It was an amicable separation; both sides readily agreeing to part having struggled to make it work following gentle coercion. So this was going to be a delicate reconciliation attempt.

The guilty admission of third-party involvement would hopefully ensure negotiations would not over complicate this reunion.

All I had to do was reacquaint one estranged side of my ever-expanding waistband with the other. With the gap between button and hole widening by the day, I had to put a stop to this love affair with food.

I’ve only got myself to blame. Day one of a midweek trip to Bruges and I’d already fallen for the many belly-busting delicacies it has to offer. Lip-licking delights such as handmade Belgian chocolates, biscuits, beer-based stew, waterzooi, waffles, fondue, moules and friets, are all in abundant supply – and provide easy temptations for any unfulfilled appetite. But the food wasn’t the only thing to charm.

The eye-catching medieval architecture in this beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage city is enough to get the pulse racing.

Situated just over an hour from Brussels, it’s easy to reach the heart of Bruges with Eurostar, with one seamless rail connection.

Bruges is reached in around three hours from Ashford International.

Eurostar return fares from just £79.

At Bruges station, it’s a quick five-minute bus ride or a 15-minute walk to the city centre. Expect to pay E1.30 per passenger (single), or E8 for a cab ride.

Eurostar offers connecting fares from more than 300 stations in the UK. For more information or to book, visit eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.

Hotel de Tuilerieen room rates start at E135 per room. Visit http://www.slh.com for further details and to book.

The reviewer travelled courtesy of Eurostar.

Throw in museums displaying the ‘Flemish Primitives’ with works by the likes of Jan van Eyck, Gerard David and Pieter Pourbus; Michelangelo’s white marble Madonna and Child; the Beisbroek forest; romantic canals and carriage rides over misty cobblestoned streets and it’s easy to see how anyone can be seduced.

Even if you can’t choose between cuisine and culture, have no fear – there’s even a museum dedicated to the humble chip! The Friet Museum is definitely for those with a penchant for the potato.

It is just as well the perfectly preserved city tempts visitors into strolling the central streets to take in the sites. And you can also work off a few of those extra calories with an ice-skating session – the centrepiece of The Grote Markt, one of many Christmas-themed markets and events sprinkled around the postcard perfect Flemish capital.

You’re also spoilt for choice when selecting somewhere to stay. We opted for Hotel de Tuilerieen, an elegant 15th century residence overlooking one of the city’s most beautiful canals, Den Dyver. Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes all reportedly stayed here during filming of the black comedy In Bruges.

This perfectly positioned place is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a classy clique of establishments whose name is synonymous with first-class facilities and service.

Speaking of which, travelling by Eurostar comes highly recommended. Not only does Kent benefit from two international stations at Ebbsfleet and Ashford, it puts paid to drawn-out security checks, hours of waiting, baggage weighing sales, hidden extras and hassle. It’s the most convenient and stress-free way to travel I’ve experienced to date – and there are three different classes of travel to suit every lifestyle and budget.

Just watch that the Venice of the North’s calorific creations don’t render you too large to fit into the seats on the journey back!

With buffet carriage catering by Waitrose and Business Premier passengers treated to meals created by chef Raymond Blanc, you can extend your holiday that little bit longer.

Other European Christmas markets easily accessible by Eurostar

Strasbourg

There’s something for everyone in this quaint city and crowds have been flocking here since 1570 to enjoy one of the oldest Christmas markets in France. A total of 12 markets now line the cobbled streets.
Journey time: 5 hours 15 minutes (via Paris)
Tickets from £99 return

Lille

With a charming Christmas market and more than 80 chalets open until December 30, Lille is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. The main square is transformed into a winter wonderland with an 18m Christmas tree and giant Ferris wheel.
Journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Tickets from £69 return

Brussels

The Brussels Christmas market – running until January 5 – offers more than 240 chalets and stalls while a 200ft ice skating rink and a nightly sound and light show in the Grand Place help to provide entertainment for all.
Journey time: 2 hours
Tickets from £69 return

Cologne

A simple connection in Brussels will soon have you soaking up the currywurst, glühwein and pretzels. Seven Christmas markets are on offer, with the largest set against the backdrop of Cologne’s magnificent gothic Cathedral and the tallest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
Journey time: 4 hours 11 minutes (via Brussels)
Tickets from £96 return