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.
A beloved Sheffield bookshop is back but this time, there's booze.
You may remember back in January when Novel sadly had to close its doors due to circumstances beyond the team’s control.
Since opening in Crookes in 2024, co-owner Katie and the team had experienced ongoing intimidation and harassment, eventually leading to the decision to close the much-loved bookshop and bar indefinitely.
It was a heartbreaking turn of events for a business that had quickly become a much-loved part of the Crookes community.
Images: The Sheff
At the time, it felt like it might be the end of Novel but thankfully, it wasn't. Because Novel is back - but not quite as you might remember it.
Introducing Proof, your new bookshop/cafe/wine/beer bar.
It's basically everything we love in this world rolled into one, and we're big fans of it along with the rest of Crookes.
Of course the book selection is just as brilliant as it was at Novel, with shelves stacked with some of the hottest books around, all hand-picked by Kate, so you know you’re in safe hands when it comes to the reading recommendations.
Images: The Sheff
Great coffee is on hand courtesy of Cloud so you can settle in for a brew and a browse, but if that won't quite cut it they've also got a selection of natural wines and beer on offer. Genuinely, what more could you want?
Just grab a brew, pick up a book and settle in for a while. Is this one of the coolest new openings to hit Crookes? We reckon so.
They're open Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 10:30pm, so make sure you swing by and welcome Proof back to Crookes.
The 42-year-old Kirkgate Market stall serving freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 a pop
Clementine Hall
Tucked away in Leeds Kirkgate Market you'll find a wonderful seafood stall selling freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 each.
It's places like these that remind us why we love Leeds so much.
Established in 1880, Hayes Seafood is widely regarded as the oldest trader within the historic Kirkgate Market.
For the past 42 years, it has been run by Cliff and Michelle, the loveliest couple who welcome every customer with open arms.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu here is small but perfectly formed, focusing on fresh, ready-to-eat seafood that you can enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of mayonnaise at most.
Delivered fresh every morning, there's pre-cracked crab shells, brown and white crab meat, cockles, crawfish tails - all perfectly prepared for you to eat at their bar or high tables opposite.
But, it's the oysters that you'll see people queueing for. And rightly so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everything here is prepared to order right in front of you, and for no extra fee. You can choose from two types of oysters: super salty Lindisfarne oysters or the slightly sweeter English Loch Fyne.
We recommend having a couple of each, pulling up a stool right by the counter and getting stuck in. If you ask Cliff nicely, he might tell you a bit about the history of the place - but you may have to order a couple more oysters for that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You're left to dress them yourself, whether you prefer dash of fiery tabasco or a few pickled shallots. But to be honest, they're delicious just as they come.
This spot is a real piece of Leeds history, and the queues at lunchtime as well as the repeat regular customers proves just how special it is.
All it's missing is a champagne stall next to it...now wouldn't that be perfect?
The Hoot -
10th October 2025 
