2021 has undoubtedly been the year of staycations.
But if you're looking for something a little different though, you can't get much better than this world-first hotel.
While ever-changing travel restrictions over the past 18 months have meant that many UK holidaymakers have chosen to stay in country cottages, seaside huts, wooden chalets, or even glamping yurts to escape from reality, others are looking for a more unique experience.
Luckily, flower brand Interflora - in partnership with luxury holiday hideaway business Kip & Nook - has just launched a brand new sunflower hotel, which gives guests the chance to stay in a room that's decorated with bright yellow summer blooms in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside.
With a sunflower-themed interior and more than 1,000 striking sunflower heads covering the cabin from top to bottom, this is the ultimate relaxing getaway for Brits looking for an unusual stay.
More than 1,000 striking sunflower heads cover the North Yorkshire cabin hotel from top to bottom / Credit: Interflora UK & Ireland
Inside the cabin, the open plan living space boasts a log burning hot tub, a fully-fitted kitchen, a cosy lounge area, and a large bedroom complete with a king-size bed that's perfectly positioned for late-night star gazing, followed by a relaxing waterfall shower in the morning.
And tranquility is guaranteed here too, as not only are there the endless fields of the Yorkshire countryside all around, but there's also no phone signal either.
Plus, as a part of the experience, guests will get to spend an hour and a half with one of Interflora’s artisan florists - creating their very own floral design to take home with them at the end of their stay.
Fancy staying at the Sunflower Hotel then? Well, there is a catch - you'll have to win it.
Announcing the competition prize for two lucky people over on Instagram, Interflora UK & Ireland said: "2021 is the year of the staycation, and we’re offering one lucky pair the chance to spend a weekend immersed in Britain’s beautiful countryside at the world’s first sunflower-themed hotel.
"You’ll also get a one on one flower workshop with one of our lovely artisan florists."
To enter the competition and be in with a chance of winning a staycation experience like no other, all you'll need to do is head on over to Interflora's Instagram or Facebook, like the post and tag the person you’d like to get away with.
The competition ends just before midnight on 23 August, so you've still got plenty of time to get your entries in.
Featured Image - Interflora UK & Ireland
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The Leeds bakery serving up fresh pastries straight from their backyard
In case you missed it, a bakery in Bramley has received lots of attention recently after people have sampled some of its impressive bread and pastries before raving about it online.
Since then, Ruth, the mastermind behind it all, has generated queues from her summer house-turned bakehouse with people coming from far and wide to sample her flaky favourites and doughy delights.
Baking for more than 10 years and opening The Fat Pigeon just outside of Leeds city centre three years ago, there's no denying that the pastries and more produced here are some of the best.
This micro-bakery has a mighty menu and although Ruth's personal tastes might lean more savoury, the menu heavily favours sugary baked goods.
Anyone who loves a good sweet treat will be glad to know there's croissants, traybakes, cinnamon buns and the star-studded kouign-amann, a French-originating buttery pastry that covers all bases as it's sugary, sweet and slightly salty - heaven in baked form.
Ruth posing with a pigeon statue alongside some of her delicious golden creations / Image Credits: The Hoot Leeds / The Fat Pigeon
There's plenty more dough-based delights that cater to the savoury palate too. Think sourdough loaves, baguettes and focaccia that's oozing with perfectly paired herbs and generous amounts of oil.
What makes this place even more special is the fact that not only the products being created and consumed made by a Leeds local, most if not all of the offerings are made using Yorkshire produce.
Ruth has made sure to keep local produce at the heart of all her bakes with Met's in Farsley who providing cheese, Whiteley's contributing fresh vegetables like parsley and rhubarb, flour from East Yorkshire's own Stringers and The Organic Dales for any dairy items - it really doesn't get more Yorkshire than this.
Enough from us, social media user's are singing this bakery's praises too as one commented "Delicious. Delicious. Delicious" and another going as far to say, "Beats every pastry I had in Copenhagen".
The sourdough loaves and bloomers at The Fat Pigeon are homemade and look as good as they taste / Image Credits: The Hoot Leeds / The Fat Pigeon
Hopefully you're reading this on a Friday or early Saturday morning, otherwise all I can do is apologise for tempting you with all this bakery's homemade golden goodness so far in advance.
The Fat Pigeon is open from 9am to 12pm every Saturday meaning you can stock up on some of Leeds' best bread and pastries to tie you over until the next weekend, depending on your will power.
Pioneering Bradford artist David Hockney has passed away aged 88
Clementine Hall
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Emily Sergeant -
17th August 2021 
