Our new infrequent series in which somebody special picks five things that make their world go around continues with London hairdresser and man about town Tom Braham. Tom runs the barber shop A Nod Is As Good As A Wink in Islington and has just written an excellent new guidebook to the high spots and low lights of London including all of the best boozers and friendly neighbourhood hangouts. “Tipping The Wink” is no hipster’s guide, it’s the real deal and Tom is an erudite and entertaining host. Copies available via messaging the man here or in select London outlets. Stick one in your back pocket next time you’re in town. Take it away Tom…
1. Rod Stewart’s hair 1964-1975
From backcombed mod to feather cut, Faces frontman, Rod was follicularly fabulous across this period, the latter style being my favourite. In the States known as a ‘rooster’ - or more amusingly a ‘shag’ - here in Blighty you just asked your coiffeur for a ‘Rod’.
2. Frankie & The Witch Fingers - ZAM
Stunning title track from Frankie & The Witch Fingers best LP: they hit a low-slung fuzzy groove and don’t let up for eight whole minutes. Should’ve been a single.
3. Oxford United vs. Leyton Orient 2006
Forty odd years of supporting the mighty O’s has yielded only three moments of success, but fuck me have they been great. Unbelievably securing automatic promotion to League One - actually the third division, kids - with virtually the last kick of the last match of the 2005/06 season. Pure magic.
4. Smoking jackets
A shockingly under utilised item of clothing, at once practical and stylish. Think Noel Coward, Hugh Hefner and Harold Steptoe.
5. Cities
The countryside is an unsavoury place full of savage creatures and oomska, necessitating traipsing about in clumpy rubber footwear. Cities are also dangerous and filthy but a helluva lot more fun. And you can wear good shoes.
Essential Information
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink is at 5 Copenhagen St, London N1 0JB.
Tipping The Wink is available now, contact Tom here
