Refreshments and magazines off the menu in London hair group Hob Salons' reopening plans

Magazines, prosecco and teas are off the menu at Hob Salons, the London hairdressing group said on Thursday as it revealed how sites will operate when the lockdown lifts.

The company, which has 25 salons, most of which are in and around the capital, has emailed customers with a list of measures it plans to implement to promote social distancing.

It is working towards a reopening date of July 4, based on latest government guidance.

The company said it has secured PPE, including gloves and masks, for employees if needed. To lessen contact in salons no refreshments will be provided and magazines will be removed.

In addition, waiting areas will not be in use and will instead become sanitiser areas, and clients will be spaced further apart from eachother.

Paul Simbler, co-founder of Hob Salons, whose first site was in Mill Hill, said: “These measures will not be forever, and we will look to revisit them in phases and after government instructions once our salons reopen. For now we are viewing this as a move to best protect staff and clients.”

Hob Salons employs around 480 people, most of whom were furloughed. Simbler said: “We are looking forward to getting up and running again.”