Make tracks to the craft brewery tour under Leamington’s railway arches

Make tracks to the craft brewery tour under Leamington’s railway arches

For fans of craft beer and independent businesses, nothing quenches your thirst for adventure quite like than booking yourself on an independent craft brewery tour.

And it’s never been a better time to go to award-winning Windmill Hill Brewery, in Warwickshire, where the doors have recently opened on their new-look taproom.

Windmill Hill Brewery, tours Leamington

Situated underneath the Arches at Victoria Business Park, the brewing space has been transformed with new custom booth seating, a six-line keg tap wall and a stunning Chesterton Windmill Chandelier centrepiece.

Director Gavin Leach has enjoyed success with the brewery since he turned his back on a career in pharmaceuticals to establish the business partner Rob Singleton in 2017. Since then Windmill Hill has gone on to create award-winning seasonal and limited-edition beers, found on sale in an increasing number of independent shops and bars across south Warwickshire.

Windmill Hill Brewery, tours Leamington

The independent brewery was born out of ‘a desire to create unique beers that both uphold traditional value and utilise expert scientific knowledge.’ Taproom guests can choose from Windmill Hill’s signature range offering a 4.5% ABV Pale Ale; 4% ABV Copper Ale; 6% IPA; 4.5% ABV Lager; 4% ABV Porter; 3.8% ABV Session IPA and 5.3% ABV Weiss Beer in 500ml bottles, as well as seasonal lines.

Windmill Hill Brewery, tours Leamington

Visitors to the two-hour brewery tour have the opportunity to learn more about the equipment and every stage of the brewing process. It gets off to the best possible start when we’re served the first of our four pints of Windmill’s beers before the session even kicks off. Then Gavin proceeded to talk us through the chemistry behind how the ‘magic’ happens, including the opportunity to touch, smell – and even taste – some of the key ingredients.

Plenty of questions are encouraged and, as the pints continue to flow, we’re able to contrast and compare our favourites from the Windmill signature range.

All visitors are also offered 10% off their range of any Windmill beers or branded merchandise on the day, including everything from 5L mini kegs and gift packs to T-shirts, hoodies, pint glasses, bottle openers and even Mini Cool Bags.

Windmill Hill Brewery, tours Leamington

Just a five-minute walk from Leamington Train Station, the brewery taproom accommodates up to 40 people inside.

The beers slide down particularly smoothly in the knowledge that this whole experience has cost a mere £20 per head! Extraordinary value. And, for many, the five-minute walk from the train station negates the expense of a taxi or the arguments over who is designated driver. Now I’ll drink to that!

Further information about the Brewery Tours can be found here.

Warwickshire woman crowned Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Warwickshire woman crowned Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Katie Wilber, Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Cotswold Connected

A local entrepreneur who launched a social media management company in lockdown, has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Midlands StartUp Awards 2024.

Katie Wilber, who stepped away from her role as a wedding planner to establish Cotswold Connected in 2021, beat off stiff competition from across the region to win her category.

Based out of the Ilmington home that’s been in seven generations of her family, the 28-year-old social media guru has helped a range of businesses achieve exceptional results – from small start-ups to international brands. One of her customers even went viral on Instagram with 2.9 million views, and gained nearly 10,000 followers over three months. Katie’s professional support has also enabled businesses to grow.

Katie’s success comes after several years spent working in events, an industry which ultimately took its toll on her mental health but which also led her to the world of social media marketing.

She said: “When I think back to the beginning of my business, the saying ‘sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you have ever been, to stand up taller than you ever were’ comes to mind. It began when I was at my lowest and has made me stronger, more resilient and with more belief in myself than I ever thought possible.”

Katie Wilber, Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Cotswold Connected

Alongside social media management, Cotswold Connected also offers social media training, auditing and event content creation.

No stranger to awards recognition, Katie won Best Online Business at the Stratford Herald Business & Tourism Awards, in 2022.

Of the latest accolade, Katie said: “This is a huge honour and recognition of years of hard work. With over ten years of marketing experience, specialising in social media, I’m passionate about using my expertise to help businesses grow. Many people find social media overwhelming with its constant changes, however, I love that about it.

“Focusing on organic content, I take great pride in staying up to date with the latest news, trends and algorithm changes, ensuring that Cotswold Connected stays at the cutting edge of the industry.”

The UK StartUp Awards were established to highlight the success of startups across ten UK nations and regions, including the Midlands, and to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs in all sectors of the economy. Katie will learn if she is the national winner of her category, at the finals in Tring in September.

Harriet Rees, CIO at one of the Awards’ supporters Starling Bank, said: “Turning an idea into a successful business takes a lot of courage and dedication. Congratulations to Cotswold Connected on winning their category in the Midlands and making it to this year’s UK national final. Start-ups need certainty to plan ahead. It’s great to see so many thrive, especially in these challenging economic times.”

Katie Wilber, Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Cotswold Connected

Over 114,000 new firms were created in the Midlands in 2023 and according to Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, creator of the awards, this demonstrates the growing importance of entrepreneurs to the regional economy.

He said: “Start-ups are the life of any economy and that is especially true in the Midlands where new businesses are contributing to job creation, innovation, and prosperity across the whole of this entrepreneurial region.

“It’s been an honour and a pleasure to read the stories of those founders who have spotted the opportunity and taken the risk to launch their own venture. All of the winners have demonstrated that they deserve to win their categories and I’m looking forward to having the ‘best of the best’ from the Midlands competing at the UK final later this year.”

Today Katie is happy to find herself back in wedding planning mode as she counts down to her own big day, in May next year.

Invitation to run up a total for charity at this year’s Leamington Spa Half Marathon

Invitation to run up a total for charity at this year’s Leamington Spa Half Marathon

Leamington Half Marathon

Raceways Events CIC partners with The Myton Hospices as the official charity partner of the 2024 Leamington Spa Half Marathon!

 Good sports are being invited to get on their marks for the sixth Leamington Spa Half Marathon, being held on June 23rd.

The event will also see the return of The Myton Hospices as the official charity partner. Myton has three hospices in Coventry, Rugby and Warwick, and the only Hospice Inpatient beds in Coventry and Warwickshire, caring for people living with a wide range of life-limiting illnesses including respiratory, heart & neurological conditions, cancer and organ failure.

Runners have the option to enter the race for free by committing to fundraising £100 for The Myton Hospices, and a portion of the profits will be donated directly to the charity to help fund the continued support of their patients and families.

Natalie Walker, Events Manager for The Myton Hospices said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Raceways on the 2024 Leamington Spa Half Marathon and are looking to build on the success of last year.

“We have fantastic support in the local community and know there are lots of keen runners who we hope will take on this challenge and help to raise funds for our vital work. This year we need to raise £10.5 million to continue providing our services free of charge to people living with life-limiting illness, and their families, across Coventry and Warwickshire. We can’t do it without your support!”

A spokesperson for Raceways, said: “We are really happy to be supporting Myton as our charity partner again in 2024. I couldn’t think of a better charity to team up with to help people through the most difficult moments of their lives.

“Every entry to the race helps us to support Myton in continuing to provide incredible palliative and end-of-life care, enabling people to live well for longer with a terminal diagnosis. I can’t wait to see an army of red Myton runners at the start line!

“We have one month to go and we are all extremely excited about the race as this year we’ll have our very own Myton Event Village including lots of surprises and new for this year, a children’s activity area! We want everyone in Leamington lining the streets supporting our runners and enjoying the incredible atmosphere, delicious food, and fun for the kids! We’d also like to thank all of our sponsor and supporters including our headline sponsor Thomas Flavell & Sons.”

“We are thrilled to be involved in the Leamington Half Marathon this year,” said Jamie Connolly, Partner and part of the running team at Thomas Flavell & Sons. “Participating in this event allows us to contribute to the well-being of our community in a meaningful way. Our team is passionate about making a difference, and we are proud to support local charities that do incredible work.”

The race starts and finishes at the iconic Royal Pump Room Gardens and all runners receive a finishers medal as well as the option to purchase a race T-shirt and youngsters can take part in The Myton Hospices Kids Fun Run, the Myton Kids Mile, which is free to enter – with  medals guaranteed!

The event is organised by Raceways Events, a community interest company behind the Alcester 10K and Redditch Kingfisher 10K.

Visit here for more details. More information is available at here.

Special needs youngsters compete in second Rotary Cricket Tournament

Special needs youngsters compete in second Rotary Cricket Tournament

Sporting youngsters with special needs in Warwickshire were among those who competed in a cricket competition organised by Erdington Rotary Club.

More than 120 children from 11 schools in the area were bowled over to be invited to the Special Needs Six-A-Side Softball Indoor Cricket Tournament, in Stockland Green.

Taking part from Warwickshire were Corley Academy in Warwick; Welcombe High School in Stratford; Oakwood School in Nuneaton and Woodlands School in Coleshill.

The event, held at Action Indoor Sports on May 13th and 14th, saw teams of six players competing in friendly matches across the two days with medals and certificates for all those taking part.

Erdington Rotary Club Past President and District Governor Tim Bushell, said: “Feedback from the schools was really positive last year and so the District were pleased to be able announce the launch of the second Special Needs six-a-side softball indoor cricket tournament.

“This is an exciting opportunity for young people to take part in a sport they would not normally get a chance to participate in.”

The event follows the success of Rotary’s Special Needs Football tournaments which have now been running for 26 years.

Other schools competed from Birmingham, Solihull and Bromsgrove.

Tim added: “I would like to thank Courtney from Donate1 Create1 who run the venue – Action Indoor Sports, Marsh Hill Erdington for their help and support and especially Mike Farmer England Under 17’s indoor cricket coach for all the work he did behind the scenes prior to and over the two days of the event organising and umpiring the teams. Without his expertise we would have struggled.

“Also a big thank you to the Rotary Clubs across the District who sponsored teams enabling the event to go ahead.”

Leamington distillery packs a punch thanks to new sporting ambassador

Leamington distillery packs a punch thanks to new sporting ambassador

Warwickshire Gin Company, The Pugilist rum, Johnny Nelson

Former professional boxer and well-known boxing pundit Johnny Nelson MBE is putting his weight behind a Leamington distillery brand which is inspired by boxing.

Johnny announced his collaboration with Warwickshire Gin Company during a recent visit to the county where he met local amateur boxers at Cleary’s Boxing Gym.

Nelson, now a boxing pundit & motivational speaker, remains the longest reigning cruiserweight world champion of all time. Since his retirement, he has spent time working with charities, including the prison service where he helps inmates with life management skills. Last year he was appointed an MBE in King Charles’ first New Year’s Honours for services to boxing and young people in his local area of South Yorkshire.

Warwickshire Gin Company, The Pugilist Rum, Leamington, Johnny NELSON, BOXER
Edwin Cleary, Jack Turpin, Jason Collins, Johnny Nelson, Jack Turpin Jnr at the opening of Turpin gym in Leamington in 1999.

He is partnering with Warwickshire Gin Company’s award-winning Pugilist rum range, which has been named in honour of Leamington’s own boxing great, Randolph Turpin. Turpin, who is recognised with a statue in Warwick’s Market Square, went down in British boxing history for his sensational World Title win against the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson and earning himself the nickname ‘The Leamington Licker.’

Johnny Nelson MBE said of the new partnership: “I love boxing, and I love rum, so Pugilist Blended Rum and its history with Randolph Turpin is the perfect collaboration for me. Rum has been my tipple of choice since I retired.  I didn’t drink as a professional, and if I’m honest didn’t really like the taste of alcohol, but you’ll often find me drinking it neat, or enjoying it at home mixed with ginger ale.

Warwickshire Gin Company, The Pugilist Rum, Leamington, Johnny NELSON, BOXER

“The quality of Pugilist Blended Rum speaks for itself and hopefully through this new partnership, more people will get to know about it and hear the story behind the brand. The connection to Randolph Turpin couldn’t be more of an honour.

 

“Hopefully I can help The Pugilist bring to life the connection to boxing through appearances at gyms in the Warwickshire community, through to promotional campaigns. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the brand.”

The prestigious promoter joins ringside as the distillery and the three rums – Spice Blended Rum; The Pugilist – Sting Like a Bee – Honey Rum and Pugilist Ghost Edition White Rum, are already punching above their weight in the awards arena – the signature Spice Blended Rum taking Bronze at from the 2022 International Spirits Awards.

Warwickshire Gin Company is, this year, also celebrating becoming the ‘Number One Thing to Do in Leamington Spa’ on Trip Advisor.

The distillery’s tasting experiences have shot to the envied top spot thanks to over 100 five-star reviews from visitors. Internationally it’s also made its mark, achieving the “Travellers Choice Award” which puts the Warwickshire distillery in the top 10% of businesses listed in the world based on reviews.

Dave Blick, who established Warwickshire Gin Company at Victoria Business Centre, in 2018, adds: “It’s great to have such a prestigious member of the boxing community as an ambassador for Warwickshire Gin Company, endorsing our rum products. It will also help us in our plans to grow the brand in getting it into sporting and boxing venues and to carry on sharing the wider story of Warwickshire’s Randolph Turpin, extending his legacy beyond the county borders.”

Warwickshire Gin Company, The Pugilist Rum, Leamington, Johnny NELSON, BOXER
Johnny and Dave admire Jack Turpin’s boxing gloves.

The partnership followed the distillery’s sponsorship of Cleary’s Boxing Gym, which opened the doors to its new £100k premises in Whitnash last year.

Edwin Cleary now welcomes up to 400 members into his gym, from as young as six, some of whom were excited to meet Johnny Nelson MBE during his recent drop-in.

Edwin finishes: “Johnny opened Cleary’s amateur club with Jack Turpin, and I’ve since introduced him to a lot of my boxers. He’s an inspiration to any striving young boxer who comes through the gym. He teaches them the philosophy he himself lived by – if you don’t succeed try and try again.”

Visit: https://warwickshiregincompany.co.uk/