Sometimes all we need is a little bit of pampering and TLC, and Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa can provide this and much more.
Located in Retford just outside of Yorkshire, they have been a rural sanctuary for weary travellers since the 17th century and have been ongoing ever since.
If you're looking for a break from every day life, this is the perfect weekend escape for some well-earned relaxation where you will be treated like royalty.
The hotel itself offers luxury accommodation in the form of individually designed, unique rooms and suites. Think four poster beds, opulent roll top baths and top of the range walk-in power showers. Not only this but they are home to two exceptional restaurants serving a mix of modern and classic cuisine, both securing an AA Rosette award for fine dining.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
The real selling point though is the spa. The multi-million pound venture opened in 2017 and features an array of exceptional and unique treatments, some of which are only one of three in the whole of the UK. Feel as though you need to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? The Ye Olde Bell spa offers a sanctuary of rest and tranquility, leaving you feeling utterly rejuvenated and invigorated.
Out of the 11 thermal treatments on offer you can experience the Salt Inhalation Room, a silent relaxation room facing a salt wall which simulates a marine climate to aid respiratory problems, and the Herbal Laconium, a steam room which provides a natural infusion of herbs to help clear your mind and relax your muscles.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
They even have a Snow Storm Walk treatment which only a handful of spas Worldwide have on offer, here you can walk through a simulated snow shower which helps to boost the immune system and eliminate toxins, if you’re brave enough that is.
The list of weird and wonderful treatments for you to sample is endless, however if you’re after something more traditional then do not fear. They have an Alpine Sauna built out of Swiss stone pine, an outdoor/indoor vitality pool stretching 10 metres long and a steam bath decorated with mosaic tiles and twinkling blue light.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
Need a break from the thermal treatments? Step outside and snuggle into one of their rattan apple chairs, alpine chalet huts or heated loungers. It’s the perfect spot to chill out and catch up with your friends whilst enjoying a glass of champagne.
Speaking of champagne, after a hard day of relaxing you’ll need to refuel and their Herb Garden Brasserie will do just the job. Opt for a nourishing and balanced meal such as the Ginger Soy Salmon with Saffron Risotto, or go for something a little more indulgent like the Sage Stuffed Pork Fillet with apple fondant and vanilla, parsnip puree. Each dish comes with a wine pairing if you so wish because after all, everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while.
Sounds like a dream? We think so too. A full spa day costs £180 and includes full access to the spa, one 60 minute treatment and a two course lunch. You’ll also be treated like royalty and be thoroughly looked after by one of their friendly spa butlers. For more offers and prices as well as information on how to book, take a look at their website.
Featured image - Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
The Sheff
Yorkshire veterans Shed Seven set for 10th anniversary of Shedcember shows
Yorkshire-born group, Shed Seven, are set to bring a very special edition of their 'Shedcember' live shows to the likes of Leeds, Sheffield, and more as they celebrate 10 years of the now annual tour.
The beloved British band and alternative rock veterans have been around for more than three and a half decades at this point, and for nearly a third of those, these lads have been putting on regular winter gigs for their loyal fan base.
Having developed a fervent cult following during that time, Shed Seven's dedicated run of November and December dates has become a bit of a phenomenon, and since 2025 was one of their most significant 18-month periods ever, they're toasting recent success at the end of this calendar year.
If you're 'Shed Ed', you'll already know all about this event; if not, get to know...
Announcing this year's 10th anniversary tour - fittingly dubbed 'Shedcember X - alongside a new short film/teaser written and directed by long-serving guitarist, Paul Banks, those who have been listening since the start
Equally, thanks to this would-be trailer, even those who've never been to one of the shows or are yet to fully dive into their discography have had their attention caught.
Focusing on their die-hard crowds who now make sure to attend each Shedcember night, if not every single one of their gigs whenever they come to town, the mini social media movie captures just how passionate their audiences are even after all this time.
Part of the reason that the York-founded outfit has been enjoying somewhat of a resurgence of late is as a result of back-to-back number one albums
Notching the top spot for their A Matter Of Time in January 2024, a whole 29 years on from their maiden release (the longest gap between a debut and a no.1 record in UK history), they then did it again with Liquid Gold, which saw some of their biggest hits remastered and reimagined with orchestral backing.
These two massive and long-overdue moments of recognition arguably deserve a tour all of their own, but we will absolutely take Shedcember X, which will feature a number of shows across the region.
Announcing an extensive run of performances for the de facto festival, the 10th anniversary edition of Shed Seven's - we've also highlighted all of the Northern dates for you.
Reverend and the Makers drop ‘fantastic’ new track featuring Robbie Williams
Danny Jones
Sheffield legend and all-round Yorkshire favourite, Jon McClure, debuted a new Reverend and the Makers song with none other than the one and only Robbie Williams.
What a collaboration.
Reverend and the Makers' new album, Is This How Happiness Feels?, is just around the corner, and we've already heard a couple of great singles from the latest record, but we'd be lying if we weren't left very excited when we saw Robbie's name on the tracklist.
It also looks to have served as yet another reminder that, just like Jon himself, he just seems like a sound bloke who loves making music.
Buzzin’ me tits off with this.
I met Rob in 2002 when he came into the health club I was working at. He asked me
The early reviews coming in have proved unsurprisingly positive, too, with one user writing on socials before it was even dropped: "Hold on.... WHAT?? This is ICONIC!!! I need to listen to this song..."
Others went on to describe the partnership as "Two wonderful and inimitable voices", with others describing it as an "absolute earworm" and "a total vibe", just to name a couple of examples.
The general consensus among fans seems to be that it's a "quality tune".
For anyone wondering how the two teaming up came about, besides the pop icon himself having recently released his new BRITPOP project, the 52-year-old also sat down with McClure on an episode of the Game's Gone podcast with his brother Chris, a.k.a. 'Steve Bracknall', last year.
The two have clearly stayed pally ever since, with another going on to add: "Wonderful song. Fingers crossed Robbie joins you to sing it at Leigh! That would be ace. Then you can sing You Again with Katie. I'm so excited."
Safe to say that loyal followers of the Steel City veterans and casuals alike will be hoping to hear this one live; as for whether or not Mr Williams will be joining them, we'll have to wait and see.
As mentioned, the eighth Reverend and the Makers studio LP is landing very soon, due for release on Friday, May 8; it also features the likes of actor and Day Fever collaborator Vicky McClure (no relation), in case you haven't heard it already.
Clementine Hall -
1st August 2025 
