Newest retail temple in Leeds

Leeds, an oft unsung northern getaway, has long been known for its lively bars and energetic nightlife. Now, it has added another string to its bow.

More than 130,000 people visited the new Trinity Leeds shopping centre when it opened its doors on a chilly Thursday morning last month.

Work on this £350million retail temple restarted in 2010 after a 16-month hiatus caused by the recession saw building falter. When the shopping and leisure centre finally officially opened its doors, there was significant fanfare.

The centre is still a work in progress to some extent. Popular names such as Victoria’s Secret, Primark and the Everyman Cinema are yet to open.

One innovative feature that more shopping centres should implement was the licensed busking spots dotted around the mall. We counted at least four budding musicians who were playing guitars both inside and outside including a singer called Joseph Francis, who had more than a few female fans watching him strum the guitar.

Trinity Leeds has invested half a million pounds into a range of artwork for the centre and created 2,600 new jobs across the city. 

Paul Smith, Marketing Manager for the centre said: ‘Set in the heart of Leeds and joining the three busiest shopping streets under our stunning, sweeping dome roof, Trinity Leeds brings the largest range of shops ever to the city for visitors to enjoy.

'Pop-up shops, performances and art installations are all in the pipeline', he adds.

Even with the boost of Trinity Leeds, the city perhaps can't quite do battle with some of the nation's other shopping goliaths; the Bullring (Birmingham), Meadowhall (Sheffield) or Trafford Centre (Manchester).

However, there are lots of shopping gems spread out across the city. Sitting between Briggate and Vicar Lane is the upmarket Victoria Quarter, which is home to luxury stores and an undeniably fabulous interior of marble and mosaics.

Harvey Nichols is the stand-out store in the Victoria Quarter with its fashionably-dressed customers and glamorous neighbouring shops. But it isn’t just shopping that the West Yorkshire city has to offer - there is fine-dining galore and for culture vultures, museums, art and theatres.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Refugee Boy, a novel by Benjamin Zephaniah about a 14-year-old refugee from Ethiopia and his stay in London, showing at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Starring Fisayo Akinade as refugee Alem Kelo, the packed-out theatre sat enthralled by the small cast and great acting.

 Dinner at Piazza By Anthony is just the ticket - with an amazing setting in the historic landmark building, the Corn Exchange.

This brasserie-style restaurant is perfectly paired with stunning surroundings.

The large bedrooms at this stylish hotel are surprisingly quiet considering it is so central. Located just five minutes walk from the main shops and sitting near the train station it was easy to find.

The bedrooms boasted a gold, blue and red colour scheme and the grandiose reception area was stylish, with friendly staff.

Return train tickets from London to Leeds start at £49, visit www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

The New Ellington Hotel offers overnight accommodation, breakfast and shopping vouchers for Trinity Leeds for £225 per couple, visit www.thenewellington.com

More information on Anthony's Restaurant can be found at www.anthonysrestaurant.co.uk/piazza/

For more information on Leeds, visit www.visitleeds.co.uk