Banks Lyon Jewellers marks 40 years with a grand new Lancaster showroom

The Banks Lyon name has been part of Lancaster's high street for well over a century, and in 2025 the family's jewellery business gave the city plenty to celebrate. Banks Lyon Jewellers marked 40 years in business with a dramatic new look for its Church Street showroom.

The jewellers was opened in 1985 by Rodney and Jasmin Banks Lyon. Rodney has recalled how the shop began at No. 40 Church Street, premises his father rented to him. From there it grew steadily, and in 1995, just ten years after opening, Banks Lyon expanded into the former Lancaster Guardian offices.

The family's roots in the city go back even further. Their Lancaster presence dates to 1887, with a presence on Church Street since 1904, making Banks Lyon one of the most familiar names in the city centre.

The latest chapter came after Banks Lyon Shoes, the family's long-running shoe shop, closed for the final time on 31 August 2024 after 137 years on Lancaster's high street. Rather than leave the premises empty, the jewellers set about expanding its showroom into the space.

The result is a business that now stretches from 36 to 44 Church Street. The refurbished premises include a new bar, a reception area and a luxurious shopping space, designed to make choosing an engagement ring, a fine watch or a special gift feel like an occasion in itself.

It is a fitting way to mark four decades of trading. The expansion keeps a much-loved family building in active use on one of Lancaster's main shopping streets, while giving customers more room to browse and to take their time over important purchases.

For many local families, Banks Lyon has been the place to go for milestone moments, from engagement rings to anniversary gifts. The new showroom suggests the business is looking firmly ahead to its next forty years as well as honouring its history.

Banks Lyon Jewellers is at 36-44 Church Street in Lancaster city centre. Visitors can call in to see the new showroom, and the company's website has more on its collections and heritage.