The award-winning Kelham Barber, a staple of Sheffield’s barbering scene, has expanded its operations with the opening of a second venue at Leah’s Yard in the city centre. The new shop, which opened two months ago, joins the original Kelham Island location, where the business first launched in 2017.
Owner Lawrence Wheen explained that the decision to open the new site was driven by the continued growth of the business. “We were getting more and more people interested in training with us, and the Burton Road shop was extremely busy. It felt like the right time to expand,” he told Exposed. The move also enabled Brendon, who had been managing the Kelham Island shop, to become a partner in the new Leah’s Yard venture.
The addition of the Leah’s Yard location is a natural fit for them, given the emphasis on community at both venues. “The vibe here is great. The team behind Leah’s Yard do a lot to bring the businesses together, which is something we’ve always valued. Independents supporting one another was key at Kelham Arcade, and it’s the same here,” explained Lawrence.
While settling into their new Grade II* listed space, Wheen and his team have already received positive feedback from clients. There are still some finishing touches to be made, like additional seating, but the shop is thriving. “The response has been really good so far, and we’re happy with how things are going.”
Since its beginnings, Kelham Barber has been more than just a place to get a haircut. Lawrence, who founded the business after returning from Melbourne in 2016, has always focused on education and career progression for his team. “I don’t think you can have a long career in this industry without progression,” he said. Over the years, Kelham Barber has hosted training events both in the UK and abroad, and there are plans to offer even more opportunities for growth in the future.
“Our ethos is really about creating a progressive, inclusive space, coupled with really good customer service and, hopefully, very nice haircuts,” he added. “We’ve now got the means to bring in new customers and really put a marker down in a historic city centre location. If anyone out there is interested, simply book on and come see us!”
Click here to book in for a haircut with the team at their new location.
