Pub tempts drinkers with haircuts

Hair stylist Arlene Stainthorpe visits the pub every Thursday evening

A pub has turned its bar into a beauty salon in an effort to draw in more customers and beat the credit crunch.

Managers at the Dartmouth Arms in Tufnell Park, north London, have hired a hairdresser to cut customers' hair.

Managers at the pub said they hoped the service would stop them losing regular drinkers and bring in new customers in the current tough economic climate.

The smoking ban and cheap alcohol in supermarkets have left many pubs under threat of closure, landlords have said.

Pub landlord Laura Stephens said: "It is going well actually.

"With the credit crunch, the increase in taxes and rent, it's no secret that it's very difficult for pubs so it's a case of anything we can do to make it easier and make a bit more money."

Hair stylist Arlene Stainthorpe visits the pub every Thursday night and charges £9 for a trim.

"People can get a bit more daring after they've had a drink," she said.

"Especially the guys with the long ponytails."