A Barber Shop to Sing About: Páteo 42

I have a sense that a barber, and their barber shop, are vital parts of community life, a sanctuary and social hub for the men of any locality.

I'm also delighted to be able to say that Curia, as well as having (at least) two hairdressing salons for women, has its own men's barber shop too, which cleverly doubles as a newspaper kiosk - Páteo 42.

The Portuguese vocabulary is on the easier side in this instance. This 'Barbearia e Quiosque' and is owned and run by the delightful Emilia Costa who, as her name suggests, is a woman - an interesting plot twist in this traditionally mostly-male environment.

As well as cutting hair, she offers traditional wet shaves and multi-tasks the sale of newspapers and magazines, from a built-in newsstand, or kiosk, that inhabits a prominent corner of her thoughtfully designed business.

She changed career when made redundant after a 12-year stint as a secretary in a local ceramics factory, and after three years of unemployment, decided to follow in her father's hair-styling footsteps.

The space has been designed by her and her son, a man who works in publicity with clearly a clue about design, in two and three dimensions.

This to me is the right balance between hipster renaissance and old-school barber ethic, giving a welcoming, professional and sociable environment. 

Páteo 42 evokes the sacred environment enjoyed by men across so many cultures as portrayed in gangster movies, hip-hop videos or a particular British TV sitcom. A haircut, as I've just enjoyed, will set you back 6 euros. Shaving is a luxurious and pleasurable extra, at only 3 euros. Emilia is in no rush and will attend to your tonsorial needs carefully, diligently and skilfully. 

In the chair for many leisurely and luxurious minutes, I had my eyebrows, ear and nasal hair trimmed as part of the bargain. Attention to detail is Emilia's overwhelming professional trait, and the visit had me catching up on a little local news, and gave me a chance to grasp at some new local lingo.

It's a great chance to rub shoulders (though not literally) with other local men and feel a part of Curia culture and life. On this, and any other basis I can think of, Páteo 42 gives immeasurable value to me, and the town I'm loving a little more as each day passes.

Páteo 42 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/pateo42