Danny and Kate Hirst, the couple behind Manchester's House of Vanity salon, have opened a new pilates and wellness studio in Tyldesley, Wigan, after seeking a location with 'a strong sense of community'.
From city centre to family life
After more than 10 years of city centre living and welcoming their son Tristan, now 15 months old, they wanted 'a quieter, more family oriented place' where they 'could put down long term roots as a family'.
The couple transformed the former Saddle and Smoke bar, which had replaced Enzo's Italian restaurant but closed in under 12 months, into Serenity Studio on Castle Street.
A new wellness venture
The studio offers reformer pilates, mats, yoga, sound baths and more, along with a wellness bar. "Our vision was to create more than just a Pilates studio, we wanted to build a welcoming wellness space where people could exercise, socialise and feel part of a supportive community," said Danny, who previously ran nightclubs including ARK and Cargo.
"We hope Serenity Studio becomes a place that not only improves people's health and wellbeing but also contributes positively to Tyldesley's ongoing regeneration and thriving high street."
Funding setback and community appeal
The couple had hoped to access funding through Tyldesley's regeneration scheme, funded by Historic England and delivered by Tyldesley Community Interest Company, the only community-led scheme in the north west. However, they were told the four-year scheme has ended, and retrospective funding is not possible.
Danny, 33, said: "When The Saddle and Smoke closed so quickly it understandably left a bit of a negative feeling locally, with a lot of people assuming the site would just sit empty because nothing seemed to work there. We wanted to change that narrative completely."
"We've invested heavily into transforming it into something Tyldesley doesn't currently have - a boutique pilates studio with a wellness bar, making it the first dedicated pilates studio in the town."
He added: "We're pleased to be able to give a well known local building a new lease of life and given we've put our life savings into this and have missed out on the regeneration funding, we really would appreciate support from the local community and anyone wanting to visit."
Community response and next steps
The couple chose Tyldesley for its 'amazing schools' and friendly people, and now live minutes from the studio. Kate, 28, a beautician, continues to manage House of Vanity while helping launch the new business.
Kate said: "The fitness aspect is going as amazing as we thought it would, our instructors are so talented and able to adapt the classes to individuals. Given our class sizes are a maximum of six, we're able to give it a personal and intimate feel for everyone that comes through the door."
"The community side has exceeded our expectations, especially with there being other studios close by. Everyone has been lovely, enjoyed their time in the studio whilst making new friends and meeting new people."
