Shops / Glitch
Concept salon opens in Old Market
The ubiquitous hair salon is getting a real makeover, as Glitch Bristol – a concept salon, featuring a bar, record store and art space – opens in a former memorabilia shop in Old Market.
The man behind it is Stephàn Vittori, who originally hails from Florence, Italy. As well as being a hairdresser, he is also a musician – as are all the staff. It’s these two twin passions that have been united by this project.
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“I used to have a salon near Florence, which I opened seven years ago with the same idea. It was a tattoo shop and a salon. But people didn’t get the concept – there is no culture of innovation in Italy,” Vittori explained as he showed off the interior of his new shop – much of which, from the industrial bar to the copper pipe shelving, has been designed by creative director and front of house manager, Frank.
“In Bristol, there is this culture of innovation. Since we put the word out, we’ve had so many enquiries from artists that we are booked out for a year and are turning people down.”
The front portion of the large shop will be an art space, record store and bar, with booze from Bristol Beer Factory on tap and bi-monthly exhibitions on the walls and in the windows.
The salon is at the rear of the shop, with everything you’d expect from an upmarket hair salon, plus a stage. Musicians from BIMM Bristol will perform acoustic music throughout the day, and bands will play sets on on Thursday evenings.
With the project at least three years in the making, Vittori is keen to make it a success, and sees Bristol – and Old Market – as a great fit for his venture.
“Old Market is an amazing and up-and-coming area, there is so much art happening and already we feel we’ve been accepted. You can feel the community spirit. I think Old Market is going to become the new Stokes Croft.
“I’m excited. Lots of people have been coming in to have a look, and saying it’s a cool space. It’s good vibes!”
Glitch, 48-49 Old Market Street, Bristol, BS2 0EX
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