Life in Leam

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/ 

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/

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

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

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 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/

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 creation. https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore-1/events/christmas-at-the-castle/light-trail/ 

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/