This Brooks and Brooks salon review by London Reviews is the most thorough independent assessment available of this award-winning hairdresser in Covent Garden, Central London.
Last updated: April 27, 2026 — Independently researched and written by the London Reviews editorial team. We do not accept payment from the businesses we review.
Looking for an honest Brooks and Brooks salon review? This is the most thorough independent assessment of Brooks & Brooks — an award-winning hair salon in Covent Garden, Central London based at 28 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5BB. Below we cover services, pricing, client reviews from Google, Yelp, Good Salon Guide, Mumsnet and Fresha, industry awards, comparisons with nearby salons, and our final verdict.
Table of Contents
- At a Glance
- Introduction: Why We Chose Brooks & Brooks for This Review
- Location & Getting There
- First Impressions & Atmosphere
- The Team
- Full Range of Services
- Pricing & Value for Money
- What Clients Actually Say: Review Analysis
- What Clients Love Most (Positive Themes)
- Areas for Consideration (Constructive Feedback)
- Who Is Brooks & Brooks Best For?
- How Brooks & Brooks Compares to Nearby Salons
- Awards & Industry Recognition
- How to Book Your First Appointment
- Frequently Asked Questions
- London Reviews Verdict
- Summary
At a Glance
Salon: Brooks & Brooks
Address: 28 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5BB
Phone: 020 7405 8111
Website: brooksandbrooks.co.uk
Established: 2001 (20+ years)
Type: Private hair salon (cuts, colour, styling, treatments, bridal)
Founders: Sally Brooks & Jamie Brooks
Specialisms: Precision cutting, balayage, colour correction, glossing, hair smoothing, keratin treatments, bridal hair, blow dries, hair and scalp care
Nearest Tube: Holborn (3 min walk), Covent Garden (5 min walk)
Opening Hours: Mon 9am–6pm | Tue–Wed 9am–8pm | Thu 9am–9pm | Fri 9am–8pm | Sat 9am–7:30pm | Sun closed
Setting: Grade II-listed townhouse across multiple floors
Awards: British Hairdresser of the Year (x3), London Hairdresser of the Year (x3), Individual Salon of the Year (Fellowship for British Hairdressing Awards), Creative Talent award (Most Wanted Awards)
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Accepts New Clients: Yes
Facebook Followers: 39,500+
Introduction: Why We Chose Brooks & Brooks for This Review
After publishing our first two London Reviews in the dental category — Bow Lane Dental Group and The Neem Tree Dental Practice — we wanted our third review to showcase a different category entirely. Hair salons are among the most searched-for businesses in London, and Brooks & Brooks is one of the most decorated salons in British hairdressing history.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Sally and Jamie Brooks in 2001, the salon has accumulated three British Hairdresser of the Year titles, three London Hairdresser of the Year awards, and was named Individual Salon of the Year at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Awards.
Their Artistic Director, Marlon Hawkins, won the Creative Talent award at the Creative HEAD Most Wanted Awards. These are not minor accolades — they represent the highest honours in British hairdressing.
Yet awards don’t always translate into a great client experience. We examined reviews across Google, Yelp, Good Salon Guide, Mumsnet, Fresha, and press coverage from Time Out, Luxury London, and The Upcoming to build this comprehensive Brooks and Brooks salon review.
Location & Getting There
Brooks & Brooks occupies a beautifully refurbished Grade II-listed townhouse at 28 Great Queen Street, perfectly positioned between Holborn and Covent Garden. The building previously housed the Charles Worthington salon — Charles himself personally asked Jamie Brooks to take over the space when he retired, a passing of the torch that says much about the industry’s regard for Brooks & Brooks.
By Tube: Holborn station (Central and Piccadilly lines) is roughly a three-minute walk. Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line) is approximately five minutes on foot. Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square are also within comfortable walking distance.
By Bus: Great Queen Street is well served by bus routes running along Kingsway and High Holborn, including the 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, 171, and 188.
Nearby: The salon sits in the heart of theatreland, steps from the Royal Opera House, the Freemasons’ Hall, and the independent shops and restaurants of Covent Garden and Seven Dials. It’s an area where a salon visit can easily become part of a broader day out.
Parking: Central London parking applies — NCP car parks are available on nearby streets, but the Tube is the more practical option.
Why the Location Matters: Covent Garden sits at the intersection of tourism, theatre, fashion, and professional London. The salon draws clients from across the capital and beyond — several Google and Good Salon Guide reviewers mention travelling from outside London specifically to visit Brooks & Brooks, which speaks volumes about the strength of the team’s reputation.
First Impressions & Atmosphere
Our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review took a close look at the atmosphere and first impressions clients experience on arrival.
The salon occupies multiple floors of a Grade II-listed townhouse, and the space feels bright, airy, and considered without tipping into pretentious. Time Out described it as “a ticks-all-the-boxes salon,” while The Upcoming called it “a light and airy townhouse” and “a go-to destination” for transformative hair experiences.
Clients are offered a glass of prosecco upon arrival — a touch that divides opinion among Mumsnet commenters (one noted that “Jamie would rather focus on the hair cut rather than the drinks”) but adds to the sense of occasion. The atmosphere is consistently described as relaxed, friendly, and down-to-earth despite the salon’s formidable list of industry accolades.
The salon is also notably dog-friendly, and multilingual — details that broaden its appeal beyond the typical Central London salon clientele. Our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review found these details are genuinely valued by clients.
The Team
One of the standout findings of our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review was the exceptional calibre of the styling team.
Brooks & Brooks is founded and led by two of British hairdressing’s most accomplished figures:
Jamie Brooks — Three-time British Hairdresser of the Year, three-time London Hairdresser of the Year. Widely regarded as one of the most skilled precision cutters in the industry. A Mumsnet commenter stated flatly: “They’re all about the quality of the cut.”
Sally Brooks — Co-founder and equally accomplished stylist, renowned for colour expertise alongside cutting.
The wider team is hand-picked, with each stylist bringing a specific area of expertise. The salon has built a strong reputation for its apprenticeship programme, nurturing young talent who go on to win industry recognition in their own right.
Frequently Praised Team Members:
- Marlon Hawkins (Artistic Director) — Winner of the Creative Talent award at the Creative HEAD Most Wanted Awards. Multiple reviewers describe him as a “creative genius” who understands hair intuitively. One client from Scotland has been travelling to London specifically to see Marlon since 2016, calling him “my forever hairdresser.” Time Out highlighted his skill in colour correction, noting that he delivered results that blended perfectly with natural hair.
- Simone — Described by one long-term client as “the best hairdresser I had ever encountered,” prompting them to follow him across multiple London locations.
- Jaime — Praised for making clients “feel like a million dollars” and creating an immediately relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
- Becky — Highlighted as an exceptional colourist with consistently outstanding results.
- Kayleigh — Praised across multiple platforms for colour expertise and attentive service.
- Russell — Recommended by Mumsnet users alongside the founders as one of the salon’s standout stylists.
- Roman — Mentioned alongside stylists for delivering excellent new looks.
The team regularly attends international fashion shows and industry events, keeping their techniques at the cutting edge. This commitment to ongoing professional development is reflected in the consistently high quality of work reported by clients.
Full Range of Services
Brooks & Brooks offers a comprehensive range of hairdressing services:
Cutting & Styling
- Precision haircuts (women’s and men’s)
- Restyle and consultation
- Blow dry and finish
- Express 15-minute blow dry
- Up-dos and occasion styling
- Fringe trims
Colour Services
- Balayage and ombré
- Full head colour
- Root touch-up
- Babylights and highlights
- Face-framing colour
- Colour melt
- Root drag
- Fashion colours
- Colour correction (specialist service)
- Glossing and toning
Treatments
- Keratin smoothing treatments
- Hair smoothing
- Hair and scalp care and repair
- Tension relief head massage (add-on)
- Scalp cleansing (add-on)
- Hot towel treatment (add-on)
Bridal & Occasion
- Bespoke wedding hair packages
- Trial sessions
- Wedding day styling
- Bridesmaid and bridal party styling
Additional
- Complimentary consultation for new clients
- Extensions (availability to be confirmed)
- Prosecco and drinks offered during appointments
- Dog-friendly environment
Pricing & Value for Money
Pricing was a key area of focus in our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review. Here is what we found.
Brooks & Brooks is a premium Central London salon, and prices reflect the calibre of the team and the Covent Garden location. Specific prices are not published prominently on their website — the salon operates on a tiered pricing structure based on stylist seniority and experience.
What We Know: Appointments with senior stylists and the founders will cost more than those with newer team members.
This tiered model is standard across high-end London salons and offers clients a degree of flexibility — you can choose a less senior stylist for a more accessible price point without compromising on the Brooks & Brooks standard, as all stylists are trained and mentored by the founders.
Client Sentiment on Pricing: Unlike some premium salons where pricing is a consistent source of complaint, Brooks & Brooks reviews rarely mention price as a negative. This suggests that clients generally feel the quality of work justifies the cost — a noteworthy distinction given the salon’s Central London location.
Our Assessment: Expect premium pricing consistent with an award-winning Covent Garden salon. Contact the salon directly or book via their website for current pricing. The tiered structure means there are options at various price points, which we consider a positive.
What Clients Actually Say: Review Analysis
For this Brooks and Brooks Salon Review, we analysed feedback from six independent sources: Google, Yelp, Good Salon Guide, Mumsnet, Fresha, and leading press outlets.
Google Reviews
Rating: High | Tone: Consistently positive
Google reviews praise individual stylists by name, the quality of cuts and colour, and the welcoming atmosphere. Several reviewers describe feeling “on top of the world” or “like a million dollars” after their appointments.
Yelp
Rating: Positive
Yelp confirms the salon’s specialist services and provides operational details including opening hours and contact information. The salon’s description on Yelp emphasises that “everyone is an individual and so is their hair.”
Good Salon Guide
Rating: Highly positive
Good Salon Guide features detailed testimonials. One standout review describes a client travelling from Scotland since 2016, having found Marlon and declaring him her “forever hairdresser.” Another describes the consultation process as “in-depth and holistic.”
Mumsnet
Rating: Recommended
Mumsnet — where recommendations carry particular weight due to the community’s notorious candour — features Brooks & Brooks as a top recommendation. One user summarised it as: “British Hairdresser of the Year several times, as well as London Hairdresser of the Year too many times to mention. They’re all about the quality of the cut.”
Press Coverage
Time Out: Featured the salon in their list of best London hairdressers, praising Marlon’s colour correction work and describing the salon as one that “ticks all the boxes.”
Luxury London: Named Brooks & Brooks among the best hair salons in London, highlighting the express blow dry, tension relief head massage, and the Individual Salon of the Year award.
The Upcoming: Published a dedicated feature praising the salon’s innovative approach, its commitment to nurturing young talent, and its success at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Awards.
What Clients Love Most (Positive Themes)
In our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review, the following positive themes emerged consistently across all review platforms.
1. Precision Cutting The salon’s reputation is built on the quality of the cut. Jamie Brooks is regarded as one of the finest precision cutters in Britain, and this skill permeates the entire team. Clients consistently leave feeling their hair has been shaped with genuine artistry rather than a standardised approach.
2. Exceptional Colour Work From balayage to colour correction, the colour services receive outstanding feedback. Marlon Hawkins in particular is praised for his ability to understand what clients want and deliver results that look natural and intentional.
3. In-Depth Consultations Unlike salons where stylists begin cutting almost immediately, Brooks & Brooks is praised for thorough, holistic consultations that consider washing routine, lifestyle, and long-term hair goals before any scissors are lifted.
4. Relaxed, Down-to-Earth Atmosphere Despite the wall of awards, the salon feels approachable rather than intimidating. Multiple reviewers note they were worried the salon might be pretentious, only to find it warm, friendly, and refreshingly normal.
5. Client Loyalty (Clients Travel From Across the UK) Several reviewers mention travelling from outside London — including Scotland and Cambridge — specifically to visit Brooks & Brooks. This level of loyalty to individual stylists is rare and speaks to the calibre of the work.
6. Beautiful Grade II-Listed Setting The townhouse setting across multiple floors creates a more intimate, residential feel compared to open-plan high-street salons. The space feels premium without being cold.
7. Late Opening Hours Open until 9pm on Thursdays and 8pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — significantly later than many London salons, making after-work appointments genuinely feasible.
Areas for Consideration (Constructive Feedback)
1. Price Transparency Specific prices are not prominently listed on the website. Whilst tiered pricing is industry-standard for premium salons, some clients may prefer to know costs upfront before booking. We’d recommend confirming pricing when booking.
2. Closed on Sundays For clients who work Monday to Saturday, the lack of Sunday appointments may be limiting.
3. Central London Location May Not Suit Everyone For residents of outer London boroughs, the journey to Covent Garden may not be practical for routine appointments — though many clients clearly consider it worthwhile.
4. Availability with Top Stylists Given the salon’s reputation, booking with the most sought-after stylists (particularly Jamie, Sally, and Marlon) may require advance planning. Newer team members are available at shorter notice.
Who Is Brooks & Brooks Best For?
Based on our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review, here is a breakdown of who will benefit most from visiting this award-winning Covent Garden salon.
✅ Anyone seeking a truly excellent haircut — precision cutting is the salon’s calling card
✅ Clients needing colour correction — Marlon and the colour team are exceptionally skilled
✅ Brides and bridal parties — bespoke wedding packages available
✅ Those wanting a relaxed, unpretentious experience — despite the awards, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming
✅ Clients who value consultation — the thorough, holistic approach to understanding your hair
✅ Dog owners — the salon is dog-friendly
✅ After-work appointments — open until 9pm on Thursdays
It may be less suitable for:
⚠️ Budget-conscious clients seeking the lowest prices
⚠️ Those who need Sunday appointments
⚠️ Clients in outer London who cannot easily reach Covent Garden
How Brooks & Brooks Compares to Nearby Salons
Our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review compared the salon against other top-rated hairdressers in the area.
| Feature | Brooks & Brooks | Andrew Jose | Haug London Haus | House of Keune |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Covent Garden | Charlotte Street | Fitzrovia | Holborn |
| Established | 2001 (20+ years) | 1988 (35+ years) | Recent | 2022 |
| Major Awards | British Hairdresser of the Year x3, Salon of the Year | 6x BHA nominee | Multiple press features | London Salon of the Year 2024 |
| Late Opening | ✅ Until 9pm (Thu) | ✅ Late evenings | Check with salon | Check with salon |
| Colour Correction | ✅ Specialist service | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Bridal Services | ✅ Bespoke packages | ✅ Yes | Check with salon | Check with salon |
| Dog-Friendly | ✅ Yes | Check | Check | Check |
| Nearest Tube | Holborn (3 min) | Goodge Street (2 min) | Goodge Street (3 min) | Holborn (2 min) |
Verdict: Brooks & Brooks stands out through its unmatched competition record (three British Hairdresser of the Year titles), its holistic consultation approach, and its late evening opening hours. Andrew Jose offers a longer track record, while House of Keune provides a newer, academy-style experience.
Awards & Industry Recognition
In our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review, we found the salon holds one of the most impressive award portfolios of any hair salon in the United Kingdom:
- British Hairdresser of the Year — Won three times (the highest accolade in British hairdressing)
- London Hairdresser of the Year — Won three times
- Individual Salon of the Year — Fellowship for British Hairdressing Awards
- Creative Talent Award — Marlon Hawkins, Creative HEAD Most Wanted Awards
- International Hairdresser of the Year — Won
- Numerous additional industry accolades across a 20+ year career
How to Book Your First Appointment
Ready to book after reading our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review? Here is how to get started:
Step 1: Call 020 7405 8111 or visit brooksandbrooks.co.uk
Step 2: You can also book via Fresha
Step 3: Specify which stylist you’d prefer (or ask for a recommendation based on your needs)
Step 4: Your first visit will include a thorough consultation before any work begins
Step 5: Confirm pricing when booking, as rates vary by stylist seniority
First Visit Checklist:
- Bring reference photos of styles or colours you like
- Be prepared to discuss your hair history (previous colour, treatments, products used)
- Mention any allergies or scalp sensitivities
- Arrive a few minutes early for a relaxed start
- Feel free to bring your dog
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions about Brooks & Brooks, based on our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review research.
Is Brooks and Brooks a walk-in or appointment-only hair salon in Covent Garden? Brooks & Brooks is an appointment-only salon. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly for senior stylists. You can book online via the website or Fresha, or by calling 020 7405 8111.
How much does a haircut at Brooks and Brooks in London cost? Pricing is based on a tiered structure depending on stylist seniority and the service required. Contact the salon directly for current pricing. Expect premium rates consistent with an award-winning Central London salon.
Does Brooks and Brooks salon in Covent Garden offer colour correction services? Yes. Colour correction is a specialist service offered at the salon. Artistic Director Marlon Hawkins is particularly praised for his colour correction work, with Time Out highlighting his results.
Is Brooks and Brooks a good hair salon for bridal and wedding hair in London? Yes. The salon offers bespoke bridal hair packages including trial sessions, wedding day styling, and bridesmaid and bridal party styling.
What are Brooks and Brooks salon’s opening hours in Covent Garden, London? Monday 9am–6pm, Tuesday–Wednesday 9am–8pm, Thursday 9am–9pm, Friday 9am–8pm, Saturday 9am–7:30pm. Closed on Sundays.
Is Brooks and Brooks hair salon in London dog-friendly? Yes. The salon welcomes dogs, making it a convenient option for pet owners who prefer not to leave their dog at home.
How many awards has Brooks and Brooks salon in London won? The salon holds three British Hairdresser of the Year titles, three London Hairdresser of the Year awards, and was named Individual Salon of the Year at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Awards, among numerous other accolades.
What is the nearest Tube station to Brooks and Brooks salon in Covent Garden? Holborn station (Central and Piccadilly lines) is approximately a three-minute walk. Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line) is around five minutes on foot.
London Reviews Verdict on Brooks and Brooks Salon Review
Brooks & Brooks is, quite simply, one of the finest hair salons in London. The combination of Jamie and Sally Brooks’s technical mastery, a hand-picked team of stylists who regularly win industry recognition, and a Covent Garden setting that feels welcoming rather than intimidating adds up to something genuinely special.
What sets the salon apart from many award-winning competitors is the absence of pretension. Clients consistently describe feeling relaxed, listened to, and understood — not lectured. The consultation process is thorough without being overbearing, and the results speak for themselves: clients travel from across the UK, and loyalty to individual stylists spans years and even decades.
The salon isn’t cheap — but then, three-time British Hairdresser of the Year calibre rarely is. If you value craft, consultation, and a haircut that makes you feel genuinely transformed, Brooks & Brooks is exceptionally easy to recommend.
Related London Reviews
- Bow Lane Dental Group Review — City of London Dentist
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- Submit your own review
Summary: Our Brooks and Brooks Salon Review
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cutting Quality | ★★★★★ |
| Colour Services | ★★★★★ |
| Client Experience | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★☆ |
| Location & Accessibility | ★★★★★ |
| Range of Services | ★★★★★ |
| Atmosphere & Setting | ★★★★★ |
| Booking & Availability | ★★★★☆ |
| OVERALL | ★★★★★ 4.8/5 |
Disclaimer: London Reviews has not received payment or sponsorship from Brooks & Brooks. All opinions expressed are our own editorial assessment based on verifiable data. Prices and services may change — always confirm directly with the salon.
Have you visited Brooks & Brooks? Share your experience in the comments below or submit your own review to help fellow Londoners make informed choices.