Smoddy Sharp

Continuing the discussion from Montage?:

New for Dartmouth Road, “The ultimate male grooming experience”

Here’s their twitter account: https://twitter.com/SmoddySharp

Oooooh. A men’s salon.

What an odd name.

An interesting addition to FH - not one for me but I wish them all the best.

“of London” very posh

Went here for a haircut yesterday and it was all good. High spec barbering chairs, equipment etc and the barber was a lovely guy and said he is ex-Harrods, Vidal Sassoon etc. He had many tales to tell from his times in Kensington and he knew his stuff as far as making my receding bits look less receding. And £20 is not a huge amount more than you’d pay elsewhere nearby.

They offer all manor of grooming opportunities, and the whole place has a cool speakeasy feel. I’d recommend.

Had a terrific shave with hot towels today with Gooch. Came out into the snow feeling fresh and pampered. Great experience in a relaxing enivronment which has a luxurious, relaxed vibe feel about it. Well worth giving it a try and spoiling yourself, in my view.

My boyfriend went in for a trim yesterday and afterwards echoed the points above - lovely friendly service and a great cut he is happy with. He said the barber ‘actually listened to what I wanted’… which apparently hasn’t always been the case.

I also had an amazing haircut in here, and the decor and service is next level. It’s seems like something you would find in Soho or Shoreditch, not Forest Hill. It’s also just a couple of pounds more expensive than my usual barbers, and they treat you like a real valued customer, not utter crap.

I’m definitely going to go here whilst the prices are still low, as it’s a currently a complete steal for the standard of service and atmosphere you get. I’m sure it won’t stay that way for long after they have built up their customer base!

I went in two weeks ago. I would typically use one of the Turkish barbers in the city (Ted’s Grooming Room etc). I enjoyed the ambience and whilst I didn’t get some of the fripperies I get at TGR, I also paid a considerable amount less for a good, but not great haircut.

In summary, will give it another go especially as it’s almost literally on the doorstep.

Feeling smart from my cut today. “Gooch” især good barber and knows his stuff. Also refreshed from the mini Indian head massage I got first.

Loads of great stuff for men in their including massage, skin treatments and mani/pedis. I got a tour of the place and fitted put beautifully.

Problem is they always look closed. They’re not. But often you have to ring the bell. Once in the welcome is very warm. The coffee or bar beckon. And great to have a place Taylor Ed to pamper men.

Really great service and quality - Gooch know’s his stuff and provides an expeirence, which a proper haircut should be. It’s a cool addition to FH, but they really need to shout about the place more.

Tragically (for me anyway) I understand Gooch has left. If anyone knows where for do pm me. Brilliant barber

Made my first visit last week (I think therefore post-Gooch).

Warm welcome - great feel about the place - a sense of London-style club transplanted to FH.

Interestingly varied selection of drinks on offer too. Declined the offer of a made-to-measure suit - but may take that up later.

New cutter/stylist Chris did a great job of my hair - and the main judge - the BH - agrees.

A place like this will not be to everyone’s taste - but worth a visit - and I will return.

I saw Chris on Thursday and the cut was much better than Gooch’s

I thought it was better too (no disrespect to the other guy, who also did a great job)

Hmmm, with all this positive feedback I think I may have to take my beard in there for a deforestation this week. I’ll report back.

Just had my first post-Gooch cut at Smoddy Sharp and the new guy is excellent so that’s a relief. Great cut, hot towels, the works. Highly recommend

Went for my first visit on Sunday and Chris has given me a great haircut, I think the best I have had in years. He has avoided making me look like either a schoolboy or a thug, so my wife was particularly grateful. I am really pleased to have a real quality barber in Forest Hill.

Out of interest what is the price (range) for a men’s scissor cut?

Circa £20-25 and I think I was offered an inclusive drink for that price - but I declined on the day, so may have it wrong.

I think there is a price list on the web-site.

I paid £20 and got a beer with it. But that was on a Thursday when they often offer a special. That week a free drink and small discount. They announce these on their Twitter page.

But I think they are keen to build up their business and are offer a few niceties anyways. My first visit I got a short Indian head massage. I love those but not quite before a hair cut do next time I politely declined.

First cut with Chris two weeks ago following a succesful first visit in March. Have to say, prefered Chris - cool guy to chat to as well.

The whole set up is great and couldn’t reccomend more. Surprised they don’t advertise more - esp as they stay open late to suit those who work in town coming back for a trim.

As promised, took myself in there and was very impressed. Beard sorted, hair chopped, nice fellas and a decent price considering what they had to deal with, I was in there over an hour being tidied up.

Will certainly return.

Went for a cut and a beard taming last night: wonderful service, Chris took real care, attention and pride in his work, and it was surprisingly reasonably priced. Great to have a decent rival to Rocket on the old doorstep.

Just had my first cut in Smoddy Sharp. Rohan was an absolute gent and the whole experience was a pleasure. Impressive job on the shop refurb too. This is a business that really deserves to succeed.

What treatment do they offer for ears? The barbers who offer wax and/or flame get my business.

I didn’t have any ear treatments so I couldn’t say I’m afraid

You must be too young, @anon5422159. My OH tells me it’s a watershed moment when the Barber first asks if you want your ears done. All downhill from there.

Not forgetting nasal hair.

Just as well we are not discussing lady’s secrets too.

First time my ears were done was at Jack the Clipper, a traditional Turkish barber in Shepherd’s market. I thought I was about to become a victim in a Victorian operetta.

Maybe this is the moment to suggest a men’s area on the site?

Well, a public denial - where no comment needs to be made - can only draw suspicion …

You get your ears waxed? Mine come naturally waxed.

And I think there are easier ways to remove ear hair than setting them on fire. I usually get people to talk about me behind my back.

The barber who would get my business is the one where I leave with move hair than I went in.

Not really. I recommend it. The boys in Erdis have methylated spirit flames. Avoid barbers using cigarette lighters, the flame is too hot.

I tried once to replicate the ear hair removal I had experienced in the barbers with my own ciggy lighter and mirror at home.
Needless to say it did not get well and I had to get my hair cut to mask the track of the flame on the hair on my neck.

Got there for a haircut - super happy with the experience. Place is smart (great renovation) and the barber was super nice and did a fantastic job - see you in a month.

Sun Barbers on Brockley Rise do the ear thing. They use a metal skewer to swing a meth soaked cotton ball. Was surprised the first time as no warning was given but it was ‘an experience’.

Just like @anon5422159, I don’t think I needed any ear treatment!

It is my new favourite place, as cut and wash is about £12.

I will however try Smoddy’s.

First visit to Smoody Sharp today and I was thoroughly impressed. Great service and the barbers certainly know their stuff. Highly recommended and no till shock unlike certain establishments over in east Dulwich.

So I used Smoodysharp for the first time today and I am so glad I popped in on a whim as it’s fantastic…, I thought it was just a barbers but no its sooo much more. I wish them all the best and will be going back.

Another big thumbs up from me after my first visit today.
Really great place and service plus of course the important bit… a fantastically flattering, precise, technical cut from Tommy.

Fantastic and insightful article about the ethos behind Dartmouth Road newbie Smoddy Sharp.

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Nice article, Jason. Thanks for sharing

Just what I’m looking for - sadly not always the case with male barbers!