Modern men’s hairdressing is dominant in London now with the rise of Pankhurst, Murdock, Ted’s Grooming Room, and rumours of ‘peak beard’ abound. Usually masculine surroundings with leather, dark wood and musky aromas generally being the order of the day, these businesses are fundamental in changing the way that men preen themselves – making it more approachable, more fun and providing an experience rather than just a service.

Ted’s Grooming Rooms are making the experience more accessible by combining these spaces within their retail stores whilst Sharps also have concessions in both Topman on Oxford Street & Ben Sherman in Islington. Barber & Parlour (part of Soho House) in Shoreditch also incorporates a restaurant, bar, juice press and an Electric cinema in the basement – a great example of providing customers with a range of experiences all under one roof.

The Aveda Institute in Covent Garden has recently branched out into Men’s Grooming with a sleeker and more neutral approach. I was told that up to a third of their bookings now come from men – not unsurprising in Covent Garden with the media and theatre industries based locally.

On my recent visit there I opted for the full works of haircut, wash and style plus beard trim. This was not your average quick in-and-out trip to the barber; it was a much more ‘modern’ approach to barbering – my stylist discussed my preferences and what approach I took to my hair care (and beard care!)  Like I suspect many blokes – my only order was “low-maintenance, please.”

I was treated to some rather wonderful smelling beard oil and an exfoliating hot towel.  (At such establishments it is not unusual to be offered cut-throat shaves, moustache wax, ear singeing, man’s manicures and shoe-shines.)  Somewhat disconcertingly the men’s section is in full view of the Le Pain Quotidien café in the next room, so every nick of the barber’s razor can be witnessed by the lunchtime crowd. This is where I think Aveda customers may take time to adjust. Just as our approach to style is to look both presentable and elegant but thrown together without a moment’s thought or effort; modern men like to be pampered but they don’t necessarily like to admit it.

This is an absolute ‘must see’ for the wannabe retail expert going to LA!  This relatively long and standard, narrow two-sided street is home to some very cool independent brands. My favourite is Junk Food which has just opened and is a fabulous store fit-out selling urban unisex fashion.

Recently dubbed, by GQ as ‘The Coolest Street in America’ we can see why Toms opened their flagship concept store here. Toms is a great example of a concept store, the space acts as both a coffee shop, a hang out for the super cool of Abott Kinney and a retail hub for its foot and eye wear ranges. Selling local goods and hosting a variety of events from yoga, coffee tasting to jenga tournaments, Toms treats customers like welcome house-guests. Founder, Blake Mycoskie, reportedly commented that he wanted Toms be more than a store, for it to be a community, adding that building a community around a brand is much more important than marketing – and from the way this store buzzed, I cannot help but agree.

Loads of art galleries and cool restaurants are dotted along Abott Kinney Boulevard including Gilano’s  for brunch and a spattering of international brands including Kate Spade, Aesop and Gant Rugger.  This street restores your faith in independent retail when you move away from the big malls and Beverley Hills bling!

Always keen for a different night out, I ventured down to Bounce one Thursday night, convinced it was a good idea to add some form of exercise with a few beers and a pizza! A new craze on the scene is a beer and a game of Ping Pong. Leaders in this field are Bounce, a hip table tennis club and social entertainment experience from Adam Breeden, also co-founder and ex CEO of All Star Lanes.

Their first and flagship location is in Holborn a slightly off pitch location just past Chancery Lane so  is starting to become a destination in its own right. The venue really does have everything under one roof, a buzzing bar, fun music, quick and easy food, friendly service and a game of ping pong.

If you are a party smaller than 8 you cant book, but when you turn up you are given a 30 min slot, trust me if you are just a party of 2 that’s enough time! They have a late licence so it stays open till 1pm so you don’t have to go anywhere else!A really good fun night out and not going to break the bank either; definitely worth a try.

http://www.bouncepingpong.com/

Nevsky Prospect is the famous street that cuts through the centre of St Petersburg and bustles with life as it is lined with restaurants, bars and shops.  At the crossroads with the Kazan Cathedral is the beautiful Art Nouveau building of the Eliseyev Emporium. With its prominent corner position, beautiful design and vibrant lights, plus moving puppets in the windows, I had to go have a peek.

Eliseyev is a luxury food emporium. They stock everything from caviar, tea, coffee, vodka and a charcuterie counter to the most unbelievable homemade confectionary. Having a huge sweet tooth I was a bit like a moth to a light bulb with marzipan corn on the cobs, carrots and homemade jellies of every colour imaginable.

The centre of the Eliseyev store is dominated by a huge pineapple! This is the centre-point of the store with cafe tables dotted underneath its fronds. The Emporium was packed with Russians and tourists alike all buying treaty foods or sitting under the pineapple supping coffee or champagne.  There was a sense of theatre throughout the store, from the stucco ceilings, huge glittering chandeliers and endless gold leaf to the musicians playing on the balcony all of which added to the buzzy atmosphere.

www.saint-petersburg.com/buildings/eliseyev-emporium/