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.
Leeds legend Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final 7 in 7 challenge this month.
The former Leeds Rhinos captain will begin 7 in 7: The Grand Finale next Sunday 27 September.
Wondering what on earth that is? Allow us to fill you in.
Sinfield will be running an ultra-marathon every day for seven days, and this time it's across the north of England including a special stop off right here in Leeds.
Not only that, but the challenge will bring Sinfield back to some of the places that have played a huge part in his rugby league career.
The route will visit all 12 English Betfred Super League grounds, starting at Hull KR before travelling through Yorkshire and eventually crossing the Pennines towards Manchester where Sinfield is from.
Here in Leeds, we can expect Sinfield to arrive at Headingley Stadium on Wednesday 30 September at 11:14am, before leaving towards Pudsey Civic Hall at 11:40am.
The challenge will then finish at Old Trafford on Saturday 3 October, where Sinfield will arrive ahead of the Super League Grand Final.
Since the first annual challenge back in 2020, Kevin Sinfield and his team have raised over £11 million for the MND community with six charities set to benefit once again from this years fundraising.
It's an amazing challenge for an amazing cause, and you can donate and find out more about the challenge here.
Good luck Kevin and the team, we know you'll smash it.
Fences at Leeds Playhouse – walls, wounds and what we leave behind | Review
Declan Kelly
Leeds Playhouse delivers a powerful story about the walls we build.
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful and deeply personal family drama, exploring race, fatherhood, ambition and the emotional scars that can be passed from one generation to the next.
At Leeds Playhouse, the strength of the production lies largely with its cast. Ray Fearon gives Troy Maxson a commanding presence, balancing humour and charm with a growing sense of anger and resentment. It is an uncomfortable performance at times, but one that keeps you invested in Troy even when his actions become increasingly difficult to accept.
Madeline Appiah brings real warmth and emotional depth to Rose, while Josh Tedeku captures Cory’s frustration as a young man determined to make his own way rather than inherit his father’s limitations.
Image: Supplied
For me, though, Act 2 is where the production really comes alive.
The first half feels comparatively restrained. That isn't necessarily a criticism of the performances or Wilson's writing, but having experienced previous Headlong productions, I went in expecting a little more theatrical imagination from the staging. There were moments where I felt the production could have pushed the material further visually.
Act 2 begins to deliver that.
The rotating set adds movement and energy, while the bright LED lighting works particularly well with the live music, creating a more heightened atmosphere as the family's tensions reach breaking point. The production suddenly feels more visually ambitious, and the design starts to work hand-in-hand with the emotional journey of the characters.
Images: Supplied
The fence itself is an effective recurring image, initially a practical task, but gradually becoming a representation of Troy's need for control, protection and separation. The more the story unfolds, the more the fence feels like a barrier between Troy and the people he loves.
There is a lot to admire here, particularly in the performances, and Wilson's writing remains as relevant and affecting as ever. However, I couldn't help feeling that some of the theatrical ambition found in Act 2 could have been introduced earlier.
Ultimately, Fences is a moving and thought-provoking evening, with a particularly strong second half. For me, it was Act 2 that turned a solid production into a genuinely memorable one.
Running until 23 September at Leeds Playhouse, get your tickets here.
The Hoot -
5th January 2024 
