The Bluebell Rings The Changes

Hairdresser to the stars, bar manager, qualified personal trainer, Sandyford's undisputed cruiserweight champion, family man – James Fitzakerly wears many hats.

In addition to working full-time as a hairdresser, James plays an active role in managing the Bluebell pub in Jesmond Vale.

The area is in his blood. Having lived in Sandyford for over 20 years, James has drank in the pub for all of his adult life. His kids also attend local schools. James’ previous ventures include J3 Salon and The Sandyford Salon and both were based in the area.

What is it about the area that makes James so at home?

He said: “I think it’s the real sense of community spirit. I moved here when I was 18 years old and lived literally 100 yards away from the pub. I’ve always drank there and have enjoyed the sense of community which is missing in so many local pubs.”

James is now tying together his three long-held passions; hairdressing, fitness and wellbeing, with the added benefit of all being one site, his ‘spiritual home”.

James has recently supervised the building of a new entertainment centre which will double as a “secret salon” and bespoke fitness space. The development is set to become a real community hub; a one-stop-shop where visitors can gather together to exercise, eat, drink and enjoy a range of premium hairdressing/beauty treatments.

James explains, “For a lot of customers, time is a much larger limiting factor than money. With the set-up that we have planned out, people can come in, benefit from a session of personal training, have their hair cut, washed, and also experience a culinary treat. We’re also providing fitness food, freshly packed for you to bring to work and enjoy at your leisure.”

“Previously, hairdressing clients dashed off to their fitness appointments and treated both separately. The whole ethos we are trying to promote is offering everything on the one site to help people deal with modern-day hectic lifestyles. You can drop in and be back to work within the hour!”

James has worked in the hairdressing industry for over 20 years. As a young man, his ambition to master his craft led him to California, where he ended up working with the American Hairdresser of the Year – Dusty Simington – for three years.

“I initially concluded from my early study of hairdressing that Beverley Hills was the heart of the industry. I headed over with a big suitcase and a suit and just started knocking about the top salons, asking if I could stand in the background and watch! Things rapidly progressed from there.”

Since returning to the North East, James has managed a string of salons alongside working as a freelance operator, winning national awards and retaining a highly loyal client base in the process. The new salon will be co-managed by his wife Jayne, returning to work after the birth of their third son, Frankie, in January. The couple, who met through hairdressing, have created a chic salon environment, complete with leather sofas, backwashers and the latest styling equipment.

Appointments will be available on a membersonly basis, with an “invitation” policy in place.

Fitness classes will also be running on a daily basis. James has partnered up with Jack Isaacs, an awardwinning personal trainer with experience within the Newcastle fitness scene. Those interested can get in touch with either James or Jack using the contact details below. Both James and Jack will personally run a combo of group fitness classes and bespoke physical training for individuals. A major influence for the more hard-core classes will be Jack’s previous CrossFit experience, and almost all of the planned classes will draw upon his extensive knowledge from working in multiple high-class fitness facilities.

The emphasis is on “fun-based fitness” – highintensity, explosive sessions which also make use of the local outdoor woodland. Sessions are planned to include warm-up exercises including short runs, functional drills like tyre flipping, sledgehammers, calisthenics, gymnastic-type activities that develop strength and endurance, competitive group activities and much more.

“Certain classes will be styled to take advantage of fun, outdoors environments. Think ‘Bear Grylls training’ Jack says. They will also offer a bespoke “Mama Fitz” class, a mother and baby focused class where mothers perform exercises with their baby. Designed to provide new mothers with a great chance to exercise and socialise – as well as providing great fun for the babies – classes will take place at 09:15 and are currently scheduled for Tuesdays & Thursdays every week.

There are also plans for an on-site “Fitness Tuck Shop” featuring all leading protein shakes and high-protein fruit smoothies to aid post-session recovery, meal replacement bars and more.

Clearly, all of this makes for a packed daily programme of events. A typical day might include PT sessions from 7am followed by Mama Fitz before the secret salon kicks in mid-morning, finishing up with more fitness classes in the evening until 8.30pm.

James explains further “Members will also benefit from a discount scheme across all three businesses. For example, members of our fitness classes will receive discounts in the salon and in the pub itself. Our aim is to help loyal customers make greater savings.”

The pub specialises in serving hearty pub grub and a wide selection of beverages to a mix of locals, families, professionals and students. With a new chef recently recruited and extra investments in the kitchen, there are exciting plans to further develop the wholesome menu, which – together with several other recent changes to the pub – forecast a refreshing renovation of the pub’s identity.

As James says: “This is the New ‘Bell, not the Old Bluebell.”

We asked James, what makes a good local pub?

“I think excellent customer service, good banter, and a friendly atmosphere. People want you to remember their name, what they’re drinking and how to pour it. I think just being friendly and inviting more than anything!”

James would like to extend thanks to all those who have supported him in the transitional process, particularly Michelle and the U Salon team.