Mr Man
168 Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh EH16 5DX

Tonight is Burns night, so it seems appropriate to feature a Scottish Mister.

Mr Man is a gentlemen’s hairdresser and his name makes a direct reference to a key aspect of his business, so I am pleased to welcome him aboard.

Mr Man has an interesting barber’s pole outside his shop – probably the thinnest barber’s pole I have seen.

I have heard a story that the barber pole tradition originates in medieval times when people used to wrap bloody bandages around a pole. This was because barbers also used to perform minor surgery on customers, including tooth extractions, or even cutting the umbilical cord at the birth of a child. I’m not sure if this is true, but it’s nice to imagine the familiar small-talk taking place while the procedure is in full swing:

– The usual, sir?

– Yes, number two at the back & sides and a trim on top. Oh, and the wife’s given birth and I need to get the cord snipped.

– Very good, sir. I had wondered why sir had brought along his lady wife.

[Wife: Jesus Christ, can you hurry up!]

– Sir’s wife got out the wrong side of bed this morning, sir?

– Yes, one of those days. So how’s business? Keeping busy?

– Oh, the usual, you know. Any holidays planned this year?

[Wife: Dave, can you ask him to get a F****NG move on.]

– All right, love, keep your hair on.

– Not often you hear that in this place, sir!

– That’s a good one.

– Do you like my pole, by the way? I wrapped some bloody bandages round it.

– Oh, you mean the pole outside. Yes, I noticed. Looks great.

And so on. (Apologies for the blue language, but I was in character.)

Of course, Mr Man also brings to mind the most famous song that Robert Burns ever wrote: A Mr Man’s a Mr Man For A’ That.

An update concerning Blogmageddon

For any readers who have not yet heard, I will publish my final post on Friday 28 January. This blog will then officially cease trading, but will remain online in perpetuity as a gift to future generations. (You’re welcome.)

But things aren’t all bad. On Thursday, I will post one of the best Misters I have come across: a true rival to Herr Kutz. Chin up!

Comments

[Johnny]

Excellent post Mr Blog, many thanks.
Your history of the barber pole is very interesting.
In fact, it makes me wonder why hospitals don't do haircuts, as well as surgery. "Mr Snips" could then offer a variety of services to gentlemen patients. . .
Keep up the good work, yours & c

[Mr Blog]

Thanks for this Johnny. You make an excellent point about hospitals – they are missing a trick.