A new barbershop which has opened in a Manningtree gym has enjoyed its first day in business.
Live Fit Gym opened last summer following a big renovation and has now added another string to its bow.
In addition to the fun classes, improved weights equipment and refreshments usually offered, a barbershop has now moved in, allowing gym goers to get a hair cut following a workout.
Nates Barbershop, which is situated on the upstairs balcony overhanging the gym, opened for the first time on Saturday welcoming a fully booked schedule to the site.
The shop is Nathan Lawrence’s first solo venture after working in barbershops in the area for many years.
He has now combined his expertise with 29-year-old Live Fit owner Jack Cardy to form a new business partnership.
Mr Cardy said: “I think he had done 10 hair cuts by 1pm. It’s been very busy.
“He is fully booked up from now until July 14 and I’m sure it will be a nice steady stream after that.
“Nate’s very good. He’s been keeping safe and wearing masks and doing all the things he should be doing.
“We’ve had quite a few members who haven’t had their hair cuts before with Nathan already getting involved which has been really good.
“He’s certainly enjoyed his first day.”
The website for Nates is currently taking bookings and payments in advance to minimise the amount of contact with customers.
Customers will also have access to the gym’s car park which Mr Cardy thinks is another big draw of the barbershop.
“People have been saying the convenience of training and then getting your hair cut or visa versa is so useful - it kills two birds with one stone,” he said.
“I always think, what would be useful if I was the customer?
“If someone had a gym and a hairdresser it would be really convenient it just makes sense. Convenience always wins.
“It’s been taken to really well. I think there were a couple of concerns at the start regarding privacy.
“We had a few people saying they don’t really want to be looked at when they are working out but we’ve partitioned it completely.
“I think when those with concerns do see it I think they will realise it’s actually more private than it used to be.”
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