A globe trotting hair stylist who has worked in London, America and Australia is bringing ‘creative quality’ barbering to Margate Old Town.
Callum Regan opened Old Town Barbers yesterday (March 7) and is planning an official launch within the next fortnight.
The 27-year-old had been working for Murdock London, which provides products to clients such as GQ magazine, and represented the firm at its US bases.
But a desire to head up his own business and the chance spotting of the former Happily Ever Afters café just as it came on the market has prompted the shift from London back to Thanet.
Callum (pictured above) said: “This is the first time in my own shop. I have been a stylist all over the world but have lived in Margate on and off since I was about 21 and love it here.
“I always wanted my own shop but the right one never came up until now. When I saw this I thought it was the perfect space.”
Callum, who describes himself as a ‘mixed bag’ due to Irish/English and Australian heritage, says he and partner Keira Hopgood, were attracted back to the isle due to the ‘Old Town vibe.’
The aim is for the barbers to offer a high-end salon for men with added extras in the service, such as a free whisky or beer while you wait.
Callum, who has also taken part in international hairdressing shows, has stripped out the old interior of the property and introduced clean lines, a creative design – and a motorbike in the centre of the shop!
The biking enthusiast said: “It is about nice lines and clean edges. I am really into design and quality and want to bring a different side of barbering to Margate. We want to deliver quality and this was the only place we wanted to be.
“It is a little bit more expensive but we give back to clients quality and service and it will be worth the trip.”
Initially barbering will be offered by Callum and staff member Cassie with plans for two more barbers to join the team over the coming weeks.
Callum is also planning to create an academy with the aim of Margate becoming ‘a hub for hairdressing and barbering.”
Find Old Town Barbers at 13 Market Place, or on facebook here or @otbmargate on Twitter and old town_margate on Instagram.
