Providing flowers for all occasions, giftware and vases, the new enterprise is run by Sue Dodsworth, pictured below in her new shop.
Have you noticed the new shop on Acaster Lane called Zak & Flo?
I asked the shop owner to write in her own words about Zak & Flo. This is what she had to say,
"My name is Ruth and I live in Acaster Malbis with my husband, Steve, and two young children Isaac & Florence.
I have been in technical field sales for most of the past decade, and following my maternity leave in 2007 decided that I could no longer travel the country anticipating the next phone call from nursery to tell me that one of them was poorly, when I could be miles away!
Since having Isaac in 2004 I have had a passion for children’s clothes. I found that it was difficult to buy something unique in the local area. Any children’s clothes shops that opened in York seemed to close within months.
Obviously similar shops closing has been of concern, but being situated out of the city centre means that my rent & rates are cheaper, free parking directly outside the shop, I have somewhere at the back of the shop to sit, feed & change a baby, not to mention toys for the older ones (including Dad!)
I have spent, and will continue to spend, a considerable amount of time to find exclusive clothes and gifts. My plans for the future include being able to buy on-line - hopefully by the middle of April 2008, and later in 2008 making a selection of baby hampers for companies to buy their employees going on maternity leave.
I have a range of styles of clothing from birth and up to 8 years, and also a selection of gifts, cards, wrapping and organic toiletries. I am more than happy for people to come in and browse, even if they have "no-one that small to buy for!" My Dad & I (but mostly my Dad!) have completely refurbished the shop so come and see what we have done – with no obligation whatsoever to buy!"
Ruth describes her shop as,
"Wonderful Clothes for Fabulous Children"
Having now seen Zak & Flo, I have to agree! Good luck with your new venture Ruth,
Phil
The newly named Bishopthorpe Dental Centre opened its doors this week to show off its wholly refurbished look.
Established by Dr Kris Leeson, the practice builds on the model of the already establshed centre at Woodthorpe.

Kris, who has wandered here from his home town of Bolton, employs a team that includes dentist Andrew Batley and hygienist Clare Payne. The whole building has been refitted with new equipment as an investment for what is described as a new level of service. As Kris explained, he has funding from the Primary Care Trust until April 2009 for one dentist. However, he intends to serve patient demand in Bishopthorpe with two dentists, and the likelihood is that the practice will be entirely private from then on.
A membership scheme is being introduced for a flat monthly fee that guarantees a level of dental care.
Full details are available from the Centre in Sim Balk Lane, and other information can be found here.
Links:
How to get dental treatment on the NHS
NHS Primary Care Dental Services site
A new retail shop is to open on Acaster Lane in the premises once occupied by an electrical business.
Called Zak & Flo it is to sell designer children's wear and gifts, and according to a notice in the window is expected to open on 1st March.
There is a web site 'under construction' at www.zakandflo.co.uk.
it is always good to see an empty shop let (and not to an estate agent!)
I noticed when reading City of York Council's website that they are trying to crackdown on rogue traders.
Cold Calling Controlled Zones are a way of discouraging cold calling and preventing residents becoming victim to crime. The zones encourage residents to report traders who breach resident's wishes. I hate that knock on the door...usually as you are having tea.
A good idea for your street in Bishopthorpe?
Contact Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Phil

The Marcia pub re-opened on Tuesday with a new look inside and out. At a launch party the previous evening landlord Adam Harris and his staff welcomed regulars to the re-furbished bar and dining areas.
The former bar is now a comfortable drinking and dining area, that leads into the former conservatory which can be screened off if required. Lighting and soft furnishings enhance the look. The former saloon bar is now a public bar, with two flat screen TVs and a brand-new pool table that sits on a discovered and restored parquet floor. Again new furnishings and heritage coloured walls create a modern look.
Lounge |
Bar |
![]() Serving on opening day | ![]() Staff take a break |
Brunswick Organic Nursery has today launched its new web site.
It contains up to date information about its activities as a sheltered productive work place for adults with learning difficulties.

Check out the BON web site here.