Right in the heart of Leeds sits a gorgeous, traditional canal boat that you can rent out on Airbnb for the ultimate city staycation experience.
Described as "a dreamy cross between a Gypsy Caravan and the Orient Express", 'Benedict' has been refurbished over the course of three years in a true labour of love.
Benedict is moored in Clarence Docks, not far from the city centre's best bars and restaurants / Image: Airbnb
Included in the listing is a bottle of prosecco to pop on arrival, with a range of romantic little drinking nooks to choose from - be you nestled at the bow, lit by a lantern, on top of the boat on its wooden deck (accessible by leap or ladder), or tucked up on the sofa under the bookcase.
You'll also be treated to some local, freshly made butter and a pint of milk and you're invited to help yourself to a rack of 15 bottles of wine which include some of the host's favourite drops - complete with tasting notes.
You'll be treated to some local, freshly made butter and a pint of milk by your host / Image: AIrbnbSnuggle up with a film in front of the log burner if you're feeling anti-social / Image: Airbnb
Inside, you'll find a sofa area with a TV and bookcase, a dining booth, a kitchen, and a bedroom, all carved out of reclaimed wood by a very clever Bazilian Cabinet maker called Gilberto.
Benedict boasts some absolutely stunning interiors, alongside a working log-burning stove that will prove a real treat on cooler city nights and is situated just a stone's throw from some of the best bars and restaurants in Leeds.
There's also a power shower, supplied by a 40l immersion tank for piping hot showers, and central heating throughout the boat.
The kitchen comes with all the pots and pans you'll need to cook up a storm / Image: AirbnbThe bedroom includes a full size double to offer the ultimate comfort / Image: Airbnb
All logs and coal are free to use, and the kitchen has a fridge freezer, gas cooker and all the pots and pans you'll need to cook up a storm if you fancy having a cosy night in.
Listed and available on Airbnb now, it's even dog-friendly so you can bring your furry companions with you. We're obsessed. If you're looking for a unique stay in Leeds, this is the place to be no doubt about it.
Check out the full listing and enquire about booking Benedict here.
A new cocktail bar is coming to Leeds city centre.
If you know a thing or two about cocktails, or just drinks in general, then you're going to be very excited about this news.
The very talented team behind Roland's on Call Lane and The Domino Club, just to name a few, are setting their sites on a brand-new venture.
Introducing Paper Plane, an intimate new cocktail bar that will be taking over the old Casa site in the city's beautiful Grand Arcade.
Paper Plane will be inspired by the glamour of 1970s air travel and will be a vinyl-only listening bar, serving a world-inspired cocktail menu alongside a carefully curated whisky collection.
The space will be lovely and intimate, with around just 40 covers, designed to transport guests somewhere completely different from the minute they step foot through the door.
And what a location too, joining a whole host of fantastic independents in the arcade such as Alfonso's Deli, Stuzzi and Sonder.
For now, we don't know many more details about the project, but we already know it's going to be exceptional cas anything these guys do turns to gold.
Not only has Roland's been consistently one of the busiest bars on Call Lane since they opened back in 2014, but The Domino Club was recently crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world. Now that is some accolade worth shouting about.
We'll keep you updated with Paper Plane's progress, but Roland's have stated that the site is hoping to open this coming autumn. So we really don't have long to wait.
When Yorkshire is due to get hot as a fourth heatwave of the year hits the UK
Danny Jones
Yes, ANOTHER heatwave is set to hit the UK - the fourth in 2026 so far - and, understandably, Yorkshire residents are already preparing for the latest blast of hot weather and wondering when it arrives.
Yes, in case you missed the news, more high temperatures are set to spread across the UK and Ireland this month and heading into August.
The increase will gradually build throughout this week, with Wednesday tipped to be the hottest day according to various meteorologists.
While Yorkshire thankfully isn't quite slated to get the sweatiest, parts of the Midlands and the usual suspects down south are set to hit the highest numbers, but the thermometers are still on course to reach around the mid-20s over the coming days.
Estimates of 26°C were predicted for this coming Tuesday, with the levels floating in and around 24/25 on the following Wednesday.
The heat is then due to drop off slowly, with top scores of no higher than 21°C on the cards for Thursday and Friday. Although the weekend forecast is less certain at present, one thing that has been announced is reduced rainfall.
Aside from a few more trickles today (Mon, 27 July), the showers or lack thereof cease rather soon, with some of the driest parts of the country already having various effects; for instance, parched parts of Wales have even revealed lost archaeological sites last Friday (24/7/2026).
It would be remiss if we didn't mention the obvious moorland fires across our region, which were sadly exacerbated by hot weather earlier this month.
At least it'll be a bit cooler here than in other parts of the country. ☀️
Georgina Pellant -
10th August 2023 
