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.
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
The Hoot -
5th January 2024 
