by rls | Sep 11, 2020 | News
We are proud that Warwickshire based family business Aubrey Allen have been crowned National Catering Butcher 2020.
Aubrey Allen, who earlier this year won Chef’s favourite Butcher have succeeded again this time in an industry led event- Meat Management Industry Awards.
The awards, which took place virtually on Tuesday night, recognise the best in the business and Aubrey Allen were delighted to scoop the top award.
Russell Allen, Managing Director said “After the year we have all had, we are so pleased to be acknowledge by our peers as a leader in our industry. Our staff have had to continue to work through lockdown, managing stocks for us and many more have now returned have been giving their all to get the business back up and running so it’s fantastic news to be able to share with them”.
by rls | Aug 27, 2020 | News
One of Leamington’s best-loved attractions, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum is now officially open, after being closed for almost four months.
Located in the Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, shut its doors in mid-March, and has recently reopened. There has been an incredible response to the reopening of the venue, with hundreds of visitors coming through the Royal Pump Rooms doors, many of which tourists from neighbouring towns, as well as some visitors from as far afield as Devon!
Visitors have been particularly complimentary about the current exhibition, Making Histories: New responses to the Ceramics Collection. This exhibition was due to open in March 2020 but unfortunately was unable to due to lockdown. As a result, the exhibition will now be open until the end of the year, giving anyone who was looking forward to it, a good opportunity to view the exhibition.
“It has been so nice to be back in Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum. It is such an important part of Leamington and I have missed it whilst it was gone!”
“I’ve particularly enjoyed the ceramics exhibition, specifically the works of Rose Wallace, who if I has the money, I would buy them all. Thanks for a lovely, lovely, morning.”
Visitors are now able to book onto either a Thursday-Sunday morning (10am – 12pm) or afternoon slot (1pm – 3pm/ 1pm – 4pm weekends) through the gallery website – prebooking is one of the essential measures the art gallery has put into place to limit the spread of Covid-19. Other safety measures introduced are increased cleaning regimes as well as social distance floor markers and hand sanitizing stations. Viewing points have also been introduced for visitors to take in art for a little while longer, whilst allowing other visitors to safely walk past them.
As well as the safety measures, the Art Gallery has introduced better methods for viewing and experiencing the art work, including producing engaging video content for those who are not ready to visit the gallery yet (available on their YouTube channel), showcasing online exhibitions and collections, as well as creating a new audio tour which is due to be finished shortly.
For those wishing to visit the art gallery this weekend, it is essential that you prebook your tickets in advance on the gallery website, here www.warwickdc.gov.uk/artgallery
by rls | Aug 17, 2020 | News
Smowkhaus is the latest independent food concept to hit the buzzing Leamington food scene.
A joint venture between Bedford Street Bar and Smowkhaus.
Rani, owner of Bedford Street Bar and Mitch, founder of Smowkhaus, both shares the ethos of a relaxed but professional service and a welcoming vive as well as their love for BBQ and southern style smoked meat, it really was a no-brainer to work together.
We have southern pride American wood smoker which was imported from the States using a mix of oak, cherry, apple and hickory wood. All of our meat is locally sourced, free range and grass fed and butchered in Stratford upon Avon. We treat the meat just as well after its with us! Using our signature rubs and marinades we impart flavour and then smoke slowly at around 115 degrees for up to 14 hours to make our briskets and ribs mouth wateringly moist and tender.
Mitch, head chef has spent over 14 years perfecting the art of the perfect cook, the rubs, sauces, dustings and glazes come from years of practice and serious training, visiting Austin Texas to see the pros in action as well as working in Michelin star kitchens in London and the Lake district, we can be sure Smowkhaus certainly know what they are doing.
The ethos here is on a community spirit, Smowkhaus @ Bedford Street is the place you come to celebrate those awesome A level results as a family, that spot you meet your friends for a big catch up and a good feed and drink and the place you can bring the latest clients to impress. A warm relaxed atmosphere with great service from friendly staff will await you at Bedford Street.
We are beginning to work with P3, a homeless charity that do work with the community in Leamington. We cook and donate food for the homeless and those in need in our local community as well as offering up to a dozen new jobs for the locals in the hospitality sector, currently being ravaged by Covid 19.
We are very much looking to the future and we hope that our decision to open up proudly in these uncertain times will pave the way for the industry to get back up from its knees and march on to prosperity and success.
To find out more, Follow Bedford Street on Facebook and Instagram!
by rls | Jul 27, 2020 | News
One of Leamington’s best-loved attractions, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum has announced it will be officially reopening on Thursday 6th August, after being closed for almost four months.
Located in the Royal Pump Rooms, on Leamington’s Parade, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, shut its doors in mid-March, but is set to welcome visitors back to the venue, after an incredibly successful trial period in July.
Martyn Darvell, the Customer Services Manager comments:
“The reopening of the Royal Pump Rooms including the Art Gallery and Museum is really positive for Leamington Spa. The trial opening was very successful and it was fantastic to see visitors’ reactions to some of the new and existing works on display, whilst ensuring we operate safely with social distancing in place. We are delighted to be open again”
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum has also received the “We’re Good To Go” mark, which is the official UK mark to signify that the venue has worked hard to follow COVID-19 guidelines and has the appropriate processes in place to maintain these.
Visitors are now able to book onto either a Thursday-Sunday morning (10am – 12pm) or afternoon slot (1pm – 3pm/ 1pm – 4pm weekends) through the gallery website – prebooking is one of the measures the art gallery has put into place to limit the spread of Covid-19. Other safety measures introduced are increased cleaning regimes as well as social distance floor markers and hand sanitizing stations. Viewing points have also been introduced for visitors to take in art for a little while longer, whilst allowing other visitors to safely walk past them.
“I’ve loved being back in the gallery, it’s definitely a change from my daily routine, and a positive one for sure! It felt incredibly safe and spacious and the staff took great care of me during my visit.”
As well as the safety measures, the Art Gallery has introduced better methods for viewing and experiencing the art work, including producing engaging video content for those who are not ready to visit the gallery yet (available on their YouTube channel), showcasing online exhibitions and collections, as well as creating a new audio tour which is due to be finished shortly.
For those wishing to book a gallery visit for this weekend, prebook on the gallery website, here www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms
by rls | Jul 20, 2020 | News
Chocolate lovers in Warwickshire are in for a treat with the opening of a new luxury chocolate store today.
Cenu Cacao chocolate shop proudly opened its doors at 114 Regent Street. Leamington
The luxury chocolatier is known for producing chocolate using Aztec methods taking organic cacao beans and creating a fabulous array of tempting chocolates. It is rare to find a “bean to bar” chocolate in the UK but it is now in Leamington to enjoy.
Cllr Susan Rasmussen, Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa,
“The presence of a real chocolatier in Regent Street is a cause for excitement as well as local pride, and on the day that bars and pubs are re-opening many will see the re-launch of Cenu as a cause for double celebration. It’s fascinating to see the process that turns cacao beans into products of an international standard, from delicate morsels to tempting drinks. Cenu is one of the individual businesses and retail outlets that make Leamington town centre the special place it is, and I’m sure others will join me in wishing Rosemary and her team the very best of luck in their new premises.”
Founder of the Cenu Cacao Rosemary Ndukuba has chocolate coded into her DNA having grown up within a Nigerian Cacao farm where she experimented with the flavours before starting her own chocolate making business.
Rosemary said: “Our organic cacao beans come from Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia and we stone grind them on site. We then create the chocolate expertly made up from scratch using Aztec methods and Cenu Cacao is the first and only shop of its kind in the West Midlands. Our beloved cacao beans are created into irresistible pralines and truffles for you to enjoy.” Our hot and Ice drinking chocolates are out of this world!!
by rls | Feb 12, 2020 | News
Following the success of The Scottish NBL Awards 2019, Creative Oceanic is delighted to launch The Inaugural English NBL Awards Midlands 2020.
The awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate the best professionals and businesses in Midlands.
The elegant ceremony will take place on Sunday February 16 at The Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport.
The awards seek to recognise everyone that work hard to leave the region glowing; from nail technicians and lash specialists to brow bars, beauty teams and academies among others.
They will also aim to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of the very best professionals that enhance our features and give us that glow from within by ensuring their customers always receive high-quality services and trending treatments, meeting every client’s expectations.
Esqué Beauty Salon in Leamington Spa has been shortlisted in the Best Beauty Team category for the Midlands. The Esqué Angels will find out if they will be crowned winners at the elegant ceremony taking place in February.
Salon Owner, Amy Selby said:
“We are thrilled to be in the finals for Best Beauty Team. Being a people-based industry, the whole team work so conscientiously to care for our clients, giving them the very best experience & client journey on each and every visit. Without them we couldn’t do what we do; it is a privilege to work with such a wonderful team.”
Charlene Young, Campaign Manager of The English NBL Awards 2020 said: “The inaugural English NBL Awards 2020 are organised by Creative Oceanic but voted for by the public. All finalists should feel honoured as it is their clients that went behind the nomination process and put them forward to receive the recognition they deserve.
The awards aim to acknowledge everyone in the sector that provides impeccable services, inspiring and innovative treatments that really work. The beauty industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy and these awards aim to provide a platform to thank those who have dedicated their whole career in this field, letting them know that their amazing work doesn’t go un-noticed.
We wish all finalists the best of luck and we can’t wait to welcome our guests and deliver a memorable event.”
by rls | Nov 25, 2019 | News
Leamington shoppers are in for a cracking Christmas with town centre businesses donating over £3,500 of prizes in a new giveaway to encourage people to buy local over the festivities.
Anyone making a purchase from a participating outlet will be given a Christmas Cracker Scratchcard with the chance to win one of the mystery prizes which have been donated by more than 50 businesses.
There are also hundreds of instant prizes of free coffee or cupcakes up for grabs around the town, plus ten per cent off selected full-priced items from participating businesses in January.
The Christmas Cracker Scratchcard has been organised by BID Leamington with the support of town centre businesses, and is among a host of attractions to draw in shoppers at their busiest time.
Alison Shaw, BID Leamington Project Manager, said: “We are very excited about what is on offer in Leamington this Christmas as we have so much planned to help make our town centre come alive for customers.
“Christmas is a critical time for our town centre businesses so it is important that we all work together and get behind them over the festive period to make sure Leamington is as magical as ever.
“Thanks to the generosity of businesses in the town centre, we have been able to put together this fantastic prize giveaway which we hope will reward customers and encourage more people to do their Christmas shopping locally.”
Along with the hugely-popular Lantern Parade on Sunday, December 1, BID Leamington is partnering with Royal Priors to stage a Santa Elf Workshop and a Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride to the North Pole in the shopping centre.
The Santa Elf Workshop will be open on selected days from Saturday, November 30 to Tuesday, December 24, and the Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride will be open on Saturday, November 23, Saturday, November 30 and Saturday, December 7, from 11am to 4pm.
There will also be the chance to meet Father Christmas in the Royal Priors on Saturday, December 14, Sunday, December 15, Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22.
BID Leamington’s ‘Christmas Parking Angels’ will be back to help shoppers find spaces, offer maps and give information on all the events and attractions. Free car parking is available for shoppers at Riverside House, Milverton Hill, on weekends.
Late night shopping begins on Thursdays from December 5, on top of the Yuletide Markets taking place every Sunday.
The Christmas Cracker Scratchcard runs from Monday, November 25 until Sunday, December 15 and full details can be found at www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/xmas-cracker.
For more information about all events and attractions taking place in Leamington town centre in the run-up to Christmas, visit www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk.
PICTURE CAPTION: Pictured pulling the Christmas Cracker Scratchcard are, left to right, Alison Shaw (BID Leamington Project Manager) and Stephanie Kerr (BID Leamington Executive Director).
by rls | Oct 31, 2019 | News
Why not treat yourself or a loved one to a new watch this Christmas!
Peter Stephen Jewellers are holding a Watch Brand Clearance Sale where you can enjoy upto 50% OFF the following selected brands including Oris, Raymond Weil, Hugo Boss, T.W Steel, Roamer, Jorg Gray, Rodania and Citizen.
At the same time, take a look at some of the stunning jewellery pieces they also stock including a huge range of beautiful items to suit any style. Whether you are searching for the perfect piece for a special occasion or are adding to your own collection, you are sure to find something.
You can find out more by visiting them at 98 Warwick Street, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 4QG.
by rls | Oct 31, 2019 | News
A ground-breaking initiative in Warwickshire to enable local communities to make a bigger impact on helping the homeless in their towns has been launched in Leamington.
Local charities and agencies working with the homeless and those at risk of being homeless in both towns have joined forces in a campaign called Meaningful Change, which aims to make more of a difference by providing a central focus for the public to pledge support. The campaign aims to make people more aware of the support services available in their towns, and how they can best help them by donating and volunteering.
Meaningful Change has been made possible with funding from the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and Leamington and Stratford have worked together over the last year to devise the campaign and then tailor it to the specific needs of each town. Leamington and Stratford will operate their own campaigns, with individual websites providing information and an online platform for donations.
Philip Seccombe, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Meaningful Change provides an easy platform for people to help support local charities working with people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless so that they get the right help and can avoid falling into the criminal justice system. It will also help the wider community understand the support that is available to tackle homelessness and how they can help through the donation of time, money or items.”
BID Leamington has played a key role in developing Meaningful Change Leamington, alongside local charities and Warwick District Council. In Leamington, a collective giving pot has been established for funds to be distributed between local charities to direct aid to those most in need. The town’s first fundraising unit for contactless donations has been installed at the Visitor Information Centre and another is due to be installed in the Royal Priors Shopping Centre this Christmas.
Stephanie Kerr, executive director of BID Leamington, said: “The number of vulnerable people facing a range of challenges around the UK is increasing and this is no different locally.
“In Leamington, we are fortunate to have a wide range of around-the-clock support services and the work they do is incredible, but they need our support to help those people that the public may see sleeping rough, begging, or dealing with issues that are not so visible.
“As custodians of our town centre, BID Leamington is very much aware that businesses and their customers have genuine concerns about homelessness and want to know how they can best help. Meaningful Change will enable us all to make a bigger impact.”
The Leamington campaign website lists local support available including housing services, rehabilitation, food, emergency shelter, advice and training. It also highlights ways for the public to help through volunteering or donating time, items or money.
Jon Barnett, Community Support Officer at Warwick District Council, which operates the William Wallsgrove House hostel, said: “Warwick District Council is committed to ending homelessness in Leamington and across the district.
“We are pleased to be supporting the Meaningful Change initiative which is a welcome addition to the range of support services that our Housing and Safer Communities team provide to the most vulnerable in our community.”
In Leamington, the initiative is supported by a range of local charitable and voluntary organisations including Change Grow Live, ESH Works, Helping Hands, LWS Night Shelter, Leamington Night Shelter, P3 and The Salvation Army Way Ahead Project.
Funding that is raised through Meaningful Change Leamington, will be distributed between those organisations which have nominated specific areas where they wish to focus this financial support.
For more information, including a full list of charities and statutory support agencies involved in Meaningful Change Leamington, visit www.meaningfulchange.org.uk.
PICTURE CAPTION: Pictured at the launch of Meaningful Change Leamington outside the Visitor Information Centre are, from left to right, Jon Barnett (Warwick District Council), Ayyaz Ahmed (Warwick District Council), Chris Higgins (Helping Hands), Philip Seccombe (Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner), Sgt Trent McMurray (Warwickshire Police), Stephanie Kerr (BID Leamington), Aaron Greaves (Heart of England Community Foundation), Sue Verne (Helping Hands), Ljupka Stojanovska (The Salvation Army).
by rls | Sep 13, 2019 | News
The Drawing Board scoops ‘Pub Industry Oscar’ as the nation’s best boozers are honoured in UK’s most prestigious drinks trade awards
The DB has been named the UK’s Best Beer Pub in Great British Pub Awards.
The Newbold Street pub was honoured at a gala ceremony at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Thursday 5th September after beating off competition from all over the UK.
The awards – organised by pub industry bible The Morning Advertiser – celebrate the best in the business across more than 20 different categories, covering everything from the UK’s Best Pub for Beer, Best Pub for Family and Best Pub for Food, to the UK’s overall Pub of the Year award.
Prestigious gongs are also given to the UK’s Best Pub Garden, Best Pub Manager, Best Live Entertainment, and even the nation’s Best LGBTQ+ drinking hole.
Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, explains: “These awards really are the pub industry’s equivalent of the Oscars, so to win one is a huge achievement.
“By winning one of our awards, The Drawing Board has shown it really is one of the UK’s finest.”
“We are thrilled to have won The Great British Pub Awards ‘Best Beer Pub’ 2019 after previously being a finalist in 2016. It means so much to us – we have done tears and everything!
Since we opened in 2015 we have really tried to push the envelope with our beer selection including our own beer, Elephant Wash brewed with Old Pie Factory in Warwick. Our own ‘DB Bottle Shop’ has just opened, also in Leamington, specialising in Craft beer, Japanese whisky and Artisan liquor. We’re now really excited to continue forcing beer on people who didn’t know they wanted any”
