Evolution Grooming nominated for Echo Best Barber Shop 2026

From hot towel shaves to threading and waxing, Jason Webb offers both traditional and modern barbering from Evolution Grooming on Longfield Road.

The business first began on North Road in 2016 but outgrew its original home and decided to move to its current site after three years.

The dad-of-one, who has lived in Darlington all of his life, had a number of jobs before getting into the trade, working at Fenwicks Family Butchers and running the restaurant at the Hall Garth Hotel before qualifying in 2014. 

And now, the 40-year-old and his team at Evolution Grooming are hoping to scoop the top spot of the Echo’s Best Barber Shop competition for 2026. 

The Northern Echo Best Barber Shop 2026 (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“It is always quite massive for us [to be nominated for an award] because there is so much competition”, Jason told the Echo. 

“It is just nice for all of us, it is not just me, it is the team that is with us. It is nice that our hard work is recognised.”

It comes as Evolution Grooming prepares to celebrate its tenth birthday in July: “We try to offer as much as we can.

“I found that when I started, people were coming for hair cuts and going elsewhere for other things. We now do everything from waxing to hot towels.” 

Jason admitted that competition for barber shops in the town is growing, but that customers keep coming back: “We have managed to keep a steady loyal client base. 

“Things changed after Covid – we were walk-ins only before. Our clients preferred [booking] so we stuck to appointments.” 

Jason also works with Darlington College to help deliver training to students – and gets students in for work experience whenever he can. 

Evolution Grooming is one of ten named in our competition this year, with others including J. Maddison Barbers, on West Auckland Road, and LJ Barbers, on Duke Street.

You can read the full shortlist here: Northern Echo’s Best Barber Shop 2026 finalists revealed

To vote for Evolution Grooming, simply complete the form your The Northern Echo newspaper and return it to: The Northern Echo Best Barber Shop 2026, LOCALiQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP. 

Voting will close on Wednesday, July 8.