A barbershop owned by a 22-year-old Bristol barber has been ranked the 18th best in the UK in the Hair & Beauty Awards. Winterbourne Cuts, a barbershop in Winterbourne Down, is the brainchild of Callum Waldron who built the shop up from scratch, and was also the recipient of a Fresha Award earlier in the year.

Callum has been barbering for eight years and told BristolLive: "I started young, built up my skills and passion, and in 2023 I opened Winterbourne Cuts. I wanted to create a barbershop that set the standard locally, with consistency, quality, and a welcoming vibe.

"It feels incredible to win these awards and be named one of the best in the country. To be recognised so early in the journey is a proud moment, not just for me but for the whole shop. It's proof that hard work, high standards, and putting clients first really pays off."

Callum's business is known locally for both its high standards and for giving free haircuts to the homeless, which Callum says has made a real difference in the community. He adds: "We stand out through consistency -- every cut is sharp, every client is looked after, and the shop has a real community feel.

"On top of that, we use social media a lot to connect with people, especially TikTok, which has brought in new clients and built a buzz around the brand. Customers always comment on how professional but down-to-earth the service feels.

"On memorable moment that stands out was when we filmed a skit for TikTok about a nervous guy before a first date. It went viral, and people actually came into the shop quoting it back to us. That mix of barbering and creativity is what makes this job so fun."

The barbershop, which is located on Down Road, offers a full range of services including haircuts, beard trims and hair washing. It accepts both bookings and walk-ins and its team believes that 'grooming is an essential part of self-care' adding 'we are here to help you look and feel your best'.

But like many local independents in the current climate, running a business comes with its fair share of challenges. But Callum admits his biggest issue doesn't come from getting customers, but rather getting the staff. He says: "Like a lot of barbers, the biggest challenge is staffing -- finding the right people who match the shop's standards and energy.

"I'm tackling it by mentoring apprentices, building a strong culture, and making Winterbourne Cuts a place where barbers want to grow, not just work."

And when it comes to his hopes for the future, Callum says: "I want to grow Winterbourne Cuts into one of Bristol's most recognised barber brands. The plan is to expand into more locations in the future, while also launching our own line of grooming products.

"Long-term, I want the brand to stand for consistency, creativity, and community. I owe a big thank you to our loyal clients and community -- without them we wouldn't be here. This award is as much theirs as it is mine."