunt offers a variety of high-quality grooming treatments and services, as well as a curated selection of high-end grooming products to buy and take away with you, and such is its popularity that appointments often book up weeks – or even months – in advance.
Founded by second-generation barber Zamaine Ismail, who has a vast experience at a number of high end grooming salons located in Bond St, Mayfair and on the King’s Road in Chelsea under his belt, the success of this impressive luxury hideaway is no small feat for a man who was just 26 when his own business endeavours begun. Once the head barber of the prestigious Acqua Di Parma barbershop located in Selfridges, it’s safe to say that he knows what it takes to deliver a quality experience – and West and Hunter is testament to that.
One of the factors that has invariably cemented the emporium’s role in elevating the art of male self-care to new heights is its impeccable attention to detail, ensuring that every client leaves feeling thrilled with the results of their cut, shave or trim in a way that keeps them coming back for more. The unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to customer satisfaction on offer here is quite something, and it’s clear that West and Hunter holds itself and its staff to the same high standards that its clientele do, so it’s easy to see why there’s a mutual understanding between the three.
But a satisfying experience goes beyond just the results alone, and the men that frequent West and Hunter come as much for the enjoyment of the time they spend here as they do for the final look. A bespoke haircut or a luxury shave is all well and good, but it’s being made to feel pampered and truly spoilt that is the icing on the cake, and it’s something you can always be certain of getting here.
The world of West and Hunter transports its clientele to a world of refined masculinity, with a relaxing ambience that exudes a sense of timeless charm. The stylish decor takes inspiration from elements and characteristics of Victorian and Georgian architecture and styling, the lighting is atmospheric and the furnishings are all plush leather, with the Chesterfield sofas giving a nod to the traditional gentlemen’s club of times gone by.
With a host of al la carte services to choose from, the emporium comprises a fully-functioning barbershop made up of four areas – the lounge, the cutting section, the wellness section and – wait for it – the speakeasy whiskey and cigar bar. So, if you thought all you’d be getting here was a quick polish to your image, then think again.
While of course, you can enjoy only the highest quality luxury wet shaves, beard grooming and haircuts, you can also get a relaxing facial or pause for a drink and a chat – or enjoy a quiet moment alone over a complimentary single malt, beer or barista-style coffee to unwind from the stresses and strains of modern life.
This is the timeless gentlemen’s club experience at its best. No, better. And little touches – like the fact that West and Hunter sells A-grade luxury cigars sourced directly from Havana, Cuba, for smoking in the outdoor area or taking away with you – or that it’s one of the only men’s salons to sell the exclusive Balmain Paris Hair Couture range for clients, as well as the exclusive and recently launched West and Hunter Collection, to take home with them – are all ways in which it goes the extra mile to ensure your every need is taken care of during and even after your visit.
It’s pretty impressive stuff all round, so it will likely come as no surprise that West and Hunter is currently a finalist in the Best Barbershop and Grooming Salon of the Year categories in the prestigious annual Hairdressers’ Journal Awards and the Modern Barber awards respectively. This lavish emporium is a tough act to follow, and it’s hard to imagine one that could compete – so we’d say that both gongs already have West and Hunter’s name on them.
Book online to receive 15 per cent off your first bespoke haircut or luxury traditional wet shave.
Factbox
Address: 125 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 2ED
Phone: 020 3874 7741
Website: westandhunter.com
All imagery credit: West and Hunter
