Sooty and Sweep. The Kaiser Chiefs. The UK’s first ever aeroplane.
What do all these things have in common?
Answer – they’re all from Leeds. Which makes Leeds pretty darn amazing, as far as we’re concerned.
With its blend of rich Northern history, glitzy cutting-edge developments and booming foodie scene, this is a city that’s well worth exploring for a day or more.
Today’s Big Deal gives you a chance to do just that, with a one or two night stay in a central 4 star hotel, plus a three course meal at Jamie’s Italian.
Available until the end of October, this would either make for a fab festive shopping trip or a fun escape.
Global outlook, Northern charm
Today’s Big Deal from OMGhotels.com is for a 4 star hotel stay in central Leeds with breakfast plus a meal at Jamie’s Italian. You have three options to choose from:
Option one is for a one night hotel stay for two from Sunday to Thursday, for £79 per person.
Option two is for a one night hotel stay for two on Friday and Saturday, for £89 per person.
Option three is for a two night hotel stay for two, from Monday to Sunday, for £139 per person.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll get to spend a day or more exploring Leeds, one of the UK’s most vibrant and fastest growing cities.
This is a city that’s rightly proud of its industrial roots but now has its eyes fixed firmly on the future.
For instance, it has earned the nickname ‘the Knightsbridge of the North’ due to its abundance of shopping. This includes the flagship Victoria Gate retail hub and various olde worlde Victorian shopping arcades.
But the city has plenty more to offer sightseers beyond shops. For instance, you might enjoy exploring the thriving restaurant and bar scene, the glitzy waterfront area or cultural highlights such as Leeds City Museum, Leeds Art Gallery, the Royal Armoury Museum, Kirkstall Abbey and the historic Temple Newsam House.
Sports fans might also want to check out Elland Road, the Leeds United football ground.
Smart central hotel
You will be staying in one of a selection of 4 star hotels that have been handpicked for stylishness and location.
Your allocated hotel will either be DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre, Park Plaza Leeds or Hilton Leeds City.
Each hotel has a trendy atmosphere and offers spacious rooms, fitness facilities, free wifi and a full, hearty breakfast.
Conveniently, each is only a short walk away from the main train station in Leeds.
Lovely jubbly Italian grubbly
As part of this deal, you will enjoy a three course evening meal at Jamie’s Italian restaurant in the centre of Leeds.
With a menu crafted by TV chef Jamie Oliver, this is traditional Italian food with added mastermind creative flourishes.
Here, you can enjoy rustic dishes served in an elegant space with an original ornate ceiling, leather chairs and stylish lighting.
For your starter, choose between the bruschetta with slow-roasted tomato & whipped buffalo ricotta, the crispy fried mini ravioli stuffed with mozzarella, ricotta & dolcelatte or the king oyster & Paris brown mushrooms coated in herby breadcrumbs with garlic mayo.
For the main course, take your pick from the spaghetti carbonara with smoky pancetta, sweet buttery leeks & lemon, the tagliatelle pork & beef bolognese slow-roasted in red wine, the veggie tagliatelle bolognese with porcini mushrooms, herby breadcrumbs & Bella Lodi cheese, or the superfood salad with avocado & cottage cheese in a harissa dressing.
Desserts are a tantalising choice of epic brownie with salted caramel ice cream & caramelised popcorn, a tiramisu with Vin Santo, chocolate shavings & orange zest, or a choice between ice cream and sorbet.
You can enjoy your meal on the evening of your arrival or the following night.
Happy diners
Jamie’s Italian in Leeds city centre has enjoyed enthusiastic recent reviews on Trip Advisor, including the following:
‘Jamie’s Italian is an absolutely amazing place to eat if you are visiting Leeds! Jamie Oliver has made this place an amazing setting and amazing food. Also, you need to have the Spaghetti Bolognese because it is to die for. Definitely worth a visit. Although seen as it is Jamie Olivers you will have to book on a really busy day.’ Rating 5/5
‘Ate here last night with my husband. Restaurant very busy but we had a couple of drinks at the bar (got served really quickly) before being seated at our table. Our waiter Mateusz was lovely – attentive without being in our faces, helpful and friendly. Food was amazing. Top class service from start to finish. Highly recommended.’ Rating 5/5
‘Our first time at Jamie’s. Pre-booked a table for two and had a superb meal with my partner. It wasn’t crowded upstairs so the atmosphere was just nicely laidback for 9pm on a Friday night in the city. The food was wonderful, meat plank to start and our main courses were delicious too. Professional friendly staff outshone by Paul, who impressed us with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the food served. Our experience here made for an excellent night in Leeds.’ Rating 5/5
All roads lead to Leeds
Today’s Big Deal for a 4 star hotel stay in Leeds plus a meal at Jamie’s Italian has ‘fun city escape’ written all over it.
As one of the shopping capitals of the UK, Leeds is the perfect destination for a buying spree.
Alternatively, this would make a fantastic mini break. Or maybe a special someone would appreciate it as a surprise present?