The Beauty Board

This week I was in the bathroom of my local café, when I found myself looking at something quite unique. No, get your mind out of the gutter - it was a Beauty Board for men. To the surprise of other patrons, I quickly took a photo to record the moment.

It's not often these days that - as a man - you go to the bathroom and are confronted with a broad range of grooming equipment. If it is there, you are probably staying at an expensive hotel and it's generally not self-serve. Tips are even sometimes required. So, at first glance I was pretty impressed with this fixture. But, now that I've had the chance think about it, I'm not so sure. It's a nice idea, but it is also a trifle dodgy.

It's the personal nature of some of the items that really has me uncertain. I mean the hair gel and the mousse are fair enough for Berliners (although most of them would be carrying it already). Even the mouthwash may be useful on occasions. But a shaver? A toothbrush? I think this is crossing the line. You really should have to bring your own toothbrush and shaver to a café if you plan to do your full ablutions there. These really are personal items in my opinion.

By the way: first reader to guess the name of the café get's a free German-style toiletries bag. You know, the one with the hook on it, that they always hang up behind the bathroom door when they stay over?