Life in Leam

Leamington’s rich and varied cultural history lends itself perfectly to specialist tours.  The town’s contribution to modern music, and how music in-turn shaped the town is the subject of social historian Adam Wood’s tour and immersive presentation. He gives us a sneak preview into what he covers and what’s involved - without giving away too many secrets!  Book via Eventbrite.  https://www.eventbr...

What did people think of Art in the Park? I spent some time in Jephson Gardens on Saturday 2nd August 2025 asking about their highlights so far.  Here’s a little 3-minute crunch of the wonderful things they had to say.  I think it's the very sound of a summertime festival! https://www.artinpark.co.uk/  

Now in its fifth year, this September’s Plein Air will be at the beautiful Compton Verney art gallery and park.  An opportunity for artists to create art in an inspiring open setting and for the public to observe the process, engage with th artists and acquire the resulting works.   Janette George, Director of Warwickshire Open Studios explains all and invites artists and aspiring artists to apply...

Wimbledon brings out the racquet demon in all of us, and we’re lucky to have a lawn tennis and squash club right on our doorstep!  Offering holiday clubs for kids over the summer, and with immediate opportunities to play off-peak for adults, Janette George gives us the low-down on the club, its facilities now and plans for the future.   www.lltsc.co.uk

The Leamington History Group runs walking tours of Leamington from April to October.  Most are run by volunteers and are free!  The walk which many people start with is A Walk Back in Time, led by David Morse.  I managed to keep him stationary just long enough for him to tell me about the walk, some of its highlights and how you can book. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leamington-history-group-685...

Previously Delights – Deserts & More, the Desai family recently relaunched their café on Regent Street to showcase their family’s traditional Gujarati dishes and drinks.  This new eye-catching shopfront enticed me in and I met mother and son team Smruti and Karan. In this episode, they explain how they create their signature menu items, share some of their own personal favourites and highlight...

Once again, Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens host an extraordinary free festival of art, music, performance and food during the first weekend in August.  Festival Director Kate Livingston gives us an 8-minute rundown on the 250 artists, live performances and workshops, her top tips for first-timers, and the opportunities for anyone to volunteer in support of this remarkable event. https://www.arti...

On a warm summer’s day, a paddle on the river seems a very attractive idea.  Whether you just want to splash about on a paddleboard, or have ambitions to be a competitive kayaker, the Royal Leamington Spa Canoe Club is on hand right opposite Victoria Park to teach you the fundamentals and to help you develop as far as you wish.  Head Coach Brett Sirrell explains what the club does and how anyone w...

What happens if you mix some cookie dough and some magic?  The answer is Snickerwoodles Magical Bakery which recently opened on Regent Street. It might be magical but it’s no longer entirely a mystery as owner Sally Rees tells us how it got started, how their locally sourced ingredients help them to be a favourite of customers with dietary restrictions, and what on earth a Snickerwoodle is anyway....

The redevelopment of the building on Parade previously occupied by House of Fraser has been a source of curiosity in Leamington for the best part of five years.  Finally the building work is over, and Bedford Street Studios is real.  But what’s happening there?  Site Manager Ben Rye explains all.  Website

With the Leamington half-marathon staged recently, now seems a good moment to check-out its more accessible sibling, parkrun.  A Saturday morning tradition at Newbold Comyn since 2011. I went along to talk with Co-Event Director Dave Chantrey, some volunteers. runners and walkers to find out what makes parkrun a very special weekly fixture in their calendars, and how you too can get involved. Webs...

There’s something happening on 12th July and “it’s a choral revolution” proclaims choir founder Harvey Brough.  He takes a few minutes away from rehearsals to tell us about how he and the choir are preparing songs by Nina Simone, Johnny Cash and Randy Newman for their 2nd concert following their sell-out tribute to The Kinks in April. Some tickets still available from Eventbrite .

A couple of months ago, optometrist Sukhi Cheema took the huge step of opening her own optician’s practice on Regent Street in the centre of town. With several optician’s shops already nearby, she tells us why she is passionate about offering a different kind of eye care, grounded in her own ethos, specialisms and experience. Website

Anytime Fitness popped up on the Parade in May 2025.  A new sight in town, we went to investigate and caught up with Rob Kelly the Club Manager to understand what it’s all about - and why a man with large hammers was stood outside during its first weeks of opening.  Website  

Closing its doors for the final time,  the end of Stone the Crows is also the end of an era in Leamington.  We managed to track down founder and owner John Allan to understand why the crows are finally flying the nest and to reflect on his many years of trading in eclectic homewares, mixed with the very best in party toys.  (Photo: John between husband-and-wife shop management duo Denis and Millie...

Hidden under a railway arch just off the High Street is a story of transformation.  Early in 2024 during a night out, Carl Harris decided it would be a nice idea to take his engineering workshop and turn it into a wine bar and music venue.  As you do!   The result is the Southbound Café Bar. A hidden gem which has already garnered an enthusiastic and loyal following.  Carl tells us about the journ...

The smell of freshly baked bread and croissants and other tasties has been wafting across Park Street for a few months now.  We track down the source of those aromas at Corner Cottage Bakery and get a glimpse of founder Sarah Thornber’s recipe for success. Website

Sunday evenings, 8pm until midnight a strange thing happens at the St Patricks Irish Club down on the riverside.  The music turns distinctly Latin and Club Cubana Salsa becomes a thing.   DJ Mani Muchasalsa, who has been hosting these sessions since 2012 tells us about the Salsa classes and dance parties which have become a Leamington Sunday night staple.  Website

The Summer Arts Weeks, now in their 25th year run from 21 June – 6 July 2025.  During this time, anyone is welcome to visit artists in their studios at 115 venues across Warwickshire and Coventry to see their creations, talk to the artists themselves and immerse themselves in the process of creating art.  We talk to Janette George of Warwickshire Open Studios to get the inside track on how to take...

Nestled on a corner in Bath Street is Temperance.  To the casual observer, a quirky cafe bar, but in reality rather more than just that.  Temperance is fast becoming one of the most respected boutique performance venues in the UK, attracting national and international musicians as well as showcasing local talent. Adrian Gaines tells us how he unintentionally became the venue's owner and what he's...

A little about what I'm setting out to do with Life in Leam.  There are so many great things going on in this little town of Royal Leamington Spa that are on people's radar but they don't really know much about.  Also there are, I'm discovering, a lot of passionate people behind the good things that are happening.  The things are interesting, but wow, so are the people and their stories.  This isn...