Life in Leam

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...

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