Sundays are usually the ultimate laid back day. I'm talking late brunch, a lengthy dog walk and an epic roast to round things off so when a few invites starting racking up for the capital of Yorkshire (sort of) it was time for a different kind of Sunday, a road trip to York to be exact.

My first port of call was the newly opened, beyond Pinterest-able Mint Velvet store on Lower Petergate. This has taken the place of Coggles and my is it a refreshing change, gone is the too cool for school vibe replaced by a welcoming, well priced boutique. Mint Velvet have been sympathetic in the renovation of this listed building and boy does it show - think mid century display cabinets, Farrow and Ball shades, washed floor boards and quirky touches as far as the eye can see. 


Don't be lost in a sea of interiors inspo though; the real selling point here is the level of service and beautifully uncomplicated clothes. The team cannot do enough for you which as simple as it sounds is something many retailers get wrong today - Sue and the rest of the gang are absolutely charming, making the beau and I coffees and giving us a tour of the store which not only boasts an outdoor seating space but includes a huge personal shopping suite for those who want that extra level of service.

For once in my life I was incredibly restrained resisting two pairs of boots, Mint Velvet have got it goin' on when it comes to leather goods and I've fallen hard for the Sam Edelman inspired Elizas and the peep toe Tylas. Brownie points must be dished out to the visual merchandising team too, faux succulents and an apothecary style cabinet to house accessories? Genius. If you ever find yourself in York for the day I urge you to pay visit a Mint Velvet but be warned. You may want to start redecorating your entire abode.


After all that snapping and a mosey in a few select shops (well you can't not buy chocolate mint fudge when you're in York) we headed to Pizza Express* to give their Summer menu a bash. As soon as I saw the addition of the Hugo, that's prosecco with elderflower and mint to me and you I was over the moon. Anyone who knows me well knows just how much I adore all three of these components so to put them together was an awesome idea. 

 For starters we went carby sharing the classic bruschetta and garlic bread with mozzarella, just what we needed after a day pounding the cobbles. Pizzas were the attraction for the main event, well we were in Pizza Express. I went for the Polla Forza, a fiery chicken menu newb which had a serious kick and Craig plumped for calzone. To round things off I had to go light for fear of being rolled home. I loved the dairy free raspberry sorbet while C went classic with a Chocolate Glory. It's nice to see restaurants taking note and really thinking about todays customer with tasty, dairy free options. Snaps for you Pizza Express.


Have you ever visited York? What do you make of Pizza Express and Mint Velvet?

Don't forget you can still win a Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush here in my second birthday giveaway.

*Our meal was paid for by Pizza Express, all thoughts and opinions my own.