24 CHAPTER 6Barbers’ Strike

Imagine waking up one day and seeing your streets filled with 13,000 barbers! Well that is exactly what happened

in 1913 in New York City. It all started in Brooklyn with a small march with members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and every street they passed, more and more

barbers would follow suit. During this time one of the leaders of the IWW was a man called Joseph James Ettor known as ‘Smiling Joe’. He was well regarded for his rallying speeches and was very effective at winning the Union’s demands and

who better placed to lead the barber’s strike! He was also one of the leaders of the Waiters’ Strike in 1912.

The strike proved a success for barbers and it was agreed that their weekly hours would be cut from 92 hours to a measly 62 hours and they also got Sunday off. The amount of hours they put in showed the great demand there was for a daily visit to

the barber shop, somewhat a routine of the day.We were happy they were able to enjoy themselves a bit more

after the Strike.

25TRUEFITT & HILL

Truefitt & Hill is the World’s oldest barbershop still in existence dating back to 1805. It all started in Long Acre, London and they dotted about to new locations until they

moved to 23 Bond Street in 1935 where it’s still there today. Looking at their historical and current appointments book

is kind of looking at pages from Who’s Who. It ranges from Royalty to movie stars. They have also sold their own range

of products ranging from the peculiarly sounding‘Silver Tip Badger Shaving Brush’ to the famed

‘Wellington Double Edged Razor.’

Truefitt & Hill have been in the barber game for such a long period of time and we love how it has survived through tough periods in barber history. Not many historical businesses can claim to have their business mentioned in a Charles Dickens story! This barber shop has been built on strong foundations

of quality, precision and hospitality. It is still run on these century old foundations now.

26Chapter 6 Mixed Drinks

For people that want something in between a spirit & mixerand a cocktail.

CHAI FOX

Refreshing with a variety of subtle spice notes.Star of Bombay Gin, chai syrup and Pimento spritz.

£5.50

THE DAPPLER

You know the saying - ‘An apple a day...’Rittenhouse 100 Proof Rye and a fresh pressed apple.

£5.50

COPACABANA & TONIC

The famed gin and tonic gets given some jazzy pants.Pickering’s Gin, tropical oleo and tonic water.

£5.50

27

SPIFFY SOMBRERO

A total thirst quencher.Arette Blanco Tequila, rose lemonade & grapefruit bitters.

£5.50

AS TOLD BY GINGER

We thought we would twist a classic by adding some oleo.Staritsky Levitsky Vodka, citrus bitter syrup and ginger ale.

£5.50