Barber Focus: Grand Royal Barbers

Answered by: Maria Dillon

Address: Shop 2A, 10 Spring St, Sydney; 397 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst; 381 Riley St, Surry Hills.

How did you get into the barber business? Finishing my hairdressing apprenticeship in Scotland, I wanted to specialise in barbering, which I did in London under the watchful eye of Frank, my Polish 60-year-old mentor, honing my beard styling on HMQ's own Beefeaters. In Sydney I worked alongside two other master barbers: Steve and his dad.

How long has the shop been running for? Grand Royal Barbers was established in 1999, named after my husband Steve's obsession with the Beastie Boys.

What services do you specialise in? Styling men's haircuts that make men look masculine, whether it's skin fades or classic cuts. Grand Royal Barbers staff are all trained in the craft of cut-throat shaving and beard styling.

What makes your shop a cut above the rest? We employ great barbers from all round this globe. We have seven master barbers with a minimum 15 years experience, passing their knowledge onto our soon to be master barbers.

Do you offer any extra services? Great service, lasting style, hand-picked products, great music and Berocca on tap.

What was the most memorable cut you have done? Most memorable haircut was styling a bunch of Indian street kids' hair into mohawks and spikes on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. A hilarious yet humbling experience.

If you could cut/style the hair of any celebrity, who would it be and what would you give them? It would have to be an identical number two skin fade on both Boris Johnson and Donald Trump.

Website: grandroyalbarbers.com.au