Every now and then, you find a place that manages to pull you entirely out of your everyday rhythm, and that break is what makes it so relaxing.
Titanic Spa, tucked away in the rolling Yorkshire countryside near Huddersfield, is one of those places.
Housed in a beautifully restored Edwardian mill, Titanic Spa doesn’t feel like a modern wellness complex dropped into the countryside; it feels like part of it.
This is a spa that has disguised itself into traditionally British architecture, so it doesn’t take away from the character of North England.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
I arrived mid-morning, and after a friendly welcome and a quick tour, I slipped into the spa’s main facilities; the heat and ice experience, saunas, aromatherapy rooms, and the salt steam room.
Love it or hate it, there was also the cold plunge. Two minutes there had me feeling like Jack Dawson.
Eventually, hunger (and the scent of garlic drifting from the bistro) lured us to lunch. The Titanic Spa Bistro is relaxed and bright, with huge windows flooding the room with green and orange blend from the autumnal trees outside.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also something special about having lunch in a robe and slippers. It really makes you feel at home.
I ordered the tiger prawn tagliatelle, which came perfectly cooked in a silky, garlicky sauce with just the right hint of chilli, and we shared a halloumi focaccia, still warm from the grill, soft and salty and not too heavy before heading back into the spa.
After lunch, it was time for my 60-minute full body massage, and honestly, it was the perfect way to round off the day. My therapist was incredible, attentive, intuitive, and completely unhurried.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
I was asked beforehand whether I had any particular pain points I wanted them to focus on and honestly, I didn’t, so I was apprehensive that this massage couldn’t make a huge difference. I stand corrected. I floated out of that room an hour later. The pressure was spot on, and I could feel every bit of tension leaving as the treatment progressed until ending with a few recommendations of oils I could benefit from using. A nice touch.
Before heading home, we couldn’t resist a final dip in the outdoor hot tub. The view over the surrounding countryside was stunning.
Just the feeling of knowing you’re miles away from the nearest hustling and bustling city, surrounded by nature and in no rush, it's the final foray into deep relaxation.
If you’re looking for a proper escape - somewhere to switch off completely, eat well, and breathe in a bit of Yorkshire countryside - Titanic Spa might just be the reset button you’ve been craving.
Find out more and book your visit to the Titanic Spa here.
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
An Italian-American ‘paninoteca’ and diner serving stacked subs has opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
The team behind Stuzzi - one of Leeds’ best-loved Italian restaurants - have opened up a brand-new sandwich shop.
Introducing La Grassa, the new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co. over in Farsley.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're open afternoon and evening, so whether you fancy a quick sandwich whilst exploring Sunny Bank Mills or tucking into some hearty grub alongside a few pints from the brewery, they've got you covered.
Sandwich wise you can opt for a 'Hero' which is your classic semolina sub stuffed with either grilled pork and greens, pork and veal meatballs or crispy buttermilk chicken tossed in a creamy Caesar salad.
Or you can get your sub grilled and pressed with fillings like dry aged beef and peppers or your classic grilled cheese with hot honey.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They've also got potato rolls filled with very naughty deep fried mozzarella, basil pesto and marinara sauce. One thing's for certain, you won't leave here hungry.
If you're after something sweet they've got a selection of soft serve on the menu, perfect for soaking in the sunshine this summer.
If you don't fancy a sandwich you can get the fried mozz and the meatballs on their own, and on Sundays the menu gets a special roast revamp where all subs come with crispy, herby potatoes. Yum.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is a great addition to Leeds and it seems like you lot are loving it as much as we do, with the space being full to the brim with hungry punters ever since they opened their doors back in March.
So get yourself to Amity for a few pints and check out the deliciousness that La Grassa has to offer. Bellissimo.