My Boutique, My Coalville

Why I Chose Coalville for My Boutique

When I dreamed of opening my own boutique, I wanted more than just a shop. I wanted a place where fashion meets community, where people feel welcomed and supported — right here in Coalville, the town I’ve always called home.

A Town Forged in Coal and Community

Coalville’s roots go deep beneath our feet. In the early 1800s, William Stenson’s pioneering deep mine and the Leicester & Swannington Railway transformed farmland into a thriving coal-mining town. Though the collieries have closed, that grit and resilience still define our community today.

Ashby Road, Coalville — shops and garage near the Post Office, c.1930s. Source: Coalville Heritage.

My First Job, My First Street

My story here started young. At 14/15, while still at King Edward VII School, I worked at the Clock Tower Fish & Chip Shop — a beloved local spot on Ashby Road. Fast forward to today: I proudly run my boutique on that very same street. Life has come full circle.

Ashby Road, Coalville — west end looking north-east, 1990s. Source: Coalville Heritage.

From Therapist to Property Owner

Before Summerlillys, I spent years working in Coalville as a sports massage therapist and beauty therapist, renting business space and supporting clients. Owning my own place was always the goal. When the building — formerly Danny’s Pizza — came up for auction, I knew it was meant for me.

AFTER — Summerlillys Boutique todayFrom takeaway to boutique: Summerlillys Clothing Boutique on Ashby Road, Coalville.

BEFORE — Renovation beginsThe start of renovations — scaffolding up, bricks exposed, and a big vision in the making.

Downstairs is now a ladies clothing boutique, and upstairs is a wellness hub with three therapy rooms — because I don’t just want people to look good, I want them to feel good too.

Today you’ll find:

• Eighth Soul Tattoo — bespoke tattoo artistry

• Sarah Kay’s Beauty & Brows — nails, brows, waxing, lash lifts, Indian head massage

• Becky Repair Massage & Beauty — that’s me, sports massage + holistic beauty

  
  

Coalville’s Revival: Independents Inspiring Community

Coalville went quiet for a while — but the spirit’s back:

• Food Paradise Chinese Takeaway – right next door on Ashby Road

• One Stop Shoe Repairs & Trophy Centre – key cutting, engraving, and shoe repairs

• Jay Alexis Aesthetics & Co. – award-winning clinic on Belvoir Road

• The Handmade Brownie Company Eatery – indulgent brownies, brunch, artisan coffee

• The House of Cocoa – handmade chocolates from a local chocolatier

• Shooterz Leisure – pool, darts, sports and good vibes

• The Emporium – legendary nightclub, currently being revamped

Small town, big heart — and so many independents built from the ground up by locals.

Pubs, Pints & Memories

Coalville’s pub scene has always been part of the story. On High Street, the Pick & Shovel, The Fountain, and The Bluebell were well-loved spots for laughter and late nights.

The Pick & Shovel, High Street, 2011. Source: Coalville Heritage.

The Fountain & Bluebell, High Street, 1965. Source: Coalville Heritage.

Nights to Remember

And of course, the club that defined our late-80s/90s nights… Sapphires.

Glittering lights, packed dancefloors, and music that kept us moving until dawn. Then the classic wobble to the taxi rank on Ashby Road — just a few doors from where my boutique now stands.

Full circle: from dancing at Sapphires, to welcoming customers into Summerlillys on the same street.

Share Your Coalville Memories

Coalville isn’t just my story — it’s ours. From Sapphires to the Clock Tower chippy to Danny’s Pizza, everyone has a favourite memory.

💬 What’s your favourite Coalville memory?Drop it in the comments or message me — I’ll feature some throwbacks on our socials!

Join the Conversation Online

We’re running fun nostalgia polls on Instagram & Facebook:

• 🥂 Which pub was your favourite? — Pick & Shovel / The Fountain / The Bluebell

• 💃 Best club to dance the night away? — Sapphires / The Emporium / Somewhere else

• 🍟 Guilty pleasure treat? — Clock Tower Fish Bar / Danny’s Pizza / A cheeky kebab

Vote, comment, and tag the friend who was your partner in crime!

My Boutique, My Coalville

This place is more than a business — it’s personal. It’s about giving back to the town that gave me my start, investing in its future, and being part of its revival.

And we’re not stopping. The spacious garden at the rear is prime for future expansion. More to come from Summerlillys — watch this space!

✨ Come say hello at Summerlillys Boutique, Ashby Road, Coalville — fashion downstairs, wellness upstairs, and community at heart.