by Stephanie Kerr | Aug 29, 2023 | News
Danish homeware retailer, Søstrene Grene, with 275+ stores worldwide, has announced its first opening in Warwickshire, with the exciting concept coming soon to Royal Leamington Spa.
Danish homewares store, Søstrene Grene, is set to open at Royal Priors Shopping Centre in Leamington Spa later this year, as the brand continues its rapid expansion throughout the UK. The official opening date is due to be announced very soon.
The brand’s signature labyrinth store layout and Scandinavian inspired aesthetics will be joining Waterstones, Pandora and Hobbs at Whitehead Court in Royal Priors. Offering a curated collection of Nordic inspired designs in a variety of homewares, including soft furnishings, kitchen products, furniture, gifts, hobby crafts, seasonal decorations and children’s toys including “mini home” products.
The ever-expanding retail chain sets out to enrich everyday life by sharing the Danish notion of ‘hygge’ – a special state of contentment, warmth and belonging that comes from seeking comfort and gratitude in present moments. Whilst the trademark labyrinth layout allows customers to explore the store amongst subdued lighting and the sounds of classical music to enhance the relaxing atmosphere.
Mikkel Grene, CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, comments: “We are thrilled to be opening very soon in Royal Leamington Spa. We can’t wait to introduce the local community and beyond to the wonderful world of Søstrene Grene, as well as the Danish concept of ‘hygge’.”
Les Watkins, Deputy Centre Manager at Royal Priors said: “Sostrene Grene are going to be a fantastic new addition to Royal Priors and Leamington Spa, with such a variety of product ranges for the home. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming customers to the new store opening.”
The new store will follow a whole host of successful recent openings across the south of England, including Cheltenham, Wandsworth and High Wycombe. UK Joint Venture Partners, Norma Jacob and Richard Power, who run Søstrene Grene stores across Northern Ireland, Southern England and Scotland, are looking forward to their next opening.
Norma Jacob comments: “Søstrene Grene is currently undergoing an exciting expansion across the UK and we couldn’t be happier to have a location in the beautiful county of Warwickshire. The store will be a great addition to Royal Priors, enhancing the already impressive retail offering.”
Richard Power adds: “We are really looking forward to our next opening in Royal Leamington Spa. It has been a truly remarkable year of openings so far, and we look forward to seeing the business continue to grow throughout the UK across 2023 and beyond.”
To find out more about Søstrene Grene visit: sostrenegrene.com or follow them on Instagram: @sostrenegrene
by Stephanie Kerr | Aug 15, 2023 | News
Leamington-based internationally renowned dance-circus company Motionhouse will be thrilling visitors at this year’s EcoFest with two performances of their hugely popular outdoor production, WILD.
With its gravity-defying dance-circus, WILD explores humanity’s growing disconnect with the natural world and our impact on the environment. Showcasing the powerful physicality distinctive to this trailblazing local company, this daring show has been a major hit with audiences in the UK and across Europe since its premiere in 2019.
WILD creates an urban forest in the everyday of the city. Celebrating nature and the environment, performers move through a forest of tall poles, which forms the striking set for WILD. The performers move animal-like through the dangerous world of the forest floor, taking refuge high in the canopy, exploring how in our modern lives, the wild can still shape human behaviour.
The production will be performed twice at EcoFest, which takes place at the Pump Room Gardens from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 2 September 2023. Visitors to the event will be able to see WILD performed at 1pm and 4pm, and is completely free to watch and is suitable for all ages.
Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts and Economy said: “We’re so lucky to have such an incredible company like Motionhouse based right here at the Town Hall in Leamington Spa.
“Their performances excite audiences all over the world and really make them think about the message they’re conveying. WILD is a fantastic fit for EcoFest, and I look forward to watching the performances. I would like to extend our thanks to Motionhouse and to BID Leamington, for enabling this to happen.”
Motionhouse’s appearance at EcoFest has been made possible thanks to funding from BID Leamington. Executive Director Stephanie Kerr said: “Executive Director, Stephanie Kerr said “We are very proud to have world class dance-circus company Motionhouse based in the heart of our town centre, developing their incredible work. So it is wonderful to see their work showcased to our local community at Ecofest on the 2nd of September. The performance of ‘WILD’, which celebrates nature and the environment in an urban forest of tall poles which dancers move through in spectacular harmony, also provides a wonderful expression of the ideas fostered by Ecofest. We can’t wait to see this performance!”
Louise Richards, Co-founder and Executive Director of Motionhouse said: “We’re very excited to be able to share WILD with our local community at EcoFest. WILD is a truly thrilling show that is perfect for the whole family, so we do hope lots of people from the local area will be able to join us for one of the performances. We’re proud to be celebrating 35 years in Leamington Spa this year, so that makes it even more special. This brilliant town has enabled us to build the company into the success that it is, enabling us to make work locally to tour globally.”
by Stephanie Kerr | Jul 24, 2023 | Blogs
Saturday 2 September 2023 marks the return of the popular EcoFest to Leamington’s Pump Room Gardens.
Taking place from 10am to 5pm, EcoFest celebrates everything eco with a range of have-a-go sessions and activities covering everything from wellbeing, fitness and sustainability, a delicious choice of local & sustainable food and a variety of music from local artists on the bandstand.
Visitors will also be able to browse a range of stalls from local businesses offering healthy and sustainable alternatives, with charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) there to talk about the work they do in the community to combat climate change and improve people’s health and wellbeing.
The event has attracted over 4,000 visitors since it first began in 2019 and has now become a staple part of the town’s events calendar.
Councillor James Kennedy, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said: “Since it first began, EcoFest has proven to be a great success, demonstrating that people consciously want to make a difference to their environment.
“With the declaration of a climate emergency and more recently an ecological emergency, there has never been a more important time for us all to look at making positive changes that will improve both our own and the planet’s health.
“Our Climate Emergency Action Plan is designed to improve our residents’ standard of living by addressing traffic congestion, improving air quality, enhancing biodiversity, and encouraging more energy efficient homes and public buildings.
“It’s an event designed for everyone, so I encourage as many as possible to attend and commit to at least one change they can make that will truly make a difference.”
And for the first time this year, local dance-circus company Motionhouse who are based at the Town Hall, will be performing WILD at EcoFest. WILD explores our relationship with the natural environment, creating an urban forest in the everyday of the city. Using the powerful physicality distinctive to Motionhouse, performers use dynamic choreography, acrobatic movement and hand-to-hand partnering to move through a forest of tall poles, which forms the striking set for WILD. From the top of the pole, life in the canopy looks down onto the forest floor – a dangerous world of unknown meetings.
Steph Kerr, Executive Director at BID Leamington, said: “
Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts and Economy, added: “EcoFest is a fantastic event for families and those that are looking to take the first steps towards an eco-friendly future. It’s an event that’s good for us all and good for the planet, so come along and take part in the diverse range of activities, enjoy the locally sourced and sustainable food including vegan and vegetarian options, and see how we can all get active in our district’s wonderful parks.”
To keep up to date with the event:
Visit the website – www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ecofest
Join the Facebook event – www.facebook.com/events/193060523201151/
by Stephanie Kerr | Jul 7, 2023 | Blogs
Royal Leamington Spa…proud past, exciting present, fascinating future
In 1838, Queen Victoria granted the Royal Warrant to Leamington Spa. From that day onward it was Royal Leamington Spa.
In 1988, Queen Elizabeth II visited the town to unveil a plaque commemorating the 150th anniversary of the charter. The plaque sits proudly in the Town Hall, overlooking the Parade along which both monarchs travelled.
If either of their Majesties revisited Royal Leamington Spa in 2023, they would still recognise much: the handsome Town Hall; the Parade with its broad sweep of shops and cafes; magnificent Jephson Gardens; the elegant Pump Rooms. But they would also find a town which is fast-evolving. A place which embraces the future as passionately as it celebrates its history.
It was the creative entrepreneurial spirit within Leamington that first put the spa into this spa town. Acquisition of the Royal Warrant was driven not by the pursuit of status but by a culture of health and wellbeing. That culture still resonates. Creativity is threaded through the town’s history. It has a resounding track record of innovation, from automotive design to abstract art and from developing World War II camouflage to leadership in the 21st century digital creative sector.
Leamington Spa has a strong economy and vibrant business community and the reason for that transcends economic factors. It’s also about quality of life with a remarkably broad hospitality and shopping offer – 70 per cent of the town’s businesses are independent.
“It’s a town with excellent DNA,” said Stephanie Kerr, executive director at BID Leamington. “It really is a lovely place to live and work, and a wonderful place to visit. We are very lucky here because the town is so well-connected, externally and internally. It is very walkable and its wider links to cities, airports and universities are excellent.
“Of course, we are not immune to the challenges that are facing all town centres these days, but we are reacting to them. Businesses here are positively responding in a very creative and proactive way. There are also a number of exciting developments coming down the track for Leamington.”
Those developments include major projects powered by £10 million from the Future High Streets Fund. These improvements to the Town Hall and transformation of the Grade Two-listed United Reformed Church into state-of-the-art workspaces. Meanwhile, private investment is flowing into the town centre. Video game giant Sumo Digital has leased the top two floors of the newly renovated former House of Fraser department store on the Parade in a move which will bring 400 jobs later this year.
Supporting this investment is the legacy of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. The town hosted the bowls events at the Games and thousands of visitors were greeted by new signage around the town centre and an attractive new railway station forecourt.
Nearby, the green spaces of the ‘Spa Gardens’ extend through the heart of town alongside the River Leam. The Pump Room Gardens stretch from the historic Pump Rooms which were recently refurbished with a £1.4million Heritage Lottery Fund grant. The public realm space at Livery Street has become a renowned foodie hub while Jephson Gardens offer architectural features of a grandeur which convinced rock band Ocean Colour Scene to pose there for the cover of their 1996 album Moseley Shoals. Overlooking all is a Corinthian-style temple housing a marble statue of the eponymous Dr Henry Jephson whose mission, during 60 years as a Leamington resident (1818-1878) was to promote the healing properties of the towns’ spa waters. That drive for wellbeing continues to shape the town today.
Sport and leisure has long been integral to Leamington life. Victoria Park has hosted many national and international bowls tournaments. In 1872 the world’s first Lawn Tennis Club was formed in the town and ten years later Warwickshire County Cricket Club was founded at a meeting in the Regent Hotel. Leamington Football Club, nicknamed ‘the Brakes’ after a core product of industrial giant Automotive Products which employed thousands in the district for decades, is a great example of a small business supporting the local community.
Leamington also benefits from supportive local authorities. Warwickshire County Council, principally through its towns and regeneration teams, and Warwick District Council are deeply involved in numerous programmes and initiatives around the town. These include the Mill Street Exchange, an advice shop staffed by members of the County Council’s Economy & Skills team set in the public area at One Mill Street, a privately-run co-working space which has an immensely positive and supportive community of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
For centuries, Leamington has drawn visitors from across the world for both business and leisure purposes. In the last 30 years, another string has been added to its bow as it emerged as a hotbed of digital creative excellence and the Video Game Development Sector, in particular. Leamington’s tech sector has been entrusted with the legacy of some of the most famous characters in the world. Mickey Mouse, Shrek, Sonic the Hedgehog and Pac-Man have all continued their adventures in video game studios in the centre of town. With over 3,500 employees across 83 studios, Leamington Spa is the largest games cluster outside London & the South West in the UK, equating to well over 10% of the total game development employment in the country. There’s no doubting that Royal Leamington Spa is a global powerhouse of video game development. Queen Victoria might need a bit of time to gen up on the subject, but she would definitely approve…!
by Stephanie Kerr | May 9, 2023 | Blogs
Heartbreak Productions is back for its 31st Year of bringing Unique Outdoor Theatre Experiences to audiences across the UK. Every summer they pack up the vans and bid a cheerful farewell to their teams of actors. From Cornwall to Aberdeenshire, in the sunshine or the rain, Heartbreak audiences gather at National Trust properties, garden centres, and city parks to partake of what is a traditional part of a British summer – open-air theatre.
When it comes to theatre in the great outdoors, nobody does it like Heartbreak. Familiar British classics are often framed in alternate settings. Actors weave in and out of the audience, occasionally purloining something from a picnic, and sometimes an audience member will be requested onstage to “help” with a particular part of the play.
This year Heartbreak brings three brand new titles to its repertoire. Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility invites all the ladies and gentlemen to the Matchmaker’s Ball, where Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are eager to meet gentlemen of amiable countenance and good fortune. Based on an original piece of writing by Michael Davies, MacHamLear, pits the most-loved Shakespearean tragedies against each other in the Battle of Bard. David Walliams’ Bad Dad completes the trio. This modern family favourite follows the highs and lows of a father-son relationship with chases, escapes, disguises, and a comedic auntie with literary aspirations to round it all off nicely.
Maddy Kerr, Heartbreak’s Executive Director, says “We are delighted to be premiering three brand-new shows this summer. We are also sensitive to the fact that times are still very uncertain for so many. With this in mind we are continuing to offer Pay What You Can tickets at several venues, BSL interpreted performances, complimentary tickets for carers, and discounts for NHS employees. We want anyone who would like to experience theatre to have that opportunity. With an eye on sustainability, we are planting trees this summer to help counteract the environmental effects of touring, and all the paper used for our programmes is sourced from sustainable FSC forests and include recycled pulp fibbers. Our printers also Carbon Capture our order by planting trees with the Woodland Trust.”
Heartbreak will be in its hometown, Leamington Spa May 31st – June 11th. They’ll be performing at the beautiful Jephson Gardens, before they head off to destinations around the UK. So, pack a picnic, grab something to sit on and either your sun cream or your rain poncho and head to Jephson Gardens for a unique outdoor theatre experience. Tickets and further information can be found on the Heartbreak website www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
by Stephanie Kerr | Mar 9, 2023 | News
Mothers’ Day is going to be ‘parfait’ this year, as Leamington Spa French restaurant creates a mouth-watering menu in celebration of the nation’s mother figures.
Bistrot Pierre, in the heart of Leamington Spa, is inviting families to say “Merci Maman” on Sunday 19th March, with a specially-designed three course menu, for the whole family enjoy.
Available to relish all day, guests can choose from a range of Bistrot classics, including a fricassee de champignons and chicken liver parfait, as well as a range of new dishes, introduced especially for the occasion.
Pan fried salmon with a citrus hollandaise and a delightful risotto vert will join Bistrot Pierre favourites, including the signature boeuf bourguignon and Sunday staple – the roast, with unlimited Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and gravy.
To finish, diners will be spoilt for choice from a delectable selection of desserts, including the French classics, the Paris-Brest and a tarte au chocolat, both new especially for Mothers’ Day.
And for those lucky Club Bistrot Pierre members, each booking’s celebratory guest of choice will be gifted a delicious complimentary Elderflower and Raspberry G&T. With everything prepared by the talented Bistrot Pierre chefs and mixologists, the whole family can relax and enjoy quality time together on this special occasion.
“We are delighted to be welcoming families to celebrate with us this Mothers’ Day”, says Nick White, CEO of Bistrot Pierre, “We have carefully prepared our menu, with delicious and varied ingredients, and combining our hero dishes with wonderful new additions, which we can’t wait for our guests to enjoy.
“We hope that Bistrot Pierre will provide the perfect location for our guests to say thank you to their loved one this Mothers’ Day and enjoy an extra special treat together.”
The Mother’s Day menu is £24.95 for three courses and is available all day on Sunday 19th March only.
For further information about Bistrot Pierre and to book a table, visit: www.bistrotpierre.co.uk
Find them at 28 Park St, Leamington Spa, CV32 4QN
Phone 01926 426261
by Stephanie Kerr | Dec 8, 2022 | News
You can’t beat a festive tipple and when it comes to Christmas cocktails in Leamington town centre there are plenty of options.
From quirky cocktails to classic drinks, there’s a whole range of bars in Leamington offering the perfect place for a festive cocktail. Book in for after-work drinks, a few cocktails after your festive dinner or celebration, or take advantage of cocktail offers and bottomless brunches.
Here are a few suggestions for Christmas cocktail options in Leamington town centre, but don’t forget to check our full directory for every drinks option you’ll need this festive season.
Hart + Co.
Boasting the quirkiest cocktails in what they confess are the ‘pinkest surroundings’, Hart + Co. is one of the jewels in Leamington’s cocktail crown. They’re doing a festive version of their popular brunches, which includes cocktails galore, as well as plenty of photo opportunities.
Check out their Christmas cocktail options and other festive celebrations here.
Bedford Street
Bar and jazz eaterie Bedford Street is a great spot for any celebration, including Christmas.
The music venue doesn’t just boast a late bar and a garden terrace, but also offers Igloo Hire, which are a great option for festive drinks and fun. Visit their website here.
Fizzy Moon Brewhouse
Fizzy Moon Brewhouse & Grill is well known for its microbrewery and huge gin selection, but it’s also a great option for Christmas cocktails or a bite to eat.
As well as festive buffet options and three-course meals, they’re offering drinks packages and their impressive ‘Fizzy’s welcome festive trees’ that are guaranteed to go down a storm for your Christmas celebration. Check them out here.
Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay’s 2-4-1 happy hour is a popular choice for cocktail-lovers all year round, and the festive season is no different.
For a Christmas celebration with a Caribbean vibe, head to the Regent Court venue for 2-4-1 cocktails, and maybe a bite to eat too. Visit their website here for menus and details.
Villa Capri
Villa Capri is best known as an Italian restaurant but is also home to a luxurious Lounge perfect for enjoying some festive cocktails in Leamington.
Offering everything from cocktails to wines and aperitivo, it’s just the place for any occasion all year round, including Christmas drinks with colleagues or festive fun with the family. Find out more about their cocktails and mocktails here.
Las Iguanas
When it comes to Christmas drinks, Las Iguanas has you covered. The Latin American bar and restaurant is helping you celebrate Christmas with an extra hit of festive fizz thanks to its ‘Navidad Nights’ offering late-night Bottomless Brunch on selected dates in December.
If it’s just the drinks you’re after, enjoy 2-4-1 cocktails all day every day – perfect for those Christmas cocktails. Check out more information here.
House
House Leamington, offer a selection of Christmas cocktails for your enjoyment this festive season.
They offer everything from House and Premium cocktails to Virgin options for those who don’t fancy an alcoholic drink and ‘Party Starters’ for those who can’t wait to get on the dancefloor. Find out about how to get in those last few drinks at House on their website.
Don’t forget to book in with your favourite local venue for Christmas cocktails or a Christmas meal to remember. Check out all of Leamington’s food and drink venues on our Taste Leamington directory here.
by Stephanie Kerr | Nov 22, 2022 | Blogs
It’s never too early to start planning your festive celebrations, and Leamington town centre is the perfect place for a Christmas meal, whether with colleagues, friends or family.
Book now for a festive meal to suit everyone’s tastes, whether you go for a traditional Christmas meal, or a world food option from one of Leamington’s many restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.
The list is long but we’ve picked out 10 places to look at for your festive meal in Leamington, but head over to our full website for all the places you could choose. Just make sure you book early – it’s going to be a busy time in the town.
The Drawing Board
Always a popular choice for great food and fun, The Drawing Board has a special Christmas Party menu. Don’t forget to check out their trademark tapas too. Visit their website here.
Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay is bringing a Caribbean Christmas to Leamington with two and three-course festive menus in what they call a ‘laid back festive feasting experience’. There’s also a bottomless brunch experience and their normal late-night happy hour. For more information, visit turtlebay.co.uk/christmas
The Royal Pug
Popular neighbourhood pub The Royal Pug serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, real ales, fine wines, cocktails, and Sunday roasts all year round and this festive season they’re adding Christmas menus as well as sharing planks to the offering. Check them out here.
Cote
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or need space for a bigger group, Cote is offering a three-course festive menu available from 30th November to Christmas Eve. Visit their website here.
Casa Valle
For a Mediterranean feel to your Christmas meal, get booked in at Casa Valle for a two or three course meal with the option to add some fizz on arrival. You’ll find more information on their website.
Bistrot Pierre
For a French-inspired festive feast, head to Bistrot Pierre. They’ve got special festive menus plus drinks packages to accompany your special Christmas meal. Check out their website for all their offerings here.
Las Iguanas
Plan a festive fiesta at Latin American restaurant Las Iguanas. They’ve got something on the menu for everyone, from a two or three-course feast to the return of their late-night Bottomless Brunches. Find out more here.
Bedford Street
Boasting live music and a late bar, Bedford Street isn’t just a place for Christmas drinks, offering festive lunches and dinners as well as buffet options. You can even hire an igloo for your festive Christmas meal. Check out their website here.
The White Horse
The White Horse has put together a selection of great dishes to enjoy this festive season. They’ve got festive food menus as well as kids’ options and buffet choices too. Visit their website and start planning your Christmas meal in Leamington today.
Middletons Steakhouse
Middletons Steakhouse is offering Christmas party set menus, or you can order from their a la carte menu. There’s the option to add drinks packages and it just might be the perfect place for your festive feast. Check out all the options here.
Don’t forget to book in early for your festive meal in Leamington town centre. Check out all of Leamington’s food and drink venues on our Taste Leamington directory here.
by Stephanie Kerr | Nov 3, 2022 | News
The Open 2022, an exciting exhibition providing a showcase for artists living and working in the West Midlands, is now officially open and Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum has been inundated with fabulous reviews from visitors so far. Here are just a few:
“What a wonderful, diverse selection of exhibits, something of everything, large and small. What talent and imagination”
“My second visit and I’ve seen even more beauty!”
“Love it! A vibrant show”
“Excellent standard of work”
Last seen in 2019, the Open has been a regular and popular feature of Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum’s (LSAG&M) programme since the 1930s. Open 2022 is an eclectic mix of artistic forms, with previous ‘Opens’ featuring, amongst others, sculpture, photography, installation pieces, computer generated imagery and textiles.
An independent panel of judges have selected artworks for the exhibition and the winner of the Open 2022 Award was awarded on launch night. Mark Elsmore has won £1,000 for his stunning watercolour Gouache entitled ‘Playlist’. You can see his work on display now.
The exhibition provides an opportunity to vote for your favourite artwork, which will receive the People’s Choice Award of £500. Visitors can vote for their favourite piece of art by filling in a voting slip. Voting closes on Sunday 11th December.
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum Open 2022 – Friday 7th October – Sunday 8th January | Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum website: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms/site/index.php
Open 2022 webpage:
leamingtonopen2022.artopps.co.uk/
by Stephanie Kerr | Oct 25, 2022 | News
Over the last month, Belvoir! has supported Myton Hospice by taking part in a sponsored skydive and their recent Charity Golf Day!
John and Conors skydive was from 13,000ft, once you exit the airplane you accelerate to 120 mph, covering each thousand feet in approximately five seconds. At 5,000ft the instructor deploys the parachute and guides you to a safe landing. “John and Conor said it was the most amazing feeling when you initially free fall, completely exhilarating! They managed to raise £1000 in aid of Myton Hospice for the skydive in a short amount of time due to signing up for the skydive on 2 days notice.
Also… Belvoir! had an amazing day at Myton Hospice Charity Golf Day. Hosted by Myton Hospice, Belvoir! entered 3 teams into the day and sponsored a hole. It was held at Finham Golf Club in Coventry where over 20 local business entered a team in to play. They had an amazing day and they will be attending this amazing event for years to come in aid of such a brilliant cause.
A big thank you to our family, team, friends, contractors and landlords for their kind donations.
Take a look here to find out more about Belvoir! and Myton Hospice!
