“I feel ten years younger,” says Andi Rivett after a session in the chair at the new Diamond Koz Turkish barbers on Cinque Ports Street. The former mayor is one of the first to get the full treatment on opening day, Tuesday April 15.
The newly converted store is bright, with a barber’s pole outside and four chairs with mirrors for customers to watch during a service that includes more than a quick cut or shave. A refreshing facial and hot towel treatment are on offer, along with hot wax.
A metal box heats the wax which is then poured into a customers ears and nostrils. It sets for a minute or so before being removed skilfully by Mehmet Tosun, one of the barbers. “It’s not painful at all, ” reassures Andi, “and my skin has never felt better. The service is impeccable.” A glass of hot turkish tea is also on offer.
The venture is the latest from the Diamond Koz team. The family run firm already have a restaurant on Cinque Ports Street and the restaurant and cocktail bar at the roundabout on Wish Street.
Firat Boysel from Diamond Koz says opening a new barber shop in Rye is backed by popular demand. “My staff, friends, and our customers keep asking me why there’s no traditional Turkish barbers in Rye. So now there is.”
He says it’s been a tight turn around converting the shop which sold antiques until late last year. “It took a about six to eight weeks to get to this from an empty shop. The builders were great, working six days a week sometimes starting at seven o’clock in the morning.”
But does Rye need another barbers? With the new shop that makes five. “We want to bring a bit of competition. You don’t need to book and we”re open longer. It’s not just about being a barber, this is a different offer…we call it gentleman’s grooming.”
Revd Paul White from St Mary’s church in Rye has also been a customer. He says it’s the best barbering experience he’s ever had. “I had at least half an hour in the chair whilst they did hair, beard, eyebrows, nose and ears and then followed by a face mask and a hot towel head and shoulder massage. It was amazing.”
Diamond Koz started on Romney Marsh fifteen years ago. Firat Boyzel – or Fred – says the company was drawn to Rye. “We’ve been in the town for two and half years, but I’d been looking into this area for over six years. It’s a proper community and there’s a uniqueness to this town. It feels like Cinque Ports Street is turning into a second high street and I’m really happy to be part of that change.”
Image Credits: James Stewart .