After being named UK Barbershop of the Year, Adam Gore’s ‘real barber’ revolution with Barberology continues apace with a second shop, celebrity clients and a growing social media following    

Just over a year after opening in the Jewellery Quarter, Barberology received the ultimate accolade when it was named Barbershop of the Year 2016 at the UK Premier Annual Barber Awards – the Oscars of the barber world. And while a successful business is about more than collecting nice gongs, for Barberology founder and chief barber Adam Gore it was confirmation that all the hours and hard work that he and his team put into the business had made a major impact in a very short time indeed. “I think winning is down to our love for the ‘real barber’ revolution where customers come into our shop and are the centre of attention,” says Adam. “I think our Instagram and Facebook accounts have caught the attention of a lot of people; through social media and recommendations from existing customers anyone who comes into our shop knows that we can really pull whatever they’re hoping to achieve out of the bag.”

QUALITY NOT VOLUME

Barberology offers a range of services from haircuts and shaves to beard and moustache trims, brow tidies and even ear and body waxing. “We are very different to other barbershops,” Adam explains, “from the way we cut and style to the way we approach each customer. We care about what we do and it’s never about volume, it’s always about quality and award-winning cuts.” Adam describes the business in Warstone Lane as a ‘modernised classic barber’. While offering many ‘real barber’ services such as hot towels, perfect haircuts and amazing beard sculpting, he and his team can also provide specialist procedures such as non-surgical hair replacement and colouring in VIP rooms.

“I started Barberology with the knowledge that I just wanted to focus on men’s hair in a barbershop,” said Adam. “Looking around, there appeared to be a real gap in the market. The shop is a man’s domain where he can feel at home with friends and have a drink and a chat – a perfect hideout from the real world.” Originally from Erdington, ex-Stockland Green School pupil Adam spent most of his childhood in the Isle of Wight and travelling as his father was an entertainer and world champion yodeller. During his career in the haircare business he has had many jobs, from working in Toni and Guy to a hair replacement specialist, before deciding to take the plunge and setting up Barberology.

CELEBRITY CLIENTS

Working with Adam is a staff with a wealth of experience and shopfloor hours. Barberology frequently does show work with the biggest names in the industry at major trade events. Their customers – from local top football and Bollywood stars to successful businessmen and students – reflect the mark they’re making in the business and in Birmingham. “We’re proud to have a big celebrity client base and we have customers travelling from as far as Yorkshire and even Paris each month to come and see us,” says Adam. Since opening in the Jewellery Quarter, Adam has expanded to a second shop which recently opened in Harborne. “We also work very closely with Selfridges which is a fantastic partnership for us,” he added. “And our Barberology Tube YouTube channel is also set to grow and become a ‘go to’ to receive advice on grooming and style from the professionals.” He added: “Barbering and styling as a whole is a great business to be in and it’s growing at an impressive rate. Celebrity-wise I can see it being as big as chefs in the future.”

So, move over Saturday Kitchen! Luxury Italian shave with full steam and fragranced towel anyone?