Something For The Weekend are a gentlements barbers with a vintage vibe located in Kings Court on the High Street. They blend a wonderful atmosphere with brilliant haircuts and are one of Kings Heath’s newer residents. We caught up with Joey from SFTW to find out all about the business, his love for Kings Heath, future plans and more, in our latest instalment of ‘Meet The Business’ series!
How long has ‘Something For The Weekend’ been established and where are you based?
SFTW has only been up and running since the 1st of December so its a really fresh new business. We are based in Kings Court on the high street.
What services do you offer?
We offer both modern and classic haircuts with some cool retro/vintage styles too. We also offer traditional cut throat shaves of both the face and head.
Why did you choose to set up business in Kings Heath as opposed to elsewhere in Birmingham?
When I moved to Kings Heath 8 years ago, I instantly fell in love with its independent and artisan feel. It seemed like the perfect place for me to open up the shop and everybody has really loved what we are doing thus far.
What sets you apart from other barbers in the city?
I’ve always had long, retro haircuts and been in love with 60s and 70s style and fashion. This love for vintage has been my passion for years so the shop is completely designed in that style. Coming to SFTW is like going to a barbers in the early 70s, with vintage magazines to read, listen to LPs and a black and white playing old adverts. I truly believe if you love what you do and are passionate about it down to the last detail the customers will enjoy it too, with that in mind I know most men find having their hair cut a chore so if I can make it an enjoyable experience hopefully they will want to come back.
What inspires you?
When I was 18 I worked at the famous Urban Village vintage shop in Digbeth. I loved how people reacted when they walked into this treasure trove of a shop. It was like a museum with a pulse and people wanted to hang out there. After working in such an infectious environment I was always going to aim to have that same “vibe” in my own business.
Most stylish gentleman of all time?
That’s a tough one, I think style really took a hit towards the end of the eighties when sportswear became a big part of fashion. If you look at the dandies of the Georgians, through the dapper chaps of the Edwardian period, all the way through to your Peter Wyngarde type guys of the 60s and 70s, all of them wanted to be like peacocks showing off their plumage. More guys are starting to get back into this mindset and are taking care of their appearance. I also love being suited and to see that that is becoming cool again is great to see.
What are your favourite products to use on Kings Heath’s gentlemen?
SFTW is a vegan barbershop. Therefore Everything we use is cruelty free and contains no animals byproducts. Luckily brands like Bulldog skincare fall into this category, unfortunately they don’t do everything so I use Superdrug’s own brand for styling products as again they are all animal friendly.
What are your plans for the future?
I would like to one day, have a whole retro salon doing women’s hair as well as men’s but that’s something for the future.
What’s your favourite thing about Kings Heath?
Polar bear records on York road!
You call your online followers ‘Pop Pickers’, how did you come up with this term of endearment?
It sort of reminds me of Tony Blackburn reading the pop charts. I try not to take myself or life too serious so if it cheers someone up then I’m off to a good start
How important is social media in your industry?
I don’t mean to over exaggerate, but it really has become a world of its own. I’ve had customers come from all over the Midlands because they have read on social media that I’m a vegan barbershop or they’ve seen pictures of the shop and like the vintage/retro style. If it wasn’t for social media I don’t think I’d have half my customers.
Where can we find out more about ‘Something For The Weekend’?
You can find us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook under SFTWgents. Alternatively you can find me trudging through charity shops looking for another James Last Lp!