Attleborough: Scoundrels and Rogues - Barbershop brings a unique blend of community spirit and customer care

When it comes to standing out from the crowd, an interesting name is a good place to start.

For Scoundrels and Rogues in Attleborough’s High Street, that starting place has given rise to a near four-year journey, in which owner Clint Meader has been helping customers with far more than just unruly hair.

“I pride myself on running a very social shop,” he said. “People come and have a coffee and sit for a couple of hours even when they’re not having their hair cut.

“Before lockdown, I’d done various events for mental health, as well as drop-in chats for gents in the evenings. It really is a social hub.

“We’re fully booked seven days ahead and it just goes to show how the community has supported me, just as I’ve tried to support them.”

Mr Meader began his career working 80-hour weeks while trying to balance a catering job with training to be a barber.

When he spotted an empty premises in Attleborough, he jumped at the chance to set up his own barbers business.

He said: “I’ve always had a strong family connection with Attleborough because my grandparents lived here in the ‘70s, then my mum and dad moved up here. It’s a strong community and a nice place to live.

“Since opening the shop, I’ve built up a load of friends. Anyone is welcome to come in just to sit and have a chat.

“That’s probably why, since lockdown has eased, my customers have shown they’re very loyal –they’re eager to get back in.”

Scoundrels and Rogues has taken extra precautions to keep customers safe since reopening.

“I’ve gone above and beyond the regulations and guidelines from the Government because I didn’t necessarily feel there was quite enough protection.

“I’ve set up a new booking system and produced my own app so that everyone can book directly through that. We’ve left a longer gap between appointments to sanitise everything between and I purchased some extra PPE. I just want to make sure everyone is safe.”