We are very, very blessed up north to have a huddle of properly brilliant cities all sitting side-by-side.
There is, of course, our gorgeous home of Greater Manchester – but from here, within an hour, you could be soaking in the culture and beauty of Leeds, Sheffield or Liverpool, not to mention all the towns and villages in between.
The quick trip across to Leeds in West Yorkshire makes for a stress-free weekend break without having to travel halfway across the globe for a change of scenery.
So we asked the experts over in Leeds to plan us the perfect weekend in their beautiful city (the experts being our friends at The Hoot, along with Visit Leeds) – and boy did they deliver.
So here is the ultimate guide to how to spend a weekend in Leeds.
Breakfast
Wapentake in Leeds will fuel your weekend of exploring
As literally everyone’s mum says, breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and the fact you can order your brekkie inside a Yorkshire pudding makes this the most important breakfast in the north.
Wapentake is as proudly Yorkshire as it comes, a higgledy-piggledy cafe and bar on Kirkgate.
If the full baked-eggs-in-a-Yorkshire-pudding isn’t for you, they also whip up an excellent full English – with Hendo’s baked beans, black pudding and crispy hash browns.
There’s also a secret sun trap out the back, complete with two seats on the balcony that have got to be some of the most sought-after in Leeds.
Culture
Now you’re fuelled up a bit, it’s time to soak in some of the culture in Leeds, with loads to do within walking distance of Wapentake.
That’s another one of the beautiful things about Leeds – there’s a lot of vibrancy jammed in to its relatively small city centre, so you’ll always find something to do within a 10 minute wander.
You’ll be just a short stroll from Kirkgate Market, where you can visit the very first Marks and Spencer store (it started life as a Penny Bazaar), plastered with historical memorabilia.
Then nip across the road to marvel at the impressive Corn Exchange, where independent shops and brands are packed in beneath the beautiful domed ceiling.
Whether you like a bit of retail therapy or not, the arcades around the city centre are a must-visit – they’re just stunning.
And then of course there’s Leeds Library, a cosy spot that just so happens to be one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to 1768.
Lunch
A fish finger sandwich at Things in Bread
Now it’s time for the sandwiches worth travelling for. Trust us.
Things in Bread is a tiny little lunch spot which sells… well… things in bread. When they launched this year, demand was so high they kept running out of bread before lunch.
The fish finger butty, laden with tartare sauce, is a must.
Snacks
Doh Hut
Anyone who comes to Leeds and bypasses a trip to Doh Hut needs to take a long hard look in the mirror.
These fluffy, pillowy doughnuts are the best around, with new specials luring in customers every week.
Their staples include classic jam fillings, vanilla creme patisserie, and chocolate ganache, but the special on our visit was packed with a Caramac custard, complete with a perfect golden blondie jammed on top.
Check in
By now it’s mid-afternoon and time to get checked in to a pad for the night.
There are loads of brilliant hotels around Leeds, like the first-of-its-kind (and affordable) Art Hostel, where each room has been designed by a different artist.
Then there’s the ever-reliable The Marriott, which is in a perfect spot for exploring.
It’s got big bouncy beds, great views, and gorgeous interiors, so you can take a breather and chill out ready for an evening of fun.
The Marriott is also home to a brand new restaurant from Gino D’Acampo himself, which leads us neatly onto our next activity…
Pre-dinner drinks
Gino’s new restaurant in Leeds has a stunning bar attached, with cocktails poking fun at the man himself with names like ‘If My Grandmother Had Wheels’.
You could sit here and sip on the show-stopper ‘Main Character Energy’, a blend of gin, Aperol, elderflower, pink grapefruit and lime, which is served with a huge bubble on top that releases a cloud of rosemary when it pops.
Or you could bid farewell to your hotel for a few hours and have a pit-stop at Headrow House, which has a truly phenomenal rooftop space that Manchester should be very jealous of.
Drinks done, and we’re now just a short walk from dinner…
Dinner
Three’s A Crowd is a new opening in Leeds
For dinner, you’ll be spoiled for choice, but the newly-opened Three’s A Crowd is causing quite a stir in Leeds.
They serve modern British dishes with a sophisticated twist, from sharing small plates to bigger plates (the homemade gnocchi with wild garlic and pea puree is a must).
We devoured a table full of vibrant, fresh plates, like hummus with za’atar flatbread, grilled asparagus with green tahini sauce, and salt baked celeriac with caramelised onion and Old Winchester.
All with huge windows that are great for people-watching, and served alongside a decent wine and cocktail list.
After-dinner drinks
Cocktails at Below Stairs on your weekend in LeedsThe best espresso martini in Leeds at Roland’s
If you’re after a truly special drinks experience, you need to seek out Below Stairs, a hidden gem of a cocktail bar beneath South Parade.
Their menu is full of interactive drinks, like The Individualist, a rum-and-gin-based cocktail served with edible paint – you can paint different flavours onto the rim of your glass to hone your perfect serve.
There’s also Hope, a creamy apple-hued cocktail topped with a disc of white chocolate, which is lit by the bar staff to resemble a candle.
Moving on for another drink, and no trip to Leeds would be complete without a visit to Roland’s.
We have it on good authority that Roland’s serves the best espresso martini in the country – and it’s pretty hard to argue.
Caffeine
North Star Coffee
Alrighty, it’s the next morning, and if you’ve nailed the after-dinner cocktails, you’ll be wanting a pick-me-up.
North Star is a must-try, providing beans for a lot of the coffee shops around town as well as running a few of its own venues.
They prioritise people and planet before profit, and what’s not to love about that?
We nipped into their Kiosk on Sovereign Street for a flat white, an iced latte and a pastry, then hit the road for another day of exploring Leeds.
Walks (or rides) along the water
The south side of Leeds city centre is built around the River Aire, which makes for a beautiful walk on a sunny day.
Or, if it’s running, the Leeds Water Taxi is an absolute bargain and such a fun way to see a city centre from a new perspective.
The Water Taxi will whisk you down to Leeds Dock, where there’s a floating book shop, Hold Fast, and where you can visit a pretty remarkable attraction…
Royal Armouries
A weekend in Leeds wouldn’t be complete without a walk to Leeds Dock
Spanning five floors and packed with more than 4,500 objects, this purpose-built museum shows off the UK’s national collection of arms and armour.
There’s a huge sweeping staircase where the walls are lined with swords, spears and armour, a display that features the ‘pulse rifle’ from the Aliens film, and all sorts of other fascinating items dating back hundreds of years.
Sunshine drinks and lunch
Canary Bar in Leeds
If the sun is still out (and you’ve got a much better chance of blue skies in Leeds than you do in Manchester), you’ll be right beside Canary Bar.
This two-storey bright yellow shipping container has a rooftop terrace that looks right across the water, though you can duck inside if the weather turns.
But sipping on an Aperol Spritz on top of the container feels a bit like sitting on top of the world.
The best deals and offers in Manchester city centre for the 2025 graduation season
Danny Jones
Forget festival season or even Oasis mania, it’s graduation time – same time every year, and we still feel a warm and fuzzy inside every time we see our round as punch smartpants in their silly hats, so we thought we’d celebrate them with a round-up of the best related deals and offers in Manchester.
You’re welcome, big brains.
Whether you studied at the University of Manchester, MMU, Salford Uni or otherwise, make no mistake: this is YOUR moment in the spotlight and you deserve to soak it all in, every last drop.
So, without further ado, here are some of the best graduation offers and deals Manchester city centre has to offer this year.
2025 Manchester graduation deals and offers | 2025
Starting off on Canal Street, MAYA is offering all graduates a complimentary drink of their choice upon arrival, plus the bonus of a complimentary bottle of fizz for food bookings of three guests or more.
2. Tender at Stock Exchange Hotel – Central
It’s a similar story over the tender Restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating, inside the Stock Exchange, who is handing out free glasses of bubbly when booking a table.
Credit: Press shot (supplied)
3. The Cut and Craft – Central
Cut and Craft are serving a special graduation set menu consisting of three courses and a glass of prosecco for £50 per person (pp), available all day from Monday to Friday throughout July.
4. Hello Oriental – Circle Square and Trafford Centre
Hello Oriental diners and Class of 2025 members can raise a toast to their own success with either a free bubble tea, dessert – ‘Taiyaki’ soft serve or indulgent ‘Crème Brulée Bingsu’ – or a glass of prosecco when showing the graduation certificate or a photo of you in your hat and gown.
Complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon champagne (yep, the real good stuff) as well as an exclusive graduation set menu: two courses for £25 pp, or three for £30.
6. Zouk – Oxford Road Corridor
Free welcome drink with any main, sharing platter, or set menu item. You can choose from their brand-new summer special ‘Zouk Sunrise’ cocktail, an ‘Ocean Love Colada’ mocktail, a glass of Prosecco, or a soft drink. In fact, every guest gets a soft drink when adding ‘graduation‘to the booking notes.
Credit: Supplied
7. Electric Shuffle – Deansgate
Another free glass of prosecco is coming your way when booking a shuffleboard table during the 2025 graduation season.
8. The Lowry – Salford
If you’re someone staying over at The Lowry Hotel for graduation day this month, you will receive a bottle of champagne in your room completely gratis, as well as half-price bookings on a second bed and breakfast room for your loved ones/anyone with you for the big day.
There’ll also be discounted parking, not to mention 15% off all food and drinks, and gift vouchers for graduates to enjoy three small plates and a glass of prosecco.
Sexy Fish’s limited graduation menu is priced at £55pp and is available until 25 July, and comes with a congratulatory glass of bubbles. But that’s not all…
10. The Alan – Central
Joining forces with the stylish seafood restaurant, graduates can now enjoy an exclusive ‘dine and stay’ package starting from £195. Find out more HERE.
11. The Laureate at Hyatt Manchester – Oxford Road Corridor
Speaking of staying over, anyone rooming at the Hyatt Manchester over on Booth Street West can also grab themselves a bespoke celebratory cocktail.
12. Albert’s – Castlefield and Didsbury
Careering over to Castlefield, Albert’s Shed has a three-course set menu for £45pp, which includes a sparkling elderflower fizz cocktail. You can also opt to eat and drink just a tram ride or short drive away at their Didsbury location.
Celebrating a massive milestone in Manchester, Australasia’s ’15 for 15 years’ deal isn’t technically a graduation special, however, at just £15 for a main course and a drink (or £18 with a glass of wine, prosecco or beer), you’d be a fool not to consider this spot for your post-graduation celebrations.
14. The Black Friar – Salford
Not too far from here, you’ll find the beautiful Black Friar bistro and pub, which is offering a free bottle of prosecco to anyone who books a table at the venue this graduation season. Sorted.
Credit: The Manc
15. 20 Stories – Spinningfields
Across the other side of Spinningfields, 20 Stories’ July graduation menu promises two courses and a glass of fizz for £29pp, or three for £34pp. Available every Monday to Friday from 12-3pm, as well as Mon-Thurs between 5:30 and 6:30pm throughout July.
16. Podium – Deansgate
Down the road at Beetham Tower, a.k.a. Hilton Manchester, graduates eat completely free when three paying adults book to dine. You can reserve a table now and also grab a free ‘Gin-ovation’ cocktail from the Cloud23 sky bar (a fair) few floors upstairs.
The Rrefuge restaurant inside the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is keeping things nice and simple: a free glass of prosecco to the star of a table when mentioning graduation during booking.
18. Tattu – Spinningfields
Two-course graduation lunch menu for £32.50pp, or dinner from £44.90, as well as a complimentary cocktail for the graduate, and a special scroll that may or may not contain a special golden ticket inside, which could contain one of several prizes.
Credit: The Manc
19. Fenix – St John’s
At the back end of Spinningfields, Fenix is also offering a two-course graduation lunch menu for £32.50pp, which comes with a complimentary glass of prosecco; if you want to dine in the evening, it’s the same number of courses, only with proper champagne instead and for £44.90.
As part of the Permanently Unique hospitality group, they are also offering the scroll and a potential golden ticket opportunity.
20. The Ivy – Spinningfields
The Ivy is serving up a stunning three-course graduation menu, which ends with their signature seasonal special ‘Graduation Chocolate Bombe’ dessert, for £35.95pp. You also get a memorable keepsake to take home, and that’s all we can tell you.
From Spinningfields to the edge of Salford, Manchester bottomless brunch favourite Menagerie is offering a celebratory lunch and drink for £15.95pp, between 12 and 5pm, with a complimentary drink for you and your party when adding ‘Graduation‘ in the booking notes.
22. Browns Bar and Brasserie – Central
Browns are also pulling out the stops with a very reasonably priced three-course graduation menu for £39.00pp, which also comes with a complimentary glass of champagne for the graduate.
This one only applies to Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) graduates, but the value couldn’t be overlooked; get 20% off the bill when you book a table for 6 or more people and pre-book using code ‘graduation‘ and bring proof of your graduation from Man Met.
24. CitySuites – Central
Second to last is CitySuites, who also quietly boast arguably the best overall graduation celebration package of all: a bottle of prosecco, a £10 Selfridges voucher, £30 credit per night to spend in their on-site bar and restaurant, as well as full access to the spa pool, breakfast, robes, parking – the lot.
Available until 3 August, this one is perfect for those based out of town. You can book HERE.
And the last of our Manchester university graduation offers and deals is up there with the cream of the crop: The Midland. You can get 15% off their ‘Excellence’ afternoon tea package (£55.00pp).
Whatever you opt for, you deserve it – congratulations to all of you!
What it’s like to fly from Manchester Airport’s ultra-luxury new private terminal
Will Kendrick
I’ve always accepted that commercial air travel comes with a certain level of chaos: the lines, the noise, the stress of checking your pocket for your passport every five minutes or checking the screens for that inevitable delay. It’s not glamorous, but it’s just part of the deal. It’s the price to pay prior to a holiday of good food and weather. Or so I thought.
Last week, aether turned that belief entirely on its head.
Upon arrival at the private terminal – located away from the main airport, near Runway Visitors Park – we were greeted outside by the most lovely host and welcomed inside. It was surreal; there were no crowds, no lines, no barking announcements – only calm, quiet luxury. Granted it was 6am, but let’s admit it, even Manchester Airport can be chaotic at that time.
The lounge area was super relaxed. Ambient music echoed quietly throughout the room and large panoramic windows meant you could watch the spectacle of every take off and landing right from your armchair.
But the real highlight? Breakfast by Adam Reid. Yes, that Adam Reid – the mastermind chef behind The French restaurant at The Midland Hotel. aether serves a three-course breakfast experience that wouldn’t feel out of place in a five-star hotel.
We enjoyed the fresh fruit in elderflower cordial, the buttery jammy croissant pudding and a bowl each of overnight oats. Already this was more than I’d have for breakfast any other day, nevermind the day you go on holiday where you’re usually too stressed to eat.
Then we opted for the smoked salmon and scrambled crumpet and the breakfast bun. The breakfast bun was huge, and kept me full all the way to Seville.
Finally, we finished off with a small smoothie and a cake each, before sitting back down to await details about our flight. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the beer and prosecco, because we were on our holidays after all.
If that wasn’t reason enough to fly with aether, the level of luxury had only just begun. When our flight was almost ready to board, we were asked to head on through to security. It was identical to that seen in any other terminal, except once again, we were the only people there. In fact, we were through security in less than two minutes. I think it was at that point I said to my partner: “I can never go back to normal.” These are the things worth paying for.
What it’s like to fly from aether, Manchester Airport’s ultra-luxury new private terminal
Obviously, we still had to get to the plane. You’d assume they have a bus? You’d be wrong. We were chauffeured to the gate in a luxury BMW quite literally driving alongside the runway with a couple of stops whilst we had to wait for planes to reverse. We felt important.
If I let my imagination get the best of me I’d have thought we were heading to a private hangar to board Air Force One. But lo and behold, we had to enter the airport for all of 30 seconds before we boarded the plane. God forbid! Our chauffeur even made sure we boarded through the priority queue, and that concluded the coolest and smoothest way I had ever boarded a Ryanair flight.
It’s easy to scoff at the idea of a ‘private terminal’ until you experience it for yourself. But aether isn’t just offering luxury for luxury’s sake – it’s redefining what the start of a journey can feel like. No queues, no noise, no stress – just calm, care, and an exceptional breakfast to send you on your way.
Daisy Jackson -
15th May 2023 
