Barbering @ Franco’s

Franco’s is a bit of an institution on the Gloucester Road, is very popular and generally busy. It’s a small barbers just next to the Hob Goblin pub and it’s been there for years. They even shut off the road a couple of years ago for a mini festival to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the shop! It was fun. There’s always a bit of a buzz about the place, especially on Saturday mornings.
Franco and the lads that work there are a laugh and there’s generally a conversation going on through the barbers around the latest albums, movies and prem results. On the radio it’s either 6 music or a live big premiership match. It’s a good crack.
The hair cuts are generally pretty good, I have been more pleased on certain visits than others though. There’s no appointments required and you just turn up and wait. While it’s always a laugh in their it can take quite some time to get a chop at its busiest. I’ve waited over 2 hours on a Saturday morning before which can be a bit much with a hang over! If you’re looking for a quieter time try turning up just after opening on a week day.
Price wise it’s not to bad at £17, not the cheapest but not the most expensive either. It’s worth noting that you can get a loyalty card where you get a free cut after 8 visits.
When ever I’ve been their it’s clear that a lot of the customers have been back time after time, so they must be doing something right! its a great little barbers with good conversation and can be a bit of a laugh. Defo worth a go.

Been twice now and had two bad cuts. I shouldn’t have gone back but Franco is a friend of a friend so I thought I’d try the place again. Been growing my hair for seven months and told him so, asked for it cut short on the back and sides and asked to thin out the top a little, and the guy (not Franco but some tall blonde guy) completely butchered it — took almost all my hair off over the course of about 45 minutes, before I knew what had happened I had a buzz cut with about an inch of hair left on top (but only at the front) and owed him £14. Avoid avoid avoid.

Frank, Steve and co are both friendly and professional. late night opening thurs & Fri. Good bit of banter and decent prices (change from a tenner). Easily best barber on glozza rd, would fully recommend.

Franco is a chilled out dude that runs a barber shop just off Gloucester Road. When I went today there was Madness’s new album playing over the speakers (I wasn’t even aware they were still around). The first baber shop where I’ve heard that, and something I reckon a few others should adopt.
Franco’s got two young assistants who banter about are nice and friendly. It’s relaxed in here and they’ll have a quick chat as the push you through as they try and bring down the queue of guys that’s always there. Five to ten quid seems to be the price range, not to bad really. My haircut was absolutely fine, but then I only got a number two and that’s pretty difficult mess up. Don’t worry too much about the opening times as they seem to just stay open until they’ve run out of customers. Also good because their choice of newspapers (Guardian and The Mirror) is much better than the usual garbage you get at barber shops, but I suppose this view does depend on your politics rather what you think of their haircuts.