We were lucky enough to stay at the city's newest hotel and restaurant, and what a treat it was.
It's not often you get to stay in a hotel in your own city, so when we were given the opportunity to dive into a plush bed at the brand-new Hotel Indigo we jumped at the chance.
You've probably stayed at a Hotel Indigo in your time, with locations across the globe they offer reliable stays where you're made to feel very welcome as soon as you step foot through the door.
And their new site in Leeds is absolutely no exception.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
First of all, the location is top tier. Sitting pretty on Lower Briggate just behind the train station, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city and looking to explore.
Within minutes you can be sipping a cocktail on Call Lane or browsing the shops on Briggate, what more could you want?
Next, the rooms - and this is where it gets exciting. Acting as a real love letter to the city, each floor of the Hotel Indigo represents a different part of Leeds history.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From dice-shaped chairs to reflect Leeds' involvement in the invention of board games to rock and roll-inspired coat hooks as a nod to the city's amazing music heritage, not one single detail has been overlooked.
Each room is chic and carefully curated, complete with one of the comfiest beds we've ever had the pleasure of laying our heads on.
And of course, the views were spectacular - our room overlooked the iconic Leeds bridge where the first moving picture was shot back in 1888. You can't get more Leeds then that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Once checking in we had to pop downstairs to sample their brand new restaurant, The Banksia.
Run with Craig Rogan at the helm, we knew it was going to be good and it really was. The menu features a range of mediterranean small plates from soft lamb rump and tuna tartare to hummus which is made to your own taste table side.
The dining room itself features floor to ceiling windows overlooking Lower Briggate making it the perfect spot to sit back, relax, enjoy a few small plates and sip on a couple of cocktails (which were all fantastic by the way).
The service was faultless, our waitress Scarlett was particularly lovely and for a restaurant that's only been open a few weeks the entire experience was slick and seamless.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're spending the night at Hotel Indigo, make it a priority to visit the Banksia whether dining or stopping by for a drink or two.
Or, you could even enjoy their breakfast in bed which of course we absolutely did.
After a blissful nights sleep we placed our order via the neon orange telephone and within moments we were sipping on hot coffee, juices and refreshing açai bowls in bed. Now that is luxury.
Overall, from the moment we were greeted by the fantastic front of house team to the minute we sadly waved them goodbye, our night's stay at the Hotel Indigo was nothing short of exceptional.
It made us feel like a tourist in our own city and whether you're looking to do the same or visiting the city from elsewhere, we couldn't recommend it any more.
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
Inside Proof – Sheffield’s new bookshop, bar and cafe all rolled into one
Clementine Hall
A beloved Sheffield bookshop is back but this time, there's booze.
You may remember back in January when Novel sadly had to close its doors due to circumstances beyond the team’s control.
Since opening in Crookes in 2024, co-owner Katie and the team had experienced ongoing intimidation and harassment, eventually leading to the decision to close the much-loved bookshop and bar indefinitely.
It was a heartbreaking turn of events for a business that had quickly become a much-loved part of the Crookes community.
Images: The Sheff
At the time, it felt like it might be the end of Novel but thankfully, it wasn't. Because Novel is back - but not quite as you might remember it.
Introducing Proof, your new bookshop/cafe/wine/beer bar.
It's basically everything we love in this world rolled into one, and we're big fans of it along with the rest of Crookes.
Of course the book selection is just as brilliant as it was at Novel, with shelves stacked with some of the hottest books around, all hand-picked by Kate, so you know you’re in safe hands when it comes to the reading recommendations.
Images: The Sheff
Great coffee is on hand courtesy of Cloud so you can settle in for a brew and a browse, but if that won't quite cut it they've also got a selection of natural wines and beer on offer. Genuinely, what more could you want?
Just grab a brew, pick up a book and settle in for a while. Is this one of the coolest new openings to hit Crookes? We reckon so.
They're open Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 10:30pm, so make sure you swing by and welcome Proof back to Crookes.
Danny Jones -
14th August 2025 
