Truefitt & Hill

Truefitt & Hill: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and A Complete Guide to London’s Oldest Barbershop

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of London’s historic St. James’s district, Truefitt & Hill stands as the world’s oldest barbershop—a living emblem of British grooming tradition. Since its founding in 1805, it has continuously offered a blend of heritage, luxury, and modern sophistication, attracting both locals and international visitors. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Truefitt & Hill’s history, visiting hours, ticketing and appointment policies, services, accessibility, and tips for making the most of your visit, along with insight into nearby London historical sites (Truefitt & Hill Heritage; British Heritage; Truefitt & Hill Official).

Origins and Historical Legacy
Royal Connections and Cultural Impact
Evolution of Services and Innovations
Visiting Information
Special Events
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visitor Tips
References and Further Reading

Origins and Historical Legacy

Truefitt & Hill’s story began in 1805, the year of Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar—a pivotal era for Britain. Founded by William Francis Truefitt at 2 Cross Lane, Long Acre, London, the barbershop quickly earned a reputation for refined grooming and became synonymous with the standards of Regency London. Notable early clients included British aristocracy and influential figures, reflecting the shop’s enduring commitment to excellence (Truefitt & Hill Heritage; Truefitt & Hill Marks 218 Years).

After merging with Edwin Hill & Co. in 1935, the business relocated in 1994 to its current address at 71 St. James’s Street, placing it among London’s most prestigious heritage businesses (British Heritage).

Royal Connections and Cultural Impact

Truefitt & Hill’s prestige is underscored by its royal patronage. The shop has served nine consecutive British monarchs and holds the Royal Warrant as barbers to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. Its doors have welcomed legendary writers, politicians, and celebrities such as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Alfred Hitchcock, and Frank Sinatra (Truefitt & Hill Official; British Heritage).

Artifacts like “Toilet Club” tickets and memorabilia from the Titanic are preserved within the shop, offering visitors a tangible connection to history. Truefitt & Hill’s enduring cultural impact is also evident in literature and film, where it serves as a symbol of British elegance.

Evolution of Services and Innovations

Throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Truefitt & Hill adapted to changing fashions, introducing new grooming products and pioneering innovations such as the first long-lasting lipstick, shaving accessories, and male manicure services. The shop’s commitment to quality extends to its exclusive range of fragrances, shaving creams, and skincare products—all crafted in Britain and now available worldwide (British Heritage).

Today, the barbershop continues to blend tradition with innovation—offering services and experiences that appeal to both longtime patrons and new visitors.

Visiting Information

Location and Access

Address: 71 St. James’s Street, London, SW1A 1PH
Nearest Underground Stations: Green Park (Victoria, Jubilee, Piccadilly lines), Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo lines); both are within a 10-minute walk.
Bus Routes and Taxis: Multiple bus routes serve the area, and taxis are readily available.
Contact: +44 (0)20 7493 8496 or [email protected] (Truefitt & Hill Bookings)

Visiting Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Hours may vary on holidays—check the official website for updates.

Tickets and Appointments

Entry: No ticket required; Truefitt & Hill is a working barbershop.
Appointments: Highly recommended, especially for signature services like the Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave or the Ultimate Grooming Experience. Walk-ins are welcomed when availability permits.
Booking: Reserve online via the official website, by phone, or email.

Accessibility

The shop is street-level but, due to the building’s historic nature, accessibility may be limited for some mobility needs. Contact in advance to discuss requirements.
Staff are available to assist visitors with special needs.

Services and Pricing

Haircuts: Classic and modern styling, typically starting from £60–£70.
Shaves: Traditional hot towel wet shaves from £55–£65.
Grooming Packages: The Ultimate Grooming Experience (haircut, shave, manicure, facial) is approximately £225 and lasts 90 minutes (Men’s Health UK).
Beard Trims, Facials, and Manicures: Available individually or as part of packages.
Women: Haircuts are offered for women; shaves and waxing are reserved for men (Luxury London).

Etiquette and Payment

Dress Code: No formal requirement, but smart-casual attire is recommended.
Arrival: Arrive a few minutes early to enjoy the ambiance and ensure timely service.
Payment: Major credit/debit cards accepted; confirmation recommended for American Express.
Tipping: A 10–15% gratuity is appreciated for excellent service, but not compulsory (Candace Abroad).

Gift Vouchers and Products

Gift Vouchers: Available in-store and online; popular for special occasions.
Product Range: Purchase exclusive fragrances, shaving creams, and skincare products as souvenirs, either in-store or via the online shop.

Special Events

Truefitt & Hill occasionally hosts special grooming events, anniversary celebrations, and product launches. For updates, check the official events page and follow them on social media. Guided tours are not routinely offered but can sometimes be arranged by appointment.

Nearby Attractions

Truefitt & Hill’s central location places visitors within walking distance of iconic London sites:

Buckingham Palace: 10-minute walk
St. James’s Park / Green Park: 5-minute walk
Piccadilly Circus: 10-minute walk
Royal Academy of Arts / St. James’s Palace: Nearby

Combine your grooming experience with sightseeing, luxury shopping, and fine dining in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods (St James’s London).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit Truefitt & Hill?
A: No. Entry is free, but appointments are recommended for grooming services.

Q: Are walk-ins accepted?
A: Walk-ins are welcome, but availability is not guaranteed. Booking ahead is advised.

Q: Is the shop wheelchair accessible?
A: The shop is at street level, though full accessibility may be limited by the historic building. Contact ahead for assistance.

Q: Are women welcome?
A: Yes, women may book haircuts; shaves and waxing are reserved for men.

Q: Can I purchase Truefitt & Hill products online?
A: Yes, the complete product range is available both in-store and online.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not regularly, but special events and customized historical tours may be arranged with advance notice.

Visitor Tips

Book ahead: Especially for weekends and peak periods.
Arrive early: Enjoy the atmosphere and browse products.
Combine your visit: Take advantage of the location to explore nearby London landmarks.
Ask staff for recommendations: The experienced team is happy to advise on grooming and local attractions.
Photography: Permitted—ask staff first, especially if other clients are present.
COVID-19: Truefitt & Hill maintains high hygiene standards; check current guidelines before visiting.

References and Further Reading

Summary

Truefitt & Hill remains an enduring icon of British grooming, combining over 220 years of tradition with modern luxury. Its strategic location offers a unique opportunity to blend self-care with cultural exploration. No tickets are needed, but appointments are recommended for a seamless experience. Whether seeking a classic shave, bespoke fragrance, or a step back into British history, Truefitt & Hill provides an unforgettable visit. Plan your journey, book your appointment, and discover why this historic barbershop is a must-see in London.