Truefitt & Hill, the world's oldest barbershop, has been grooming British royalty for 221 years, and now offers its heritage services to the everyday man. Located near Green Park in St James's, the establishment has served nine reigning monarchs since its founding on October 21, 1805, the day of the Battle of Trafalgar.
A Royal Legacy Since 1805
The shop was opened by Francis William Truefitt in Cross Lane, Long Acre. Its royal association began when George III entrusted his wig-making duties to the brand, a relationship that has endured through the centuries. The walls are adorned with dark wooden panels, portraits, and plaques honouring aristocrats who have stood in the same spot as today's customers.
Austin Mutti-Mewse, Creative Director of Truefitt and Hill, highlighted the brand's historical significance: "There are so many pointers throughout history that we have had a moment in time, Dickens was a customer, we had a presence on the Titanic, we have looked after nine reigning monarchs, and it's interesting upstairs, one never knows who is going to come in, it's great fun."
Expanding Beyond the Elite
While the shop has long attracted royals, rappers, and aristocrats, Mutti-Mewse noted that the rise of social media has brought a new customer base. Influencers and young men saving up for a £60 shave now frequent the establishment, a trend the creative director welcomes.
"Ex prime ministers, sports stars, but for me, I love the fact that chaps come in here and they have saved £60 for a shave for the very first time, and they want to experience that, they are the future of the brand, I treasure that," he said.
Despite its upper-echelon clientele, Mutti-Mewse insists the brand does not see itself as luxury. "All of us would say we are British heritage brands, that means it doesn't matter if the counter is slightly wonky or the mirror is slightly skew, anyone can throw money at something and call it luxury but it's hard to buy 221 years of heritage," he explained.
The Master Barber Experience
During a 30-minute haircut session, master barber Michael demonstrated the meticulous attention to detail that sets Truefitt & Hill apart from high street salons. After owning his own store and working in the trade for decades, Michael joined the brand to work for the best and plans never to leave.
"You learn something new every day, and you could learn a new technique from an apprentice; it's a trade where you never stop learning," he said while trimming precisely.
The service includes citrus-scented scalp moisturiser and ensures every shed hair is cleared before the customer leaves. Mutti-Mewse added: "Part of our USP is the fact that we have a barber who has been with us for 45 years, and when I joined eight years ago, there was a barber who was 86 and still cutting hair; they have all learnt from their predecessors."
Global Expansion and Future Plans
While the flagship store remains on St James Street, Truefitt & Hill has expanded globally, moving beyond grooming services into skincare and fragrance under its established name. The brand's goal is to continue attracting the everyday man who wants an occasional treat, a mission the creative director personally endorses.
