Life in Leam

Maddie Webb and Cassie Leedham formed Lighthaus Arts CIC with a dream of improving the accessibility of arts in Leamington, and when the Stoneleigh Arms became available as part of the Leamington Creative Quarter development, they jumped at the opportunity to establish a permanent accessible centre for art and artists. Finally, at the turn of the year they got the keys and have since transformed t...

A smart new travel agency has just made its Leamington debut on Regent Street. It seems that many of us are getting fed-up with endless scrolling and would prefer to talk to a person face-to-face about our travel ideas.  Rachel and Emma-Louise are the face-to-faces in question and they talk me through the range of travel they provide, from day trips to major tailor-made itineraries and share a few...

Recently arrived on Park Street is the Mazon Interiors showroom and studio.  Visualised as a townhouse, this beautifully honed two-storey space showcases both modern design and luxurious materials.  In this episode, Joanne Layzell talks us through the elements of the showroom, the types of project that Mazon relishes and how the space is already becoming a hub for the best creatives and artisans f...

Based in Leamington, Helping Hands is a charity rooted in compassion, standing alongside people facing homelessness, poverty, and hardship. I had the privilege of meeting Jacqui Grove from the charity, as well as Emma, one of the many individuals they support. Hearing their stories brought to life the many ways Helping Hands helps people through moments of crisis—offering not just practical suppor...

Now in its 6th year, the Warwick Castle Light Trail is a magical way of getting into the Christmas spirit.  Fully accessible and with a different theme each year, it’s something the whole family can enjoy time and again. I had the privilege of being guided through the trail by its creator, Dave Harding who also then recorded this insight into some of the highlights and the story behind its creatio...

Dave Blick knew that he liked gin, but didn’t know how to make it until a chance encounter with his future gin mentor in Tenby.  Soon after, the Warwickshire Gin Company was born and now resides in a railway arch at Leamington’s Victoria Business Centre. Here Dave not only distils his gins, rums and vodka but hosts regular tastings that have already welcomed over 10,000 visitors!  Hear his remarka...

The Leamington Spa Christmas Tree Festival returns to All Saints Church from Sunday 30th November to Sunday 7th December.  Join organisers Carole Sleight and David Clargo as they explain what's in store for visitors, meet one of the tree sponsors, and hear from Flourish, the local charity that will benefit from the raffle proceeds. Admission is just £2, under 16's free. https://www.whittleproducti...

Every Sunday in November* and December, Leamington’s Parade gives itself over to the Christmas Markets with the nearly 100 stalls drawing festive shoppers from the town and miles around. Featuring arts, crafts, local produce, food and drink, whether you’re searching for a unique gift, festive decorations, or just some tasty bites to eat there or take home, you won’t be disappointed.  Aaron from or...

Sculpt is not just a Reformer Pilates studio. It’s Jess & Mark Griffin’s vision of a wellbeing destination in the heart of Leamington Spa. A calming and luxurious space complete with relaxing lounge area as well as the latest Reformer equipment, and variety of wellness events for its members.  They explain the benefits for a wide variety of lifestyles and life stages, and share something of th...

In this episode, I’m joined by Martin Harrison BEM from the Leamington History Group as we reflect on Leamington’s wartime associations.  In addition to suffering wartime damage, Leamington has been home to the Free Czech Army as well as British Regiments and has associations with no less than five Victoria Cross recipients.  Martin shares his fascinating research and personal insight. https://lea...

Occupying a large but unobtrusive building on Princes Drive adjoining Foundry Woods and a discreet shopfront in town, Vitsœ goes almost unnoticed.  But behind the mild-mannered façade, a small but passionate team is configuring a modular shelving system, shipping it to 90 countries and fully expecting it to out-last its owners.  Director Mark Adams explains why Dieter Rams' timeless designs have r...

If you want to turn your Hallowe'en into a prize bonanza, then the Pumpkin Path is for you.  Visit the businesses around town, collect the clues and post in the special post-box by 2nd November to be included in the prize draw.  AND THEN get along to the lantern workshops running 1,9,16,23,30 November to make your lantern for the parade on 7th December.  Alison Shaw of BID Leamington shares all th...

Tucked away in Tachbrook Park near the Shires hides a secret world.  It’s a virtual world full of new experiences, games and adventures that caters for families, teams, clubs or even solo players.  What’s more it’s a family business – as director and mum Manjit Checkley explains.   https://www.thevrspace.co.uk/

17-19 October sees the first jazz festival at the Southbound Café Bar in old town Leamington.  Running from Friday evening into Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings, a packed programme with 11 bands performing!  Famed for it's great European wines, draft beers, chilled vibe and varied live music, Southbound is always a special destination at the bottom of town and the jazz festival is a per...

Bang opposite the Shell (now Esso) petrol station at the top of town nestles a bright little café which provides tasty hot food, hot drinks, cakes and a very warm welcome for anyone in need of some company or a place where they can fully be themselves.  Owner Fran Scott explains the aims, facilities and events embodied in this unique little spot at the top of town.  https://www.forgetmenot.cafe/  

On Sunday 12th October 2025, Leamington’s Parade will be brightened with the Diwali lights which this year will be switched on by Councillor Naveen Tangri, Chair of Warwick District Council.  In this episode, he tells us about the origins and meaning of Diwali, his own recollections of childhood celebrations and the relevance of the messages of Diwali to us all, irrespective of faith.  https://www...

Initially an experiment, the Friday markets in Holly Walk have proven to be a welcome addition to the Leamington calendar. Aaron Probert-Walker of CJ's Events shares how they got started and then Danielle from Perfect Pear and Debbie from Just Us Clothing and Accessories give us the traders' perspective on the Friday Markets vibe. https://www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk/  

For the first time ever, Leamington will be turning pink in aid of cancer research.  Between 11th and 19th October, town centre businesses, markets, and the public will be taking part in pink-themed activities and events, and of course adding a little pink to their own appearance to mark the event.  Deborah Barleggs, Chair of the Leamington Spa & Warwick Cancer Research UK Committee explains w...

A feature of the Leamington streetscape for four decades, Sarah Horne's floral artistry is recognised both by locals and in national and international competition.  Now also renowned for her art, homewares and academy, Sarah shares her remarkable story in this special extended episode of Life in Leam. https://www.sarahhornebotanicals.com/

You’ve probably noticed the 1 Mill Street building if you’ve walked across the Mill Bridge and weir south of Jephson Gardens.  And you’ve also probably wondered what goes on there! Well wonder no more. I stepped inside, got the grand tour and General Manger Cat Callicott told me all about their free-to-use and member facilities in the building itself, and also their initiatives supporting the loca...

Another once-a-year moment is upon us with the Heritage Days, when the public can get special access to historical buildings and spaces.  Stella Bolitho, Chair of the Leamington History Group sat with me in All Saints Church, Leamington to preview some of the highlights and also mentions a Leamington VIP who is participating for the first time.  Sort of. Leamington History Group Eventbrite Tickets...

Leamington’s famed Food and Drink Festival is now in its 18th year and runs on 6th and 7th September in Pump Room Gardens.  I met with Alison Shaw and Steph Kerr from BID Leamington to get the inside track on what’s planned for this year. As a bonus, I also get a fascinating insight into what the small but perfectly formed Business Improvement District team do to promote and develop our town centr...

Now in its 127th year, the Old Milverton Horticultural Show makes its return on Saturday 6th September 2025.  Michael Gray and Mike Tansley from the show’s organising Society give us a preview of this longstanding countryside tradition, the wide range of produce and crafts it encompasses, and of course, the always popular barn dance. www.oldmilvertonshow.co.uk  

Grab some folk at a festival and ask them their top tips for food and drink or an evening out around town and this is what you get - a condensed 3 min flavour-packed amuse-bouche of suggestions.  Not a scientific survey but some familiar names, some new names, and a few that keep popping up.

With over 120 stalls, this year’s Warwickshire Pride Festival on Saturday 16th August promises to be be another vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and love, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds.  Located in Pump Room Gardens, the festival features live music, a parade down Leamington’s Parade, food-stalls, workshops, competitions and a marketplace showcasing local busines...