by Alison Shaw | Aug 20, 2025 | News
Foodies, get ready — the wait is almost over! The Leamington Food and Drink Festival is back at the Pump Room Gardens on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September 2025, bringing with it a weekend packed with flavour, fun and festivities.
Now in its 18th year, the much-loved festival is expected to welcome thousands of visitors eager to indulge in the very best food, drink and live entertainment the region has to offer — and the best part? It’s completely free to attend.
With around 120 exhibitors, festival-goers can expect everything from sizzling street food and artisan delights to tempting treats from many of Leamington’s favourite local businesses.
This year’s Live Cookery Theatre, sponsored by Davison’s Law, is set to be a showstopper. Newcomers Rosa’s Thai, Good Food Cartel and The House will bring fresh flavours to the stage, while festival favourites including Bia’s Kitchen, Sophie Hyam and the talented team from Aubrey Allen return to wow the crowds with mouth-watering demos.
Gary Davison, Managing Director of Davison’s Law, said:
“We’re delighted to support the Leamington Food Festival this year. At Davison’s Law, we believe in being part of the communities we serve, not just professionally but personally too. This festival is a fantastic celebration of local flavour, talent and togetherness — and we’re proud to help make it happen.”
For budding chefs, the Kids Make and Bake Cookery School, run by the award-winning Get Cooking, will provide hands-on fun, alongside free face-painting (Saturday only, ages 3+) and entertainment from the ever-popular stilt-walker Arron.
Adding to the vibrant festival atmosphere, the bandstand will be alive with music all weekend. Saturday’s line-up features Reign the Girl Band, The Session and Sweet Mischief, while Sunday welcomes Big Sing Choir, Two Piece Blues and Man Made Moon. Much-loved performers including Room 17, Abi Rowberry, Sam Lawrence and Nicole will also make a welcome return.
Alison Shaw, BID Leamington Project Manager, said:
“We are extremely excited to announce this year’s line-up at the Leamington Food and Drink Festival. It’s become a real highlight of the calendar, not just in Leamington but nationally too, and is now regarded as one of the UK’s most exciting food festivals. This community-focused weekend attracts thousands of people and showcases the incredible food and drink scene here in Leamington, alongside brilliant businesses from across the region.”
The Leamington Food and Drink Festival promises two days of flavour, music and family-friendly fun — the perfect recipe for a weekend to remember.
For the full programme and latest updates, visit: www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk
by Alison Shaw | Mar 10, 2025 | News
Celebrate Leamington’s Best Independent Businesses with the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2025
Support your favourite Leamington Town Centre independent businesses by nominating them for the prestigious Muddy Stilettos Awards 2025!
Now in their 12th year, the Muddy Awards are the UK’s biggest and brightest celebration of small, independent businesses. With over 11 million people engaged, these awards offer a fantastic platform to spotlight the hard work and dedication of our incredible local entrepreneurs.
This year introduces four exciting new categories: Best Family Experience, Women’s Style, Sports & Fitness Instructor, and Wellbeing Specialist – adding to the existing 21 lifestyle categories that honour the best of local businesses.
The power is in your hands! Show your support by nominating your favourite Leamington Town Centre independents – it’s quick, easy, and your vote could make a huge difference. Plus, by taking part, you’ll also be entered into a draw to win a £1,000 spending spree at Next!
Visit the Muddy Awards website today to cast your nomination and help celebrate the best of Leamington’s independent business scene. Muddy Awards 2025 | Muddy Stilettos Nominations close 13 March
by Alison Shaw | Mar 10, 2025 | News
Geiko Hair Salon, a staple of the Leamington Spa community for nearly 24 years, has been crowned a winner at the prestigious Englands Business Awards at the Grand Final in Birmingham on 21 November 2024. This national recognition follows the salon’s triumph in the regional Warwickshire Awards earlier in 2024.
The award is a testament to Geiko’s unwavering commitment to excellence in hairdressing, customer service, and innovation in the beauty industry. Led by owner Paula McIntosh, the salon has built a stellar reputation for providing exceptional hairstyling and a welcoming, luxury experience for its loyal clientele.
Paula McIntosh, the passionate entrepreneur behind Geiko’s, expressed her excitement about the achievement. “Winning this award is an incredible honour and a reflection of the hard work, talent, and dedication of our entire team. We are immensely grateful to our loyal clients who have supported us over the years, and we look forward to continuing to provide the highest standards of service.””
The Englands Business Awards are renowned for celebrating outstanding businesses that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction across various industries. Geiko’s latest accolade reinforces its standing as one of the leading salons not just in Leamington Spa but in the country.
As the salon celebrates this significant milestone, the team at Geiko remains committed to evolving with the latest trends and techniques, ensuring clients receive the very best in hairdressing services.
For more information, visit Geiko’s website www.geiko.co.uk
by Alison Shaw | Feb 25, 2025 | News
Local, award winning florist Sarah Horne Botanicals has made it to the final of the awards after impressing judges with their approach to driving growth through sustainability.
Sarah Horne Botanicals of 86 Warwick Street Leamington Spa has been selected as a finalist for the first-ever ‘Green Growth Awards’, a new national competition recognising small businesses leading the way in embracing sustainability to innovate and drive business growth.
Launched by Small Business Britain, in partnership with BT, the inaugural Green Growth Awards will award two sustainability grants of £5000 to two small businesses that have successfully boosted their bottom line by implementing sustainable initiatives. The grants will help provide additional funding for businesses to invest further in this area.
Sarah Horne Botanicals, founded in 1980 by Sarah Horne with her late mum Jenny, has made it to the final round of the awards after impressing judges with their commitment to green growth…quite literally!
The journey that the team has embarked on includes dramatically reducing their carbon footprint by growing as much of their fresh flower and foliage stock as possible in “cutting gardens” located less than a mile from the shop in Leamington Spa. This allows them to offer their customers super fresh locally grown flowers and exciting new floral design classes. They are growing the usual favourites as well as beautiful, rare niche varieties not normally available at retail. The cutting garden project has also led to them composting all of their green and cardboard waste.
On being named as a finalist, Sarah said: “The team and I are so excited by this project, we have worked really hard to test and establish our cutting gardens. Amy and I can often be seen walking down Warwick Street sporting wellies and waterproofs! We couldn’t be more thrilled to have reached the finals of these prestigious awards”.
“The Green Growth Awards recognise the outstanding small businesses that are not only leading the way in sustainability but are also using it to fuel innovation and growth,” says Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain.
“These businesses are proving that greener practices not only benefit the planet but also create real business success—whether through cost savings, waste reduction, or deeper customer engagement. Their passion and commitment are making a real impact on their communities and the economy.”
The nation’s 5.5m small businesses are estimated to represent half of the UK’s business emissions and the Green Growth Awards has been launched as part of Small Business Britain’s ongoing partnership with BT to empower UK small businesses to better understand their environmental impact and embrace more sustainable practices and growth opportunities.
“The Green Growth Awards shine a spotlight on the small businesses that are not only driving sustainability but also setting the standard for innovation and growth,” said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT.
“It’s truly inspiring to see how these businesses are leveraging sustainable practices to achieve real business success and create positive change in their communities. We’re really proud to support this initiative.”
BT is also a member of the Willow Review Steering Board; a new independent review aiming to underline the financial case for sustainability for small businesses, which has been spearheaded by Small Business Britain and is backed by the UK Government.
The winners of the Green Growth Awards will be announced at a special event at BT’s Headquarters in London on 11 March 2025.
by Alison Shaw | Feb 20, 2025 | News
The Lights of Leamington Spotlight Festival 2025 opened in spectacular fashion last night, with over 3,000 attendees gathering to witness the breathtaking ‘By the Lake’ light show. Set against a stunning backdrop, this mesmerizing display of light and colour captivated audiences and was even featured LIVE on ITV Central News.
Over 200 attendees were enchanted by the sold-out Candlelight Concert in All Saints Church Leamington, where the Signature String Quartet delivered an absolutely magical performance, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and music.
In the Pump Room Gardens, crowds were left enchanted by the bandstand illuminated by LAMP Leamington, which showed the park in the new light. Meanwhile, in Jephson Gardens, the dazzling spinning disco ball heart by Jephson’s Clock Tower was a highlight. This sparkling feature will take centre stage once again during the Silent Disco events on Friday and Saturday nights, promising even more unforgettable moments.
The festival continues for four more nights until Sunday, 23rd February, running from 5pm to 9pm each evening. Food and drink is also available at The Aviary Cafe and Riverside Glasshouse, which has been renamed Jephson Tavern to reflect past times.
In addition to the awe-inspiring light displays, visitors can enjoy a range of free activities, including free workshops, trails and competitions throughout Leamington town centre, making it a perfect outing for all ages.
For full details on events and attractions please explore this website (or visit us www.lightsofleamington.co.uk).
The cover photo and beautiful images below are credited to: James Callaghan (details – click here).
by Alison Shaw | Dec 10, 2024 | News
British fragrance house Jo Malone London opens the doors of its new store in Leamington Spa on Friday 13 December 2024!
“We are delighted to announce the news of our new Jo Malone London store opening in Leamington Spa. This elegant Regency town located in the heart of Warwickshire offers a sophisticated setting for Jo Malone London with its regal architecture and renowned spas. We believe that Leamington Spa’s charm and rich heritage perfectly complement our brand’s dedication to timeless elegance. ”
Rachel Baker, UK General Manager, Jo Malone London
Scent creates powerful memories. Jo Malone London is renowned for creating timeless, elegant scents and curating a world where every sense is indulged.
Jo Malone London’s fragrances are designed for discovery, carefully crafted to wear solo or layered together to make a personalised scent. Each fragrance is developed in partnership with a selection of the world’s most distinguished Master Perfumers using fine ingredients. Collections include a variety of Colognes, bath time indulgences and Home accessories, as well as seasonal scents and limited editions.
The brand’s bespoke style of service offers a modern take on luxury. Stylists are on-hand to help with expert advice, from choosing a new signature scent to finding the perfect present. Jo Malone London encourages the spirit of generosity and each gift is wrapped in the brand’s iconic cream and black box. A variety of personalisation options are available, such as engraving, allowing customers to make their purchases bespoke.
The heart of Jo Malone London is a Georgian townhouse in London’s Marylebone, while the worldwide network of stores are homes from home. These contemporary spaces are decorated with classic details, designed to inspire scented stories.
To celebrate the store opening, selected customers will be welcomed with a complementary gift.
Visit the new Jo Malone London store at: 67/67A Parade, Leamington Spa, CV32 4BA
Tel +44 (0) 0370 192 5470
Follow Jo Malone London on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram @JoMaloneLondon #JoMaloneLondonAbout
