onionbagblog

What’s it all about, Alfie?

This wasn’t a question I was planning on asking as I took a leisurely stroll down to the Quay mid-afternoon. But a chance meeting with Alfie the Barber led to a brief chat, then some coffee and finally a very kind response to my @audioboo request.

I’m surprised that Alfie and I haven’t had the chance to meet up offline earlier. We both arrived in Wivenhoe at roughly the same time, we both have an abundance of enthusiasm for what is happening around the town, and we both like beer.

It was a [factually incorrect)] comment that I posted up on the Wivenhoe Forum that I think first alerted Alfie to my online presence. The free beer with a haircut offer still stands, but there isn’t any involvement with the Rose and Crown. The pub is very kindly simply advertising the service.

So yeah, I spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in the company of Alfie, sharing experiences and stories, and looking ahead to all that is positive that is taking place around these parts.

Alfie is a fantastic character with a very rich story to tell; I am simply the Bored of London Blogger that buggered off to Wivenhoe.

Professionally and Alfie has experience of cutting hair in probably the most competitive market of all in the UK. His time spent in the West End must make his new Wivenhoe venture seem like something for the weekend.

Don’t be fooled by the very laid back and relaxed approach however - this is still a very competitive market locally, and Alfie is all too aware that he needs to keep on pleasing his customers, as well as innovating to survive.

This is where the coffee and beer comes in. The relaxed feel of the barbers makes for a very entertaining experience, in what can often be a ritual that most men like to put off.

The pint comes in for the commuting crowd, with this offer running each Thursday between 5-7pm. Once a month and Alfie also opens up his Wivenhoe business on a Sunday morning. Time is tight for some customers, even in sleepy Wivenhoe.

I didn’t want to intrude during out conversation about prices; I assumed (NEVER assume…) that such a key location by the Quay, plus the reputation that Alfie comes with, would lead to something resembling more of a West End price list.

Not so. £9 is the going rate for gent’s cut. There is even the bargain offer of £3 for a quick tidy up, essential grooming for that man in your life who seems to be growing more hair around his neck and sides than on top.

It is characters like Alfie that Wivenhoe needs if it is to continue to offer something unique to the town. Having your hair cut in Colchester is as much a chore as it use to be a necessity. Factor in travel costs, and you’re coming close to West End prices.

For Wivenhoe to support a truly independent barber, then the business side needs to balance up for Alfie. I feel obliged to point out that there is of course also the barber shop up towards the Cross, but as far as I know, booze has yet to be scheduled in during a shampoo.

Many thanks to Alfie for being so obliging as I asked for photos, audio, coffee etc. I’m very pleased that the offline connection has finally been made. I wonder if the good man can help out with hair extensions?