There’s no better way to catch up with friends then to go on a staycation for a night of fun and luxury. My two best friends and I all live in three different cities and We have been meaning to plan a weekend away for some time but combining three busy ladies’ schedules had proven to be something of a nightmare but finally we made it happen and headed to The New Ellington, a chic four-star boutique hotel in the centre of Leeds.
This stylish hotel was just five minutes’ walk from the central train station and 10 minutes from the shops and bars located in the city centre. We stayed in one of thirty-four plush and contemporary en-suite bedrooms. The entrance to this red-brick building is discreet, but as we entered we were greeted by striking atrium of lavish furnishing and décor and a plush lounge area filled with armchairs in crushed burgundy contrasted with brightly coloured materials of varying textures, brown leather ‘thrones’ and groovy light fittings. Music symbols adorn the walls of the hotel paying homage to legendary musician Duke Ellington, who played the city’s 1958 music festival. Named after the jazz musician the funky, art deco interiors are clearly inspired by New Orleans.
Before hitting the town we dined in the two AA rosette winning Digby’s restaurant in the hotel basement which served scrumptious food that looked too good to eat ( but of course we did). The menu contained interesting names for food such as Scarborough Woof and Ye Old Smoking Pig and is the perfect location for a business lunch, romantic date or for a catch up with friends. As we ate we also drank cocktails that were available from their bar area called The Gin Garden, which stocks over 100 types of gin.
The friendly waiter brought over petit fours to finish off our dinning experience after asking for the bill which topped off the evening nicely. After dinner we drank and danced at a number of bars and clubs in Leeds town centre but were happy to return to our comfy beds.
In the morning we were awaken by a knock on the door. The previous night we had ordered breakfast in bed and the aromas of a full English and fresh fruit certainly got our stomachs rumbling and set us in a good mood for shopping before we headed to our respective homes.
With its funky and refined décor, great service and close proximity to landmarks such as the the Victoria Quarter and and the Grand Theatre as well as the high street shops and local night life The New Ellington is the perfect place to stay for a weekend away.
Address: The New Ellington Hotel, 23-25A York Place, Leeds, LS1 2EY.
Tel: 0113 204 2150
Opening times: Mon to Sat, 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
Website:www.thenewellington.com
