Sometimes all we need is a little bit of pampering and TLC, and Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa can provide this and much more.
Located in Retford just outside of Yorkshire, they have been a rural sanctuary for weary travellers since the 17th century and have been ongoing ever since.
If you're looking for a break from every day life, this is the perfect weekend escape for some well-earned relaxation where you will be treated like royalty.
The hotel itself offers luxury accommodation in the form of individually designed, unique rooms and suites. Think four poster beds, opulent roll top baths and top of the range walk-in power showers. Not only this but they are home to two exceptional restaurants serving a mix of modern and classic cuisine, both securing an AA Rosette award for fine dining.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
The real selling point though is the spa. The multi-million pound venture opened in 2017 and features an array of exceptional and unique treatments, some of which are only one of three in the whole of the UK. Feel as though you need to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? The Ye Olde Bell spa offers a sanctuary of rest and tranquility, leaving you feeling utterly rejuvenated and invigorated.
Out of the 11 thermal treatments on offer you can experience the Salt Inhalation Room, a silent relaxation room facing a salt wall which simulates a marine climate to aid respiratory problems, and the Herbal Laconium, a steam room which provides a natural infusion of herbs to help clear your mind and relax your muscles.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
They even have a Snow Storm Walk treatment which only a handful of spas Worldwide have on offer, here you can walk through a simulated snow shower which helps to boost the immune system and eliminate toxins, if you’re brave enough that is.
The list of weird and wonderful treatments for you to sample is endless, however if you’re after something more traditional then do not fear. They have an Alpine Sauna built out of Swiss stone pine, an outdoor/indoor vitality pool stretching 10 metres long and a steam bath decorated with mosaic tiles and twinkling blue light.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
Need a break from the thermal treatments? Step outside and snuggle into one of their rattan apple chairs, alpine chalet huts or heated loungers. It’s the perfect spot to chill out and catch up with your friends whilst enjoying a glass of champagne.
Speaking of champagne, after a hard day of relaxing you’ll need to refuel and their Herb Garden Brasserie will do just the job. Opt for a nourishing and balanced meal such as the Ginger Soy Salmon with Saffron Risotto, or go for something a little more indulgent like the Sage Stuffed Pork Fillet with apple fondant and vanilla, parsnip puree. Each dish comes with a wine pairing if you so wish because after all, everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while.
Sounds like a dream? We think so too. A full spa day costs £180 and includes full access to the spa, one 60 minute treatment and a two course lunch. You’ll also be treated like royalty and be thoroughly looked after by one of their friendly spa butlers. For more offers and prices as well as information on how to book, take a look at their website.
Featured image - Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
The Sheff
New Sheffield pizzeria named one of the world’s best
A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.
Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.
The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.
Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.
It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.
Images: The Sheff
Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.
It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.
Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.
It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.
And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.
Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.
Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.
“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”
A look inside the trendy Catalonian café and bar coming to Sheffield
Thomas Melia
There's a brand-new Catalonian-inspired café and bar venue coming to Sheffield where you can grab a coffee or a pint at the same time.
This is Cats, a combined café and bar space that's making its way to Broomhill and offering anyone visiting the chance to experience a taste of Spain without having to fork out the cost of a plane ticket.
Catalonia is famous for many notable like impressive architecture such as La Sagrada Familia, legendary performers like Rosalía and phenomenal all-day hospitality which this new site is hoping to emulate.
Although we might not be able to judge their skills as vocalists, when it comes to construction and deconstruction they're excelling, as can be seen in their renovation progress documented across their socials.
Taking shape in the former Nibbles Pizza site on Ashdell Road, although you might not be able to order a 12 inch meat feast anymore, Cats will be offering a range of interesting wines, beers and bar snacks.
In newly-released rendered images, a fitting wine-red colour has been used throughout both interior and exterior, the latter having a small seating adjacent to the front door.
Inside, you'll find lightbulbs dotted around the almost-180 degree-spanning window seating with small warm lights to set the mood.
Directly opposite will be the bar with a muted-concrete countertop that has a coffee machine on one end and draught beers on the other - the ultimate dream.
There's even a cellar area downstairs with banquette seating and those familiar tabletop lamps which help keep the atmosphere as relaxed and intimate as intended.
As the name may suggest, this place isn't exclusively for feline lovers as this Sheffield venue is promising to be a dog-friendly site stocking 'Cats' branded dog treats and water bowls.
Of course, this won't be exactly how this café and bar space will end up looking like as working with an older may pose some potential challenges, but these plans shouldn't differ too much.
We can't wait to get our claws on a glass of vino.
Clementine Hall -
1st August 2025 
