A train station barber has reached the end of the line after 25 years – and more than 75,000 haircuts.
Demetris Georgiou, 78, began trading in central London’s Marylebone station in 1998.
He was poached from nearby Paddington station by Adrian Shooter CBE, the founder of Chiltern Railways.
Georgiou – known to customers as Chris – then spent the next quarter-century cutting hair.
He finished on Friday, Sept. 15, and was presented with a pair of golden scissors by appreciative Chiltern staff.
A special message was also posted on one of the information boards at the station.
Georgiou said he didn’t want to retire but did so at the request of his family.
“My plans are to spend time with my wife and my oldest son, who has cerebral palsy,” said Georgiou.
“We will go on holiday at some point, but [there is] nothing planned yet!”
Georgiou opened his shop – Paul & Chris Barber Shop – on Feb. 16, 1998.
He had been cutting hair at Paddington when he was recognized by Mr. Shooter – an old customer of his father’s at London Bridge station.
The transport executive – who died last year aged 74 – then asked the younger Georgiou to change stations to Marylebone, where he has remained ever since.
“It really didn’t take much persuading from Adrian Shooter when he asked me if I would like to work at the station,” said the barber.
“I find the people at Marylebone station to be very pleasant, kind and a pleasure to serve.
“I didn’t really want to retire, but I’m 78 now and my family have told me that I have to!”
Georgiou worked in a shop in a unit managed by Chiltern Railways.
The barbers became a “very popular spot” with employees and commuters alike, the company said.
Georgiou’s son John joined him in later years, meaning that three generations of the family have provided barber shop services to rail customers over the decades.
Andy Camp, commercial and customer strategy director at Chiltern Railways, said: “Chris and John’s shop has left a lasting impression on customers and colleagues at Chiltern, both past and present.
“We’re sorry to see them leave Marylebone, and as a long-time customer of over ten years, I didn’t want to see Chris retire without visiting one last time.
“They encapsulate the friendly, familiar, reliable service that we aim to provide to our customers and have been a real asset to Marylebone station for the last 25 years.
“We’d like to wish Chris all the very best in his retirement and thank him and John for their continued service to Chiltern customers.”
Georgiou’s pair of golden scissors – which were framed – have been used at many Chiltern events since 1998, the company said – including when former Prime Minister David Cameron cut the ribbon at the opening of Oxford Parkway station in 2015.
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager
