Leeds

Inside The Bells: the luxury staycation apartments with hot tubs overlooking the Leeds city skyline

Words by Abigail Johnson.

The Hoot The Hoot - 5th January 2024

Fancy a staycation in the heart of Leeds that radiates elegance and intimacy? 

Look no further.

We’ve found the perfect place for those who want the best experience that the city has to offer. 

The Bells is a collection of beautiful, luxury apartments located just ten minutes from the Leeds train station, on Church Row. These five star apartments have create a real sense of grandeur, overlooking the Leeds Minster and the bustling city.

Tripadvisor voted it in the top 10% of places to stay in the world, and we can see why.  

The rooms are beyond lavishness with each room having a super king-size bed, high ceilings, big sofas and spacious walk-in showers. Each room has different designs to give them all a splash of personality, with them going from vintage and Victorian to modern and niche. 

Little John, available from just £300, is a favourite with its open plan living and kitchen area, 4k projector and 120 inch screen tv. The bathroom is the pinnacle of the room with its luxurious freestanding authentic copper bath and skin-kissing rainfall shower which just exude opulence.

If you are looking for a more modish, contemporary room Hosanna is your girl. It adds dynamic to the style of the rooms by making it modern with its meticulously positioned LEDs to give an intimate feel that makes you feel as if you’re and stargazing vibe.

This is extended onto the is furthermore made by the private courtyard area with hot tub, steam room and outdoor fire pit. Perfect for a cosy night stargazing with a glass of rose.

Big Ben is certainly made for kings with its two- bedroom layout. The master super king size bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and private viewing balcony, whilst the second bedroom haswith its own ensuite as well.

These lead up to a private rooftop terrace including a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city that you simply cannot find anywhere else. 

Other room featuress also include Sonos Music Systems, Mezzanine level open floor rooms, high speed WiFi, 86” 4k Smart LED TV and Jacuzzi Baths. 

Staying at The Bells is a truly relaxing and almost transformative experience, making it is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway - especially if you’re a bit of a history buff.  This place has stories from generations gone by, so why not stay in a place where its history is seeping through the walls?

The Victorian building goes back to its 17th Century origins with it being a clergy house, public house and a gym. During the Second World War it was transformed as a gym and safe haven for returning soldiers. 

The then-named part of Kirkgate fell into disrepair and in 2014 was repurchased in an attempt to save the building. Three years later, the building was fully renovated and ‘The Bells’ was born. 

So why not pop down to see one of Leeds’ crown jewels and make a weekend of it by visiting some secret, swanky bars.

For example, The Domino. Barbers by day; cocktails, wine and jazz by night. You’re guaranteed to head home dancing the charleston with Dizzy Gillespie trumpeting through your head. 

If all this isn’t enough and we haven't sold The Bells to you yet; there’s a new year offer on for 2024 to save you some pennies.The Bells currently has a midweek offer for 20% off on all stays on Monday and Wednesdays. 

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Find out more about The Bells, including how to book, on their website here.

Leeds

The Franco Manca ‘pizza run’ explained – here’s how you can get a free pizza

Danny Jones Danny Jones

If you’ve been wondering why you’re seeing a lot of free pizza lately, we’re here to explain the current Franco Manca pizza ‘run trend’.

And yes, we were the foolish ones enough to have not quizzed any of our jogging chums until now, meaning we’ve missed out on more money and free pizza. Sigh.

Nevermind, though, because at least we spotted it before the end of the month (this being Franco Manca’s main January deal), and we dare say that now you’ve heard about it, you’ll see plenty others popping up on social media with their free slices.

Including us.

That’s right, it may be a very thin slice with a very long and thin slice, but that is as much of a pizza slice outline as we needed to qualify for the current deal.

Yes, we’re aware that the actual pepperonis on ours are more square than most – listen, we did our best, and we’ve certainly seen people pulling off better overall shaped pizzas than us; that’s part of the fun/and or challenge.

For instance, we didn’t mean for our picture to come out with one long crust running down either…

So, how does it work, you ask? Well, it’s quite simple, to be fair. All you have to do is run a pizza-shaped route (any pizza shape works, by the way), map your route on the likes of Strava or Apple Fitness, etc., then show your creation at your nearest and claim a quid off for every kilometre you run.

As advertised on the ‘Map My Pizza Run’ page on their website, the aim isn’t about putting pressure or hitting a strict target; you simply get rewarded the longer you go.

Here’s a handy example from a local running content creator for you:

There are some stipulations, such as not being used in conjunction with any other offer, one pizza map being valid per person, and the route has to have been run in January. You can find the full terms and conditions HERE.

Oh, and technically, you can do it however you like: run, walk, cycle – you name it. Other than that, we’ve pretty much given you all the info you need to know, so go and get yourself some free pizza.

Read more: January 2026 deals, discounts and offers at restaurants and bars across Leeds

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Franco Manca/MRR

Leeds

UK punk icons The Stranglers announced as latest headliner of outdoor concert series

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The Stranglers have been announced as the third headliner of 'Live At Tileyard North'.

The new two-week series of outdoor live music will take place in central Wakefield, with The Stranglers taking to the stage on Friday 21 August at the historic courtyard of Rutland Mills.

Formed back in 1974, The Stranglers quickly made a name for themselves by embracing the punk movement of the late 70s.

Their first three albums (Rattus Norvegicus, No More Heroes and Black and White) were released within just 13 months of each other, scoring hit singles with ‘Peaches’, ‘No More Heroes’ and ‘Walk On By’.

Image: Supplied

In 2024 The Stranglers’ 50th anniversary year featured celebratory sell-out tours across the world and headline slots at festivals worldwide, including a sell-out performance at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall.

The Stranglers will be joined by a full supporting line-up including fellow punk legends Buzzcocks as well as alternative-indie quintet FEET and buzzy Irish garage rock trio Adore.

Previously announced Live at Tileyard North headliners include the Vaccines, who will be in Wakefield performing their critically acclaimed 2011 debut album What Did You Expect From the Vaccines? in full to celebrate 15 years since its release on Sunday 30 August, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor who will headline the outdoor venue on Thursday 27 August.

It's safe to say it will be a very fun two weeks indeed, now we just need to wait until summer arrives.

Postcode pre-sale for residents local to Tileyard North (WF1, WF2, WF3, WF4, WF5, WF6) will open at 10am on Wednesday 21 January here with general sale opening at 10am on Friday 23 January here.

Read more:

Featured image - Supplied

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