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

1. Room 17 closing the Saturday afternoon slot on the bandstand at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
2. Thumbs up from Amy, Josh and their children as they enjoy the food at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
3. Local business owner Charlie from Zero with her planet friendly products at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
4. The Wicked Cookies stall at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
5. Family fun at the Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
6. The Boiler Room in Leamington serving up a range of drinks at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
7. Russell Allen sharing butchery skills on the Live Cookery Theatre sponsored by Davidsons Law at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
8. 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.
9. Local favourite Shakespeare Spit Roast Company at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
10. Michael Price of Prices Spices who also demonstrated on the Live Cookery Theatre at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
11. The Warwick Street Kitchen team serving coffee and bakery treats at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
12. Local business owner Rosemary from Cenu Cacao wowing customers with locally made chocolate at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
13. RT Catering serving with a smile at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
14. The World’s Smallest Irish Bar makes an appearance at Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.
15. Stilt Man aka ‘Willy Wonka’ made a welcome return to Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2025.