With a whopping three decades experience, Andrew Barton is one of the most celebrated names in British hairdressing. You probably recognise him ‘off the telly’ as he’s often spotted on our screens working his makeover magic on Ten Years Younger.

He recently moved to Sussex with his partner, so we caught up with him to find out his favourite places in Hove to shop, drink, eat and walk his beloved Beagle Ruby, (because we’re nosey like that!).

FIRSTLY ANDREW, AS A MAN ABOUT TOWN IN LONDON, WHY HOVE?

We were looking for somewhere to live by the sea but with an easy commute to London. Hove offers an escape from the city but still has a buzzy vibe about. I love the white-washed terraces and café culture along Church Street and the proximity to Brighton. The beach is 2 minutes from our front door and my favourite thing to start the day is to walk Ruby on the seafront come rain or shine!

HOVE HAS A REPUTATION AS BRIGHTON’S HIPPER LITTLE SISTER IS THAT TRUE?

Now that’s fighting talk … I do find hilarious when people say they live in Brighton and then follow up with “Hove Actually” – it kind of says it all.

YOU HAVE RENOVATED A PROPERTY TELL US ABOUT THAT?

We knew the minute we walked onto our street that this was the one. We’d look at detached properties with more garden, but the street literally has the beach one end and buzzy cafes at the other so we fell in love with it! We wanted to transform the lovely old terrace into “our home” and make it fresher, lighter more contemporary but in keeping with her Victorian DNA.

We’ve knocked her to bits with a brilliant local firm [HOUSE construction] who tore off the roof, knocked down walls and gave us space to live. We used local companies including Arch Angels Architects & Khan Kitchens and we adore the outcome. We’ve added vaulted ceilings, bi-fold doors to the garden and the house is now spacious and full of light.

ARE YOU COMMUTING INTO LONDON?

My days are diverse from working in my Mayfair Headmasters salon to doing photo shoots and lots of training courses for my ABLE scholarship programme, (designed for students in further education to ready them for the world of hairdressing). So I can be desk based for a few days in Hove or in London at my apartment. It’s a nice mix of being by the sea in a Victorian terrace and my flat in the city with urban views.

YOU’RE RESIDENT HAIRDRESSER ON TV’s TEN YEARS YOUNGER. WHATS YOUR ADVICE TO WOMEN WHO WANT THEIR STYLE TO BE MORE YOUTHFUL?

Tough question! There are no hard and fast fixed rules, what works for one person may not for another. For me it’s all about making someone feel their best selves and that isn’t necessarily younger looking. But healthy, shiny hair with a good shape, stunning colour and well-kept is always the sign of vitality and therefore confidence boosting. I know when a woman has great hair, everything is possible!

FAVOURITE EVER MAKEOVER?

Oooh! there have been so many, but my work with the charity Little Princess Trust as their Hairdresser Ambassador is really fulfilling. The charity collects hair donations from people to transform into wigs that are donated to children with cancer. My work is to create awareness and I have cut the hair of hundreds of people who’ve donated their locks to the charity. It’s an honour to be involved and the power of transformation is amazing.

FAVOURITE CELEBRITY CLIENT OVER THE YEARS OR WHO IS THE MOST FABULOUS PERSON YOU HAVE STYLED?

I’m always nervous when I work with a celebrity as I’m scared they won’t live up to my expectations or be a diva! It rarely ever happens though and many have become real friends. Working with the iconic supermodel Jerry Hall is always a joy – Eva Longoria was a dream and working with Robbie Williams has always been fun. And gossip … I’d never tell any of my clients gossip, that’s between me and them ! (SPOILSPORT!)

WHERE DO YOU GRAB YOUR MORNING COFFEE?

Usual morning coffees are from Sugar Dough at the end of the street or Kingsway Coffee as I walk Ruby for her morning stroll.

WHERE ARE YOUR FAVE WALKING SPOTS WITH RUBY?

Well as the saying goes “it’s a dogs life” and she’s living her best one! Don’t get me wrong she’s not spoilt (well maybe a bit!). She’s happy wherever she’s walked and her recall for a Beagle is actually pretty good so walks on the South Downs are always lovely as well as Hove Park.

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT TO WATCH THE SUN GO DOWN?

Winter sunsets on Hove beach where the the sun sets right into the sea are incredible. There’s hundreds of pics of that exact moment on my Instagram to prove it!

DATE NIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS?

Without doubt Etch on Church Street (read our Muddy review here), is a special occasion treat for sure. My partner took me there recently for my birthday and every bit from the food to the service and ambience is special. And I love the new secret little cocktail bar in the basement Negroni’s.

CULTURE SPOTS?

Brighton Dome the array of performances there are fantastic and of course there are all the cultural activities throughout the year including Fringe. We’ve also had some laughs at the comedy night at Rockwater.

FAVE RESTAURANTS?

So many! But number one all time favourite and regular haunt is Riddle & Finns either the original in The Lanes or at the beach. I’m partial to the Thai Crab but it does get messy! We rarely do a takeaway but if we did it would be Curry Leaf or Giggling Squid (below).

IF YOU’RE NEW IN TOWN, WHERE SHOULD YOU HEAD FIRST?

More importantly if you’re visiting our lovely town please clear up after! We get so upset when the summer hordes enjoy the beach in particular and leave their rubbish, (some locals too). You should hear me swearing on my morning walks after seeing piles of discarded bottles and BBQ kits!

HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT?

I run on the beach front and love nothing more than sea swimming (mainly summer). I train with Portslade PT off Basin Road, they have great sea views while your on the rowing machine! My trainer keeps me in check and pushes me the extra mile.

BEST LOCATION FOR AN INSTAGRAM SHOT?

Without doubt those Hove beach shots are special and the rooftop at Rockwater with a cocktail and friends are winners.

BEST LOCAL COCKTAIL?

L’Atelier Du Vin is special with its mixology, chilled low key jazz tunes and a 1920’s prohibition vibe and an interesting mix of characters as clients.

BEST HOTEL FOR FRIENDS TO STAY ?

The Ginger Pig has some cool well designed rooms and plus great food and a cocktail bar. We had Christmas at The Grand in one of the suites on the front with views out to sea and that was so special – I even braved the Christmas morning swim then dashed back for a long deep hot bath!

ANY OTHER LOCAL GEMS?

This is a pretty special little restaurant right opposite the Pavilion called TEN it small plate tapas with an open kitchen its great pre-theatre. Food is delicious and the service very friendly. And if you are thinking about getting married or want a very special event look at Falmer Court – The Great Barn. My friend’s the Wooley family have created something very special there … and they are hosting our wedding there next year! (Congratulations!)

WHAT’S THE LATEST ON YOUR PRODUCT RANGE?

One of the proudest moments of my career was launching those – I wanted to create a no-nonsense range that did exactly what it said on the tin and I was delighted it was appreciated and won awards. It’s always evolving and I can’t wait to share the evolved collection soon.

HOW CAN READERS GET AN APPT WITH YOU?

My salon is Headmasters in Mayfair, London right between Oxford Street & Regent Street. Appointments can be booked online or by phone on 0345 4597719. I have an expert team of colourists that work with me and we always kept available slots. I don’t like the idea of being “exclusive” so you can’t get a hair appointment with me for months!

Follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew_barton_hair and @headmastersuk

My Hove, by celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton

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