Changes to the high street: the Kenilworth businesses that opened and closed during 2022

Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, Kenilworth has seen a range of new businesses open their doors across the town in 2022.

But the year did also see some closures, including the announcement yet another bank will disappear from Warwick Road.

As 2022 comes to a close, we have taken a quick look back at some of these businesses.

And if you are really interested - click here to see the changes that happened in 2021.

Open for business

A new studio offering "more than just yoga" has opened in the basement of the former Midland Bank.

And a pilates studio has opened in the town centre.

A new distillery opened at East Chase Farm this November - six years after the idea was first conceived.

Perhaps the biggest new business story of the year - broken by Kenilworth Nub News - was that Wetherspoon will be opening a pub on Warwick Road.

A new independent pet shop has opened in Talisman Square, as has a healthcare agency.

A new café has taken over at Deli on the Hill with plans to employ ex-offenders and 'give back' to the community.

School friends Luke Weetman (left) and Richie Bartle of East Chase Distillers first decided to open a distillery six years ago (image supplied)

And a new coffee shop has opened at Kenilworth Railway Station.

Warwick Road has also seen a number of vacant units taken over in the past 12 months.

Raku57 opened its doors in October, while Delightful Deserts has rebranded at Milk and Mocha.

A former hair salon in Kenilworth has been taken over by a local estate agent.

While just around the corner a new hair salon has opened in the former 'Stitched Up' unit in Smalley Place.

In the hotel industry Wroxall Abbey went into administration, closed and then reopened, whilst the Woodside Hotel was sold again - to a housing developer.

Warwickshire Lavender Farm on Watery Lane openned to the public in June (Image supplied)

And The Kenilworth cocktail bar and hotel has been put up for sale - as has its sister venue in Birmingham.

An eight-acre lavender farm in Bubbenhall with more than 12,000 hand-planted lavender plants is set to open to the public this week.

Celebrity chef Glynn Purnell has launched his new pub in Henley-in-Arden.

Benugo Bar and Kitchen has opened at Warwick Arts Centre.

A Kenilworth couple has launched their own mobile coffee shop in the back of a converted Land Rover Defender.

New Looks

Specsavers kicked off the year with a new look and layout.

The café in Kenilworth's Holiday Inn is set to reopened in September with a new bar and layout.

We were invited down to see the Queen & Castle which closed for five weeks for a major makeover.

And down the road in Knowle, the Q&C's sister venue the King's Arms has reopened following a major renovation.

The Queen & Castle was closed for five weeks to allow the £700,000 refurb to take place

A popular Kenilworth craft and gift boutique has reopened with a new tea room.

Tesco Express shut its doors for three weeks for a small makeover inside.

The Co-operative in Balsall Common has started welcoming customers through the doors of its new and improved store following a major £1.2 million refurbishment.

And elsewhere in the village Wells & Co has given a new look to the White Horse.

A new owner took over at Victoria Lodge B&B as the previous owners planned to spend more time abroad to support their son's skiing career.

And a hair stylist has taken over at a salon she did her first work experience in some 19 years ago.

Closed

Sadly 2022 has also seen a number of businesses close their doors.

The owner of an outdoor bar in Kenilworth has "lost the will to fight" to keep her business running as local councils continue to do their best to shut it down.

The Cottage Inn remains closed after the owners decided not to renew their lease into 2022.

Barclays shut its doors in January and HSBC is set to follow next year.