An intriguing arrival in Leamington town centre is The Spicy Librarian, a bookstore specialising in all flavours of romantic fiction, where in addition to buying and browsing, you can also get a coffee, cake, cocktails, wine or beer to complement your reading experience. I met D, the Spicy Librarian herself and best-selling dark romance fiction author J Rose to understand the inspiration behind this elegant and welcoming space, and why the adult-only hybrid cafe/bookshop concept works so well for both romance readers and writers.

https://thespicylibrarian.co.uk/

I recently recorded an inspiring conversation with Maddie Webb and Cassie Leedham of Lighthaus Arts soon after they had moved into their brand-new Stoneleigh Arms arts hub on Clemens Street. Their mission is to break down the barriers to being an artist, and engaging with art.

Last weekend on 7th February they held their official launch event and of course I was there with a microphone to capture the response from the many artists, arts lovers and other supporters who attended. Here is a super-distilled 4-minute glimpse into what they had to say. Having listened, how could you possibly resist paying a visit!

https://stoneleigharms.com/

Recently opened on Park Street in Leamington. Bricks’n’Pieces is known mostly as a LEGO shop. But as Keith Hanna explains it’s so much more. In addition to buying LEGO and other STEM* games and puzzles, you can pull up a chair, borrow one of over 50 LEGO sets and build it right there and then - from skyscrapers to spacecraft and even flowers. And you can also grab a hot drink or juice and a slab of cake to keep you fuelled.

With a capacity of 50 people, Bricks’n’Pieces has become a happy hangout for any one of any age who loves the challenge of a puzzle, or enjoys the thrill of constructing something fabulous. Families, kids, singles, couples, groups - Keith and his team welcome all. *STEM - Science Technology Engineering Maths

https://bricksnpieces.co.uk/