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
Sheffield put on official flood alert by Environment Agency as torrential rain hits city
After months of dry weather, heavy rain has fallen on Sheffield raising concerns.
If you're out and about today, we hope you've got a rain coat and umbrella with you.
Because after what seems like months of nonstop hot and dry weather, the flood gates have well and truly opened on Sheffield.
So much so that experts at the Environment Agency have issued flood alerts for nine areas in and around Sheffield.
The flood alert includes Blackburn Brook, the Lower River Rother, the Porter Brook Catchment the River Doe Lea catchment, the River Holme Catchment, the River Sheaf Catchment, the Upper River Don catchment, the Upper River Rother catchment and the Whiston Brook catchment.
Image: Environment Agency
The alert states: "Rising river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on August 27 2026 due to the heavy and thundery downpours expected today.
“Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. We are closely monitoring the situation as river levels may rise suddenly and cause surface water flooding.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.”
Maps gave been issued by the agency that show the areas covered by the alert, including land near the Don and parts of Kelham Island, Hillsborough College, Hillsborough Stadium close to Penistone Road and land near Holme Lane and Rivelin Valley Road.
The alert comes as The Met Office states: “A broad band of thunderstorms and heavy rain will move north across England and Wales on Thursday, perhaps becoming slow moving in the afternoon and evening. Accumulations of 20-30 mm in an hour is possible locally, while 30 to 40 mm can be expected fairly widely and up to 50 mm in a 12 hour period in places."
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant Six and A Half to launch new concept in Sheffield food hall
Daisy Jackson
One of Sheffield's top restaurants, Six and A Half, has revealed plans for a new concept - and they're moving into a food hall.
Chef Leslie Buddington will be bringing his acclaimed open-fire cooking concept into the kitchens at Cambridge Street Collective.
But things will be slightly different to his Dyson Place restaurant - instead, Leslie will launch The Other Half, which will have a more 'relaxed and accessible' approach to his cooking.
At The Other Half, he'll be serving a menu that focuses on seasonal produce, bold flavours, and sharing dishes, with a huge focus once again on wood-fired cooking.
Leslie has teased that one stand-out dish customers can look forward to with his new concept will be nduja stuffed chicken wings.
The Other Half is the latest chef-driven operation to move into Cambridge Street Collective, the food hall that opened back in 2024 with a whopping 20 independent kitchens inside.
Previous dishes at Six and A HalfInside Six and A Half in SheffieldPrevious dishes at Six and A Half
Operated by Blend Family, the food hall has a dedicated 'Food Partners' concept which acts as an incubator for chefs and restaurants to develop and scale their concepts .
Leslie, founder of The Other Half, said: "Joining Cambridge Street Collective feels like the right step for The Other Half.
"It’s a strong platform for independent kitchens, and I’m excited to bring our concept into this space."
Over at Six and A Half, he'll continue to provide his fantastic, flavourful open-fire small plates - if you can get a seat at the chef's pass, you're in for one of Sheffield's hottest dining experiences.
The Other Half will open at Cambridge Street Collective on 9 September.
Clementine Hall -
1st August 2025 
