Hansom Court, a treasure trove of independent shops!

Hansom Court in Hinckley’s town centre is a treasure trove of independent shops, selling everything from delicious cakes and bakes to one-of-a-kind homewares and even wedding dresses. Here’s a guide to all of the unique businesses in Hansom Court - and what you can expect to find there…

The longest-running tanning salon in Hinckley, Tanmania has recently been refurbished and is the perfect place to visit for party season. They offer fast-tan, lay-down and vertical UV tanning beds and staff are trained in all aspects of tanning, including the famous Sienna-X spray tan. There is also an experienced nail technician, with a wide selection of gel colours to choose from.

Toria Sugden, who runs the salon, said: “We take pride in our customers having the luxury tanning and beauty experience they all deserve. Tanmania is a modern and immaculate salon that hopes to welcome you all soon!"

To find out more and book an appointment, click here!

Step back in time and enjoy a beautiful afternoon tea - served on vintage china - at this pretty tea rooms. As well as offering mouth-watering cakes, The Vintage Table Tea Rooms also caters for events and parties, including weddings. Owned by Leanne Blurton, who has run the business for four years, almost everything is cooked from scratch. Leanne said: “I just love cooking for people!” For more information, get in touch at The Vintage Table Rooms on Facebook.

If you’re searching for unique, homemade gifts, The Pottery Shed is likely to be the destination for you. You can book to paint your own pottery, create gifts and keepsakes for family members to treasure - and even enjoy events including Ladies Nights and hen parties. There is also a Bear Shed, where customers can make a bear and even paint its very own t-shirt.

Owner Susan Collins has been doing pottery for 16 years and said: “We love what we do because we are able to capture precious memories with children’s handprints, footprints and even bum prints! We have lots of lovely regular customers, but would love to see some new faces."

To book or find out more, visit www.potterytreasures.co.uk

The latest independent shop to open in Hansom Court, Pretty Stories is a women’s fashion boutique which first started online.

Amy, who runs the shop (as well as Dress Me Pretty) with her daughter, said that it began as a way to make money during lockdown. She said: “After having my own Instagram page where I connected with other women as obsessed with fashion as me, it feels like the right thing to do and got me super excited!

“After my first few products went live, I just knew it was going to be something bigger than I first anticipated. With hundreds of orders and lots of products selling out within 24 hours, I started getting more stock and took on a storage unit in Hinckley, Rather than local customers paying for shipping, I thought it would be great to have a boutique to come and pick it up and try on from.

“Number six Hansom Court became available, so I snapped it up! I’m not sure what it is, but something has drawn me to Hansom Court - I even did my work experience here at age 15!”

To take a look at their website, click here!

Open since November 2019, this beautiful shop is always a feast for the eyes. Packed with original homeware, scented candles, gifts and lovingly-restored painted furniture, it’s the ideal place for lovers of vintage homeware.

The shop has also been impressing further afield, too - it was recently a finalist in the Muddy Stilettos awards for Best Interior Store in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Stacey Grove, who runs the shop, said: “The doors to my shop opened in November 2019. I had the theory of, ‘well, what’s the worst that can happen?’ - I obviously wasn’t planning for a global pandemic three months later!

“Brambles survived that year and I am now coming up to celebrating Brambles’ second birthday! I love meeting people and some of my customers have become my friends. Brambles now sells a range of new home interiors, alongside other products from local businesses. I feel we should all be supporting local independent businesses, no matter how big or small. When you buy from me, you are paying towards my children’s future!"

To visit their website, Click here!

Amid the hustle and bustle of the festive season, treat yourself to a truly relaxing Reflexology experience! Here, you can enjoy the peace and quiet and treat yourself to an hour of ‘you’ time. By the end of your session, you’ll feel as though you’re walking on air! For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.reflexologyforlife.co.uk or visit Reflexology for Life on Facebook.

This award-winning boutique has now been open for nine years and offers brides the chance to say ‘yes’ to the dress. With a wide range of stunning designer bridal gowns and a chance to book private 1-2-1 appointments, Dress Me Pretty offers a personal shopping experience in a friendly environment. It has received hundreds of five-star reviews and recommendations and has been featured on BBC Radio, as well as in many bridal magazines.

Amy, who runs the boutique, said: “Our brides tell us that we are a must-visit bridal boutique. Due to having such a great choice of dresses, most say there’s no need to shop around. Most of our brides find their dress on their first appointment with us!

“Since opening up Dress Me Pretty, it has become a huge part of my life - and you could say that I live and breathe bridal! I’m super passionate and so are my amazing team. We all love to help women look and feel their absolute best! Brides travel from all over the UK to visit us and it blows me away every time!”

To visit their website and make an appointment, Click here!