Miss Marnie gets her first haircut at new celebrity salon Bella & Beau

Bella & Beau

On Saturday Miss Marnie and I were invited to the opening party of exclusive new kids hairdressing destination – Bella & Beau in Notting Hill, London (since time of writing has now closed down).

Now, this isn’t our usual hangout – the fashionable Ledbury Road is full of all those boutique shops that Miss Marnie and I can only wish to shop in. Like I Love Gorgeous (now Wild & Gorgeous), Caramel Baby & Child and Matches (for fashion mummy’s).

But, all in the name of research you understand…

So, Miss Marnie and I put on our best outfits and headed ‘up West to check it out. Miss Marnie was also booked in for her first haircut (I was of course dreading this more than her!).

But, I was assured that Bella & Beau was all about making it an enjoyable experience for both child and parent! And, they weren’t wrong! Bella & Beau may be a luxury kids salon but, it was like walking into a buzzing funhouse which of course, delighted Miss Marnie.

There’s an oversized floor to ceiling fish tank, individual hair stations including a bright pink piano, a shiny silver aeroplane, a Harley Davidson and Miss Marnie’s fave – a New York yellow cab.

TAXI Anyone?

And, if that wasn’t enough to keep her entertained – the mini iPads (with Peppa Pig, cartoons and games set up in a flash) kids book/toy table and baskets filled with lollies and other E-numbers were all welcome distractions.

And, now for the scissors…

 

 Miss Marnie’s stylist Narad – who was so chilled and calming with her – that she barely noticed what was going on. As he snipped away at her baby curls (and saved some for me in a little bag) she was sprayed, snipped and styled in seconds (ok, about one and a half Peppa Pig episodes!)

She wasn’t even bothered by the hairdryer. Before leaving we were given a ‘First Haircut’ certificate as a sweet little keepsake.

The finished ‘do’…

Stress-free, stylish and supercool to boot – I just wish we lived a little closer so Miss Marnie (and I) could do it all again for her future hair cuts. They even offer grown-ups hair cut by special request – not sure my butt will fit in the little cab though…

What a Party! Miss Marnie left with a balloon, a tin of sweets and a goodie bag (stuffed with a jigsaw puzzle, colouring book, craft set and a pot bubbles). Mama stopped for a tea and cupcake from the 70’s Citroen van parked outside especially for the event from Nina Food .

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Celebrity Interview with Co-Owner Jessica Pietersen
Bella & Beau is co-owned by ex Liberty X popstar Jessica (along with her hubby Cricket legend Kevin Pietersen and friends Amit and Vanisha Bhatia) I managed to grab a few minutes with her to talk shop:

So, tell me Jessica how did the idea for Bella & Beau come about?

I had the idea for a kids salon after a few traumatic hair cutting appointments with my so Dylan, 4 – and just knew there was a way to make it a postivitve experience. I wanted to create a unique lifestyle environment that was enjoyable for both parent and child.

 And the name Bella & Beau does it have any special meaning?

I just wanted to have a girls and a boys name that went well together. I loves the fact that Bella means ‘beautiful’ in Italian and Beau means ‘handsome’ in French.

 The interiors and the hair stations are amazing – how did they come about?

I chose each and every piece myself as I wanted the shop to be like a sort of ‘Willy Wonka meets hair salon’ with bright colours, large props and fun pieces everywhere. I had so much fun searching the internet and browsing in antique shops looking for unique and interesting pieces – I did a lot of my research when Dylan was a nursery and late into the night (I became a little obsessed!).  I wanted it to be playful for both babies and young kids. My niece is 9 and most kids salons are a bit babyish even for her –  with the iPads, piano, various hair stations and fish tank – we’re hoping to appeal to all ages.

 And, finally Jessica will you be working here?

(laughs) Oh yes! Not every day – but as we live nearby I will be very ‘hands on’ and here a few days a week. Just like any new business you have to put in the hard work at the beginning – and to be honest its been a real ‘labour of love’ from the first idea to the opening day. It’s my new baby.

** UPDATE 2015: Bella & Beau is now closed for business