New chapter for Morecambe barber as seafront bar set to close

A hairdresser has moved and rebranded his barber shop overlooking Morecambe Bay while announcing that his seafront bar will be closing down.

Ryan Wallace will open Ascension Barbers on Marine Road Central after deciding to shut Shore Thing following a final closing party this weekend.

Ryan, who is from Morecambe, opened Shore Thing on the corner of Marine Road and Euston Road in 2023.

His barber shop was located on the upper floor above the bar, but the hairdressing business has now moved to 306A Marine Road Central and renamed Ascension Barbers.

The new Ascension Barbers in Morecambe

"I've had a good three years," he told Beyond Radio.

"It's a lifestyle decision, I want to be able to shut the door and go home at night, and hospitality doesn't really allow for that. 

"The barber's is busy all the time, and it's what I like to do."

Shore Thing was previously home to Go Burrito, and before that Greenwoods Menswear.

Ryan moved his previous barber shop, Fella's from 303 Marine Road Central into the Shore Thing building in 2023.

Previously he'd worked at Colin Brown Gents Hairdressers and The Temperance Club barber shop in Morecambe.

His is also well-known as a musician, most notably as lead guitarist with Morecambe band The Heartbreaks who had worldwide success during the 2010s.

Ryan Wallace and Shore Thing

"This Saturday marks the final chapter for Shore Thing Bar," said a post on the Shore Thing Instagram.

"When we opened our doors, we simply hoped to create a place where people could enjoy good drinks, good music and good company. What we never expected was the incredible community that would grow around it.

"We’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, live music, festivals and countless nights that we’ll never forget. We’ve made friends for life, and that’s something we’ll always be grateful for.

"To every customer who’s walked through our doors, every musician, DJ, supplier, member of staff and every single person who chose to support an independent local business… thank you. You made Shore Thing what it was.

"So, before we turn the lights off for the last time, we’d love to see as many familiar faces as possible for one final celebration.

"Come and raise a glass with us, share a few memories, and help us give Shore Thing the send-off it deserves.

"Thank you, Morecambe. It’s been an honour."

The closing party will be held this Saturday, July 25. Doors open at 4pm and from 6pm, there will be music from DJs Jacob Brown and PINI.

Ascension Barbers will officially open tomorrow (July 21).

"While the branding has changed, one thing hasn’t - our commitment to delivering the highest standard of barbering, every single appointment," said a post on the Ascension Barbers Instagram page.

"Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re looking for a new barber, we’d love to welcome you into the new shop.

"Thank you to everyone who’s supported this journey so far. This is only the beginning."

Read more: Bar and barbershop to open in former GoBurrito in Morecambe - Beyond Radio