Good HR practice within the meetings and events industry – navigating today’s challenges
Next in our series of guest editors, we'd like to introduce HR expert Kate Goodman, a member of the CIPD and a Mental Health First...
A Love for Leeds
Leeds is a bustling city in the heart of England with excellent transport links to all corners of the UK.
A two-hour train ride from London with Scotland just as close, this glamorous city has a long list of attractions to keep business travellers occupied through culture, restaurants and walks in the great outdoors.
So let’s have a closer look at Leeds.
The History of Leeds
Leeds has an intriguing history with buildings and architecture dating back to Victorian times, still visble in the city today. The 12C Monastery at Kirkstall Abbey has an interactive visitor centre to teach visitors about the ruins and if you love this, The Royal Armouries Museum also proves a popular, free day out for all ages.
If you love the outdoors, this city will capture your heart with plenty of beautiful parks, such as Roundhay Park and its beautiful scenery.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink
Leeds has an abundance of high-quality, award-winning restaurants for half the price of those in London. With a selection of tasty cuisines, there will be something for everyone. Enjoy a lovely pizza at Rudy’s Pizzeria or indulge in a Sunday roast at Shears Yard after a fun-filled day exploring the city.
In the evening, visit old and traditional bars like Whitelock’s Ale House for a relaxing pint or two. Or perhaps a sweet cocktail at the Dirty Martini might be more to your taste. Wherever you choose, the cosmopolitan atmosphere that this city offers is unmatched.
The City’s Culture
This year Leeds will be hosting LEEDS 2023, a year-long event of experiences for everyone in the city. From arts and dance to poetry and sport, the city will see a celebration of its culture and future.
The event has already put Leeds on the Map as one of the UK’s top conference locations, and hopes that LEEDS 2023 is a huge success are high. It already demonstrates the beautiful city and displays everything it offers to the rest of the world, all while boosting the local economy.
Lovely Leeds Venues
Leeds is set to be one of the most sought-after locations for event profs in 2023. Whether you require a stunning meeting venue, a classy conference room or a unique team-building space, Leeds has everything to offer.
We’ve selected a few stand-out venues from the city and surrounding areas that make a great impression and leave delegates feeling the love for Leeds.
-Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds
In the city centre, the Radisson Blu is located within a shopping complex called The Light. This complex offers an area to park, a gym facility, car charging ports and on-site shopping within a short walking distance for guests. The Radisson has ten spacious meeting rooms and 147 bedrooms, ensuring flexibility to cater to your group’s needs. It is a 30-minute drive from the airport of Leeds and a ten-minute walk from the nearest train station, making it an easily accessible venue.
-The Queens
The Queens, part of the QHotels Collection, has welcomed numerous famous guests, including Nelson Mandela. The property recently underwent construction and looks more glamorous than ever with enhanced 1930s beauty. It has 13 event spaces across the ground and first floor, perfect for conferences, board meetings and team-building activities. This truly stunning hotel has a lovely restaurant and bar for winding down after meetings, on-site parking, and 212 rooms/suites available for guests. The Queens boasts convenience, with a private entrance from Leeds train station.
-The DoubleTree Hilton Leeds City Centre
The DoubleTree Hilton is part of a successful world-renowned hotel chain and proves to be equally successful in Leeds. On the south side of the city and the banks of the Leeds Canal, the Hilton is central and close to local amenities. The Hotel has 333 rooms and 19 meeting rooms and parking on-site on a limited basis.
-The Studio Leeds
Also looking onto the Leeds, Liverpool canal is The Studio. This sleek, stylish venue is bursting with character and has so much potential for meetings and events in the area. With amazing, light-hearted decor throughout, the 11 outstanding event spaces are all unique and versatile for the occasion. The Studio is perfect for meeting and eating, as the breakout space serves a delicious two-course lunch throughout the day. With close links to the train station and the airport, The Studio is a great venue.
-Oulton Hall
Oulton Hall is a traditional building with heaps of character and endless space. It is perfectly located for quick and easy access, a few minutes from the M1 and the M62. With numerous pillar features and chandeliers, Oulton Hall is a stand-out venue. The hotel’s 152 large bedrooms and 9 meeting rooms are a glorious combination of traditional and modern, with high ceilings and charming features. It also offers a 27-hole golf course in its grounds and parking for up to 300 vehicles.
-Pavilions of Harrogate
The Pavilions of Harrogate has a glorious location, situated in one of England’s most elegant and beautifully laid out towns. The town has excellent regular links to London and Scotland, making the venue a lovely middle ground for meetings and conferences with a large, dispersed audience from across the UK. The venue has 14 large event spaces -all boasting stunning views- and a car park for 500 cars.
-Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate
Also located within the picturesque town of Harrogate, The Cedar Court Hotel sits beautifully looking onto a 200-acre parkland. Home to 100 bedrooms and eight meeting rooms, this venue offers space for everyone. The selection of meeting rooms is second to none, with magnificent features and charming décor. The hotel has parking for up to 150 cars and is only a short seven-minute walk from the train station.
With unlimited event potential, Leeds is second to none. With booming nightlife and historic culture, this beautiful city and its venues will leave you wanting more.
