Leeds

The 17th century hotel escape with exclusive spa treatments and Alpine sauna

We all deserve a bit of luxury every now and again.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 11th May 2022

Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa, located in Retford just outside of Yorkshire, is the perfect weekend escape for some well-earned relaxation.

Sometimes all we need is a little bit of pampering and TLC, and this hotel and spa can provide this and much more. They have been a rural sanctuary for weary travellers since the 17th century and have been ongoing ever since.

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.

The inside of one of the rooms at Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa.
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.

The swimming pool at the spa.
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.

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.

A plate of food from the restaurant at the Ye Olde Hotel.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa

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.

Two ladies enjoying lunch at the brasserie inside Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa

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 the Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa website.

Read more: The Leeds bottomless brunch serving endless cocktails on a huge rooftop terrace

Feature image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa

Leeds

End of an era as historic Leeds pub announces shock closure with ‘heavy heart’

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

One of Leeds' longest-running pub will be closing.

The Cross Keys in Holbeck is a lovely little boozer.

And it's got a fair bit of history too. Dating back to the early 1800s, the pub has stood on Water Lane for more than two centuries, with its story closely tied to Holbeck's industrial past.

Back when the area was one of Leeds' major manufacturing hubs, the Cross Keys was a local drinking spot for workers from the surrounding foundries and engineering works.

The pub itself fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1980s, before being brought back to life during a major restoration in the 2000s.

But now, The Cross Keys is closing once again.

Images: The Cross Keys

Announcing the sad news to Instagram, the pub said: "It's with a heavy heart that we share the Cross Key's will be closing its doors on the 3rd of October.

"The whole team thank you for your support during our time in business."

In classic Leeds fashion, the comments were flooded with support from fans of the pub alongside fellow local businesses.

One comment reads: "Absolutely gutted about this. I held my fiance (now husband’s) 30th at The Cross Keys and it was excellent and the team were so helpful and hospitable. So sad to hear this."

Whilst another said: "Gutted, the home of some great memories and significant pints in my life."

So, if you've had a significant pint in The Cross Keys and wish to bid it a proper farewell, you've got until Saturday 3 October to do so.

Read more:

Featured image - The Cross Keys

Leeds

Brand-new ‘party pub’ to take over the old Revolution site on Call Lane after £600,000 investment

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

We hope you're ready to party Leeds, because a 'party pub' experience is coming to Call Lane.

Following a whopping £600,000 investment, Bonnie Rogues is preparing to open in the former Revolution site in Leeds city centre that will close this month.

After a major refurbishment, Leeds’ first Bonnie Rogues venue and the sixth site for the fast-
growing UK brand will open in November 2026.

Designed as an all-day-to-night social destination, Bonnie Rogues combines live music, live sport, and late-night celebrations in one immersive venue.

From big nights out to spontaneous after-work drinks and even Sunday Roasts, Bonnie Rogues aims to offer something completely different from the traditional pub experience.

Expect live performances, crowd-involved entertainment and interactive moments in an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from day to night.

Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said, “Leeds has such a strong social scene and a real appetite
for experience-led venues, so we think Bonnie Rogues will fit perfectly into the city.

"It’s a concept that brings together everything people love about going out - live music, sport, food, entertainment and great atmosphere, all in one place. We’re excited to bring something new to Leeds and can’t wait to welcome guests later this year.”

The Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Bonnie Rogues venues across the UK, as NEOS
Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio following its acquisition of multiple Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year.

We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more.

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Featured image - Google Street View

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