by Alison Shaw | Aug 3, 2026 | News
Leamington Spa is gearing up for a spectacular weekend of free events, family fun and world-class entertainment, with two major events bringing colour, energy into the town. On Saturday 22 August, Warwickshire Pride takes over the town and Pump Room Gardens, followed on Sunday 23 August by the final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, which both starts and finishes in Leamington. Whether you’re looking for things to do with the family, want to soak up the atmosphere or simply fancy making a day of it in town, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Both events involve temporary road closures, so give yourself a bit more time – especially if you have a booking or reservation. Plan to park in one of the town’s main off-street car parks – of which there are many (Royal Priors, Covent Gardens, St Peters Multi-storey, Chandos St, Court St, Bath St).
🌈 Saturday: Warwickshire Pride
Warwickshire Pride returns to Leamington on Saturday 22 August, with the celebrations taking place from 11am–6pm at the Pump Room Gardens. The event is free and family-friendly.
The day gets underway with the colourful Pride March through Leamington town centre, before the celebrations continue at the Pump Room Gardens. The route goes from Beauchamp Road at 11:00am – Clarendon Avenue – the Parade – Dormer Place – ending at the Pump Room Gardens where the Warwickshire Pride festival takes place.
Highlights – what you can see and do
- 🌈 Join or watch the Pride March as it makes its way through the heart of Leamington
- 🎤 Enjoy live performances and entertainment on stage throughout the day
- 🛍️ Explore the Rainbow Marketplace, with stalls from businesses, organisations and community groups
- 🎡 Have fun at the fairground
- 🐶 Watch the Pride Dog Show (11.30 am registration, with the show taking place at 1.30 pm)
- 🍔 Enjoy food and drink from around the world
- 🎨 Discover community activities, workshops and wellbeing spaces
- 🏳️🌈 Explore dedicated spaces celebrating different communities, including young people, women, trans and bi communities
- 👨👩👧👦 Enjoy a family-friendly day out with plenty to see and do for all ages
Visit their website where you can download the programme here: warwickshirepride.co.uk/pride-festival
🚴♀️ Sunday: Tour of Britain Women
Then, on Sunday 23 August, the sporting action arrives as Leamington hosts the final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women.
This year Leamington is both the start and finish location for the 123.8km final stage. The race gets underway at 11am, with the riders expected back for the finish at around 2.30pm.
And this isn’t just an event for cycling enthusiasts – there will be plenty happening for families and spectators throughout the day.
🎉 Don’t miss the Fan Zone at the Pump Room Gardens
The Pump Room Gardens will be transformed into a Tour of Britain Fan Zone (9.30am – 4pm), giving visitors a chance to enjoy the atmosphere before, during and after the race.
Highlights – what families can do
- 🚴♀️ Watch the race on the big screen
- 🚲 See a BMX stunt show
- 🤸♀️ Have a go at BMX workshops
- 🏎️ Try the Scalextric pedal-powered game
- 🧗 Take on the climbing wall
- 🚴 Experience the velodrome track – have a go!
- 🎨 Get creative with cycling-themed arts and crafts
- 👨👩👧👦 Enjoy a range of free activities designed for families
And, of course, there are two great opportunities to see the world’s best female cyclists up close – at the start in Leamington and as they return for the dramatic finish.
Event information here: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tour-britain-women/tour-britain
🌈🚴♀️ Make a weekend of it in Leamington
With Warwickshire Pride on Saturday and the Tour of Britain Women on Sunday, it’s set to be a fantastic weekend.
Come for the events, stay for the day! With two fantastic days of free entertainment, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the town centre too. Browse the shops, enjoy lunch in a restaurant, grab a coffee, meet friends for a drink or discover somewhere new to eat. Your visit can make a real difference to our local businesses – so why not make a weekend of it and enjoy everything Leamington has to offer?
Two days. Two major events. One brilliant weekend in Leamington.
by Alison Shaw | Jul 30, 2026 | News
The Cocktail Academy is bringing world-class mixology to Warwickshire, offering unforgettable cocktail masterclasses, private parties and corporate events that prove making great cocktails is every bit as exciting as drinking them.
Built on the philosophy, “We don’t think a cocktail needs a story to taste good. We just think it tastes better once you know it,” The Cocktail Academy blends expert tuition, fascinating cocktail history and plenty of hands-on fun into one unforgettable experience.
Meet the Master Behind the Shaker
Leading every session is Head Mixologist Beka Luarsabishvili, whose 13 years of international experience behind some of the world’s finest bars has shaped a masterclass unlike any other.
Born in Georgia and trained across the globe, Beka has distilled years of expertise into an immersive 70-minute cocktail masterclass, held every Sunday at The Nomad, Leamington Spa.
What’s Included?
Guests create three classic cocktails from scratch, learning professional techniques, perfect ratios and the stories behind each drink. It’s equal parts masterclass, tasting session and memorable night out.
Every experience includes:
- Making every cocktail yourself with expert guidance.
- Discovering the history and science behind each creation.
- Small classes of just 16 guests, ensuring plenty of personal attention.
- A stunning setting at The Nomad, one of Warwickshire’s most stylish cocktail destinations.
Perfect for Every Celebration
Whether it’s a team social, hen or stag party, birthday celebration or private event, The Cocktail Academy tailors every experience to suit the group, from cocktail selection to skill level.
Award-Winning Venue
The Cocktail Academy is proudly hosted at The Nomad, Leamington Spa, recently crowned Best Bar in Warwickshire & the Midlands at the Muddy Stilettos Awards.
Raise a glass to Head Mixologist Beka and the talented Nomad team, whose passion, creativity and expertise are making Warwickshire one of the UK’s most exciting cocktail destinations.
For more Info and to book please visit The Cocktail Academy
Cheers!
by Alison Shaw | Jul 1, 2026 | News
Moroccan Givings is delighted to announce the opening of its new store at 67 Regent Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 5DX.
The new location showcases a carefully curated collection of authentic Moroccan handcrafted home décor, including wooden dishes, hand-blown glasses and jugs, handmade floor cushions, and a wide range of unique artisan pieces.
Whether you’re searching for a distinctive addition to your home, a thoughtful gift, or simply looking for inspiration, Moroccan Givings invites the local community to visit and experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Morocco.
The team looks forward to welcoming customers to the new store and celebrating this exciting new chapter with the Leamington Spa community.
by Alison Shaw | Apr 21, 2026 | News
Rosa’s Thai Leamington Spa is delighted to announce it has won Best Restaurant in Warwickshire at the recent Business Awards, held in Birmingham on Sunday, 12 April. The recognition highlights the restaurant’s commitment to delivering authentic Thai cuisine and exceptional dining experiences within the local community.
Part of a UK-wide group of over 40 locations, Rosa’s Thai has built a strong reputation for serving fresh, flavourful dishes inspired by founder Saiphin Moore’s heritage. What began as a humble market stall on London’s Brick Lane has grown into a beloved restaurant brand, known for signature dishes such as Pad Thai and Green Curry, all prepared using traditional Thai ingredients and recipes.
Founded by Saiphin Moore, who brought cherished family recipes from her childhood in Thailand to the UK, Rosa’s Thai continues to celebrate authentic flavours in a relaxed and welcoming setting, with options catering to a wide range of diners, including vegetarian and family-friendly choices.
The Leamington Spa team expressed immense pride in being nominated and recognised by guests through the voting process. This achievement reflects their ongoing dedication to delivering outstanding hospitality, vibrant flavours, and memorable dining experiences.
Linda Petpisit, General Manager of Rosa’s Thai Leamington Spa, said, “We are incredibly proud to be nominated for Best Restaurant in Warwickshire. This recognition means so much to our team, especially as it reflects the support and votes from our valued guests. Our passion has always been to deliver authentic Thai flavours alongside a warm, friendly dining experience, and we are honoured to be part of the Leamington Spa community.”
[Names of team on photo : Linda Petpisit, Lucille Alferez, Lalita Petpisit, Marcellah Janadi]
by Alison Shaw | Mar 20, 2026 | News
Sukhi Eyes Ltd have been shortlisted as a Frame Styling Practice of the Year by the UK’s largest association representing independent opticians and optometrists.
Sukhi Eyes Ltd was one of four optical practices chosen from throughout the UK to receive the accolade from business support group SightCare for their dedication to eyecare in their local community.
Sukhi Eyes Ltd have been open for the eyecare needs of the local community for one year and has continued to uphold a high standard of care for all who visit their practice at 64D Regent Street, CV32 5EG Leamington Spa.
Sukhi Cheema said: “As a female‑led team, being shortlisted for Frame Styling Practice of the Year means so much to us. At Sukhi Eyes, community is at the heart of everything we do, and we’ve built that community one person at a time through truly personalised eyecare and eyewear styling. Our approach has always been centered on the individual. Every styling appointment is shaped around you, your look, your personality, your lifestyle. We hand‑select frames we’re genuinely proud to offer, pieces chosen with intention, creativity, and joy. When the right frame meets the right person, it becomes more than eyewear; it becomes a piece of their personality.
Our ‘happy eyes’, our Sukhi Eyes, book continues to grow, filled with people who’ve found frames that make them feel seen, confident, and authentically themselves. Being shortlisted is a celebration of that commitment to thoughtful, personalised styling and the happy, confident eyes we love creating together.”
Emma Rawlings, SightCare CEO, said:
“We invited independent practices from across the UK to enter our highly prestigious awards, and we were delighted with the exceptional level of our entrants. We carefully selected our shortlisted practices based on their outstanding achievements within their communities and their dedication to their profession. Independent optical practices continue to demonstrate remarkable commitment to delivering high-quality eyecare and supporting the wellbeing of their local communities. We are delighted to announce that Sukhi Eyes Ltd has been shortlisted for this award and were impressed by the high standard of their application.
“Independent practices play a vital role in delivering personalised, community-focused eyecare. Their ability to build long-standing relationships with patients, offer tailored clinical expertise, and respond to the unique needs of their local area makes them an essential part of the UK’s eyecare landscape. Their independence allows them to innovate, go the extra mile, and provide a truly individual experience — something we have seen clearly in Sukhi Eyes Ltd.”
The Sukhi Eyes Ltd team will be attending the SightCare LIVE Award ceremony on 26 April 2026, where they will hear the results.
Mrs Sukhi Cheema said: We look forward to the event and thank our local community for their support.
by Alison Shaw | Mar 17, 2026 | News
Hop into Easter Fun in Leamington!
Families are invited to hop, skip and bounce around Leamington town centre this Easter for a super egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt – with loads of prizes to be won!
The Great Easter Egg Hunt is back and runs from Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 April. Easter eggs are hiding in the windows of shops, cafés and restaurants all around the town centre – can you spot them all?
There are three fun trails to follow. Each egg has a letter clue on it, and when you collect all the letters, they’ll help you uncover three mystery phrases (one for each route). 🐰🥕🎉
A whopping 75 local businesses are taking part, and everyone who completes the trail will be entered into a prize draw. You could win a £100 voucher to spend in the town, plus lots of other brilliant prizes donated by local shops and businesses.
Entry forms can be picked up from participating shops, Leamington Visitor Information Centre, or the upper mall at the Royal Priors Shopping Centre or you can download it here!
Once you’ve finished your trail, pop your completed form into the Easter post box located at Bricks n Pieces, 37 Park Street or post to BID Leamington, 35c Park Court, Leamington Spa CV32 4QN.
Alison Shaw, Project Manager at BID Leamington, said: “We’re delighted to welcome families back to our Great Easter Egg Hunt. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the town centre while discovering our brilliant local businesses.
“The event has been incredibly well supported again this year, with some amazing prizes available, and we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying Leamington this Easter.”
So, grab your family, put on your bunny ears and enjoy a cracking Easter adventure in Leamington! 🐣🌷
For more information visit www.royal-leamignton-spa.co.uk
by Alison Shaw | Mar 11, 2026 | News
New Coffee Shop Cacao Coffee & Chocolate Co Opens in Leamington Spa
Coffee lovers in Leamington Spa have a new destination to discover following the opening of Cacao Coffee & Chocolate Co, which officially welcomed customers to its newest café at 52–54 Warwick Street on Saturday, March 7.
The independent coffee brand, known for its speciality coffee and relaxed café atmosphere, brings a taste of Australian café culture to the heart of the town, offering expertly crafted drinks alongside brunch favourites and sweet treats.
Cacao Coffee & Chocolate Co’s journey began on the sunny coast of Australia, where its founders first developed a passion for exceptional coffee.
“We fell in love with the craft of great coffee while living in Australia,” a spokesperson for Cacao Coffee & Chocolate Co said. “We were fortunate to learn from some of the world’s best baristas, mastering everything from bean selection to achieving the perfect pour.”
Inspired by Australia’s vibrant and community-focused café scene, the team returned to the UK determined to recreate the same welcoming experience.
“When we opened our first café in 2013, our mission was simple — to share the warmth, flavour and community spirit we’d experienced abroad. Every café we open continues that vision.”
The new Leamington Spa location aims to become a social hub for residents and visitors alike, whether stopping by for a morning flat white, enjoying a leisurely brunch, or meeting friends over coffee.
“Our cafés are designed to be welcoming spaces for everyone,” the spokesperson added. “Whether you’re grabbing a quick takeaway or settling in for a catch-up, we serve every cup with the same care and love that sparked our journey.”
The opening marks another step in the brand’s continued expansion, bringing speciality coffee and a laid-back café experience to new communities.
For more information, visit:
www.cacaoccc.co.uk
by Alison Shaw | Feb 5, 2026 | News
A bold new chapter for romance readers is coming to the Midlands this Valentine’s Day, as The Spicy Librarian, Europe’s largest dedicated romance bookshop, opens its doors in Leamington Spa.
Created as an unapologetically inclusive, adult-only space for romance lovers, The Spicy Librarian celebrates love stories in all their forms — from swoony contemporary romance and spicy romantasy to darker romance — while placing community, connection and inclusivity at its heart.
At a time when romance and fantasy are among the fastest-growing genres in UK publishing, the shop offers something rarely seen on the high street: a space that doesn’t sideline romance, but puts it centre stage.
“Romance is one of the most-read genres in the world, yet readers are often expected to enjoy it quietly or with embarrassment,” says D, the founder of The Spicy Librarian. “This shop exists to change that. It’s a place where romance readers can feel seen, celebrated and completely at home.”
More than a bookshop
The Spicy Librarian is designed as a social and cultural hub, not just a retail space. Alongside carefully curated shelves, the bookshop features a coffee bar by day and a wine and cocktail bar by night, encouraging visitors to linger, connect and discover new stories together.
The space is strictly 18+, reflecting the adult themes explored in many of the books, and offers a welcoming, inclusive environment that actively celebrates LGBTQIA+ readers, authors and stories.
Regular programming will include:
- A monthly in-store book club
- An indie author subscription book club
- Author signings, previews and launch events
- Themed community nights and reader meet-ups
- A weekly podcast sharing book recommendations and genre deep-dives
Inspired by global trends, rooted in the Midlands
The idea for The Spicy Librarian was sparked after the founder encountered romance-only bookstores while travelling in the US — vibrant, busy spaces that treated romance as something to be proud of rather than hidden away. Returning home, the absence of anything similar in the UK, particularly in the Midlands, felt stark.
Launching in Leamington Spa, the shop aims to draw readers from across the region and beyond, positioning the town as a destination for romance and romantasy fans while contributing to the revival of the high street.
“Independent bookshops are where discovery, risk-taking and community happen,” the founder adds. “This isn’t about competing with big retailers — it’s about offering depth, connection and a space that truly understands its readers.”
A Valentine’s Day launch with purpose
Opening on 14 February 2026, The Spicy Librarian reframes Valentine’s Day as a celebration not just of romantic partners, but of self-love, storytelling and shared joy — a sentiment that resonates strongly with Gen Z and millennial readers who have helped fuel the genre’s resurgence through platforms like BookTok.
As romance continues to dominate reading charts and online conversation, The Spicy Librarian offers a physical space to match that passion — proving that what starts online can thrive on the high street.
Contact Ali Maynard James for any press enquiries press@thespicylibrarian.co.uk
by Alison Shaw | Jan 6, 2026 | News
Brightening January for local diners as Turtle Bay launches winter offers …
January might be known for grey skies and tighter budgets, but Turtle Bay is bringing the joy to January with a line-up of limited-time deals designed to lift spirits without
stretching wallets.
Running from 1st–30th January, Turtle Bay is inviting guests to escape the cold and ease into the new year with great-value menus, generous sharing plates and exclusive app
rewards, all served with Turtle Bay’s signature laid-back island vibes.
To inject a little sunshine into January, Turtle Bay is also treating new app members to a £10 app gift, valid every day throughout January. With no minimum spend and simple
redemption through the app, it’s a little extra sunshine to kick-start the year.
Alongside this, Turtle Bay is offering a two-course £13 Set Menu, available Sunday to Friday, featuring a small plate, a bigger plate and a side from a specially curated menu,
perfect for relaxed lunches or easy midweek dinners. For those dining together, Turtle Bay’s £24 Sharing Set Meal offers a popular sharing menu, ideal for couples or friends
looking to make the most of long, cosy Caribbean evenings.
The January deals sit alongside Turtle Bay’s regular promotions, meaning guests can still enjoy favourites such as Kids Eat Free, and more, making Turtle Bay a go-to
destination for value all month long.
Whether it’s a quick lunch, a relaxed catch-up or a much-needed escape from January gloom, Turtle Bay’s latest offers prove that great food, bold flavours and feel-good
moments don’t need to come with a hefty price tag.
All January deals are available at participating Turtle Bay restaurants nationwide. Terms and conditions apply.
Turtle Bay January
by Alison Shaw | Dec 8, 2025 | News
Join Our Christmassy Trails This December!
Explore our festive trails across town throughout December for your chance to win up to £200 to spend in the New Year!
There are three trails to enjoy—simply pick up your entry form from participating retailers, the Upper Mall in Royal Priors, or the Visitor Information Centre.
Collect ALL the clues to enter the Grand Prize Draw for a chance to win £200 to spend in Leamington Town Centre in the New Year. Or complete any single trail to be entered into a draw to win £50.
Look out for clues displayed in shop windows.
Post your completed entry in Santa’s Postbox in Regent Court.
Competition closes Wednesday 24 December. T’s & C’s apply.
For more information, visit: www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk
