For nearly forty five years now, Abbey Fire Centre has been part of Erdington community – part of the furniture, you could say. If you’ve ever popped in for a chat, browsed the showroom, or warmed your hands by one of our displays, you’ll know that for us it’s always been about more than just fires.
A few years ago, we were lucky enough to be featured in a luxury magazine – J’aime – that told the story of where it all began.
Founded in 1981 by our dad, Finbarr Neville, Abbey Fire Centre was built on hard work, honesty, and proper craftsmanship. What started as one man’s vision grew into a family-run business, with Kieran and myself (Maria) continuing that legacy – bringing together decades of experience, technical knowledge, and a genuine passion for helping people create a warm, welcoming home.
Over the years, we’ve seen trends come and go. We’ve fitted stoves before log burners were even “a thing.” We’ve worked in homes across Birmingham and beyond, and through it all, one thing has never changed – our commitment to doing the job properly and looking after our customers like they’re part of the family.
Which is why what we’re about to say isn’t easy…
After 45 years in Erdington, the time has come for us to leave our showroom.
This isn’t a move we had planned. Unfortunately, our landlords need the land we have stood on for 45 years back, and while that does means the end of an era in Erdington, it also means the beginning of a new chapter for Abbey Fire Centre.
We want to be really clear about one thing: We are still around. We haven’t closed down – and we’re not going anywhere in the business sense!
For the immediate future, we’ll be operating a little differently.
We won’t have a traditional showroom (for now), but we are actively looking, and if you know us, you’ll know this isn’t something we’ll rush. The next space has to feel right – for us and for you. In the current climate, finding the perfect commercial property isn’t straightforward, but we’re keeping our eyes peeled (so do let us know if you spot anything ).
In the meantime, we’ll be working from home – but still very much open for business.
You’ll be able to visit us by appointment
You can still see a selection of our best-selling stoves, hearths, and fireplaces, just in a slightly different way
We’re still available on phone and email during our usual working hours
We’ll continue to offer our complimentary home visits and quotations
In fact, you might even find us getting in touch to ask if we can pop back and take some proper photos of your fireplace – because let’s be honest, some of the installs we’ve done deserve their moment.
We’ve built relationships here in Erdington – real ones. The kind where people pop in just to say hello. The kind where customers bring us amazing Jerk Chicken – you know who you are (Ronnie!!!). The kind where customers become friends. The kind where there’s always time for a quick cuppa and a warm-up.
And that part? That’s not changing.
To everyone who has supported us over the years – recommended us, trusted us, and kept coming back – thank you. Truly. So whether you’re an existing customer who needs advice, or someone new looking to put a fire at the heart of their home – we’re still here for you!
As we step into this next chapter, your support means more than ever.
So, please, if you’ve worked with us before, loved what we do, or even just enjoyed a chat in the showroom over the years- please keep spreading the word. Recommendations have always been the backbone of our business, and we’re so grateful for every single one.
Because while the location might be changing…
Abbey Fire Centre is still Abbey Fire Centre.
Same team. Same values. Same commitment to doing things properly.
And we’ve still got a good few years in us yet – as the saying goes, there’s still life in the old dog (Kieran) yet!
Kieran, Maria and Andy x