Life in Leam

Many of the best conversations and connections happen over good food. That simple truth combined with a passion for fresh food cooked from first principles inspired Raj Darji to quit the corporate life and start Scratch Cook Social in 2023. Based in Leamington, he now provides restaurant-quality food for private and public gatherings, either through the venues’ own kitchens or from his own food tr...

Wander around Leamington and there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter one of the extraordinary murals that adorn many of our buildings.  Together they are curated as the Leamington Mural Festival, a year-round celebration of this vibrant street art. I met festival curator Tim Robottom - who is also a professional street artist himself - and wasted no time in tapping his expertise on the process...

If you need special tools for a DIY project, are planning an event and need some extra catering equipment, are looking for some new hobbies to try out or are just keen to avoid buying and storing things that you only need occasionally – then the Library of Things is worth a look.  Founded by Maurice Herson, the library which is co-located with the Eco Hub in Bedford Street has a growing and divers...

Anyone with a taste for quality artisanal chocolate will probably know Cenu Cacao in Regent Street; the passion project of Rosemary Ndukuba, who turned her own love of chocolate into a Leamington treasure. In this episode she explains how she got started, which movie is a constant source of inspiration for her, her own favourite chocolates and how her recently opened café in Lillington is heraldin...

Tucked behind a discreet doorway on Bedford Street is a luxurious beauty and wellbeing centre with more than 25 years of expertise and ten tranquil treatment rooms. I stepped inside for my very first facial treatment before sitting down with Managing Director Gurdip Chatha and founder Amy Selby-Hammond. We talked about how beauty therapies have evolved over the years, why more men are now discover...

Whether you fancy a different sort of competition with your friends, want to develop a latent talent or just need to feed your inner Viking, then a spot of axe-throwing might be just what you need.  Enter AJ Janney who started his axe throwing venture in late 2025 and is welcoming would-be throwers from age 8 and up.  In this episode he explains the joys of axing a bullseye, how he helps novices s...

Since 2022 a group of Leamington-based volunteers has been fundraising to procure, equip and send ambulances to Ukraine – originally through the Polish Centre and later through a specially formed Community Interest Company, Belveder.  In this episode, Dawid Kozlowski explains how this remarkable initiative got started, what’s involved in sending ambulances and other supplies to Ukraine, and how to...

An intriguing arrival in Leamington town centre is The Spicy Librarian, a bookstore specialising in all flavours of romantic fiction, where in addition to buying and browsing, you can also get a coffee, cake, cocktails, wine or beer to complement your reading experience. I met D, the Spicy Librarian herself and best-selling dark romance fiction author J Rose to understand the inspiration behind th...

I recently recorded an inspiring conversation with Maddie Webb and Cassie Leedham of Lighthaus Arts soon after they had moved into their brand-new Stoneleigh Arms arts hub on Clemens Street. Their mission is to break down the barriers to being an artist, and engaging with art. Last weekend on 7th February they held their official launch event and of course I was there with a microphone to capture...

Recently opened on Park Street in Leamington. Bricks’n’Pieces is known mostly as a LEGO shop.  But as Keith Hanna explains it’s so much more.  In addition to buying LEGO and other STEM* games and puzzles, you can pull up a chair, borrow one of over 50 LEGO sets and build it right there and then - from skyscrapers to spacecraft and even flowers.  And you can also grab a hot drink or juice and a sla...

African drumming on djembe and other instruments is a very accessible and powerful way of learning a musical skill, while also relieving stress, boosting mood and connecting with other people.  Leamington is fortunate to have an African drumming expert in residence in the person of Vieux Bakayoko who is restarting his open drumming workshops every Tuesday evening at the Band Factory in Leamington....

The Leamington History Group is known for its extensive archives, the historic walks around town and various talks about its history.  It also commissions films which graphically bring to life particular periods or events in Leamington’s development.  The latest in this series is Leamington at War, a 30min documentary about World War Two and how the town was both impacted by the war and contribute...

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/