A popular Kenilworth bookshop has celebrated its 10th anniversary this week.

Tree House Bookshop began life on 26 July 2013 in the former Job Centre at Abbey End, selling second-hand books and hosting live music.

The shop - which is owned by Dr Victoria Mier - had a "cheap but insecure lease", and after 18 months had to leave.

But a couple of months after that it moved into the empty retail unit at Berkeley House - on 1 April 2015.

And eight years later Tree House celebrated a decade in the town, with a cake from Coffee on the Corner and a wonderful window designed by long-time volunteer Vicki Mansfield.

Tree House was also treated to a visit by Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Alix Dearing on Wednesday (July 26) in time for the celebrations.

Dr Victoria Mier with Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Alix Dearing on Wednesday (image supplied)

"It's been a rollercoaster! We are only still in business because at crucial times people have stepped in to help – customers have supported crowd funders and another second-hand bookshop even bought us out at one point when we couldn't pay the rates," said Victoria.

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"I am now grateful that they decided fairly soon after that they didn't want to continue, and within a month the shop was mine again.

"But we are now well-established and doing pretty well, and survived the pandemic thanks to financial help from the government.

"And having relied on volunteer help for a long time I am now able to pay one part-time member of staff – the wonderful Tom the Philosopher!

"Neither of us earn much, but it still feels good. We have many long-standing regular customers, we have seen children born and grow up, we have even brought two people together who are still a couple eight years on!"

The shop has the lease for another five years, and hopes to continue to grow and develop.

"But we already feel loved and valued by many Kenilworth residents," Victoria added.

"It's wonderful to be an important part of so many people's lives.

"Sadly our website is currently broken but we are having a new one made, which should be ready any day!"

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