Fancy a staycation in the heart of Leeds that radiates elegance and intimacy?
Look no further.
We’ve found the perfect place for those who want the best experience that the city has to offer.
The Bells is a collection of beautiful, luxury apartments located just ten minutes from the Leeds train station, on Church Row. These five star apartments have create a real sense of grandeur, overlooking the Leeds Minster and the bustling city.
Tripadvisor voted it in the top 10% of places to stay in the world, and we can see why.
The rooms are beyond lavishness with each room having a super king-size bed, high ceilings, big sofas and spacious walk-in showers. Each room has different designs to give them all a splash of personality, with them going from vintage and Victorian to modern and niche.
Little John, available from just £300, is a favourite with its open plan living and kitchen area, 4k projector and 120 inch screen tv. The bathroom is the pinnacle of the room with its luxurious freestanding authentic copper bath and skin-kissing rainfall shower which just exude opulence.
If you are looking for a more modish, contemporary room Hosanna is your girl. It adds dynamic to the style of the rooms by making it modern with its meticulously positioned LEDs to give an intimate feel that makes you feel as if you’re and stargazing vibe.
This is extended onto the is furthermore made by the private courtyard area with hot tub, steam room and outdoor fire pit. Perfect for a cosy night stargazing with a glass of rose.
Big Ben is certainly made for kings with its two- bedroom layout. The master super king size bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and private viewing balcony, whilst the second bedroom haswith its own ensuite as well.
These lead up to a private rooftop terrace including a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city that you simply cannot find anywhere else.
Other room featuress also include Sonos Music Systems, Mezzanine level open floor rooms, high speed WiFi, 86” 4k Smart LED TV and Jacuzzi Baths.
Staying at The Bells is a truly relaxing and almost transformative experience, making it is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway - especially if you’re a bit of a history buff. This place has stories from generations gone by, so why not stay in a place where its history is seeping through the walls?
The Victorian building goes back to its 17th Century origins with it being a clergy house, public house and a gym. During the Second World War it was transformed as a gym and safe haven for returning soldiers.
The then-named part of Kirkgate fell into disrepair and in 2014 was repurchased in an attempt to save the building. Three years later, the building was fully renovated and ‘The Bells’ was born.
So why not pop down to see one of Leeds’ crown jewels and make a weekend of it by visiting some secret, swanky bars.
For example, The Domino. Barbers by day; cocktails, wine and jazz by night. You’re guaranteed to head home dancing the charleston with Dizzy Gillespie trumpeting through your head.
If all this isn’t enough and we haven't sold The Bells to you yet; there’s a new year offer on for 2024 to save you some pennies.The Bells currently has a midweek offer for 20% off on all stays on Monday and Wednesdays.
The Wombats aren’t just still going strong - they’re getting better. And honestly? Long may they reign.
The Wombats absolutely tore the roof off the First Direct Arena in Leeds last night, Wednesday 26 March and what a night it was.
From the second they hit the stage it wasn’t just a gig, it was a full-blown indie-pop spectacle, packed with infectious energy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of dancing.
They kicked things off with “Moving to New York,” and honestly? The crowd was in from the first note.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Matthew Murphy’s unmistakable vocals rang through the arena and suddenly, thousands of people were screaming every lyric like it was 2007 all over again. It was one of those moments where you could just feel how much this band still means to people.
Despite the massive venue, The Wombats somehow made it feel intimate. The lights? Pure chaos in the best way - vibrant, colourful, and totally in sync with the band’s wild, bouncy sound.
Murphy’s cheeky banter between songs made it feel less like a polished arena show and more like a jam session with a few thousand of your closest mates.
Setlist-wise, they nailed it. “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Greek Tragedy” had the whole place losing it, while the stripped-down version of “Techno Fan” gave everyone a minute to breathe (and maybe get a little emotional).
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those quieter moments just made the high-energy choruses hit even harder. It was a rollercoaster - in the best way possible.
Then came the encore. If you thought the crowd was loud before, “Kill the Director” took things to another level. Pure, chaotic indie bliss. The kind of moment you don’t want to end.
Here’s the thing about The Wombats: some might say their older songs hit harder than their newer stuff, but is that just nostalgia talking? Or maybe it’s a generational thing?
Either way, they proved they’re still one of the most exciting live bands out there. They’ve still got the hooks, the humour, and the ability to turn a massive arena into a sweaty, euphoric singalong.
Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
Danny Jones
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
The Hoot -
5th January 2024 
