How to be a Boss-Babe — 10 top tips

(Disclaimer: I, in no way, claim to be a “Boss-Babe” but it’s a catchy title and sounds inspiring, so don’t judge me…)

The lonely gals guide to Warwickshire

It’s been over 12 months since I fired up WordPress and rambled my way through another blog post.

But when I logged on today, I realised everything I’d written over the past three years was either inspired by something that had annoyed me or something I was sad about (what a joy, eh?)

As I quickly glanced through them earlier, the author didn’t sound like me — well, this version of myself anyway. So I deleted them all, and I’m starting again.

Much like how I’ve started a completely new life since leaving lovely Devon and moving half way across the country to Warwickshire… which leads me nicely on to my latest blog — see what I did there?

If you’re a new follower of my blog, welcome. And if you’re a loyal long-term reader, thank you for sticking with me — it’s been a rough couple of years…

Pastures new

Moving somewhere new is scary. I don’t mean like the kinda-nervous type of scary, I mean the gut-wrenching, anxiety-giving kind.

Having lived a very lovely — but very sheltered — life in Devon for most of my years, going further north than Bristol needed a bottle or two of Rescue Remedy to cope with the fear of not knowing where I was going or who I’d be meeting.

So you can imagine the rather odd state of emotions I went through when I packed up my life in Devon and headed three hours up the M5 to Warwickshire.

If I’m honest, it was kind of love at first sight, for the simple reason of having the option to do my grocery shopping in whichever supermarket I wanted, rather than only having the choice between Tesco or driving to the nearest big town.

Such a boring adult, I know.

However, once the novelty of bargain hunting in Asda wore off, I realised I was suddenly in a new place where I knew no one, nowhere or nothing and that was rather scary to say the least.

I spent a long time scrolling through Google and Instagram looking for places to go for coffee, where I could get some locally sourced food and silly things like where to get my eyelashes done.

I longed for a some kind of “Life in Warwickshire” bible to arm me with advice on where to go and where to avoid.

So if you’re new to the area, or are just looking for some new places to try, here is my newbie/lonely gals guide to life in Warwickshire.

…but first, coffee

Coffee Architects – Warwick St, Leamington Spa

Before I start, I have to fully credit my love of coffee to Sam at Coffee Architects.

I used to think that coffee was just for stuffy “grown ups” with stressful personal lives that relied on a caffeine buzz to get them through their days, but boy, was I wrong.

I can honestly say I’ve never been anywhere where so much effort and craft is put into a simple cup of coffee, and the taste is next level.

CA is small, but cosy with every type of coffee you could imagine (non-dairy lovers, you’re fully covered too).

The same effort is put into a coffee-to-go as is for those who prefer a slow-kinda coffee and the lovely, knowledgeable baristas are always happy to disclose some tricks of the trade when it comes to perfecting the ultimate decaf skinny soy latte.

For the tea-fans, the baristas brew is a must try.

Sam and her team are always coming up with creative flavours to suit the season and I can tell you from experience that there is nothing more wonderful than a warm spiced apple tea on a frosty autumn morning.

It’s also dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can accompany you on a coffee date, and if you ask really nicely, Sam may sneak them a sausage from the kitchen.

Though there may be occasions where you have to queue for a table, if the wait is too much one of the team are always happy to recommend another spot in town.

There is one downside of a visit to CA, however, and that is that it’s impossible to ‘pop in for a coffee’ without purchasing a slice of the most amazing home-baked cakes.

If you want this place to become your local coffee stop, you can kiss goodbye to any kind of diet, but it’s worth it — I promise.

 

Warwick Street Kitchen (WSK) — Warwick St, Leamington Spa

Further down Warwick Street is Warwick Street Kitchen, probably most famous for it’s Insta-worthy homemade doughnuts (check out @warwickstreetkitchen immediately to see what I’m talking about.)

However, this is also a must visit for when you want somewhere with great coffee and a relaxed, cosy vibe.

For those that work from home like me, WSK is a great place to head to if you’re bored of the four walls of your home office and has a cool breakfast-bar type area, fully equipped with plug sockets, USB ports and free WIFI to keep you going through the day.

Brunch club

Hart + Co — Augusta Place, Leamington Spa

For some time now, trendy hipsters have been raving about brunch and you’re probably unlikely to make it through a weekend without seeing a picture of someone’s smashed avo on toast on the ‘Gram.

However, if you’re a brunch lover like me, Hart + Co is a must visit.

Nestled at the bottom of Augusta Place, just a few streets off of Warwick Street, you’ll find this quirky, cool hotspot.

While the food is amazing, the best thing about Hart + Co is the owner, lovely Louise.

Harts will always been a little bit special to me as it’s where my boyfriend and I had our first date (cringe, sorry). But it also holds a little place in my heart after one particular occasion on a freezing cold February morning.

I’d been away for work at an awards ceremony in Stoneleigh and overdid it slightly on the sherbet.

(By overdid it, I mean it was a free bar and I went to bed at 4am — you get the picture.)

With a full day of work ahead of me the next day, I dragged my sorry arse to Harts and slumped in on the world’s comfiest sofa in the Harts ‘living room’ where I stayed put for the remainder of the day.

Spotting my self-inflicted distress, Louise kept me going with plenty of water and her famous Pink Latte’s, until I was in a fit enough state to make the long trip home to Devon.

The Harts slogan is ‘welcome to the family’ and after that particular visit, I sure did feel like family.

Anyway, back to food…

Everything is designed to share, so if you’re new to the area, drag your Mr/Mrs/signficant other/child/stranger on the street here and get eating —I recommend the ultimate fry up: SO. DAMN. GOOD.

Louise is also massive on women supporting women, and on the counter at Hart + Co you’ll find some amazing sweet treats baked by Emily Hodgson (@emislittlebakery).

Once again, apologies in advance if this post ruins your diet…

Coffee Architects – Warwick Street, Leamington Spa

I know I’ve already mentioned them, but it would be a crime to talk about brunch without mentioning CA again.

You know when you visit home and your mum cooks you your favourite food? Well that’s how I’d describe brunch at CA.

The extensive, hand-written menu features seasonal produce and if there’s something you fancy that’s not on there, Sam is usually more than happy to whip it up for you.

The waffles are a must-try — as well as Sam’s famous ‘Breakfast Pizza’ — and even if you have a list full of intolerances, the staff will always find something on the menu to suit your needs.

(God, I’m getting so hungry writing this…)

Farm fresh

The Farm — Kings Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon

Hailing from a very agricultural area, I was a bit worried that moving to the city would mean missing out on all the fresh, local food I was used to at home. Particularly fish, which is understandably in short supply when you live in the most land-locked area of the UK…

However, my prayers have been answered after recently coming across The Farm in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Though simple in name, The Farm really does deliver when it comes to its range of locally-sourced produce.

The butchers are wonderfully knowledgeable and happy to give you some advice in terms of what to purchase or how to cook it, and there’s a fresh fish delivery at the weekends — brought straight from the docks in Falmouth to the shop. Dreamy.

For those that are conscious that we need to be doing more to help the planet, none of the fruit and veg is plastic-wrapped, and you can even get a discount if you bring your own containers to take produce home in. Win win!

Eat, drink and be merry

The Botanist, Coventry

I’m more of a breakfast kind of gal than a dinner and drinks type, but if that’s your thing, the Botanist in Coventry is a must.

Famed for its smoking cocktails and hanging kebabs, this cool and edgy venue is always buzzing on a Saturday evening.

Located in the centre of Coventry, it’s a perfect starting point if you’re looking to head out for a night on the town.

Fox & Vivian — Claredon Avenue, Leamington Spa

I’m not sure what else to say about Fox and Viv other than don’t take my word on how great it is. Go and try it yourself.

You’ve probably got more chance of finding unicorn poo in your garden than getting a walk-in table at the weekend, so book in advance, but the food is incredible.

Freshly cooked, made to order, friendly staff, great gin — what’s not to like?

This little gem is probably our most favourite place to eat.

 

La Coppola — The Parade, Leamington Spa

If you’re looking for somewhere for a special occasion, La Coppola in the centre of Leamington is a truly stunning little Italian restaurant.

If oysters are your thing, the oyster bar in the entrance is sure to grab your attention, as well as the beautiful, twinkling fairy light interior.

The Royal Oak, Brandon

If you’re the cosy pub kinda girl, one of our favourites is the Royal Oak in Brandon.

You can work up your appetite by walking from Binley Woods before sitting down to scrummy home-cooked style meal — which during the day operates on a 2 for 1 bonus, winner!

Dog-friendly and plenty of outdoor seating for the warmer months means everyone’s happy.

Shop ’til you drop

Depending on what kind of shopper you are, where you choose to shop may vary a lot, but for me, the Precinct in Coventry is an absolute winner every time.

With plenty of parking, the Precinct features all of the much-loved high street favourites such as New Look, Next, Clarks, H&M etc, as well as giant Primark for all the bargain hunters out there.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more upmarket, Leamington or Warwick is the place for you. With independent boutiques and antique jewellers adorning the street, you’re always likely to come away with some truly unique items.

Glam squad

The Doll House — Covent Garden Market, Leamington Spa

I don’t care what anyone says, breaking up with your lash lady is worse than any break up with a partner.

So you can imagine my heartbreak when I moved ‘up North’ and left behind my lovely, trusted Heather and started fearing that I’d forever look like a boiled egg due to not being able to find anyone I’d trust enough to do my lashes up here.

After a bit of digging, I found the Doll House in Leamington and it was a match made in heaven.

Belle has been doing my lashes for about 9 months and every set has been absolutely faultless.

So faultless that she is always busy, so make sure you get booked up in advance to ensure you avoid the looking-like-a-boiled-egg saga that I had to endure.

For ladies that can’t be without their lashes, a visit to Belle will definitely compensate for the blow of losing your former lash lady.

Nicola Smyth Hair – Leamington Spa/Kenilworth/Warwick/Knowle

When I sat down with Scarlett at my consultation and she promised me we’d get the results I was after because ‘hair is 80% of your selfie’, I knew we’d get on straight away.

I’ve never been one for getting excited about trips to the salon, and instead preferred to just snip the ends of my hair myself (sorry to any hairdressers reading this), but a trip to one of the Nicola Smyth salons is a treat that’s definitely worth indulging in.

With an extensive complimentary drinks menu (I’m talking pink prosecco), a clean and modern environment and lovely, friendly staff, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling a million dollars.

Paw friendly

With two crazy spaniels in tow, knowing some good walkies spots is definitely key to feeling at home in a new place. Without going into detail on everyone, here are a few of my favourites that vary in length, area and on/off lead areas:

• Leamington Spa to Warwick river walk: On and off lead areas, plenty of opportunity for swimming in the river, fairly flat, around 5 miles each way.
• Stoneleigh village/Stareton walk: Big open fields/footpaths, plenty of wooded areas for working dog training, swimming opportunity in the river, can easily vary the length of the walk.
• Brandon woods: A dense woodland walk with a good accessible path in most areas. Can be made into a 20 minute or 3 hour walk, depending on the route you take. Reward yourself with trip to the pub at the end of the walk…
• The ‘Greyhound’ canal walk: Don’t actually know the official name of this walk, but you can follow the Oxford canal in a big loop, starting and ending at the Greyhound pub (Longford, Coventry) — a must-do on a sunny summer evening.
• Abbey Fields, Kenilworth: Big, open fields, lots of other dog walkers, easy parking, river for cooling off in the summer.
• Newbold Commyn, Leamington Spa: An old disused golf course, meaning acres of space for a good leg stretch with your pooch. Plenty of parking and a variety of routes meaning the walk can be as long or as short as you like.
• Hatton Locks: Beautiful canal side walk, accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Women inspiring women

One of the loveliest things I’ve come across in my new home is a little group called Cloud Femme.

The group was set up for women in Warwickshire to inspire other local women by sharing their stories. Covering everything from self-confidence, recycling and even a full blown clothing swap shop (amazing), going to a Cloud Femme event will put you in touch with some of the loveliest people you could ever dream of meeting.

Held at Hart + Co (which immediately makes it a winner in my eyes) giving the Cloud Femme Insta a follow will keep you up-to-date with the latest events.

If like me, you’re painfully shy when it comes to meeting new people (a stupid thing for a journalist to be, I know), I highly recommend getting amongst these events. Friendly faces can make a strange new place really feel like home.

I’m sure there’s sooooo many hidden gems I’ve missed, but if you’re looking for a beginners guide, these are the places I wish I’d known about when I moved here.

So go and try them out, let me know what you think and send me your recommendations for the places you find as you settle in to life in Warwickshire.

C x