18 Aug 2021 As some of the longest-standing members of our V&A Waterfront family, Mr Cobbs the Barber’s Vandah Lansdowne, and Patricia Fowden of Frank Fowden could be called our neighbourhood’s ‘matriarchs of grooming’. Vandah Lansdowne Owner of The Old’e English Shaving Shop, trading as Mr Cobbs the Barber “Our exclusive men’s barbershop has been at the Waterfront for donkeys’ years, since 2002. My late husband chose Victoria Wharf as he had an eye for only the best destinations. He took great pride in his business, creating one of the best barber shops in the world. I inherited it from him and have been doing my best to keep this legendary barbershop alive for generations ahead to experience. I work behind the scenes to maintain our standard of customer excellence. Our shop is full of beautiful hand-crafted gifts for the discerning gentleman – from grooming products and shaving gear to leather goods for a fancy night out. Our barbers specialise in a Victorian way of shaving and have serviced famous international actors, Springboks and participants in the Volvo Ocean Race. I love that we can pamper men with high-quality service, and let them relax, unwind… and look good!” Patricia Fowden Owner of Frank Fowden “Our hair salon has been at the Waterfront since 1997 or 1998 – it’s been so long I can’t even remember! People are far more aware of hair now than they were back then. The media places so much pressure on looking good. People come to us because we are known for our professionalism, and our great selection of treatments for different types of hair. We also offer hair extensions and do manicures and pedicures. I am so proud of my stylists. Some have been with us for nearly 20 years, and they are loved by our clients. I don’t think there’s a salon anywhere else in the world that does the extra things we do – like help people with their shopping, or escort them to their cars. I run my business in the way that I would like to be treated, really looking after our clients so that they come back – and always being kind.” For all the best restaurants, entertainment and shopping in Cape Town — come visit the V&A Waterfront!
