OUR STORY

The history of Fella

Black and white storefront sign reads "FELLA HAIRDRESSING FOR MEN." In front, a chalkboard sign displays services and prices for a barbershop, with posters of men with hairstyles inside the shop window.

AUG 2008

ONE CHAIR AND A VINTAGE CASH REGISTER

Bobby opens the first Fella shop in Canterbury. With a single chair and a new vision, the Fella story begins.

Five young men in a graffiti-adorned room, with one holding a microphone and others working with DJ equipment.
Black and white mural of an abstract, flowing design on a wall, with a small fan and a countertop below.

2014

CANTERBURY GROWS

Following a full refit, the original Canterbury shop expands to five chairs, marking the next stage of Fella’s growth.

A man with a hat and white T-shirt sitting in a barber chair inside a barber shop with brick walls, mirrors, and barber tools.
Inside a barber shop with a wooden counter, hair styling products, a hairdryer, and barber tools. There are two black salon chairs, one with a towel draped over it, positioned in front of mirrors on a brick wall.

2017

FELLA ARRIVES IN FOLKESTONE

Fella opens its second location in Folkestone, bringing the same independent spirit and attention to detail to Kent’s South coast.

The exterior of a hair salon called 'Fella Folkestone' with a glass storefront, a barber working on a customer, and hairdressing equipment visible inside.

2019

FELLA CANTERBURY FACELIFT

The original Canterbury shop undergoes a full refit, refreshing the space while retaining the character and identity at the heart of Fella.

Interior of a barbershop with black barber chairs, vintage waiting area with green and wooden chairs, round mirror on wall, decorative wallpaper, and hanging pendant lights.
Exterior view of a Canterbury barber shop featuring a black sign with orange and white lettering, string lights, and a display window with hanging light bulbs and seating interior visible.
A man with a striped barber cape sitting in a barber shop chair smiling while a barber wearing a mask and black shirt holds a mirror showing the back of his head.

2021

A RETURN TO SOHO

Fella takes over Barbers Point on Kingly Street, where Bobby worked for more than a decade before moving to Kent. Alex Wakefield joins as a partner.

Black storefront of a hair salon named Fella with large windows showing the interior, inside a person is sitting in a chair with a striped cape, and there are plants and decals on the windows, including the words 'SO HANDSOME' repeated.
A man with dark hair, beard, and light skin wearing a blue cap with yellow embroidery reading 'Moreporks' and a dark green quilted jacket, sitting indoors with blurred background including plants, wooden shelves, and a mirror.
A man with a beige newsboy cap and a beige jacket sitting at a table, smiling. Behind him is a green wall with a round mirror, and shelves with decor and bottles. The setting appears to be a cozy cafe or restaurant.
Crowd of people gathered outside a restaurant or cafe at night, with some engaged in conversation and one man pointing at the camera.

2023

MODERN BARBER AWARDS FINALIST

Fella is shortlisted for Barber Shop of the Year at the Modern Barber Awards, earning national recognition within the industry.

A man in a suit holding an award with blue lighting.

2023

GOOD SALON GUIDE WINNERS

Fella is named Barber Shop of the Year by the Good Salon Guide, celebrating the team’s creativity, service and consistently high standards.

2024

MODERN BARBER AWARDS BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR

Bobby is crowned Business Leader of the Year at the Modern Barber Awards, celebrating his vision, ambition and impact on the barbering industry.

2025

BRITISH HAIRDRESSING BUSINESS AWARDS FINALIST

Fella is shortlisted for Best Barber Shop at the British Hairdressing Business Awards, one of the industry’s most respected accolades.

2025

SALON BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS

Fella wins Barber Shop of the Year at the Salon Business Awards, recognising the strength of the brand, team and customer experience.

2026

BEST BARBER SHOP FINALIST

Fella is once again shortlisted for Best Barber Shop at the British Hairdressing Business Awards, continuing its run of national recognition.