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/

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 perfect opportunity to become acquainted.  Owner Carl Harris gives his own inimitable take on the weekend ahead and Southbound enthusiast Sara gives her personal perspective on this special place.  https://www.southboundcafebar.uk/ 

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/ 

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 slab of cake to keep you fuelled.

With a capacity of 50 people, Bricks’n’Pieces has become a happy hangout for any one of any age who loves the challenge of a puzzle, or enjoys the thrill of constructing something fabulous.  Families, kids, singles, couples, groups - Keith and his team welcome all.   *STEM - Science Technology Engineering Maths

https://bricksnpieces.co.uk/

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.warwickdc.gov.uk/events/event/370/diwali_lights_switch_on

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 what's planned, how we can take part and where we can find out more. crukleamingtonandwarwick@gmail.com  #turnleamingtonpink 

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 local community. And the icing on the cake, we recorded in their actual podcast studio! Listen and enjoy.   https://www.1millstreet.com/

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

Heritage Days Booklet

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 centre, and what we can do to help.  https://leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk/ https://royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/ 

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 businesses and community organisations.

Founder and Chair of Warwickshire Pride, Dan Browne highlights some of the activities that will be featuring during the day.  He also explains how he got involved with the Pride movement and why gaining visibility, promoting awareness, fostering acceptance and challenging intolerance still have importance and relevance today.

https://warwickshirepride.co.uk/

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.  Here he explains a little about them, and how you can join in and share in the many benefits.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Bakayoko-Music-Company-100063973623443/

bakayokomusic@gmail.com

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.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leamington-rocks-a-magical-mystery-tour-of-the-music-of-leamington-spa-tickets-1466212584309/ 

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 to take part.  Application deadline is 13th August 2025.  https://www.warwickshireopenstudios.org/

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-68599114813

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 how making their food from scratch, including grinding their own spices, enables them to tune their dishes to the individual preferences and dietary requirements of their customers. https://www.instagram.com/desaisstreetfood/ 

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.artinpark.co.uk/

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 with an interest can get paddling. https://www.rlscc.com/

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.  https://wickedcookies.co.uk/

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

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 contributed to the war effort.  Crammed with facts, recollections, reconstructions and expert interviews, the film helps us to relate modern-day Leamington Spa with the dramatic events of over 80 years ago.

Producer Janet Ainley and Filmmaker Mark Ellis talk us through the process of creating this intense and thought-provoking piece of cinematography, and how schools colleges and individuals can view it for free.

https://leamingtonhistory.co.uk/leamington-at-war-video/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bHUrSu8eio

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. Website

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 journey that he and his family have been on, what Southbound Café Bar offers to us, and means to him. Website

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 part both as spectator and artist. Website

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 doing to bring the best of the best talent to the heart of Leamington.  Website

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 the space into an award-winning gallery and event venue combined with upper floors of artist studios and workshop facilities.

I went to talk to them about this extraordinary venture, their plans for 2026 and how you can get involved either as artist, art-lover or volunteer.

https://stoneleigharms.com/

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't systematic at all.  But as stuff comes on my radar, I'm making the effort to speak to the people involved, and share the result with you.  I hope you find it as interesting as I do.

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 of their own favourite destinations. 

https://www.clubvoyages.uk/ 

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 from the Leamington property marketplace.

https://www.mazoninteriors.co.uk/

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 support, but hope, dignity, and a path forward. It also highlighted how vital their work is, and how we can all play a part in supporting it.

https://helpinghandscharity.org.uk/