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
The UK’s largest independent frozen yoghurt brand is opening in Leeds
The frozen yoghurt craze is taking over the city by storm.
Summer is well and truly in full swing, which means we are constantly craving a refreshing ice-cold treat.
And it seems like a certain someone may have been listening, as Frurt has announced they'll be opening in Leeds.
What is Frurt you may ask? Born in Manchester over 15 years ago, Frurt is now the UK's largest independent frozen yoghurt brand that has become a multi-award-winning staple of the Manchester food and drink scene.
They sell a range of every changing yoghurt flavours, including gluten free and vegan options, with all the toppings you could possibly pile on.
Images: The Manc Group
It seems though that their spot in Leeds will differ from the rest, as they'll be opening inside Morrison's over in Kirkstall.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Frurt said: "The Next Chapter Begins.Sixteen years ago, Frurt opened its doors with one mission: to serve the very best frozen yogurt experience.
"Today, we’re incredibly proud to announce our biggest milestone yet. Frurt is proudly partnering with @morrisons , with our first kiosk opening in Leeds.
"This isn’t just a new location, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we bring Frurt to even more communities across the UK. To every customer, franchisee, supplier and member of the Frurt family who has supported us over the past 16 years, thank you. Your support has made moments like this possible.
"Leeds, we’ll see you very soon."
We can't wait to welcome Frurt to our city, and we'll keep you updated as usual with any more information when we get it.
Loyle Carner at Kirkstall Abbey – the perfect match of artist and venue
Clementine Hall
One of Britain's best performed to a pack-out crowd at Leeds' historic Kirkstall Abbey.
If there was ever a venue designed to make you feel like you've accidentally wandered into the coolest history lesson of your life, it's Kirkstall Abbey.
Ancient ruins, blazing sunshine, pints in plastic cups and thousands of people flocking for the one and only Loyle Carner? Not a bad way to spend a Saturday we think.
And it wasn't just Loyle who we were treated to either, the entire day as part of Above All Else Festival saw a bill of groove-fuelled acts take to the stage.
Bricknasty, Kofi Stone, Kokoroko and Jordan Rakei delivered fabulous sets and warmed us up very nicely indeed for the man himself.
Fresh from the release of Hopefully!, Carner arrived to deafening cheers, wasting little time before settling into the laid-back confidence that has become his trademark.
And he didn't waste time getting into his catalogue of hits either as he seamlessly transitioned from one banger to the next.
It really felt like a celebration of his work, and he himself welled up at the sea of people singing his songs back to him over and over again.
Of course, highlights included Loose Ends and Ottolenghi but dedicating Hate to Nigel Farage was nothing short of iconic.
This is a rapper that has executed the delivery between syncopation and rhythm perfectly, but it's his lyrics that keep you going back for more.
Of course Kirkstall Abbey itself deserves plenty of credit, as the sun went down the abbey was lit up and created probably the most cinematic backdrop for a gig you can imagine.
What stood out most, though, was the atmosphere. There was a proper sense of community throughout the evening, with strangers dancing together and friends rapping every word arm in arm.
Loyle Carner has long been regarded as one of Britain's most thoughtful voices in hip-hop, but nights like this show why his appeal stretches far beyond the genre.
What's next for Loyle Carner? We're not sure, but we feel very lucky to have shared this moment with him, and you could tell he did too.
Danny Jones -
21st March 2025 
