Many of the best conversations and connections happen over good food. That simple truth combined with a passion for fresh food cooked from first principles inspired Raj Darji to quit the corporate life and start Scratch Cook Social in 2023.

Based in Leamington, he now provides restaurant-quality food for private and public gatherings, either through the venues’ own kitchens or from his own food truck. His goal is to surprise, delight and foster connection.

I encountered Raj’s brilliant cooking at the first Mazon Interiors dinner party - his inventive dishes inspired by his North Indian heritage exactly achieved those goals. And so I was fascinated to talk with him about his life, his food, and how you can get a taste of Scratch Cook for yourself.

Website: http://www.scratchcook.social/

Mazon Dinner Parties: https://www.mazoninteriors.co.uk/scratch-cook-dinner-party/

Wander around Leamington and there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter one of the extraordinary murals that adorn many of our buildings. Together they are curated as the Leamington Mural Festival, a year-round celebration of this vibrant street art.

I met festival curator Tim Robottom - who is also a professional street artist himself - and wasted no time in tapping his expertise on the process of creating street art, his recommendations on the best art to explore, how to get involved in this urban cultural phenomenon and, of course, his take on Banksy.

Tim also leads walking tours of the festival collection on the first Sunday of every month from April to October.

Tour tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leamington-history-group-walks-brink-street-art-walk-of-leamington-tickets-1983948627752/

Info: https://merciamurals.org/leamingtonmuralfestival/

If you need special tools for a DIY project, are planning an event and need some extra catering equipment, are looking for some new hobbies to try out or are just keen to avoid buying and storing things that you only need occasionally – then the Library of Things is worth a look.

Founded by Maurice Herson, the library which is co-located with the Eco Hub in Bedford Street has a growing and diverse inventory of items for hire, and also has potential opportunities for volunteers who would like to get involved.

Website: https://leamlot.myturn.com/library/

Email: libraryofthings@makeleamington.co.uk