Viking & Swiss, Kenilworth's new hobby shop and community space, has officially opened.

Deputy Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Alison Insley yesterday (October 13) cut the ribbon at the new business on Warwick Road.

Owned by friends Galli Donaldson and Nick Hall, Viking & Swiss opened after weeks of work renovating the former 'Funk it Up' unit.

Galli told Nub News the new venture was a "real labour of love".

"It has been a month since we got the keys, and then months before that getting everything ready," he said.

"When we stripped it down and saw what was there, it was even better than what we thought.

"It really lends itself to what we are doing."

Cllr Alison Insley officially opened Viking & Swiss (image by Nub News)

Before opening the duo said Viking and Swiss was a space for "local geeks and nerds" to enjoy themselves and feel comfortable being themselves.

As well as hosting gaming events on Tuesday and Friday nights, the shop will be open throughout the week stocking a huge range of products.

It aims to be a games space for everything from Warhammer to Pokemon Cards and from Magic the Gathering to Dungeons and Dragons.

"We both always we felt in our lives - regardless of whether it was childhood or even adult age - a lack of somewhere locally that we can just go and sit and be a geek with like minded geeks and enjoy the company and the geekery we do," Galli told Nub News before the opening

'Viking & Swiss' will be a games space for everything from Warhammer to Pokemon Cards (image supplied)

"Somewhere you can just be in companionship, surrounded by people of a like mind. 

"Things like that are slowly getting a bit more mainstream, but it's still a bit niche and if you do it outside your own house you get people looking down at you.

"So this is a safe space - and a place for community."

The first Magic the Gathering event has been held at Viking & Swiss (image supplied)

In her speech before cutting the ribbon, Cllr Insley said: "It is my honour to be here today and it is my honour to support Galli and Nick at the start of their incredible journey.

"Welcome to the official opening of a new venture and an exciting addition to Kenilworth's high street.

"Having spent some time with Galli and Nick, I know they are the real deal.

Viking & Swiss has taken over the former Funk It Up unit (image by Nub News)

"They are both nervous and exciting, they have common interests and have spotted a gap in the local market.

"They have taken the courageous steps to create a safe space, a community space, where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their personal characteristics."

Having actually met in a Kenilworth pub, Galli and Nick have been friends for several years, and the name of the business recognises a bit of both of them.

'Viking' comes from Galli's hairstyle and 'Swiss' reflects the fact Nick spent much of his childhood in Switzerland.

Galli Donaldson (left) and Nick Hall (image supplied)

And with just weeks to go until the opening, the duo are already "excited" for the opening.

"This is all a start-up, it's a new thing that we've never tried before so we're all trying to learn as we go along," Nick said. 

"Something might come up with time and we'll incorporate it. 

"At the moment we just want to open a hobby shop because you don't have one in Kenilworth at the moment.

"We think it will be a great addition to the community."

To find out more, head to the Instagram page here.