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.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Bus operator partners with Leeds hospitals to help mums-to-be make vital appointments
Clementine Hall
First Bus is partnering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to support vulnerable women during pregnancy.
The bus operator is providing an incredible 1,000 day tickets to help vulnerable mums-to-be make appointments.
The free travel passes can be provided by maternity teams to women mainly from minority or disadvantaged communities, helping them to attent important check-ups and appointments.
A recent review of records estimates that 100 pregnant women every month struggle to make hospital appointments as they have no access to funding support or face other barriers to transport.
Image: Supplied
First Bus will provide 100 day tickets per month until March 2027 for midwives to distribute to women based on travel needs following a financial assessment which is carried out during their initial appointment with the maternity team.
Nada Abdul-Majid, Specialist Midwife Health Equity at the Trust, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how women struggle to get to their hospital appointments if they don’t have enough money to use public transport.
“Our Haamla team carry out home visits to these vulnerable women however, it is important that families are able to travel to the hospital for scans, doctors’ appointments, labour and obstetric emergencies.”
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising which includes the West Yorkshire region, said: “Supporting communities in the areas we serve means, where we can, being able to assist people in all stages of life. Nothing can be more important than helping to ensure the health and welfare of mothers-to-be and the benefits this will bring to their newborn children.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Trust and seeing the positive impact our travel support can make to the lives of vulnerable women in Leeds.
“We’re really grateful to First Bus for providing these tickets for women so they can receive maternity care without worrying about the cost of travel to and from appointments,” added Nada. “This will make a real difference to mothers and babies.”
The Hoot -
5th January 2024 
