Despite the challenges of the pandemic in 2021, Kenilworth saw a range of new businesses open their doors across the town.

Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Peter Jones celebrated these "thriving" independent businesses which have been supported by the community.

But the year did also see some closures, most notably among the banks on Warwick Road.

A week into 2022 we have taken a quick look back at some of these businesses.

Open for business

Kenilworth emerged from the winter lockdown last year with a brand new yoga studio on Station Road.

Around the corner in Millar Court Undies Unlimited announced a new owner in 2021, keeping one of Kenilworth's oldest shops in business.

Smithtons Food Market opened its third branch on Whitemoor Road.

More takeaway options were added as Papa John's opened its doors in Abbey End at the end of the year.

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

A new martial arts gym opened above Specsavers offering free classes to residents during its first weekend.

James Moore and Co Jewellers has taken over at 44 Warwick Road as the business looks to expand.

Towards the end of 2021 24 and 26 Warwick Road were sold at auction for a combined £453,000. The businesses in these units, Saks Hair and Beauty and Reeds Rains. remain open as normal.

A new Italian Deli, Le Ari, opened just in time for Christmas.

In Talisman Square a pop-up flower shop was opened for the festive period.

The Ale Rooms announced expansion plans as it joined forces with a local brewery.

And in the hotel industry Wroxall Abbey finally reopened, whilst the Woodside Hotel was sold for £5m.

Anniversaries

As well as welcoming new faces, 2021 was a chance to celebrate some of the town's long standing businesses.

The Virgins and Castle celebrated its first year under new owners Caviar and Chips, despite having to close just days after taking over.

James Moore and Co celebrated its 25th anniversary with a charity auction.

Whilst just down the road Antigo Boutique marked a decade in the town with discounts and drinks.

And at the top of Warwick Road Forrest Coffee House hit its first anniversary and has finally been allowed to have seated customers.

Pre-Loved Emporium also celebrated 12 months in business.

Closed

Sadly 2021 has also seen a number of businesses close their doors.

The King's Table Cafe served its last customers in May 2021, a full 17 years after it started in St Francis of Assisi church.

The owners of the Cottage Inn announced they would not be renewing their lease in 2022 and then closed their doors permanently just days later.

Whilst Nationwide announced it would only be opening its doors twice a week from November, both Halifax and Barclays announced they would be closing their Kenilworth branches.

The shop at Kenilworth station is still without a tenant after the previous owner decided not to stay on at the kiosk.

And the Holiday Inn temporarily closed to guests midway through the year as it became a Covid-19 quarantine hotel, only reopening again in October.

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- Kenilworth named as second most expensive place to live in Warwickshire