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
You can shop more than 85 brands all under one roof at this Leeds outlet
With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get ahead with your shoppingand update your winter wardrobe whilst you're at it.
Whether you're on the hunt for a new winter coat, a pair of fancy boots to wear to the office party, or a few Christmas presents, Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds is home to more than 85 brands, with discounts of up to 70% off.
From Barbour and French Connection to Dune and Nike, there's plenty of brands to explore and find the perfect pieces for you.
Sportswear fans can browse adidas, Castore and Sports Direct, while Beauty Outlet, The Body Shop and The Fragrance Shop are the place to be for your next beauty top-up.
Image: Supplied
And if you're looking to give your home a little seasonal refresh, ProCook, NEXT and M&S have plenty to browse from new cookware to cosy bedding and home accessories.
Of course, you'll need to have a couple of pit stops to keep you fuelled up. Because after all, shopping is a marathon not a sprint.
Image: Supplied
And luckily for us, Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds has a tonne of food and drink options, including 200 Degrees Coffee and the newly opened Pret A Manger, where you can grab a pumpkin spiced latte and a bite to eat before venturing back out.
Image: Supplied
Darren Winter, Centre Director at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds, said: “With exciting new openings, more than 85 brands to explore, great savings and plenty of places to take a break, Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds is a destination where visitors can enjoy a full day out this winter.
“Whether they are refreshing their wardrobe, shopping for others or spending time with friends and family, there is always something new to discover.”
Leeds Railway Station entrance FINALLY reopens after four-year delay
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we have all been waiting for...the entrance to Leeds station has finally reopened.
The £46.1m Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway has been in the works since 2022, with the original target for completion set for autumn 2025.
A number of set backs meant that the opening was delayed time and time again, with the most recent hurdle being that one of the lifts was broken.
But now, all the hard work and patience (or lack thereof) has paid off because the entrance has finally reopened.
Images: The Hoot
Other than the swanky new stairs and lift that will take you straight to Bishopgate Street from the front of the station, there's also a new taxi rank that will also come into operation today.
The new taxi rank will allow hackney carriages to pick up there as well as the current location on Princes Square at the rear of the station.
The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: "Leeds as a city is booming, and one of the truest indicators of our ongoing growth and appeal is the ever-rising number of people using our railway station. Currently, Leeds Station handles more than 27 million passengers a year, with footfall inside the station rising six percent year on year and is now busier than before COVID.
“It is fundamental that we have a station that is not only easily able to meet current demand but is also fit for the future, providing a welcoming gateway for the many millions of passengers travelling into our city.
Images: The Hoot
“At the same time, it is vital that our station gateway is a safer and more accessible environment for everyone who uses it. We have worked in close partnership with groups from across our city to ensure that these new facilities provide a much-improved experience which is more pedestrian-friendly and allows people to board taxis much more safely.”
Danny Jones -
21st March 2025 
