Life in Leam – Details, episodes & analysis

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 this elegant and welcoming space, and why the adult-only hybrid cafe/bookshop concept works so well for both romance readers and writers.

https://thespicylibrarian.co.uk/

© Copyright 2026 Tim Bishop. All rights reserved.

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 the response from the many artists, arts lovers and other supporters who attended.  Here is a super-distilled 4-minute glimpse into what they had to say. Having listened, how could you possibly resist paying a visit!

https://stoneleigharms.com/ 

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 remarkable journey from ginexperienced novice to gintrepreneur.  

https://warwickshiregincompany.co.uk/ 

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.whittleproductions.co.uk/2025-leam-tree-fest

https://www.youcanflourish.co.uk/

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 organisers CJs Events together with three of the traders, Anthony, Becci and Sabia give us a flavour of what’s on offer and what else is up and coming for the festive season. 

https://www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk/

* except Remembrance Sunday

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 their journey to setting up this sanctuary in the centre of town.  https://www.sculpt-swc.com/ 

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://leamingtonhistory.co.uk/

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 remained in demand for over six decades and how the team at Vitsœ has built a business based on longevity of the product, sustainability of the supply chain and enduring loyalty of the customers.  https://www.vitsoe.com/gb 

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 the spooky/festive details. https://royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/ 

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/