DRINKS were flowing as a semi-retired barber celebrated his 80th birthday and long-standing business.

Giuseppe Mandozzi, 80, was surrounded by love from family and customers today (February 2) at his shop, Marino’s, on Victoria Street, Windsor.

The business, which was opened in 1968 by Mr Mandozzi’s brother, Mario, has seen customers travel a distance to get their hair cut.

Now the hair salon sees three generations cutting hair for residents with his eldest son Antonio and eldest grandson, Antonico.

And today, the birthday boy Mr Mandozzi enjoyed reminiscing on how well the business has grown over the past 54 years.

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Mr Mandozzi, who’s one of 11 siblings, said: “I like cutting hair, making wine and I love my customers because they look after me and I look after them and I am always happy.”

Having cut hair on many soldiers over the years, he’s seen shops come and go in the heart of Windsor and said he’s grateful to still be in business.

He said: "If I hadn't bought this as a freehold building the shop wouldn't still be here and I've got a loyal customer base with people travelling from a distance to come and see us."

And when asked what makes Marino’s different from any other barber shops in the area he replied: “Because I am the top man in the world, and nobody can beat me at cutting hair.”

Slough Observer: Giuseppe Mandozzi showing off his album of past photos of the business over the years. Picture: Laura ScardarellaGiuseppe Mandozzi showing off his album of past photos of the business over the years. Picture: Laura Scardarella

Customer Mike Drye, 75, who shares his birthday with Mr Mandozzi, also stopped by to join in the celebrations.

Having been a loyal customer for over 40 years, Mr Drye explained no other shops have got the same atmosphere as Marino’s.

He said: “He’s got a good relationship with customers and he’s very proud of his family.

“Whenever I come here, I always get offered a drink and he always has a good sing song.”

Mr Mandozzi still cuts hair today and also enjoys making his homemade wine, which he gives to customers.

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David Blundell, 54, who’s been having his hair cut at Marino’s since 2010, said he’s a regular customer because “it’s like coming to visit the family you wish you had”.

He said: “I come here become Giuseppe is fun, generous, kind, sensitive and we’ve become good friends.

“They don’t make people like him anymore, he’s proper old school and he really cares about you.”

Mr Blundell added he’s never walked out of the shop disappointed.

“It’s like arriving for a party when you come here, you never know what’s going to happen and he always does a great job,” he said.