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.
One of Leeds’ most iconic buildings is set to be brought back to life.
Plans for a brand-new padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse on Wellington Road have been approved by Leeds City Council’s West Plans Panel.
Consent has been granted for Ollo Padel to transform the Grade II* listed Roundhouse into a state-of-the-art sport, fitness, food, drink and community venue subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Built in 1847 for the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, The Roundhouse was once home to the steam locomotives that powered industrial Victorian Leeds. In recent years, the building has stood largely unused.
Image: Supplied
The approved plans will restore and protect the landmark building and give the site a new, long-term future as one of the city’s most distinctive leisure destinations.
The three-acre site, located on the edge of Leeds city centre, will include nine outdoor doubles padel courts under a 10-metre canopy, plus a dedicated indoor coaching court within The Roundhouse itself.
At the heart of the site will be the Ollo Clubhouse; built around an all-day kitchen and bar, it will combine a comfortable lounge and co-working space, meeting rooms and live sport and events spaces.
The kitchen and bar will be run in partnership with Southbank Provisions, the independent Leeds hospitality team behind Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Galleria whilst the gym will be operated by fitness and performance specialists Northbound, who will bring strength and conditioning practice, Hyrox training and pilates classes to The Roundhouse.
Image: Supplied
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the venue aiming to open in early 2027.
Luke Gidney, Founder & CEO Ollo Padel: "This is a huge day for Leeds, for The Roundhouse and for Ollo. The Roundhouse has been part of the city’s story for nearly 180 years. It’s an incredible building but it needs people, energy and purpose again. Our plan is to bring it back to life as a place where people can play, eat, work, meet friends and feel part of something.
"Padel is growing so quickly because it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. But for us, this is about more than just the courts. We want Ollo to become a proper community destination for Leeds, somewhere welcoming, joyful and full of life.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Leeds City Council’s planning team, our case officer, the wider council team and everyone who has supported the project to this point. This has been a complex project but the sport and engagement throughout has been brilliant. Now the real work starts and we cannot wait to open the doors for you.”
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
Thomas Melia
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.
Danny Jones -
14th August 2025 
