Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa, located in Retford just outside of Yorkshire, is the perfect weekend escapefor some well-earned relaxation.
Sometimes all we need is a little bit of pampering and TLC, and this hotel and spa can provide this and much more. They have been a rural sanctuary for weary travellers since the 17th century and have been ongoing ever since.
The hotel itself offers luxury accommodation in the form of individually designed, unique rooms and suites.
Think four poster beds, opulent roll top baths and top of the range walk-in power showers.
Not only this but they are home to two exceptional restaurants serving a mix of modern and classic cuisine, both securing an AA Rosette award for fine dining.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
The real selling point though is the spa. The multi-million pound venture opened in 2017 and features an array of exceptional and unique treatments, some of which are only one of three in the whole of the UK.
Feel as though you need to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? The Ye Olde Bell spa offers a sanctuary of rest and tranquility, leaving you feeling utterly rejuvenated and invigorated.
Out of the 11 thermal treatments on offer you can experience the Salt Inhalation Room, a silent relaxation room facing a salt wall which simulates a marine climate to aid respiratory problems, and the Herbal Laconium, a steam room which provides a natural infusion of herbs to help clear your mind and relax your muscles.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
They even have a Snow Storm Walk treatment, which only a handful of spas worldwide have on offer, here you can walk through a simulated snow shower which helps to boost the immune system and eliminate toxins- if you're brave enough that is.
The list of weird and wonderful treatments for you to sample is endless, however if you're after something more traditional then do not fear. They have an Alpine Sauna built out of Swiss stone pine, an outdoor/indoor vitality pool stretching 10 metres long and a steam bath decorated with mosaic tiles and twinkling blue light.
Need a break from the thermal treatments? Step outside and snuggle into one of their rattan apple chairs, alpine chalet huts or heated loungers. It's the perfect spot to chill out and catch up with your friends whilst enjoying a glass of champagne.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
Speaking of champagne, after a hard day of relaxing you'll need to refuel and their Herb Garden Brasserie will do just the job.
Opt for a nourishing and balanced meal such as the Ginger Soy Salmon with Saffron Risotto, or go for something a little more indulgent like the Sage Stuffed Pork Fillet with apple fondant and vanilla, parsnip puree.
Each dish comes with a wine pairing if you so wish because after all, everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
Sounds like a dream? We think so too.
A full spa day costs £180 and includes full access to the spa, one 60 minute treatment and a two course lunch. You'll also be treated like royalty and be thoroughly looked after by one of their friendly spa butlers.
For more offers and prices as well as information on how to book, take a look at the Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa website.
Britain's 20 biggest cities have been ranked, and Leeds has done pretty well.
Although, you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the overwhelmingly lacklustre description we've been given.
The listing comes from The Telegraph and ranks Britain's 20 biggest cities from worst to best, taking into account visitor appeal and where offers most to tourists.
Leeds comes in at a very respectable number 10, however judging from what they've said about our city you'd think we were much, much lower.
Kicking things off, the description reads: "There’s an untidy quality to Leeds, borne of a patchwork of periods in its built environment and the fact that a lot of regeneration is underway (cranes rise at every corner)."
Image: Unsplash
Yep, not off to a good start but it's only down hill from there as Leeds is then said to have a 'certain shapelessness'.
But perhaps the worst part is yet to come: "There are some ugly, run-down streets very close to the centre, and while the Headrow and other high streets have a fair number of shops, there’s no real boulevard or grand square.
"The most atmospheric spaces are Queens Arcade and perpendicular Cross Arcade, and Thornton’s Arcade; Grand Arcade is also Victorian but looks and feels less uplifting."
By the end it starts to get slightly more positive, emphases on 'slightly': "Leeds’ strongest points might be its small size and its north-central location; it’s easy to walk everywhere inside the city, and a short ride away are Ilkley, Skipton and the Dales."
Our visitor appeal gained a 6.5/10, beating Cardiff, Sheffield, Brighton and Nottingham.
Taking the top spot was Liverpool followed by Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. Read the full ranking here.
An award-winning Sardinian restaurant made famous in Sheffield is now opening in Leeds
Clementine Hall
This family-run restaurant has chosen Leeds as their second location, and we're very glad they have.
Introducing Domo, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
They've been teasing a second site for some time now but finally the cat is firmly out of the bag as they've announced they'll be bringing Domo to Leeds.
But where might you ask? Well, none other than the scenic location of the Lockside overlooking the canal.
Slotting right in next to BAKE, they're going to be in very good company indeed.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Domo said: "So most of you guessed it right...it’s been a long time coming but Domo 2.0 is finally cooking.
"Here’s a little sneak peek at our week which we’ve mostly spent admiring the views and getting to know the new neighbours …. If you can guess where it is there’s a glass of bubbly on us next time we see you. To be continued ………"
That's all the information we have so far, but we'll keep you in the loop as and when we find out more.
We can't wait to have you here in Leeds Domo, but for now we'll pop round to Sheffield to get our Domo fix and we highly suggest you do too.
Clementine Hall -
11th May 2022 
