Life in Leam

What happens if you mix some cookie dough and some magic?  The answer is Snickerwoodles Magical Bakery which recently opened on Regent Street. It might be magical but it’s no longer entirely a mystery as owner Sally Rees tells us how it got started, how their locally sourced ingredients help them to be a favourite of customers with dietary restrictions, and what on earth a Snickerwoodle is anyway.  https://wickedcookies.co.uk/

The redevelopment of the building on Parade previously occupied by House of Fraser has been a source of curiosity in Leamington for the best part of five years.  Finally the building work is over, and Bedford Street Studios is real.  But what’s happening there?  Site Manager Ben Rye explains all.  Website

With the Leamington half-marathon staged recently, now seems a good moment to check-out its more accessible sibling, parkrun.  A Saturday morning tradition at Newbold Comyn since 2011. I went along to talk with Co-Event Director Dave Chantrey, some volunteers. runners and walkers to find out what makes parkrun a very special weekly fixture in their calendars, and how you too can get involved. Website

There’s something happening on 12th July and “it’s a choral revolution” proclaims choir founder Harvey Brough.  He takes a few minutes away from rehearsals to tell us about how he and the choir are preparing songs by Nina Simone, Johnny Cash and Randy Newman for their 2nd concert following their sell-out tribute to The Kinks in April. Some tickets still available from Eventbrite.

A couple of months ago, optometrist Sukhi Cheema took the huge step of opening her own optician’s practice on Regent Street in the centre of town. With several optician’s shops already nearby, she tells us why she is passionate about offering a different kind of eye care, grounded in her own ethos, specialisms and experience. Website

Anytime Fitness popped up on the Parade in May 2025.  A new sight in town, we went to investigate and caught up with Rob Kelly the Club Manager to understand what it’s all about - and why a man with large hammers was stood outside during its first weeks of opening.  Website 

Closing its doors for the final time,  the end of Stone the Crows is also the end of an era in Leamington.  We managed to track down founder and owner John Allan to understand why the crows are finally flying the nest and to reflect on his many years of trading in eclectic homewares, mixed with the very best in party toys.  (Photo: John between husband-and-wife shop management duo Denis and Millie).

Hidden under a railway arch just off the High Street is a story of transformation.  Early in 2024 during a night out, Carl Harris decided it would be a nice idea to take his engineering workshop and turn it into a wine bar and music venue.  As you do!   The result is the Southbound Café Bar. A hidden gem which has already garnered an enthusiastic and loyal following.  Carl tells us about the journey that he and his family have been on, what Southbound Café Bar offers to us, and means to him. Website

The smell of freshly baked bread and croissants and other tasties has been wafting across Park Street for a few months now.  We track down the source of those aromas at Corner Cottage Bakery and get a glimpse of founder Sarah Thornber’s recipe for success. Website

Sunday evenings, 8pm until midnight a strange thing happens at the St Patricks Irish Club down on the riverside.  The music turns distinctly Latin and Club Cubana Salsa becomes a thing.   DJ Mani Muchasalsa, who has been hosting these sessions since 2012 tells us about the Salsa classes and dance parties which have become a Leamington Sunday night staple.  Website