Lucie Loves… Beauty //

Beard Care + Manicure | The Ultimate Male Grooming at Gentlemens Tonic, Mayfair

Stepping out of Green Park tube station, and walking in the direction of Berkley Square, I was really in need of some pampering. My beard had overgrown to the point where I’m sure that I resembled Mr Twit. But fear not! I was booked in for a Beard Trim and Manicure at Gentlemen’s Tonic, Mayfair – here’s my account of what happened, and how I transformed into a new man.

Wondering where to go for a beard trim in London? Well, we can honestly say that the male grooming experience at Gentlemen’s Tonic is really luxurious and an antidote to conventional London barber chains – whose names will be left out of this blog. This men’s spa was founded in the early 2000s, it’s located in Mayfair and provides the modern man a traditional barbershop, plus a variety of lifestyle and grooming services.

From the outside, standing on the small cobbled street, the establishment looks compact but the inside blew my mind. The reception area boasted all the products on sale, and a very happy looking receptionist made me a coffee and took me through to the waiting area, where I was able to choose from a wide selection of magazines.

My Barber, Omar, came out to meet me and welcome me into my first treatment. The beard trim took place in the Barbershop (upstairs) which comprises of four individual private booths, with thick heavy leather curtains. Omar and I talked about what I wanted from the service and he told me all about the business, which also has locations including Mexico, Dubai and Hong Kong. Being inside the mirrored booth, complete with my own TV, guests are able to sit back and relax. I looked around and admired the different elements: wood, leather and marble and felt instantly relaxed. Omar took time and precision to make sure a good job was done, and I was really pleased with the finished job. He took off the right amount of hair and got my beard all very even and symmetrical.

Once my beard was trimmed and the Gentlemen’s Tonic beard oil applied, I was then escorted downstairs for my manicure. Yes, you heard me correctly! For far too long I have been embarrassed by my cuticles, and always avoid having them been seen in photographs. My beauty therapist, Louise, was lovely, easy to talk to. She asked if I would like another drink: “Tea? Coffee? Bloody Mary?” she purred, in her charming Irish accent.

Of course, I opted for a Bloody Mary. It was really good perfect mix of vodka to tomato juice and spices – exactly what I needed.

Sitting back and conversing with Louise, I learned a lot more about her role within the company, and how she travels a lot with Gentlemen’s Tonic. She trains new staff around the world, up to a high standard, in all grooming and lifestyle services – from massages to waxing. She recently got back from Mexico. She was a great listener, and charming conversationalist, and also allowed there to be enough comfortable silence too.

My overall thoughts about my experience at Gentlemen’s Tonic is that I would recommend them to my friends and blog readers. More and more men are now taking serious care of themselves and opting for a bit of pampering, and rightly so! I am so pleased with my beard’s shape and condition as well as my now perfectly manicured nails.

Gentlemen’s Tonic is a place of tranquility and provides instant relief to the stresses of London life. Go and try them out!

__

James wears: Jacket - Barbour | Shirt - UNIQLO | Jeans - Nudie | Boots - Redwings

Find out more at gentlemenstonic.com

Photography © Lucie Kerley |  Words ~ James Barley