Warren & the Hare: Inside Westbourne's newest salon

Partners Warren Edwards and James Roper opened their “dream” salon in Seamoor Road last month (NOV) and say they didn’t want to open anywhere other than Westbourne.

Warren said: “The name came to me one day, I was talking to one of my clients about my name. We joked that it’s a rabbit hole and that’s where the Hare play on words came in and it just felt right.

“Westbourne feels like the heart of Bournemouth. We didn’t want to create a clinical hair space that would feel like a dentist waiting room, we wanted a nice arty space, young and modern.

Warren & the Hare in Seamoor Road, Westbourne

“This is our first business so we didn’t know what to expect. We didn’t sleep for about a week because we were so nervous. Westbourne has embraced us and we’re so grateful.”

The dog friendly salon offers guests a drink upon arrival and an outdoor courtyard space will open in Easter.

Upon viewing the space in April, Warren said he “fell in love” immediately and began mentally assembling how the salon would look.

However, they initially lost out when they were outbid by another business – which Warren said broke his heart.

The other business pulled out at the end of August, giving Warren and James the opportunity to take the space. James said: “It happened very quickly. We had nothing, no business plan, just a dream.

“It was a mad rush to open but we did it in about two and a half weeks with all the renovations.

(LtoR) James Roper, Jade Chapman and Warren Edwards of Warren & the Hare in Seamoor Road, Westbourne

“On our first day Bunches of Westbourne gave us a bouquet of flowers. It's that community feel that meant we didn't want to be anywhere else.”

Client Joan Doubtfire has lived in Westbourne for more than 50 years. She said: “I think it’s amazing. So amazing that I’ve started recommending my friends try it. It’s my hairdressers now.”

A professional makeup artist also works in the salon on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Warren added: “We’re a genderless salon, a safe place for everyone and from the minute you walk through the door, you’ve walked into my living room. Our job is to make everyone leave feeling and looking 100 per cent."

Warren & the Hare is predominantly a booking only salon, with limited walk-in availability. Clients can book by phoning 01202 986129, visiting Facebook or @warrenandthehare on Instagram.