Month: August 2024

Leamington pizzeria hope sponsorship is a recipe for local sporting success

Leamington pizzeria hope sponsorship is a recipe for local sporting success

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We Love Pizza, Leamnington Ladies FC
Jose Ribeiro and Geanina Lacraru of We Love Pizza with the Leamington Ladies team

A Leamington pizzeria has thrown its support behind a newly-formed local ladies football team in a sponsorship deal.

We Love Pizza is celebrating the Leamington Ladies’ affiliation, marking an historical change which sees the former Leamington Lions club being brought under the Leamington FC umbrella, from the 2024/25 season.

This year the Ladies’ 26-person squad, play in the Birmingham Counties League, also competing in the FA Cup, League Cup and County Cup.

Jose Ribeiro, who co-owns the Regent Place restaurant with his partner Geanina Lacraru, said: “We could not miss this opportunity to engage with and help contribute to bridging the gap between men’s and women’s sport and also help the women’s team to grow.

“As a new small, and part-female-led independent business, we understand better than anyone the extra challenges that women’s football can face, often being the ‘underdog’ to much more powerful established forces.

“WLP hopes that our humble support helps the team create a solid base where they can concentrate on their hard work, skills and commitment to shine and succeed. Our business wants to showcase, at our newly-re-opened restaurant, the same ethos of passion, quality, experience, and skills to ‘score’ highly with our customers every time.”

We Love Pizza, Leamnington Ladies FC

Leamington FC was formed in 1933 but due to the sale of the original ground, the club went into abeyance in the 87/88 season. It went on to reform in 2000, at its current location, now known as Your CO-OP Community Stadium, by a group of supporters that wanted to get Leamington FC back playing football.

Leamington Ladies continued their pre-season friendlies with a 3-2 win over Halesowen.

With the start of the new season, almost upon them, the club start the season, in the FA Cup, against Walsall Ladies on Sunday (1st September.)

Simon Davies, spokesperson for Leamington Football Club, said: “This season sees the emergence of the Leamington Ladies, after a number of years under the leadership of the Leamington Lions affiliation. The club wanted to have all teams playing the one badge, a history-making change for our footballing future.”

“Leamington FC are pleased to be starting a new partnership with We Love Pizza. Our football club is at the centre of the Leamington and surrounding area community with the Men’s & Ladies 1st Teams, U19s, U18s, Academy and Juniors.

“Our sponsors are key to our football club and we are delighted to be welcoming Jose and his team to our football family. We are all looking forward to the 2024//25 season and thank We Love Pizza for their support.”

We Love Pizza, Leamnington Ladies FC

Following public demand, We Love Pizza reopened its restaurant with a unique new look in January, three years after the pandemic forced it to pivot into takeaway food. The two-storey dining space has been transformed by Leamington artist Gemma Grao into three vibrantly themed eating areas from Italian and Neopolitan and Amalfi coast through to more Industrial Urban vibes.

Jose and Geanina pride themselves on delivering ‘affordable quality’ to their customers by using only the best and most nutritious flour combinations and implementing exact temperature control and longer fermentation periods for the sourdough. Fresh ingredients are sourced directly from Italy – including tomatoes from the volcanic soils of Mount Versuvius – as well as locally. We Love Pizza’s vegan and gluten-free products have also become a favourite.

Jose said: “We offer something that is more personal and different than the mainstream. It’s this character and not being afraid to be different that reflects the ethos behind what we do and that we’re most proud of.”

Review: Beleza Rodizio

Review: Beleza Rodizio

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Beleza Rodizio, Stratford

Those who appreciate the often rare combination of quality AND quantity in a dining experience – will be in their element thanks to the latest arrival to Stratford-upon-Avon.

South Warwickshire foodies can count themselves lucky their little part of the world has been chosen as only the second UK location for Beleza Rodizio, a premier Brazilian steakhouse.

Beleza Rodizio, Stratford

Renowned for its authentic rodizio-style dining and vibrant atmosphere, this is a meat-eater’s paradise with a rather fun and unique feel – and one that stands every chance of ‘carving’ out its own place in a culinary market as crowded as Stratford and south Warwickshire.

Beleza meaning ‘beautiful’ in Portuguese, showcases an exciting and authentic Brazilian rodizio – an all-you-can-eat extravaganza – and you’re in control of the flow of food thanks to the double-sided red and green card on your table. The green side tells the passadores that you’re ready to eat while the red signals that you’d like a break.

Sumptuous skewers are carved table-side, the Rodizio-Style Service offers meats including beef, lamb, chicken, and pork, all expertly seasoned and grilled. And, to help ensure a first-class experience, you’re given all the right tools for the job, including a seriously sharp steak knife and tongs for grabbing hold of the sliced meat direct from the skewer.

There is also a Gourmet Salad Bar offering a selection of fresh salads, traditional Brazilian and Argentianian side dishes, and hot items to complement the main courses.

On an alternative menu (you pay slightly extra for this menu) you’ll even find Wagyu, the world’s most expensive beef from Japan – most expensive because of the way the cattle are fed which leaves it with a unique tender buttery flavour.

To help wash it down, there are some great Signature Cocktails, including Brazil’s famous caipirinhas and a curated list of wines, to enhance the dining experience.

The impressive and vibrant décor makes for a fitting sumptuous backdrop to the rich flavours of Brazilian cuisine.

For the uninitiated in this style of service (as were we) my advice is to pace yourself. The passadors are circulating constantly with a variety of meats from the menu so there’s no need to ‘give the green light’ every time you see them passing. This can result is having less time to savour the overall dining experience. Take your time over the plate of food and enjoy extra drinks and salad bar trips between the meat fest.

Beleza Rodizio, Stratford

The costumed passadors even offer side dishes on a skewer, including garlic bread and onion rings and there’s also pineapple carved at your table if you’d like some to accompany your gammon!

I love the fact that, with one all-you can eat price of between £27.95 and £32.95 at lunchtimes and £42.95-£45.95 for dinner (depending on the day), you can bust your belly without busting the bank. – So easy to do these days.

Beleza Rodizio, Stratford

Belza Rodizio, in Bell Court, is a fascinating feast for the senses, an immersive dining experience that I think will prove popular, even to a local dining scene that already has everything.

This is a culinary ‘experience’ in the truest sense, probably best enjoyed in group occasions or celebrations. Give it a go – but you might want to starve yourself for the day to make maximum enjoyment!

Bookings can be taken via their website here.

Something new to satisfy your appetite for food and adventure at Hatton Country World

Something new to satisfy your appetite for food and adventure at Hatton Country World

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Nottah Temple escape room, Hatton Country World

Always excited to be among the first to try something new, a recent visit to Hatton Country World had plenty to satisfy my appetite for adventure.

The premise of being locked in a room for up to an hour with only your wits to guide you, is not everyone’s immediate idea of fun. But, as a family we are well versed with the escape room concept and were ready to take on Hatton’s third, and newest, offering, Nottah Temple.

So let’s set the scene. . .

Nottah Temple escape room, Hatton Country World

In 1824 your long-lost relative, Lord Archington Harrow, the world-renowned explorer and his wife Lady Bessie first discovered an ancient temple. Hidden deep in the jungle, the intrepid explorers found a secret entrance which led them directly into the tomb.

Now inside this dark and mysterious chamber they discovered the place was full of gold and precious jewels. Lord and Lady Harrow, like all explorers, began to loot and stash the treasure. But then the temple walls began to rumble, and the ground began to shake.

Little did they know they had released the curse of Queen Conteptua, a curse that will destroy anyone in the blood line of Lord Archington Harrow. Now many years later, it is your quest to revisit the temple, return the stolen treasure back to Queen Conteptua and lift the curse!

Nottah Temple escape room, Hatton Country World

After a brief introduction to the story – and run through the various lock mechanisms(!), we were allotted 60 minutes on the clock to complete the task before the temple collapses and the treasure is lost forever! No pressure then!

I’d love to say we prevented this from happening, but in fact, were sadly lacking on the day. And this, despite a proud record of successful escape room conquests to our family name. This one just had us so stumped, we wasted time that we could ill afford on a couple of the riddles and puzzles and were unable to pull it back.

Nottah Temple escape room, Hatton Country World

Having already successfully escaped the other two rooms, it must be said, this one proved a tougher proposition, even for five of us and a steady stream of clues. Despite this, we thought the puzzles and props were superbly created and the impressive theming gave our jungle adventure real added authenticity. Certainly one of the better escape rooms we have tackled, but also one of the most frustrating!

Nottah Temple escape room, Hatton Country World

While I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to experienced ‘escapees,’ it’s not the best introduction to escape rooms for the novice. You’d be far better breaking yourself in with the whole escape room concept in one of Tulley’s other rooms at Hatton – Mutiny – a swashbuckling adventure to overthrow a bloodthirsty buccaneer – or The Oufitters – where you’re part of a special police task force to crack gangs in Prohibition Chicago.

Nottah Temple is geared towards adults and teenagers and can be booked from August 2nd and bookings can be made via HERE.

After working up an appetite we felt fully justified in treating ourselves to a visit to Hatton Adventure World’s other new addition – Bell’s Diner, affectionately named after milking cow Bluebell who has been residing at Hatton Adventure World since it opened over 30 years ago.

A stop-off at this friendly, cosy cafe is, ultimately, all about satisfying those comfort food cravings.

Here, you can choose from a Breakfast or Lunch Menu, with options ranging from an English Breakfast or Breakfast Roll or pancakes and waffles, through to burgers and indulgent sundaes and shakes. Perfect fare ahead of – or during – a busy day at Hatton Adventure World farm park, but also nicely convenient for a breakfast or brunch stop for locals who are limited on morning options in the area. (I say this with some knowledge as a local.)

The meal portions were generous and reasonably priced (by today’s standards) and my pancakes were tasty and laden with bacon, sausage and eggs. It certainly set me up for the day.

Whether looking to satisfy your hunger for adventure or delicious food, there’s now more to explore in Hatton.

Bell's Diner, Hatton Country World

Bell’s Diner opens between 9am-5pm every day and further information is available HERE.

Visit: https://hattonworld.com/

Move signals commitment to Warwick town centre for award-winning restaurant

Move signals commitment to Warwick town centre for award-winning restaurant

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An award-winning Spanish restaurant that’s been a mainstay for Warwick diners for 12 years, has moved to new site in the main square where it promises to continue delivering its ‘unique brand’ of hospitality.’

Tasca Dali has renovated and reopened the unit previously occupied for 26 years by Totally Thai, in Market Place.

While the location has changed, the rest has stayed the same, including most of the team, headed up by manager Jorge ´George´ Triana and Head Chef José ‘Jonny’ Darias Delgado, who pride themselves on authentic and traditional Spanish cooking methods, specialising in tapas and paella.

Tasca Dali, Warwick

Jorge has also become co-owner in the business, reflecting his dedication and commitment over the last nine years, and firmly anchors the business to its Spanish roots. Jorge is helped in the kitchen by Rafa Liste Toledo, and in front of house, by Nohemi Ramos, all of whom have been with Tasca for more than seven years.

With no menu in the traditional sense, diners are instead treated to five-course taster menu consisting of whatever is fresh and in season. Most of the ingredients including cheeses, hams, chorizos, olive oils sourced from Spain, along with locally sourced meats and fish from Cornwall.

Tasca Dali, Warwick

Co-owner Alejandro ‘Alex’ Clayton vows the move will not only allow them to welcome more diners, but more importantly, secure the restaurant’s presence in the town for at least another 20 years.

He said: “The idea of serving the community for us is very important. When the opportunity came to open the old Totally Thai in an area with a little more footfall, we could not say no.

Tasca Dali, Warwick

“We are a restaurant first and a business second. Our motivation has always been to create a fun and relaxed eating experience by offering amazing food traditionally cooked with no additives or microwaves involved whatsoever. We cook in the traditional Spanish way, the same methods and techniques of our ancestors and foregrandmothers, the same way that we have been preparing meals in our homes for generations. Above all, we stay true to our commitment to never compromising on the quality of our raw ingredients or our way of cooking.

Tasca Dali, Warwick

“All we do differently these days is accommodate those who are allergic to certain ingredients or who have specific dietary requirements. We are passionate about what we do but share and include everyone – as long as we know in advance!

“We believe that eating is a sensory experience so it’s sight, it’s sound, its people, it’s food, it’s taste, it’s smell, it’s a lot of things wrapped up into one experience.”

Tasca Dali boasts a clutch of Restaurant Guru Awards from its 12 years in High Street, plus Spanish Restaurant of the Year accolade in a recent Birmingham Restaurant Awards.

Tasca Dali, Warwick, Alex Clayton

Alex, pictured, added: “We can host up to 25 people in the front of the restaurant while still offering enough space for other smaller parties to come in which is something we couldn’t really do in the previous smaller premises.

“It was always a shame to say goodbye to the old premises, which were up for sale, but unfortunately it was the only way we could stay in the game for the next 20 years and now we can welcome even more people into our ‘home.’

“So far the feedback has been really positive as people realise we are offering the same amazing service and food that we have always done, but just with even more space and comfort. We even have a different ladies and gents toilet now!

Tasca Dali, Warwick, Alex Clayton

“We are a small fiercely independent eatery and we want to stay that way. Huge sacrifices have paid off and looking after our team and those that eat with us, is what it is all about.”

Tasca Dali also serves some of the best Spanish wine and beers and is open between 5 pm and 11.3 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Special events, groups and private hire 7 days a week by arrangements. Bookings of 6 people or less can be made HERE or for larger groups by Whatsapp on 07445 233 527 or landline on 0208 638 6570.

New inspirational event promises to Raise Up women

New inspirational event promises to Raise Up women

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Catherine Williamson, Raise Up Conference

Local ladies celebrating triumph over adversity will be sharing their uplifting stories in a bid to inspire other women at a brand new event in Leamington next month.

The inaugural Raise Up Conference, organised by the Leamington Soroptimists, will hear from a dozen leading lights in the worlds of business and charity in south Warwickshire, whilst also fundraising for good causes.

Their deeply personal tales will touch on a host of topics, from physical and mental health challenges, through to bullying, addiction, grooming, misogyny and physical abuse.

All proceeds from the day will support Warwickshire-based charities The OurJay Foundation, Esther Project and New Futures Nepal.

The event, on September 29th, is the latest passion project of Soroptimists President – and Leamington podcaster and author – Catherine Williamson, pictured above, whose Gobsmacked! Podcast is also dedicated to celebrating inspirational life stories, and has now been heard in more than 113 countries.

Of the conference, she said: “As Soroptimists, we are dedicated to raising up the lives of women and girls locally, nationally, and globally. It’s all about giving back to our community in the spirit of service. And our next event is a very special one.

“Each speaker is a Soroptimist who has transformed their hardships into strength and faced significant personal challenges—whether it’s overcoming chronic exam anxiety, surviving bullying and grooming, or enduring six heart attacks.

“This conference aims to provide attendees with inspiration, hope, and practical insights through the personal experiences of our speakers. It will shine a light on how we can triumph over adversity; our speakers’ stories raising up our own lives with insights, hope, wit and wisdom.”

Compered by Catherine, inspirational keynote speakers throughout the day are:

Catherine Williamson, Raise Up Conference
From left: Hannah Simnett, Dayle Adams and Julie White

Hannah Simnett, from Sutton Coldfield.

Hannah is the Founder and CEO of Cherished, a Birmingham-based charity dedicated to empowering and supporting young girls in her community who felt marginalised or bullied. Drawing from her own experiences, Hannah has transformed personal pain into a powerful purpose and is an award-winning leader and speaker who has inspired countless women to overcome obstacles.

Recently, her work was also recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, often described as the MBE for charities.

Dayle Adams, from Leamington
Dayle is a Reiki Master, Holistic Therapist, and Psychic Medium with a passion for end-of-life planning and spiritual growth, empowering individuals to face life’s transitions with peace, clarity, and celebration.

Inspired by the death of a close friend, Dayle founded ‘Planning Ahead of Time’ – a service that encourages open conversations about loss and end-of-life planning – and ‘Night of Our Light,’ an annual event that celebrates the lives of lost loved ones.

Julie White, from Coventry

Julie is the owner and MD of D-Drill & Sawing with branches across the UK, and holds a series of key industry titles, including chair of Build UK and the first female chair of The Drilling and Sawing Association.

Julie is also a previous winner of the Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year – following in the footsteps of Karren Brady, and is a familiar face on national news programmes including BBC’s Question Time, The One Show, Daily Politics Show, BBC Breakfast, Sophy Ridge on Sunday and Sky News.

Raise Up Conference, Leamington
From left: Lianne Kirkman, Nicola Enoch and Dr Mandy Barnett

Lianne Kirkman, from Leamington

For nine-and-a-half years Founding CEO of Helping Hands Community Project in Leamington, Lianne has recently stepped down from that role in order to focus on The Esther Project, a new initiative providing gender-specific supported accommodation for women affected by trauma and abuse, which often results in homelessness, addiction, and criminal behaviour.

Her journey began after she overcame a significant mental health crisis, which inspired her to set up the project as a way to give back to the community and support others facing similar struggles. She is also a recipient of a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Dr Mandy Barnett, from Leamington
A psychology graduate, clinical educator and retired consultant physician, Dr Barnett has worked for over 30 years in the NHS and as an Associate Clinical Professor at Warwick Medical School.

Based on her own experiences as the mother of two children with Tourette’s Syndrome, she published a guidebook for parents called ‘It’s NOT All About Swearing! A Practical Guide to Tourette’s Syndrome for Parents in a Post-Pandemic World.’

Nicola Enoch, from Leamington

Two years after giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome, Nicola established The Ups of Downs, a charity which now works with around 70 families. This was followed, in 2017, by the launch of Positive about Down syndrome, a website and social media support network accessible to parents worldwide, and is now part of the national charity Down syndrome UK.

Raise Up Conference, Leamington
From left: Tamar Groeneveld, Tessa Morton and Sally Bee

Sally Bee, from Stratford-upon-Avon

By 36, Sally had survived her first three heart attacks and is now a proud member of the six Heart Attack Survivors Club. Despite living with a potentially fatal heart condition, Sally channels her experiences into positivity, sharing life tools through her bestselling books, TV shows, and online club.

Her ITV Daytime health segments broke records, with over 1.2 million downloads in a week and her new chat show, ‘Don’t Go Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly,’ is a popular watch.

Tessa Morton, from Leamington
Following an early career in acting and presenting, Tessa has spent the last 20 years growing her successful Tessa Morton Partnership, working as a trainer and coach advising and directing professionals with communication challenges.

More recently she has qualified as a cognitive behaviour therapist and runs voluntary drama and social skills groups for young people on the autistic spectrum through not-for-profit organisation Act for Autism, a passionate advocate for the autistic community.

Tamar Groeneveld, from Leamington
Tamar is a seasoned Wellness Expert, Personal Trainer, and Mind Coach with over 20 years of experience. She specialises in enhancing life experiences by aligning mental, emotional, and physical health. Tamar leads yoga and wellness retreats in the UK and Crete, focusing on energy healing and self-awareness.

Raise Up Conference, Leamington
Saorise Welland

Visitors on the day will also have the chance to hear from other guest speakers to be announced, but including Zelda Wilson, from Hampton Magna and Saorise Welland, from Leamington.

Zelda recently returned from her latest adventure – a 500km cycling trip on a fold-up bike over the Alps – despite still battling Grade 4 terminal cancer!

Saorise found sobriety three years ago at the age of 26 and is now in the process of writing a book exploring her turbulent past with alcohol, drugs and an eating disorder.

Catherine said: “The conference is designed to resonate with anyone who values resilience and the power of overcoming obstacles. Whether you’re a leader nurturing the next generation or someone seeking inspiration in your own life, this conference will serve you tremendously.

The Raise Up Conference takes place on September 29th at The Fold in Leamington. Tickets are £40, to include a light lunch, and are available HERE.

 For more information about Leamington Soroptimists visit HERE.