One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
Featured Images — The Hoot
Leeds
Everything you need to know about the St Patrick’s Day 2026 celebrations in Leeds city centre
It’s the 27th year of St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Leeds, and this year they're going to look a little bit different.
Although St Patrick's Day is officially on Tuesday 17 March, Leeds will host its annual celebration this Sunday 15 March 2026.
Guests can expect a day packed full of entertainment and plenty of Guinness although this year, there will be no parade running.
In a statement on social media, the team said: "The Leeds St Patrick’s Day Parade committee would like to inform you of an important change to this year’s festival day.
"Due to matters out of our control, we have had to make the decision not to have floats and walkers travel the parade this year. This is a decision which was not made lightly and we hope to have this aspect back next year - bigger and better than ever.
Image: Leeds St Patricks Day
“However, we will still be celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Millennium Square. There will be lots of entertainment and displays in the square for all to enjoy. It is still set to be a brilliant day - so don’t miss out."
So, from 10:30am this Sunday there'll be a whole host of people heading to Millennium Square to celebrate.
The event itself is completely free of charge, with plenty of opportunities to raise a glass of Guinness or for the little ones to make the most of a day out with rides and refreshment stalls.
This is a community led event co-ordinated by the Leeds St Patricks Day Parade Committee supported by local sponsors, with funding support from Leeds City Council, and the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.
Northern rock and blues veterans Proud Mary announce run of reunion shows in 2026
Danny Jones
Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.
The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.
Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.
For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.
Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.
Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.
As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.
Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.
Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.
Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Danny Jones -
21st March 2025 
