About the House

Origin story

Mara Ellwood and Tom Briggs opened the studio in 2019 after years of shop drawings for independent traders near Kirkgate Market. They kept seeing barbershop owners borrow café moods that ignored mirror glare, wet-floor wear, and the shallow depths common off Briggate.

The name Good Folk comes from the regulars who kept those early boards honest: fair talk, measurable plans, and rooms that work on a wet Tuesday as well as a busy Saturday.

House rules

1. Design only. Interiors, finishes, and spatial flow. No grooming services, bookings, or staff training.
2. Measure before mood. Every Leeds unit gets a taped survey so chair counts match the real envelope.
3. One accent colour. Chalk amber, deep green, or oxblood — pick one; let timber and metal carry the rest.
4. Keep circulation clear. Primary aisles aim for a full metre where the building allows; pinch points are flagged early.
5. Finishes must clean. Specs favour surfaces that survive bleach wipes and Yorkshire damp.
6. Speak plainly. Drawings use everyday language so Call Lane builders can follow without translation.

Who sits at our table

Independent barbers, small multi-chair houses, and landlords preparing empty retail shells for grooming tenants. Most projects sit within walking distance of Briggate or a short ride from Headingley and Chapel Allerton.

Brand photography, booking software, and operations coaching sit outside our menu; we can introduce Leeds partners when asked.

Studio hours

Tuesday to Friday 10:00–17:30; Saturdays by appointment. Visits are for interiors, samples, and nearby frontage walks — never personal grooming appointments.

Street parking is scarce; use nearby multi-storeys when you bring material boards.