Barber shop a cut above the rest set to thrive on 'untapped market' in Blackburn

The Gentleman’s Workshop has opened in Preston New Road in Blackburn at the site of the former Brian Middlemas barbers.

It is co-owned by Ali Hussain and Asif Bhojani and they are looking to keep customers in Blackburn who previously would have had to go out of town for such a service.

The site provides a traditional barber service to its customers featuring hot towels, close shaves, steam shaves and more.

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Four barber chairs are on offer in the shop available for walk-ins and booked appointments.

Mr Hussain, from the Audley area of Blackburn, said it is something he has wanted to do for a long time

The 24-year-old said: “It’s a passion we had ourselves. Me and my friends were all having to go out of town for this sort of service.

“I know people who were going to Manchester to get their haircuts.

“We found that this was a service we wanted to bring to people in Blackburn.”

Mr Hussain said business has been going well so far in the early days since it opened.

He said: “We’ve had a great reaction, there’s been a lot of footfall so far.

“Anyone and everyone is welcome we’ve had put from all sorts of background come so far.

“We’ve been rushing around non-stop, everything is so busy. We’re hoping it will keep on going like this and it will be a big success.”

Staff also said they hope the business will continue to grow and attract more people from across the area.

Councillors have also got behind the new business and supported the work they do.

Cllr Quesir Mahmood, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said he used the service himself recently and was very happy.

The Wensley Fold ward representative said: “It think it’s fantastic news that they’ve opened. It’s a real untapped market in this area male grooming.

“They offered something I’d never experience before in terms of a steam shave.

“There is a real demand there and I hope they do well."