If you’re a gent looking for a traditional wet shave, or a chap in need of pampering, here are our pick of the capital’s top five gentleman’s barber’s:

1. Geo F. Trumper
Established in 1875 and trusted by the Royals, Trumper still claims to be the finest traditional gentlemen’s barber in London. It offers a wet shaving service and has a shaving school to impart their knowledge to novices.
9 Curzon Street, W1J 5HQ, 0207 499 1850
1 Duke of York Street, SW1Y 6JP

2.Truefitt & Hill
Truefitt & Hill remains the world’s oldest barber’s, established in 1805, and are Royal Warrant holders to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, who is always looking remarkably well-kempt. Not sure what other guarantee a gent could possibly need.
71 St. James’s Street, SW1A 1PH, 0207 493 8496

3. Briggs Brothers
This shop is unchanged from 1949 when Cypriot Phillip set it up. If worn leather chairs, chrome towel steamers and a retro feel are your cup of tea, this is the spot for you.
5b Ormond Yard, SW1, 0207 930 2070

4. Murdock
Murdock combines traditional ideas of men’s grooming with hip, modern locations. They favour idiosyncratic merchandise  and a deep  sense of integrity and tradition.
340 Old Street, EC1V 9DS, 0207 729 22880
5B Stafford Street, W1S, 0207 495 7310
Murdock at Liberty’s, Great Marlborough Street, W1B 5AH, 0207 573 9417

5. F Flittner
A traditional but pretension-free haven of original fixtures and fittings, Flittner’s has been shaving dapper chaps since 1904.
86 Moorgate, EC2M 6SE, 0207 606 4750

by Agnes Frimston