by Alison Shaw | Oct 8, 2025 | News
Leamington Spa and Warwick to Turn Pink for Cancer Research UK
Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick town centres are set to blossom into a sea of pink from 11 to 19 October as volunteers from Cancer Research UK launch the first-ever Turn the Town Pink campaign.
The vibrant nine-day celebration will bring together local businesses, residents, and visitors in a shared mission to raise life-saving funds, honour those affected by cancer, and shine a light on hope and progress in cancer research.
Similar events across the UK have already raised more than £20,000 this year, and with over 80 Warwickshire retailers signed up, this promises to be one of the biggest yet.
From pink shopfronts to themed events, Turn Leamington Pink! and Turn Warwick Pink! are transforming the towns into living ribbons of support.
Participating retailers are decking out their windows, staff, and displays in pink, offering exclusive promotions, giveaways, and raffles — with many donating a percentage of sales directly to Cancer Research UK.
You’ll spot collection boxes and pink posters across town with the message:
“You Donate. We Discover.”
So wear your brightest pink, snap and share your photos, and be part of the transformation — because together, we are beating cancer.
There’s so much to enjoy in both towns throughout the week — from pink shopfronts and themed displays to special offers, raffles, and community events including
- Craft Fair: 11–12 and 18–19 October at Upper Mall, Royal Priors Shopping Centre
- Bake Sale: 15 October, 2–4pm at Bedford Street Studios
- NVHer Pink Party 15 October, 5-8pm in store Warwick
- The Pink Diner: 20 October at Hart & Co (tickets via campaign team)
- The Pink Whisper Speakeasy: secret 1920s-themed experience below The Terrace (tickets via campaign team)
Be sure to check out the Paint Leamington Pink Trail on the Love Leam App, which highlights more than 50 town centre businesses proudly taking part. Each one has added their own creative touch to the pink transformation — so explore, shop and soak up the community spirit!
There is still time to get involved …
- Follow & share using hashtags #TurnLeamingtonPink and #TurnWarwickPink
- Public: wear pink, visit participating stores, donate via QR codes or collection boxes, and join the Paint Leamington Pink Trail via the Love Leam App
- Share your photos on social media to keep the pink energy flowing!
Deborah Barleggs, Chair of the Leamington & Warwick Cancer Research UK Local Volunteer Committee commented “I’ve been fundraising for Cancer Research UK for over 20 years, inspired by the charity’s invaluable work, by survivors I’m lucky to know, and in memory of loved ones,”
“The enthusiasm from local businesses has been incredible — creative, generous, and ready to say ‘yes’. It’s going to be a fun, inspiring week.”
Stay connected for updates, follow @crukleamandwarwick on Instagram and CRUK Leamington on Facebook, or visit the fundraising page:
fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/leamington-spa-warwick-local-committee
To learn more about Cancer Research UK’s vital work, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org
Press Enquiries:
For interviews or campaign information, contact: crukleamingtonandwarwick@gmail.com
by Stephanie Kerr | Sep 9, 2025 | News
It was a big ‘thumbs up’ from everyone for this year’s Leamington Food and Drink Festival as thousands of foodies descended on the Pump Room Gardens at the weekend to celebrate one of the region’s most popular culinary events.
This year the organisers, BID Leamington, felt the festival was extra special as it comes at the time when local food and drink businesses really need an extra boost, and along with the sunshine, the locally focused family friendly vibe really shone through.
Over two days, around 120 exhibitors showcased with a smile, an irresistible mix of flavours, serving up everything from burgers, jerk chicken and pizzas to gyros, burritos, loaded hotdogs and curries. There was also every kind of drink imaginable from local beers, spirits, wines, cocktails, matcha smoothies, shakes, speciality coffees, soft drinks and more!
For those with a sweet tooth, the choice was just as tempting – cakes, ice cream, brownies, doughnuts, cookies, churros and cannoli filled the stalls, alongside artisan produce such as chutneys, jams, cheeses, pies and freshly baked bread.
The family-friendly two-day event, which this year was sponsored by Davidsons Law, also delivered a packed programme of live entertainment, demonstrations and hands-on fun!
Crowds at the Live Cookery Theatre enjoyed learning butchery skills with Russell Allen of Aubrey Allen, spice blending with Michael Price of Prices Spices, creative cooking tips from the fabulous Bia Rodrigues from BIA’s Kitchen Show, along with the culinary secrets of Michael Webber of Good Food Cartel, and authentic flavours from Rosa’s Thai.
The bandstand was buzzing, providing the festival soundtrack with a wide mix of live music, featuring the ever-popular Room 17, Abi Rowberry and Sam Lawrence, as well as the uplifting harmonies of the Big Sing Choir and the distinctive sounds of Sweet Mischief and Man Made Moon.
Children were also kept busy with fun, hands-on sessions at the Kid’s Cookery School, led by Anne Marie Lambert of Get Cooking! where budding young chefs could roll up their sleeves and get creative in the kitchen.
Adding to the fun Everyone Active brought along interactive activities, including a thrilling axe-throwing challenge and penalty shoot-out competitions, which proved to be a big hit with families throughout the weekend.
Festival organiser Alison Shaw, Project Manager at BID Leamington, hailed the weekend as one of the best yet. She said “Leamington Food and Drink Festival is a wonderful event to organise, and delivers a fabulous weekend of food, drink and entertainment for all ages. We are hugely grateful to the local community for their support and wish to thank our traders, staff and wonderful volunteers who made our 18th annual festival such a success”.
Stephanie Kerr, Chief Executive at BID Leamington, agreed wholeheartedly and said, “It was great to see so many people out, with many commenting that they loved the friendly atmosphere. This is really important to us as it is a community festival, with many friends and family members involved in helping the traders and behind the scenes. We really want people to come and love it”.
The Leamington Food Festival will be back in 2026, and in the meantime, visitors can continue to enjoy many of the traders here in the town centre. Please see the royal-leamington-spa.co.uk website for a full listing and download the free ‘Love Leam App’ for loyalty offers, deals and trails.
For the full programme and latest updates, visit: www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk
Please enjoy this selection of photos.
Photo Captions
- Room 17 closing the Saturday afternoon slot on the bandstand at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- Thumbs up from Amy, Josh and their children as they enjoy the food at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- Local business owner Charlie from Zero with her planet friendly products at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- The Wicked Cookies stall at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- Family fun at the Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- The Boiler Room in Leamington serving up a range of drinks at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- Russell Allen sharing butchery skills on the Live Cookery Theatre sponsored by Davidsons Law at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- Bia Rodrigues from BIA’s Kitchen Show sharing her passion with local fans on the Live Cookery Theatre at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- Local favourite Shakespeare Spit Roast Company at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- Michael Price of Prices Spices who also demonstrated on the Live Cookery Theatre at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- The Warwick Street Kitchen team serving coffee and bakery treats at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- Local business owner Rosemary from Cenu Cacao wowing customers with locally made chocolate at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- RT Catering serving with a smile at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- The World’s Smallest Irish Bar makes an appearance at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
- Stilt Man aka ‘Willy Wonka’ made a welcome return to Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
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 Stephanie Kerr | Jul 28, 2025 | News
A much-loved neighbourhood gem, Oscar’s French Steakhouse & Bistro is proud to be celebrating a major milestone: 21 years of serving classic French food with flair in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa.
In an era where independent hospitality venues face unprecedented challenges, Oscar’s stands tall as a rare success story – not only as a family-run bistro with deep community roots, but as part of a wider legacy of excellence in British food craftsmanship. The restaurant is proudly owned by Coventry-based butchers Aubrey Allen, who were recently honoured with the Royal Warrant to His Majesty The King – a prestigious recognition of quality, service, and heritage – as well as its own 90th Birthday celebrations.
This remarkable link between Oscar’s and one of Britain’s most respected food suppliers shines through in every dish served – from the carefully selected steaks to the commitment to seasonal, ethically sourced ingredients.
To mark this special occasion, Oscar’s is hosting a 21st Birthday Celebration that promises to be a joyful nod to two decades of hard work, passion, and community support. The event will feature a celebratory menu, music, and of course, a glass or two of bubbles.
“We’re incredibly proud to reach this milestone,” says Russell Allen, Managing Director of Aubrey Allen. “So many restaurants haven’t made it through the past few years, so this celebration isn’t just about us – it’s about the incredible support from our loyal guests and team who’ve been part of the Oscar’s story.”
As part of the birthday festivities, Oscar’s will run Provence Month throughout August – a nod to the home region of Maître d’ Pascal. Diners can enjoy special dishes inspired by customer favourites over the years, as well as some nostalgic nods to the bistro’s earliest menus.
by Stephanie Kerr | Jun 3, 2025 | News
Local luxury dog boutique, Henderson Hound, has partnered up with behaviour expert and award-winning trainer The Spaniel Guru, for a unique, one-day, free instore event. Designed especially for Spaniels (and their owners), visitors will be able to attend exclusive advice sessions with expert The Spaniel Guru, Hannah Antrobus, explore her exclusive Spaniel Edit of hand-picked products and get top tips on care, training and must-have accessories.
Hannah an award-winning trainer and behaviour consultant based in Leamington Spa, works with Spaniels all over the world and is known for her practical compassionate approach to behaviour and training. She’s thrilled to be teaming up with Henderson Hound for a day dedicated to Spaniels and Spaniel crosses whether that be Cocakapoo, Cavapoo or Sproodle.
The Spaniel Guru commented:
“Spaniel breeds are bright, enthusiastic, and often misunderstood. This event is all about giving owners simple, realistic advice that actually works while helping them understand what is going on in that brilliant little Spaniel brain. There’s no judgement here, just support, reassurance and a celebration of everything that makes Spaniels so wonderfully unique.”
Taking place on Sunday 22nd June, Henderson Hound, a much-loved local retailer of dogs’ accessories from local and UK makers, will be opening their doors for just one unique breed, the Spaniel. Taking three places in Britain’s top 10 favourite dog breeds[1], the Kennel Club last year had approximately 33,000 Cocker Spaniels registered, 22,000 English Springer Spaniels and 3,200 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Indeed, it’s thought there could be up to 1.5 million Cocker Spaniels right now across the UK, with many of them enjoying the local areas parks – from Jephson to Newbold Comyn.
Claire Henderson, co-founder of Henderson Hound comments:
“At Henderson Hound we don’t just sell dog accessories, we believe in a strong local community of dog lovers who want the best for their pups. Whether squirrel chaser or a sofa potato, we welcome all dogs and their patient owners instore, but this Leamington Spa-niel day is set to be extra special. We couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with The Spaniel Guru, a real expert in this field and known for keeping it real – no judgment – just lots of wagging tails and wisdom!”
Visit the store on 43 Park Street to check out the Spaniel Edit: a collection of hand-picked products, from training leads, harnesses and treats, all designed perfectly for the Spaniel. To find out more visit www.hendersonhound.co.uk
Event Details:
What: Celebrate Leamington Spa-niel day, with The Spaniel Guru
Where: Henderson Hound, 43 Park Street, Leamington Spa
When: Sunday, 22nd June 2025 11am – 4pm
For more information, to speak with The Spaniel Guru or for pictures and interview with Henderson Hound contact Claire at hello@hendersonhound.co.uk
[1] yougov.co.uk/ratings/society/popularity/dog-breeds/all
by Stephanie Kerr | May 7, 2025 | News
Sukhi Eyes Opens as Leamington’s First Female-Owned Boutique Optometrist
Leamington Spa welcomed a new vision in eye care on 12th April 2025 with the official opening of Sukhi Eyes.
Founded by Leamington local Sukhi Cheema, who has over 25 years of experience in eye care, Sukhi Eyes blends fashion with clinical excellence. The practice utilises cutting-edge technology and is renowned for its personalised approach. Customers consistently praise the exceptional service and satisfaction they receive.
The grand opening was marked by strong community support, including the presence of Lord Mayor Judith Clarke, who officially cut the ribbon.
“Sukhi Eyes is a fantastic example of local talent and entrepreneurship. It’s wonderful to see such dedication to both health care and the community,” said the Mayor.
Sukhi, who has the support of the community ophthalmologists, and that of the former Charnley’s team is bringing eye care and styling in Leamington into a new era.
For appointments or more information, please visit sukhieyes.co.uk
by Stephanie Kerr | Mar 24, 2025 | News
Families are invited to hop around Leamington town centre as part of a fun-filled Easter egg hunt with a difference – with a host of prizes up for grabs.
The Great Easter Egg Hunt will see participants search for Easter eggs hidden in the windows of shops, cafes and restaurants across the town centre between April 12 – 27 inclusive.
The egg-citing event organised by BID Leamington will feature three trails, and people are asked to have a cracking time finding Easter eggs with letters on and gathering the clues to discover the Easter Bunny’s three favourite things to do.
This year 75 businesses are taking part in the event, and those who correctly gather all of the clues will be entered into a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a £100 voucher to spend in the town plus there is a host of other prizes kindly donated by participating businesses.
Entry forms are available from participating shops, Leamington’s Visitor Information Centre and the upper mall of Royal Priors Shopping Centre or you can download the form here!
Completed entries can be posted at the Easter post box located at Cenu Cacao, 114 Regent Street or the BID Leamington office, in Park Court.
Alison Shaw, Project Manager at BID Leamington, said: “We’re very excited to invite people to take part in our Great Easter Egg Hunt.
“It will be a great opportunity to have fun while visiting some of our excellent businesses across the town centre.
“The event has been very well supported and we have some incredible prizes on offer, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the town centre this Easter.
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.
