Here at Sugahfix HQ we are never knowingly underfed. So we're loving the thought of the upcoming Leeds Loves Food festival in the city this July.

We're already big fans of Leeds thanks to its amazing shopping opportunities, from the ultra lush Harvey Nichols to the upmarket shops in the Victoria Quarter and The Arcades, which boast everything from Agent Provocateur to Vivienne Westwood and Mulberry.

Then there's the historic Corn Exchange with its independent boutiques and restaurant Piazza and food emporium, as well as the high street chains in and around Leeds Shopping Plaza.

We've also bagged several quirky retro bargains in Best Vintage, opposite the Corn Exchange, and Blue Rinse at Call Lane, and picked up arty prints in On The Wall.

And we've tried our luck in the Alea Casino down by Clarence Dock, which has two restaurants, The Bird by Michelin starred Indian chef Vineet Bhatia, and the Mediterrean-themed, The Fig.

The city centre is compact enough that you can walk around, without breaks, in half an hour - although with our frequent shopping stop-offs and coffee breaks, we could easily spend the whole day shopping for treats.

Leeds is a great weekend break destination, but we'd also recommend nipping over for a wee overnight stay if you get the chance - the Jet2.com flight takes a mere 45 minutes to get there from Belfast International Airport.

And we're certain to take a trip there during the second annual Leeds Loves Foods festival (www.leedslovesfood.com ) from 1-4th July - the city's annual celebration of all things culinary.

There'll be cookery demonstrations and masterclasses, food sampling and celebrity chefs, plus special offers and promotions. We hear that Harvey Nichols and restaurant Casa Mia will really be pulling out the stops this year.

If you want to stay near the centre of the action, check into The Queens hotel (pictured left) www.qhotels.co.uk, with its Art Deco theme and amazing in-room dining menu which includes home-from-home treats such as baked beans on toast.

*Jet2.com flies from Belfast International Airport to Leeds Bradford daily. The airline also serves more than 40 European city and sun destinations from its northern UK bases at Belfast, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Blackpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh and East Midlands. Visit www.jet2.com for full timetable and flight information.