Picture this: You walk into your local, enjoy a pint of the finest local ale …. and get your haircut!
This otherwise unusual paring is now a reality for visitors to St Austell Brewery’s Western Inn.
Today (Monday April 23rd) ‘Ronnie’s The Barber’s in the Bar’ was officially marked open at the St Austell pub.
A first for the south west, the pub, which is also one of the first in the county to install superfast broadband, will also offer shoe shines and wet shaves and prides itself on being a well established community pub.
Head brewer, Roger Ryman took a seat in one of the barber’s three chairs, for a shave by acclaimed barber, Joseph Lanzante, who has been training staff.
Landlord at the Western Inn, Malcolm Putko, said, “We thought this would be a novel way of boosting day time trade whilst also combing two of men’s most important pastimes – getting a haircut and enjoying a pint!”
“We’re absolutely thrilled with how the barber shop looks. Seeing really is believing – think Sweeney Todd come Harry Potter. We’re taking this theme across the pub offering by also serving themed food including Feet and Potato pies!”
The Western Inn serves home-cooked food, shows the regular sports games and offers free parking.
Marc Bishop, St Austell Brewery’s Trade Marketing Manager, said “We always try to encourage our landlords to think of creative ways in which they can generate trade. The Western Inn’s idea is a great example of a pub branching out and using their premise and facilities to build trade from other areas, beyond just food and drink.”
Malcolm hopes to introduce ‘Barrister in the Bar’ later in the year, with a local solicitor coming in to offer employment advice.
Ronnie’s The Barber in the Bar is open 9am – 5pm Monday – Saturday. On Thursday and Friday it is open until 7pm.
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