The much-anticipated refurbishment of Peake House on Lewes Road has finally happened and AT The Salon is open for business. The brainchild of Alice Townes, the salon represents her desire for a local working life, after 16 years specialising in the chaotic (and occasionally glamourous) world of film and theatre.
Her CV includes leading the hair and make-up team on Hairspray at the London Coliseum, working on the opening production of Harry Potter in the West End, and touring Asia for seven months with The Sound of Music. And the TV world of Downton Abbey, The Witcher and Bridgerton.

However, the pandemic changed something in Alice, and she sought something different on the other side. “During and immediate after Covid,” Alice explained, “I went back to renting a chair in a salon – which reminded me of my love for being in a salon environment. From that moment, I began looking around and planning to have my own place one day. And here we are!”

From her salon, they are able to help those who want an entirely bespoke service and that includes make-up. AT The Salon is open six days a week, will employ three stylists from the beginning of February and operates a completely ‘zero waste to landfill’ policy. “I’ve had an amazing reception since opening the doors before Christmas,” Alice said. “I really couldn’t have asked for better. The location is great; people just pop their head in on the way past, it’s brilliant!”