Jake Gallagher, of The Derry Barber Company on Great James Street, beat off fierce competition from talented barbers across the UK, and will now go head to head with 11 other classic master barbers in a bid to claim the coveted title of Britain’s Best Classic Master Barber.

Jake, 24, triumphed as he is the only Northern Irish or Irish Barber to make the final. The event is set to be held at the first ever Barber UK at the Birmingham NEC in May where Jake will attempt to impress judges on a number of criteria, including accuracy, style and suitability.

The competition, organised by the industry-respected British Barbers’ Association, is seen as the ultimate accolade in British Barbering. The Classic Master is sponsored by Varsity Beard. Chris Foster, Style Director of the British Barbers Association said “This competition is seen as the ultimate accolade in British Barbering. The Masters Competition is the perfect platform to show exactly how talented you are, a master of your craft.”

Jake said that he was pleased to be the only Northern Ireland barber to be competing. “I am delighted to represent Northern Ireland, Ireland and The Derry Barber Company within this much respected competition. I am passionate about barbering and am delighted by skills have been recognised in this way”.