My 20th Birthday: Oulton Hall, Global Tribe Cafe, Filmore and Bar&Grill

This past weekend I turned 20, and I got to go to so many wonderful places that I thought it was worth writing a blog post about it, particularly as much of my birthday weekend consisted of health-related things (obvs). I also received some lovely presents from my parents including a new camera -the Limix GM (so I will be using much more high quality pictures on my blog in the near future), Deliciously Ella's new cooking book which looks lovely and I can't wait to try some of her new recipes. Lastly, a FitBit, which my parents both also have, and they have basically got for me so that we can all compete with our step count and calorie count!

I actually had no idea what I was going to be doing for the weekend, least of all that I would be going to a Spa! My boyfriend was very sly, so I thought we would just be going out for a meal or something, but I received many exciting surprises along the way. Here is a glimpse of what we got up to:

The weekend began with shopping followed by lunch at Global Tribe cafe, which Sami and I loved. The meals are so colourful, vibrant and healthy, and it's so reasonably priced for what you get. Our whole meal came to £34 for 2 smoothies, 2 sandwiches, 3 mains and a dessert.

Me and my 'Green Goddess' smoothie.

Before we went to Lunch, I had my hair styled at Russel Eaton. I couldn't recommend the salon more, they produce wonderful results. I've had a blow dry there a few times now, and I always love the result.

This was my main - Jambalaya topped with little balls made from bean paste. It was absolutely delicious! Warming, filling and satisfying.

Sami's mains, consisting of a lentil stew on the right, and a warm spiralised vegetable and rice noodle dish on the left.

In the evening, we went to the Bar & Grill, which is one of my favourite restaurants in Leeds. The atmosphere is so lively and buzzing due to it also being a popular bar, yet the restaurant side isn't too loud that it encroaches on conversation. It has quite a romantic atmosphere, and is great for couples.

These were our gorgeous mains. We shared the lobster and steak. The steak was some of the best red meat I have ever had - it was insanely good. Usually I find red meat too chewy, but this was on another level.

So after Sami claimed that my present hadn't arrived yet, the waiter brings over my present and card at precisely midnight with a bottle of champagne, the minute that I turned 20! (My birthday was on the Sunday, and we went out for this meal on the Saturday) it was such a wonderful surprise.

This was the watch which Sami got me. It's so pretty. The waiter thought that he was going to pop the question as the box was quite small!

Us at midnight enjoying our champagne :)

Brunch the next morning at Filmore & Union. I had the quinoa porridge with coconut milk and stewed fruit.

Sami told me the next morning to pack a little bag so that we could go to the gym after having brunch at Filmore & Union. When we got to Filmore, my friends Tina and Josh showed up shortly after, which I didn't really think was weird as we all go there all the time anyway. Then they all said said we were going to try a new gym, and that Sami would get in for free, so that we should all go. We ordered a taxi as if was apparently a little while away. About 15 minutes later, we were in the beautiful grounds of Oulton Hall for a spa weekend! I had absolutely no idea, and soon discovered that Sami and Tina had been texting for ages organising what to do! It was literally the best surprise ever!

This is a picture of our lovely bedroom. After settling in, we all went to the gym. Sami and I did some boxing which is always fun. We then all went in the infrared sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and pool!

Tina and I at dinner that evening.

This was my starter of Haddock.

I went for steak, hand cut chips and grilled tomato for my main.

This dessert was amazing and beautifully presented but I can't remember what it was called!

After we had finished eating, the waiter came over with my raw, Vegan birthday cake which Tina got me from Global Tribe Cafe.. Seriously the most delicious cheesecake I've ever had!

After dinner, we all went into the lounge to relax with a glass of champagne.

The next morning, we all had massages. This is a picture of the 'relax room'.

Overall, it was the perfect weekend and I enjoyed ever minute of it. I highly recommend Oulton Hall, and I am even planning on going there again early next month for a yoga social I am organising! We enjoyed some fabulous restaurants which I would definitely class as the best in Leeds. If you're planning a little getaway to Leeds, these are definitely the places to go.

Thanks for reading! :)