The Baby Point Barbershop is an experience I relish.

The aesthetics of the shop are classic with a clean retro feel. Five old-school red leather chairs beckon you and the curated memorabilia — tucked away on furniture picked up at a second-hand store — create an atmosphere of supreme comfort. Simultaneously quirky and familiar, spacious and intimate, the space is welcoming and warm.

Sitting back in your chair with a bib gently placed around your neck, you’ll notice the music. Carefully selected playlists — with a firm nod to classic rock, R&B and soul — add a relaxing, but upbeat feel to the experience.

Throughout the experience, there’s banter between patrons and the barber. Participation in the conversation is voluntary, but it’s almost impossible to avoid chatting. The talk ranges from politics and society to family and schools.

It’s all quite classy and congenial without the pretence of a hipster hair salon.

Since the shop opened a couple of years ago, I’ve had my hair cut by the owner Alex, a thoughtful service professional who’s a natural conversationalist. He smiles sincerely and laughs heartily.

Not even 30, Alex is a Torontonian of Italian heritage with a deep appreciation for the city’s diversity and culture. Having grown up in the Etobicoke area (adjacent to Baby Point), including schooling in Rexdale, he’s a young man with an open mind and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Alex and team listen, ask questions and diplomatically share their perspectives and opinions. They’re young and curious, open-minded and worldly. His crew are equally adept at interpreting the extent to which customers would like them to engage.

Nothing is forced or awkward. Everything is about respectful, efficient service.

The team consists of four regular barbers, each with their own personal style. During may various visits I’ve been fortunate to meet a couple of them. Whenever I’m having my hair cut, Vince is there. He naturally slides into the conversation with unique insights. A man of many abilities and wonderful quirky at times, he’s an artisan — knife maker — who sports a gold trimmer as his main tool. Apart from being an experienced barber, he’s a teacher; which is evident as he’s very good with kids.

Make an appointment and swing by. You’ll walk out smiling and happier (with less hair).

Location: the corner of Windermere and Annette St.

After a long hiatus from blogging, I’ve launched a new series called Within Five (#within5). It will feature unique places of interest within 5 km of my home. The focus on local businesses has grown out a desire to get to know my area better, and to meet some of the individuals who have struggled to make it through the pandemic. Those who have smiled and gritted their teeth (behind masks, of course) as they have faced numerous challenges to keep financially afloat during these turbulent times.

The pandemic forced many of us to stay home. Among the few benefits of this imposed domesticity has been a deeper appreciation of what makes my ‘hood special With no need to go to an office, and not content to simply order in, I have explored nearby places within walking distance or a short cycle.

To ‘feel’ the area and discern its ‘pulse’ I have tried - as much as possible - to do so on foot or with a two-wheeled vehicle. The nuances of a neighbourhood’s graffiti and the uniqueness of makeshift ads on its lampposts cannot be appreciated from the confines of a car. By embracing the elements and strolling or riding around, the energy, smells and sights of a neighbourhood are best appreciated.

Local-philia in Toronto

Recently, Toronto Life had a special issue on The City’s 100 Best Food Shops. (Thankfully, quite a few are in my vicinity. ) As much as it’s a decent ranking of some of Toronto’s gastronomic hotspots, I’m more interested in the totality of a neighbourhood. Hair salons, public art, breweries and specialist retailers; they all form the contextual fabric of an area. (Incidentally, the same magazine ranks neighbourhoods in the city, providing an overview of each area according to the criteria of housing, safety, transit, shopping, health, entertainment, community, diversity, education, and employment.)

When I moved back to Canada in 2018, a friend of mine described Toronto as a “city of neighbourhoods.” While I can’t speak to the suburbs or downtown, in terms of where I live — High Park / The Junction / Bloor West Village / Roncesvalles — it’s true. Each neighbourhood has its own character and combination of experiences that give it a unique ethos.

As a pedestrian and cyclist, businesses that have stood out for me are those offering a blend of exceptional service with a unique offering. I have also come to appreciate the many parks and ravines that Toronto has to offer. Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll showcase some of my favourite places.

Tell me what you think. What makes your neighbourhood special? I’m keen to know.