The Hut Summer Family Preview Event in Manchester

Today we drove into Manchester centre to visit the Artisan Bar And Kitchen where The Hut were previewing a few of their new items for Summer. It's a gorgeous day with no rain for once, so a trip into town was actually really pleasant, and we didn't even need coats. It was like being on holiday!

I like The Hut. They are an online department store who have some great bargains at times, and a really wide range of products. Several years ago I won a £250 voucher from their Facebook page just before Christmas. Everybody got extra that year.

They have a wide range of games, and brought along a couple of new ones to look at. LEGO DC Superheroes we are well aware of, but I'd no idea there was a Game Of Thrones Monopoly! There's one for my other half's birthday....

The LEGO was immediately swooped on by a pack of small boys, who had the set put together in record time...

There were a lot of shoes - and the ones I love the most are these! My First Docs. They really need no introduction.

There were also some bright pink Docs which this young man from LeeLeeLoves took to straight away. They may not be his colour, but they are pretty special and obviously comfortable...

Lunch was provided by the Artisan Kitchen - some gorgeous flatbread pizzas and garlic breads that were totally wasted on the children, but nonetheless gone in seconds.

Surprise hits of the day were Sooty and Sweep. I watched their TV show throughout my childhood, and played with the hand puppets. It's amazing to think that they're still popular enough to release new puppets 40 years later.

My youngest took a massive shine to Sweep - but he is adamant Sweep is a rabbit....(photo thanks to Jen).

My item of the day though is this gorgeous bag from Fiorelli - it matches my flowery Doc Martins!! I had a similar bag back when I was a teenager and I used it until it fell apart. When I saw this I was smitten, and it's only right your bag and shoes should match, surely...

We left with a nice goody bag including a LEGO Nexo Knight - which pleased my boys - and a selection of nice things for me. mio The Activist firming active body oil which is perfect for my dry skin, ideal after a shower, and the Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield which is something I'm really excited about trying. A primer and sun screen that promises great things, I'm hoping it'll make my skin ready for Summer this year...

The Hut is an online department store with everything from clocks and shampoo to Playstation games and toasters. New customers can get 20% off their first order - see The Hut for details...