So I got stuck in a Winter rut, having holidayed until the cows came home (or I ran out of annual leave) this summer, I stopped ‘travelling’ in the classic sense. It was only after I started to think of ways to get away that I decided I’d talk about weekends away in various U.K. Cities. I’d previously booked a cheap stay with Jury’s Inn in Leeds which is the nicest hotel in the affordable category that I’ve come across in Leeds so far, so decided to kick it off there. Now I class myself as a Leeds blogger but actually live 50 miles away, so it’s rare Luke and I go there together so a pre Christmas break had to be on the cards.
I’ve mentioned my love for Leeds shopping before so after a quick stop off at Trinity Leeds and both Victoria’s I finally got to go on Leeds Dock Boat. I’ve wanted to go on for ages but never made the time so was determined this weekend would be it! It leaves from the far end of Granary Wharf (go past Fazenda across the lock look for the yellow flag) and goes along the canal to Leeds Dock.
It takes about ten mins to go along the stretch and the ‘driver’ (what do you even call someone that steers a taxi boat??) was lovely and even gave bits of local info as we went along. And now for the best bit ITS FREE. Yep nothing, nada, ‘nowt’ to pay. There is a tips pot but other than that this little service is provided free of charge, so really I can’t complain that there isn’t any timetable of info to say when it runs (we just missed one and waited for about twenty mins for it to come back so it’s not so long to wait). If you’re looking to go to the Royal Amouries to visit it’s by far the best way to get there from town.
Afternoon Tea
After our little ride, we then went to Mr E’s favourite place in Leeds, Epernay Champagne Bar. He loves the place! It’s in the Electric Press and for those of you that don’t know Leeds, it’s the ‘top’ of town near millennium square. They treated us to champagne afternoon tea* there and it was delicious. The après-midi (afternoon) tea is french inspired so comes with the cutest ham and cheese croissants, lovely freshly made cakes and of course a scone! It also comes with a half bottle of champagne to share and a choice of amazing local teas, we had the mojito mint one. 
And I did it! I actually drank tea! Mint tea but still, it was lovely. I wasn’t surprised at how many admiring glances we got over the afternoon tea and everyone there wanted one when they saw it. You have to pre book for it but it’s definitely worth getting yourself organised and doing it. This one is £30 if you’re interested. Epernay are about to embark on an exciting refit so it’s definitely worth checking them out afterwards and I know I will be as Luke will be wanting to go there as soon as it’s finished too. 
Dinner and Drinks
After a nap we then hit the town. Stopping in at Rev De Cuba for 2 for 1 cocktails with our friends then catching an uber to my fave Mans Markets which did not disappoint again. Where we had more cocktails! And food of course. I love it when I take my friends somewhere and they love it as much as I do! Needless to say it was a big hit and just as nice as when I visited for the press evening. The firecracker prawns and salt and pepper squid starters were the faves alongside ‘mans mountain’ and the around the world curry mains.
Breakfast/Brunch
Needless to say after partying the night away (read staying out until 2 haha) we were in need of a good breakfast/brunch to kick start us. We decided to go to The Lost and Found which is on Greek Street in Leeds. I decided on there as they do small and large brunch plates and it’s like a starter and main kinda situation going on. I was disappointed though as we were running late so only indulged in the ‘main’. I had a full English, the sausages were amazing as were the homemade beans. It was £8.50 which I thought was reasonable for what I got too. Luke had the breakfast burger which is a bacon and cheese burger without the bun with a fried egg on top. Plus fries. He was a happy man!
A special shoutout has to go to the decor in this place, it was amazing and was total interior goals. You do need a penchant for a bit of taxidermy I did find though.
And that was out weekend, we had a christening (well baby’s thanksgiving) to attend straight after brunch so our exploring was stopped short to celebrate with our friends, which was super lovely and rounded off the weekend nicely.
Coming up next in this series is York as I have never visited properly and we are going there for a week at the end of this month and can’t wait, what breaks do you have planned for this year!? Is there anything you’d recommend we do in York?
*Afternoon tea provided for review, thoughts and opinions my own as always!