Andreas Neophitou Savvides – simply known as ‘Andy’ to his family and friends – opened his first salon at 6 Clarence Parade on 19th January 1966.

Originally from Yalusa (Gialousa) in Northern Cyprus, Andy (left) was extremely proud to be a Greek Cypriot but in 1955, aged just 18, he decided to broaden his horizons and take an opportunity to live with his aunt in London and study law at university.

However, Andy couldn’t resist his vocational passion to be a barber – following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who were both barbers in Cyprus – and started working in Bayswater at Westbourne Grove. Soon he was displaying his talent at Pinewood Studios where he spent two years enhancing the appearance of many stage and screen stars including Cliff Richard, John Robinson, Michael Holliday and Dirk Bogarde, who became a personal friend. He also worked in the West End in Old Crompton Street, Soho.

‘New’ concept of ‘blow drying’ hair

Answering a call from an uncle for help at his Cambray Place barber shop, Andy came to Cheltenham in his early 20s and brought with him the ‘new’ concept of ‘blow drying’ hair from the West End. During the 60s, Cheltenham’s Odeon Cinema was a venue for many live artists – indeed, The Beatles topped the bill when performing in 1963. During this period Andy was able to renew some old acquaintances, including Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones.

But it wasn’t nightlife and business activity that determined Cheltenham would become Andy’s long-term home. Outside a coffee shop in the town’s High Street he met Heather Ann Ross – soon to be the love of his life. They married at Toddington in 1960 and enjoyed 56 great years together.

They were blessed with three children – Tina, Helen and Andy (the younger) – and doted on their four grandchildren, Zak, Harrison, Jamie and Alexis.

Eager to do his own thing, Andy opened his first salon – originally sharing a shop with a clockmaker. In 1969, he moved to 24 Clarence Street and ventured into ladies’ hairdressing, splitting the shop into two to cater for the unisex service. However, in 1973, the popularity of the ‘gents’ side of the business dictated more space was required and he reverted to a traditional barber shop.

In 1981, Andy bought the Bath Road premises and the business was handed over to son Andy in 1986.

After a few years living in Cyprus, Andy senior and Ann were lured back to Cheltenham – the catalyst being the arrival of their first grandchild, Jamie – and here they stayed.

Andy Savvides senior passed away in October 2016, finally succumbing to long-standing heart troubles. He was an incredibly proud man – proud of his Greek-Cypriot heritage, proud to be British, and he took great pride in his work. Most of all he was proud of his beloved Ann and the family they created.

He would have also been extremely proud of his son Andy who, in conjunction with long-time friend and colleague Steve Pickering, refurbished the salon and developed skills to keep Andy’s & Co modern – in tune with current styles and practices.

Tragically, Andy junior passed away following a battle with cancer in 2021, aged just 56. However, he’d already set the stage for the Savvides dynasty to continue when his son, Zak, became the family’s fifth generation of barbers after initially joining the business as a ‘Saturday boy’ in 2011.

Nowadays, it’s Zak and Steve – who himself joined Andy’s & Co 41 years ago as a 15-year-old boy, and has been there ever since – who work in partnership to ensure the Savvides barbers’ legacy continues long into the future. They are supported by Ollie Hawke, another long-time colleague who has become part of the furniture. Ollie (left) and Steve are pictured either side of Zak, above.