Twelve of the best hotels in Leeds are giving their guests a free night's stay this summer as part of a new campaign that's been launched in the city centre.
The Be Our Guest campaign has been set up by Leeds City Council and hoteliers in the city to help boost tourism in the centre of Leeds after the events of the past eighteen months.
As part of the campaign, twelve of Leeds' favourite hotels are offering an extra night on the house - meaning if you book for two nights, you'll get a third free.
The first 100 people to take advantage of the campaign will also receive a hamper full of food and drinks made right here in Leeds.
The city centre hotels taking part in the scheme range from budget to high-end, with the cheapest options - Ibis Style and Discovery Inn - both priced at £120 for three nights.
At £160 for three nights, there's the Jurys Inn, Novotel, Westwood Hall, Clayton Hall and The Met to choose from. All four star hotels, each offer something different depending on what you're looking for.
If you want somewhere quiet for a retreat, Westwood Hall is a good choice. Sitting in one of Leeds nicest suburbs, it is built around a 17th-century manor house on 9 acres of country gardens.
The Metropole, or The Met, is another fine choice if you're treating yourself. This swanky red brick property has been ushering in well-heeled guests since the Victorian era.
Or, if you're going all out, luxury Leeds hotels the Malmaison and Radisson Blu are also taking part: offering a three night stay for just £200.
For those wanting to get involved, the offer will run until 2nd September and is valid between Sundays and Thrusdays.
"The city’s Be Our Guest campaign provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to Leeds to experience the city at its best, whilst also supporting our ambitions as a leading city break destination," said council deputy leader and member for economy, culture and education, Jonathan Pryor.
"Leeds is a resilient city and I am confident we will emerge from the pandemic stronger, which will benefit everyone who lives and visits here.
"We hope that our Be Our Guest campaign can enhance Leeds’ status as the perfect destination for a staycation, and are encouraging visitors to take advantage of this great offer by staying longer to explore Leeds and experience the vibrant spirit of our city."
LHVA chair Wayne Topley added: "It has been a punishing year for the hospitality industry and we are keen to get up and running once more, doing what we do, creating a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment for our guests and colleagues alike
"Initiatives such as Be Our Guest provide the perfect platform for us to showcase what we are really good at, both in terms of positive collaboration, and highlighting the sights, sounds and flavours of this great city...
"It is fantastic to see the city pulling together to show all that is truly great about Leeds. To my knowledge, this is the most coordinated campaign we have seen for many years."
Meadowhall has just welcomed a brand-new JD Sports Store - and it is absolutely mega.
Trainer and sportswear lovers, this one's for you as JD Sports has just opened the doors to its newest store.
Located in Meadowhall shopping centre on the Lower Level of the High Street, the new store is almost triple its previous size and spans a whopping 29,225 sq ft.
Shoppers can now browse an ever bigger selection of clothing, footwear and sportswear from big brands like Nike, Montirex, New Balance, Adidas and Berghaus just to name a few.
Image: The Sheff
To make your shopping experience even smoother, the new store features self-service tills so you can be in and out within a flash.
To celebrate the opening, Chunkz and Kenny from popular Youtube collective Beta Squad officially opened the store today and held a meet and greet for fans.
Image: The Sheff
And the celebrations don't stop there, as from Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August customers can get involved in JD's Spin-to-Win, with the chance to win gift cards, trainers and JD-branded merchandise.
Not only that, but Montirex will be hosting games all-weekend-long.
And if you can't make it that weekend, then do not fear. As on Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August, The Crep Protect truck will be rolling into Meadowhall giving out free goodie bags for customers who sign up to JD Status and follow Crep Protect.
Image: The Sheff
Sneaker Throne will also be offering a shoe-cleaning experience, with demonstrations showing customers how to keep their trainers fresh using products available in-store and goodie bags will be on offer which will also include tokens to play the Cop & Flop game.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you there for a fresh new fit.
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
Clementine Hall
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd June 2021 
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