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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Abi Smillie

Scots barbers transformed into seaside town's first 'barberista'

A popular Prestwick barber has transformed her salon into the town’s first ‘barberista’ – offering clients freshly-brewed coffee alongside a fresh new doo.

Donna McIntyre, who owns McIntyre's Gents Hairdressers on Prestwick Main Street, has created a vibrant community space for men to enjoy a chat, listen to music and order a coffee while waiting for a haircut.

The ultra-trendy barbers is kitted out with funky new signage, a record player, comfy chairs and even a gorgeous vintage scooter.

McIntyre's also now stocks delicious local coffee maestros Rocket Monkey Roastery, which is hand-roasted in Ayr, to serve up caffeine to thirsty clients.

And on Monday, the salon offered free coffee to customers on its maiden day as the town’s first ‘barberista’.

Barber Donna with barista Rachel McAdam and customer Brook Dreghorn (Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post)

Mum-of-two Donna, who will celebrate McIntyre's 20th anniversary next month, said: “I think after lockdown I was a wee bit quieter because I was doing appointments, and I just thought what can I do to bring in some more money and change things.

“A lot of my customers have known me for such a long time and now they can get a coffee and it’s a bit of a nicer experience.

“The window’s that big that you can sit and look out and watch the world go by.

“It’s quite a music themed shop; we’ve got old fashioned records and we’ve got a scooter in the shop.

“Customers will come in and bring records and play them while they’re getting their hair cut."

Brook enjoys a hot drink while getting his hair cut (Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post)

Donna hopes the space can help those who may be isolated or lonely get out and socialise post-lockdown.

She said: “If people don’t drink alcohol, then it’s somewhere else to come. I even had a guy come in and swap some records with me- and he’s not even got any hair.

“He was like, ‘can I swap this for this?' But at least he came out, got a wee coffee and sat there."

Donna added: “People seem quite happy. It’ll be 20 years in July since I opened so it’s a big year.”

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