Meet the Team Behind The Hoi Polloi

Steve Chapman, Owner

How does it feel to be celebrating five years in business?

It’s a great feeling to reach this landmark. It's taken a lot of work to get us to where we are and there is so much I am proud of. Not having any staff leave in those five years is one thing I am particularly proud of. Without the team, we would not have got where we are and having this team by my side makes coming to work an absolute joy.

From the start we have had clear goals of where we want to be and so far we are on track but there is still plenty more that we want to achieve. The next five years will see much more growth and the next step is very exciting!

What made you decide to open a barbershop in Newcastle?

Newcastle is a city I have been visiting for the last 15 years as it is where my wife is from. When working in Singapore, I saved hard to open my own shop and when looking at locations, Newcastle seemed like the best fit for us.

We were attracted by the flourishing local business scene. The emerging scene of cool food concepts, coffee shops and retail really appealed to us. It looked great on paper, but it was the people of the area that was the deciding factor. The warmth, openness and welcoming nature of the people in the North East is something that can't be undervalued.

The people we have met along the way who have gone from suppliers to friends, clients that helped us spread the word to enable us to grow and all the people who have sat in our chairs have made opening in the North East an absolute pleasure.

What sets The Hoi Polloi apart from other barbershops?

It’s a place by humans for humans. It sounds cliché, but there really aren’t any airs or graces about our store or our staff. We’re in the business of ensuring that every person who walks through the door has a super experience from start to end. We build genuine connections with our clients, we want to deliver an award-winning service and we want you to leave feeling energised, refreshed, relaxed and ready to take on the rest of the day.

If you could sum up The Hoi Polloi in three words, what would they be?

Genuine. Talented. Grounded.

What do you have planned for the next five years in business?

The next five years will see us growing in different areas of the business. We want to diversify our offering and keep on pushing our standards up. With everything we have done, we have clear goals for us as a company and for the people who work with us. It is an exciting time, and it promises to be a lot of fun.

Nick Lowdon, Barber

What made you decide to become a barber?

I’ve always had an interest in fashion, art and hairstyles. I especially love learning about the history of fashion and how haircuts spanning decades became synonymous with subcultures, moments in history and lifestyles across the world.

What attracted you to working at The Hoi Polloi?

I was barbering in Glasgow for a while and was looking for an opportunity to return home to the best place on Earth. I had kept track of Steve and The Hoi Polloi – especially given the strong start it had made in the region. There was an energy about the store and how it was attracting people from all walks of life. I envisioned myself working there and it felt natural, genuine and the next step for me. I reached out to Steve, and it progressed from there. I’m so pleased with how it’s turned out.

What makes The Hoi Polloi such a great place to work?

I feel that The Hoi Polloi really shines through its store design; the minimalist, warm, genuine and inviting aesthetics elevate customer experience and invite people to enjoy an hour of relaxation.

I also think we have an abundance of experience in our team – we have great people who have cut celebrity hair, have been recognised at prestigious competitions and have cut hair across the globe. Even with all that expertise, technique and knowledge, our stores remain the friendliest environment to work and serve in.

What are the most popular hairstyles/treatments your clients ask for?

At the moment, we’re enjoying cutting soft mullets, taper fades and natural scissor cuts. Perhaps the rise in popularity of soft mullets is the Anthony Gordon effect…? We’re comfortable with any style, length or texture and always love working with our clients to figure out new styles.

If you could style any celebrity’s hair, who would it be?

I’m a huge Ozzy Osbourne fan – although I’m not sure he’d let me anywhere near his long locks. Perhaps big Dan Burn after his Cup Final masterclass?

The Hoi Polloi is located at 13 Nun Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5AG and is open from Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, visit www.wearethehoipolloi.com.

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