Feature

‘This Yorkshire city has it all’ – Leeds crowned as one of the UK’s most underrated city breaks

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 6th July 2026

Leeds has been named as one of the most underrated city breaks in the UK by Time Out.

It's time to cancel your city break to London, Edinburgh or wherever you think the grass is greener...because Leeds is now the place to beat.

A new article by Time Out has crowned Leeds as one of the most underrated locations for a UK city break, and we couldn't agree more.

The article praises Leeds for it's fabulous independent music venues, sprawling green spaces and standout restaurants.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

In fact, they perfectly paint out how your city break in Leeds could look. From seeing a gig at the Brudenell Social Club and enjoying dinner at the critically acclaimed Highland Laddie, to drinking at The Domino Club and exploring the 700-acre fields of Roundhay Park.

But don't just take our word for it, here's what the piece had to say about our wonderful city: "Anyone who has ever lived in Leeds already knows its brilliance. From unrivalled independent music venues to sprawling green spaces to quietly outstanding restaurants, this Yorkshire city has it all.

"But outside of God’s Own County, it’s not necessarily the first place people think of when planning a UK day trip or staycation...For starters, it’s the home of Brudenell Social Club, which Time Out recently crowned the greatest live music venue in the entire UK.

"Leeds’ food scene is something to behold, too. Bavette, with its perfectly prepared French fare, is Time Out’s favourite restaurant there (it recently earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its excellent value), closely followed by the uber-cool Empire Cafe, the wondrous Ox Club and the intimate Sushi Nakamura."

We agree with absolutely everything being said, and it's got us craving a city break in our very own city. You can read the full article here.

Read more: An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre

Featured image - Unsplash (Gary Butterfield)




Feature

You can stay in this beautiful TV-free gothic hall in the Peak District

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.

Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.

This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.

If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.

There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)

Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.

Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.

And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.

Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.

Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)

There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.

Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".

If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.

Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.

Read more: The old-fashion Sheffield sweet shop that’s been open for 152 years

Featured Images - Airbnb (via supplied)

Feature

Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.

Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.

Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.

The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.

Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.

An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July

Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)

For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz

Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.

Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.

How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?

It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.

When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.

Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?

Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.

Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.

What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?

Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.

Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)

If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?

The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.

Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.

Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.

Who are some Northern artists that you're enjoying listening to at the moment?

Leeds-based band The North, there's also The Rosadocs and Montello. We played a gig not too long ago with some class acts too, Bochum Parkway and Jessops, And we can't forget The Slates as well.

What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?

'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.

Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)

What's your favourite track off your newest EP?

Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.

While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.

Read more: Sheffield’s Peddler Market to relaunch as FREE monthly mini music festival

Featured Images - Press Shots (supplied)

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