Welcome to Warwick & Leamington

I've just launched Warwick & Leamington, a new site for residents and local independent businesses across Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and the surrounding CV postcodes. There's a mobile app in the works too, should be out shortly.

The idea's pretty simple really. There are loads of great independent shops, cafes, restaurants and services around here, but it's not always easy to know what's on or what's actually happening locally. That's what this is meant to fix.

Honestly, one of the things that pushed me to actually build this was getting fed up with "local" news sites that are mostly filler, clickbait, recycled national stories, or stuff happening nowhere near here. I wanted something that's actually local, run by and for people in Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth, not just badged as local to get clicks.

So what's actually on there. There are offers from local independents you won't find anywhere else, claim one with a tap and show your QR code in store, you'll earn points every time you redeem one too. There's an events section for markets, festivals, classes, meetups, that kind of thing, and you can submit your own if you're running something. News is stories and updates from around the area written by and for the people who live here, not filler and not wire copy.

There's also a proper business directory you can browse by category or town. If you spot your own business listed but haven't claimed it yet, it only takes a couple of minutes and then you can start posting your own offers.

A few newer bits as well: a fundraisers board for local causes and campaigns, a community photos section (there's a photo of the month), a food support directory mapping local food banks and donation points with opening times, and a groups and clubs listing for sports clubs, hobby groups, support groups, all that sort of thing.

This is just the start, there's more to add and I'll keep building on it. Thanks for being here from day one.

Pete