Truefitt & Hill has been a
British institution since 1805, or at least the Truefitt part. That’s when Francis Truefitt opened his shop.
The date ring a bell? Admiral Lord
Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar? Yep,
same year. This barbershop, the world’s
oldest according to The Guinness Book of World Records, has served British
royalty since the time of George III.
Remember that name? He was the British
sovereign during the American War For Independence (1776-83). Didn’t know it lasted that long, did ya!
Long time to be in
business. They must be good. Better than good. They must be special. Yes, they are. I’ve never sprung for a $50 (approx.) haircut,
but I do use all their shaving products.
Just for the name? No way.
If it’s good enough for Queen
Elizabeth’s husband, The Duke of Edinburgh
(T & H go to Buckingham Palace) and all the other royals (They come
to T & H), then it’s good enough for the lowly likes of yours truly.
So, what’s the deal with the
Royal Family? I asked. What happens when
one of the royals comes in? Are the
streets a mess? A dozen bodyguards? No, said the person I asked. Usually a bodyguard or two come in, along
with the royal personage, but if you look out to St Jame’s Street, you’ll see
cars parked here and there that are not usually there.
Without mentioning names, how
nice are the royals who come to you?
Doesn’t matter what name you mention, came the reply. They are one and all sincerely polite. True gentlemen.
Now let’s move on to shaving. You
may wonder why I bother to use these fairly expensive Brit products when there
are dozens of perfectly good shaving creams and aftershave balms and men’s
scents on the market, most of which cost much less. Let’s not dwell on the initial cost. With a T
& H product, you don’t have to use much.
Unlike a palm full of foaming cream, you only use an amount of T & H
cream that would barely cover a dime. No
telling how many shaves I get from one tube.
You can easily get 4 shaves from one sample. Perfect for that weekend surprise trip you
promised the missus. Scents are the same
way, so are the shaving balms. Couple of
dabs and you’re good for the day.
Believe me, I’ve tried a lot
of shaving products, including everything from Wal-Mart selections, to higher
end products from department stores. I live and die by results. No matter how much or how little you pay,
there is no comparison. These T & H shaving creams let the razor glide as
if it’s on soft satin. You have to feel
it to believe it. And such a variety of
scents: Trafalgar (spicy wood), Grafton
(warm and spicy), West Indian Limes, Number 10 (a gel with several oils),
Sandalwood, Almond, 1805 (fresh sea breeze, and Ultimate Comfort.
My suggestion is, if you can’t
walk in the door at 71 St Jame’s Street and get a few samples, order a sample
pack. Must you go all the way to
London? Heavens no. T & H has shops across the globe, from
Europe to Asia, to Chicago, but personally, I’d go to London! The beer is the best in the world and the
theatre is superb, also you get to chat with the very helpful staff on St.
Jame’s Street.
If you’re lucky enough, or
plan well enough, and are in London on 21 October, drop into Truefitt &
Hill and help them celebrate Trafalgar Day, with champagne and 25% off on all
products bearing the Trafalgar name.
While you’re there, ask about
the other celebrities who have dropped in for the royal treatment. Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens. Oscar
Wilde. Fred Astaire. Alfred Hitchcock. Frank Sinatra. John Wayne.
Next time I’m letting my hair
grow long enough to sit in the chair and get treated like royalty. If you’re going for a night at the theatre,
you might as well look the part.
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