Liverpool exclusive summer 2014 by dan gheorghiu

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Some of the design labels available at Virginia Lee include: Annette Gortz ● Bitte Kai Rand ● Isabel de Pedro ● Ronen Chen Xenia Desing ● Joseph Ribkoff ● Eve by Crea Concept VIRGINIA LEE 8/9 GARRICK PARADE

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Welcome & Contents A W e lc o m e T o l i v e r p o o l We are delighted to extend a very warm welcome to all of our Liverpool Exclusive readers.

so many fronts. Music, heritage, sport, nightlife and now business…all world famous facets of our city and I could certainly extend that list even further.

For me personally it is a thrill and an honour to bring the Exclusive brand to the city in which I grew up. A city that each and every one of us should be very proud to call home.

Liverpool Exclusive intends to highlight all that is good about the city and its regions to those lucky enough to live here and also to our visitors and tourists who can be certain to receive a warm welcome and the generous hospitality that we are also famous for.

I thought about writing quite a long introduction but the reality is this incredible metropolis of ours needs little if any introduction. Liverpool stands proud and speaks for itself. It is certainly not unreasonable to suggest that we are in fact the envy of the world on

Our title says it all…..Liverpool really is ‘EXCLUSIVE’.

Fashion

Eating & Drinking

Passion For Fashion....................................................6 Retail erapy………………………………..….…10 Be Diﬀerent………………………………………. 16 e North West Fashion Festival……..........………..18

Feature e Open Championship at Hoylake……...........…..24 John Bishop - How Did is All Happen...........…….28 Turn Left At Greenland…………………………….54 Make Us Dream - A Great Season…...........………….72 It’s Coming Home – LIMF………………………… 76

Neil Wilson – Managing Director

Hunger Games – Eating Out in Liverpool…...............58 Magical Mystery Tour………………………………. 64 e Friends Phenomenon – Central Perk…..........................68

What’s On Easel In On e Action –Liverpool Biennial..............................46 A Giant Commemoration…………………………50 Family Events……………………………………..90

Travel Luxury Destinations with Turtle Travel…....................……….86

Business e Venue – With Concerto Group…........……….32 Global Venture Capital – IFB 2014……….........…….38 Frankly Speaking with Frank McKenna….............….40

FeATures & AdverTising enquiries Neil Wilson 07809 226112 n.wilson@exclusive-magazines.co.uk design & produc T i o n Expression Graphic Studio FAshion ed i T o r Lauren Greene ediTo r i A l Arthur Johnson Simon Grant 4

summer 2014

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FeATure Fashion

Passion for fashion

Patty Fashion by simon Grant

patty ptak is a liverpool based fashion designer with big dreams and inimitable style. The 30-year-old's fashion house, patty Fashion, has courted healthy celebrity interest with her beautifully crafted dresses appearing on catwalks and red carpets across the region. now the polish-born fashionista has grand plans to conquer london Fashion Week and cross over to the high street. simon grant visited her button street boutique for a glimpse into patty's world.

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FeATure Fashion “Love the store Patty” I oﬀer hopefully as my opening gambit. Curvaceous mannequins (adorned in frills, sparkles and striking prints) stand poised among the exposed brickwork, gnarly floorboards and huge chunky beams of her stylish boutique. “I hate this building,” she declares abruptly, her clipped accent melting into burbling laughter. is was to be my first hint of Patty's granite opinions, interlaced with a girly likeability. She's a woman who knows what she wants. She'll get it; it's just a matter of when, not if. And she'll do it with a smile on her face. How many of us knew by the age of 12 what we wanted to be when we grew up? I mean really. Patty did. at's when she pledged her future to fashion. She threw herself into art lessons at school, back home in Chrzanow, before studying fashion design in Krakow for a year. However this self confessed “dreamer” longed for a new life and a creative base that would embrace her artistic vision. So it was she found herself in Liverpool; the creative hotbed of the North. “I was happy in Poland,” she says. “But I just wanted to discover something new and start fresh in a diﬀerent place. at was so exciting for me to go to another country, speak

another language, start adult life and get a new job. I didn't know anyone. I didn't know what was going to happen. But I risked everything and I'm glad I did.” at was in 2006. ose formative years on Merseyside were spent studying costume design at e City of Liverpool College. ereafter marriage and family life would lead to a brief hiatus from the fashion world for several years. But the passion never subsided and manifested first through a few casual sketches, which gave way to serious designs. Dresses would follow and before she knew it she'd be exhibiting at Liverpool Fashion Week (twice) and opening 'that' city centre store. Patty says, “I think it was all meant to be. It was destiny. I knew it was going to be diﬃcult because once you stop doing something for so many years, and once you've got your own family (and a little child), your main target is family. But then that passion, your dream, comes back stronger and you just can't live without it. at's what made me do this again. I wouldn't be myself if I couldn't do what I love.”

summer 2014

FeATure Fashion Having re-invented herself and announced her return to the fashion fold, Patty determined to stick to her artistic roots whatever the cost. “Everyone was saying 'why don't you make something simple, something cheap, just to sell it quickly,'” she continues. “But I refused. I wouldn't be true to myself if I did that. So I've been very stubborn but now it's paying off. You can't just stop doing that. Even if you're not doing well, or you're not happy, and don't have that many clients – you have to keep doing what you love. Otherwise what's the point? “I don't want my fashion to be boring or plain. I want to be different and bring some art, ideas, colours, prints and all different materials. Even if that means it isn't ready to wear; it's just for exhibitions or to admire. It still gives me that much satisfaction and happiness,” she adds. You won't find high street clothing that comes anywhere near the creativity of Patty Fashion. Her uniquely glamorous party frocks – festooned with bespoke digital prints, extravagant ruches and a smattering of sparkles – boast genuine X-factor. Speaking of which, Patty lists one of her proudest moments so far as when Simon Cowell's ex, Sinitta, went from So Macho to e Little Mermaid in one of her glamorous designs – an iridescent turquoise off-the shoulder number – for the opening of the 2012 Liverpool Fashion Week. “All these pictures were in the Daily Mail Online the next day. It was a picture of me and her on a catwalk. at was amazing!” She says. Now the celebrities are lining up for a one-off Patty design. “People want to look different, amazing and stunning. And that's what I tend to create.” Just like her slinky outfits, the Scouse appetite for looking fabulous fits impeccably. But Patty's not about to bow to local trends. “I don't tend to copy other designers and bring 'Scouse style.' I bring my own style,” she says. “I think people are starting to appreciate that because every time someone comes in through the doors, they are like 'Oh my God, that is so different. I've never seen anything like that.'” 8

summer 2014

“That's what makes me happy because i want to be different. i don't want to be like any other designer in liverpool. even if that means i could probably get more money from making that stuff. it's not all about the money; it's all about the passion, art and fashion.”

FeATure Fashion

So what's in store, literally and metaphorically, for Patty Fashion? Well, one of her driving ambitions is to crack London Fashion Week next year. “at's my big dream,” she coos. “I want to expand to London because everyone says if you want to be in the fashion world you have to be in London.” She'll remain firmly rooted in Liverpool mind you. Don't expect her to go all 'luvvy darling' overnight. From a clothing perspective, Patty's set her sights on crossing over to the mainstream and thrusting her charismatic collections on the unsuspecting Liverpudlian public. “I want to do something a bit more crazy and ready-to-wear because at the moment everything is occasional dresses and one-oﬀ pieces,” she admits. “Now I want to focus more on ready-to-wear, but still street chic, and something for younger girls from 15-35.” We think you're going to take to Patty in a big way because the essence of all her clothing lines is making women feel incredible. “My target is to make unique pieces that make every woman look beautiful, and special, and out of this world. at's my aim. It's really hard to be a woman and we deserve to be pampered and look amazing.” She flashes a winning grin and it's time to wrap things up. I take one last look around – I still think it's a picturesque little shop with bags of character. But I can understand Patty's disdain now; she has grand designs on an empire far bigger and far bolder still. is bijou backstreet boutique simply isn't big enough to contain her dreams and hopes. You'll find Patty Fashion at 4 Button Street, Cavern Quarter, L2 6PS. For more information contact 07805 980649 or visit pattyfashion.com. You can also follow the fashion house on Facebook and Twitter @Patty_Fashion.

summer 2014

RETAIL TheRapy

Retail Therapy S h o p p i n g i n L i ve r p o ol By Simon Grant

Summer 2014

RETAIL TheRapy

Let's face it, Scouse girls and guys know a thing or two about looking good. î &#x17D;ere's no substitute for style and no compromise on quality. Liverpudlians don't follow trends, they set them. Which is why if you visit the teeming shopping districts of the city centre on a weekend you'll find discerning shoppers out in their droves. So where should we be heading to get our shopping fix? Here's an Exclusive look at the city's ultimate shopping venues to bag all your must-have items â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from designer threads, to high street labels and luxury furniture. When it comes to an afternoon of hard earned retail therapy, Liverpool takes some beating.

Summer 2014

RETAIL TheRapy

Liverpool ONE, is one of the city's biggest success stories of the new millennium. Mass investment has led to the gentrification of the city's centre and a gleaming 1.65 million sq foot complex of designer stores, high street brands, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. In amongst it all is their very own 'fab four' shopping districts, including style conscious Peter’s Lane – the undisputed home of designer brands – and the broad main avenue, Paradise Street. South John Street has all your high street highlights and Hanover Street completes the ensemble, boasting beautiful designer and luxury furniture at Stocktons. Among Liverpool ONE's 160 stores you'll find the likes of Topshop, Karen Millen, Urban Outfitters, John Lewis, Reiss, Debenhams, Radley, Hollister, Drome and Flannels vying for your attention. ere's also the UK's only Beauty Bazaar Harvey Nichols, iconic jewellers Boodles and enough sports shops (for the reds and blues among you) and kid's favourites – like the LEGO store – to keep the youngsters entertained. It's not all about the fashion either because the likes of the Apple Store, Waterstones, Odeon cinema and indoor mini-golf venue, Jungle Rumble are custom made to distract the gents while the ladies stock up the wardrobe. Pretty five-acre Chevasse Park is also the ideal green retreat to recharge your batteries in between those fashion forays. e Metquarter specialises in fashion and beauty retail royalty, including Hugo Boss, MAC, Armani Exchange, Gieves & Hawkes, Jo Malone, Diesel and Jack Wills. It's also the perfect place to pick up a dazzling trinket or two at high fashion jewellers like Links of London and Mococo. Bargain hunters should note that the MetquarterSummerSale is now on, with up to 50% discounts available at selected stores. e Cavern Walks lay claim to the avant garde designs of Vivienne Westwood and iconic designer boutique Cricket. While Patty Fashion (featured on page 6) on Button Street is home to some of the most electrifying new collections of one-oﬀ street chic dresses. City centre thoroughfare, Church Street, is peppered with some of the biggest high street brands around. A casual glance around reveals respected names like Marks and Spencer, H&M, River Island, Primark and Californian budget fashion retailer Forever 21 flanking its wide pedestrianised walkway. Clayton Square and St Johns Shopping Centre house a phalanx of high street mainstays, with the latter calling home to 100 shiny shop fronts. Nestled amid it's modern interior you'll find the likes of Storm, orntons, New Look, Matalan and e Perfume Shop.

Summer 2014

RETAIL TheRapy

Bold Street will tickle your fancy if you prefer an altogether more boho vibe. is pedestrianised paradise is hemmed by some of the city's coolest independent stores. You'll find the sharpest furniture designs and lovely kitsch gift ideas at the two flagship Utility stores (with another gift store in Liverpool ONE). ere's cool casual and street wear at Resurrection, hip footwear at Size? and Footasylum or alternative threads at Soho's. While Dig Vinyl has filled the hirsute void left by the demise of long-running vinyl outlet, Hairy Records. Of course, beyond the confines of L1 you'll find the independent boutiques of Lark Lane or jump aboard Merseyrail's Northern Line service for the Victorian charms of Southport and the Wirral Line for Chester's gentile refinement and chic designer retailers. But with all the embarrassment of riches available right in the heart of the city, we seriously doubt you'll want to stray too far from the excitement. ere really is something for everyone in the throng of world class shopping in Liverpool. We suggest you get here early and make a day of it because you're going to need plenty of time – and stamina – to see it all. Happy shopping!

Summer 2014

FEATURE JEWELLERY

The Essence of Wongs

An Expression of Love

continues to demonstrate his passion for jewellery craftsmanship in the fully equipped workshop. Wongs prides itself on its outstanding workshop, and invites customers to watch the jewellery being made through a clear glass frontage, allowing them to see first-hand how the pieces are lovingly created, repaired or remodelled. Anyone visiting the store will be greeted by a team of fully-trained goldsmiths and designers who share a love and devotion for sourcing, selecting and crafting the world’s most beautiful things. e love they put in is matched only by the love their customers take away for the fine pieces of jewellery they create.

stablished in Liverpool in 1979, Wongs Jewellers’ reputation for lovingly designing and crafting jewellery and engagement rings is widely known throughout Merseyside. eir original store was based in North John Street before moving to Mathew Street in 1984, home to e Beatles. In 1999, the store relocated to larger premises on Rainford Square before eventually moving to a new store in 2010 on Whitechapel, opposite the Met Quarter designer shopping centre in Liverpool city centre. Founded by Brian Wong nearly 35 years ago, the business remains a family-run company, with Brian’s son Peter handling management responsibilities, while Brian

Popular with couples looking for the perfect engagement, wedding or eternity

Wongs chooses to stock only the finest pieces of jewellery from designers including; Ti Sento, Mi Moneda, Endless Jewellery and watches including; Michael Kors, Citizen, Bering and Frederique Constant. Alongside its handpicked designers, Wongs also oﬀers a range of handcrafted pieces suitable for any occasion.

ring, Wongs Jewellers oﬀers expert advice to those who want the ultimate token of their love, from design and concept right through to crafting the personalised ring. Coupled with its long-standing heritage, Wongs also continues to be at the cutting edge of jewellery design, using techniques such as laser welding and Computer Aided Design (CAD) 3D Software to enable them to create virtual jewellery in 3D, allowing customers to see their design from every angle. While many other jewellers will send repair or remodelling work outside of the UK, Wongs is one of the few remaining jewellers in the UK with a fully

functioning workshop situated within the Whitechapel store. eir team of master craftsmen use their knowledge to lovingly handcraft the most beautiful jewellery in-store to ensure uncompromised quality is delivered at all times.

Summer 2014

Whitechapel, Stanley Street, Liverpool, L1 6DS www.wongsjewellers.co.uk 0151 236 1552 Twitter: @WongsJewellers Facebook: www.facebook.com/wongsjewellers

FUSCHIA WHITE

Fuschia White Be Different ! The North Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answer to the Kardashians, Lubaina & Lamya, take the fashion world by storm

Summer 2014

FUSCHIA WHITE stand out on the red carpet. e brand has become an instant hit with highprofile clients who are under pressure to stay ahead of fashion trends. e sisters are keen to explain that launching their own fashion business together hasn’t been an overnight success story. ey both had a keen interest in fashion and beauty from an early age and have been honing their talents for years.

orth West-based sisters, Lubaina and Lamya, are following in the footsteps of the Kardashian sisters, joining forces to launch their own fashion empire.

Lubaina studied fashion at e Manchester College and went on to

e sisters have made their dream career a reality by launching Fuschia White, a chic online boutique for fashion lovers.

e pair said: “We’ve infused our own styles into one joint venture, giving young independent women a place where they can go and find highquality garments without breaking the bank. Our motto is, ‘don’t be like the rest of them – be diﬀerent!’” It's a philosophy which clearly appeals to the fashion crowd. Already, celebrities have been snapping up Fuschia White finds to ensure that they

e website has a clean, modern style and unlike many other online retailers, the sisters have resisted the temptation to cash in by bulk buying popular ontrend pieces. Instead, every two weeks a new collection is uploaded onto the website, focusing on colour, detail and design. No one piece is similar to another piece available on the site, which goes with the sisters’ motto of being diﬀerent. ey want to make sure that women feel confident when wearing a piece from the collection, yet still feel natural. “Simplicity is elegance”, the pair say. anks to the early success of the website, which is proving popular with those who struggle to find something a little diﬀerent on the high street, and to their own unique sense of style, which makes Lubaina and Lamya stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons, we’re likely to see a lot more of two of the North West’s most stylish sisters over the coming years.

Fuschia White was born out of the sisters' desire to find a website that concentrated more on quality than quantity and helped women to avoid the fashion nightmare of turning up to an event wearing the same outfit as someone else. e glamorous sisters are often likened to the Kardashians. However, while the Kardashians’ online version of their DASH store focuses on LA luxe styles and on promoting the sisters’ fragrances, Lubaina and Lamya wanted to oﬀer something a little diﬀerent which would appeal to the region’s savvy fashion lovers.

her Diploma as an MUA from the school of make-up. She is now the head MUA for Fuschia White.

Visit the website at : www.fuschiawhite.co.uk E mail : lubaina@fuschiawhite.co.uk Tel : 0161 708 8702

complete a three-year course in Fashion and Design at the University of Westminster in London. During those three years, Lubaina worked at Abercrombie and Fitch as a retail assistant, completed a seven week production internship at Matthew Williamson and later came back to Manchester to undertake a six month design internship at Kurt Muller whilst working for the family business. Lamya studied for her A-levels at Parrs Wood College, then went on to gain

Summer 2014

FEaturE FASHION

The North West Fashion Festival NWFF

In assocIatIon wIth “ElItE MarquEEs”

Summer 2014

FEaturE FASHION

the north west Fashion Festival comes to sefton Park this september, to showcase the hottest labels from across the north west. e high profile fashion event, from Chic Networking (in association with Elite Marquees) sees some of the area's biggest brands – as well as cutting edge new design houses displaying everything from footwear to accessories – strut their stuﬀ at Sefton Park's Palm House, on Sunday 14 September 2014, from 2.30-8.30pm. Expect to see plenty of celebrity guests packing the runways to spot the latest luxurious Autumn/Winter trends, and then mingle with the North West fashion industry's leading influencers, designers and fashion in-crowd. Among the NWFF's two main areas, the Inner Circle, located inside the Palm house, boasts an array of fashion exhibitions, live music and dazzling live shows throughout the day. While the surrounding marquees and gazebos of the Chic Garden are the place to see and be seen, with some of the city's finest bars hosting live DJs, dancers, and serving up your favourite tipples and nibbles. Among the garden's delights, there's also the Master Class Marquee; where you can keep on-trend with a series of short seminars sharing the latest upand-coming looks and techniques from a veritable who's who of north west celebrity hair and make up artists, stylists, designers and photographers.

Summer 2014

FEaturE FASHION

is is one event you won't want to miss. And with so many business packages available – from hosting live exhibitions, to corporate sponsorship, and pop-up restaurant and bar opportunities – it's never been easier to get involved. All you need to do is email the Chic Networking and Events team to request a media pack. Otherwise, if you'd rather just head down purely for pleasure, then be sure to order your early bird tickets (available at £10) through Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thenorth-west-fashion-festivaltickets. Chic Networking promotes women in business, working with businesses across the UK, to create brand awareness and provide the best possible networking opportunities. eir events are “all about socialising with other businesses, keeping up with the latest trends, creating new connections and showcasing what your business has to oﬀer,” according to their website. For more information please visit www.chicnetworking.co.uk, email info@chicnetworking.co.uk, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @chicnetworking and oﬃcialNWFF.

Summer 2014

GOLF feaTuRe

Bl o w n u p o n b y m i g h t y w i n ds, br e e d e r o f m i g h t y c h a m p i ons The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, 13-20 July Golf's oldest and most prestigious Major â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Open Championship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; swings into Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake this summer. The world's foremost golfing talents pit their wits against the country's secondoldest seaside course in spectacular style from 13-20 July, writes Simon Grant.

Summer 2014

GOLF feaTuRe

fter an eight-year Open absence, the Wirral links is expected to draw capacity crowds of golfhungry fans eager to follow the fortunes of their golfing idols. It also marks the culmination of a scintillating summer of golf on Merseyside, with the Royal Birkdale Golf Club hosting the 2014 Ricoh Women’s British Open.

OneS TO waTCH Last time around at Hoylake (in 2006) Tiger Woods took the spoils, claiming the famous Claret Jug to claim his third Open and eleventh Major win. e big talking point of this year's Championship was whether Woods would appear at all. After undergoing microdiscectomy surgery for a pinched nerve in his back – missing the Masters for the first time in his career and the US Open – Tiger was yet to confirm his participation at the time of writing. Of course, despite his resurgence, Woods has failed to capture a Major since the 2008 US Open. In that time a legion of talented players have emerged from his prolific shadow. Chiefly, five-time Major winner, and reigning champion, Phil Mickelson. Fellow countryman, Bubba Watson should also be in the mix after securing his second green jacket at the Masters earlier this year. Hopefuls from this side of the Atlantic include Rory McIlroy, who goes in search of his third Major Championship after clinching the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Don't be surprised to see the current and outgoing US Open Champions, Martin Kaymer and Justin Rose respectively, also in contention. Nor would you discount last year's runner-up and winner of the Race to Dubai and FedEx Cup, Henrik Stenson, from Sweden.

“It's a bejewelled line-up for a Royal course and we're sure to see some swashbuckling golf in the race to crown the eventual Open Champion for 2014.”

HISTORIC HOyLake Royal Liverpool was established in 1869 on the well-trodden turf of the Liverpool Hunt Club racecourse. Royal ascent was gained in 1871, thanks to the patronage of HRH e Duke of Connaught, although the course was still hosting race meets for the first seven years of its life. Hoylake was the first course in the North West of England to host e Open in 1897, when local hero Harold Hilton reclaimed the title five years on from his maiden triumph ¬– as one of the few amateurs ever to have won the Championship. at privileged few includes another Hoylake member, John Ball and the legendary Bobby Jones (en route to his unique single-season Grand Slam of 1930). e Wirral course has blazed a trail of golfing firsts over the course of its 145-year existence. ere was the inaugural Amateur Championship in 1885 and an informal head-to-head for amateur teams from the United States and Great Britain in 1921, which spawned the Walker Cup. Among the twelve Open champions to have tamed the Hoylake fairways there have been a few notable groundbreakers in their own right. In 1907, Arnaud Massey became the first – and only – Frenchman to claim the title (remember the closest French challenger

Summer 2014

GOLF feaTuRe Spectators at e Open have access to a free Wi-Fi mesh that covers the grandstands, tented villages and other selected areas across the course. It gives you a truly interactive experience, where at the touch of a screen you can follow your favourite players, tune in to live TV and radio commentary (Peter Alliss in your pocket!) and check on live scoring updates. Of course you can still depend on those iconic, giant yellow scoreboards to keep you posted on the movers and shakers as they card their scores as well. Tickets for e Open Championship are available to buy online at www.theopen.com. Entry prices range from £5-40 on practice days and £30-75 for Championship days. Weekly season tickets are available at £250. Juniors under 16 years of age are eligible for free pre-booked tickets when accompanied by a responsible adult with a valid course entry ticket. Concessions for 16-21 year olds and daily car parking (park and ride) are also available. Follow @e_Open for all the latest news on Twitter. e main patrons of e Open Championship are Doosan, HSBC, MasterCard Worldwide, Mercedes-Benz, Nikon, NTT DATA, Ralph Lauren and Rolex. e oﬃcial event suppliers include Glenmorangie, Sodexo Prestige, Stella Artois, UPS, and Scotland: e Home of Golf.

since? It was Jean van de Velde, with his infamous Carnoustie collapse in 1999, when he waded unceremoniously into the Barry Burn). Ireland's first winner, Fred Daly, clinched his place in history here (it would be 60 years before the Emerald Isle saw its next victor, Padraig Harrington, in 2007). en the popular and prolific Argentine golfer, Roberto De Vicenzo, lifted the Claret Jug in 1967 to become the first South American Major winner.

M a k I n G THe MOST Of yOuR vISIT e Open Championship will see 156 competitors tee oﬀ for 36 holes of stroke play on ursday 17 and Friday 18 July, with the leading 70 players progressing to the crunch stages on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July. Gates open at 6am on the first two days of competition, with the first players teeing oﬀ at approximately 6.30am and the final pairings scheduled to head out at 16.21pm. At the business end of the tournament, first entry over the weekend is 7am. First tee on Saturday is at 8.30am with the Championship leaders going out at 3pm. e final day's play on Sunday gets underway at 9am with the leaders starting their romp to the finish line at 14.30pm.

Summer 2014

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FEATURE INTERVIEW

More than 20 years ago John Bishop decided he wanted an adventure as a break from his job as a pharmaceutical salesman. He approached Arthur Johnson at the Liverpool Echo and together they arranged for him to ďŹ&#x201A;y to Australia and cycle back to Liverpool. Here Johnson looks back at how this was the start of a lasting friendship and the extraordinary journey John has been on since that original ride.

How Did All This Happen

John Bishop

Summer 2014

FEATURE INTERVIEW It was just another routine phone call from the reception desk at the Liverpool Echo - “Guy here says he wants a word, Arthur. Says the Lord Mayor sent him round to see you.” At the time I was features editor at the paper and we had a steady stream of people of all shapes and sizes calling in for all sorts of reasons. I would normally have asked one of the feature writers to go down to reception but I decided to go myself. Right from the start there was something special about John. It was coming up to lunchtime so rather than talk in reception I suggested we pop across the road for a pint and a chat. “I'm ready for an adventure of some sort,” said John. “I've got this idea of flying to Australia and cycling back to Liverpool for charity.” He'd already put the idea to the Lord Mayor, Trevor Smith, who had agreed to help in any way he could and pointed John in my direction. As we talked diﬀerent ideas cropped up and before I returned to the oﬃce we had agreed to explore them. Within a week we had the outline of a plan. A couple of years before I had been to Australia with Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers, and Brian Hall from Liverpool FC to found “Scousers Down Under”. at's another story but as a result I had a string of ex-pat Scouse contacts in Australia.

I was heading up an appeal at the paper to raise funds to build a family centre for the NSPCC in the city where the charity was originally founded. It was decided John's trip would be for the appeal's fund-raiser, Rick Myers, who remains a close friend to this day. But we were faced with a problem – he didn't have a bike. A call to Quinn's cycle shop solved the problem. Brothers Mal and Mel Vasey readily agreed to donate a bike for the trip. We needed an international organisation willing to help support John on his long ride. Rotary clubs had been backing our NSPCC campaign and they agreed to contact their supporters across the world for help. John's company, Syntex Pharmaceuticals had agreed to release him from work for ten months for the trip and help financially. All was in place and in January 1992, just two weeks after getting the bike, he was oﬀ. John kept a diary of his epic trip and has used it as the base for a three part documentary series for BBC TV in which he retraces the first 1,500 miles of his ride from Sydney to northern Queensland. Along the way he was reunited with some of the people he met on his original journey as well as meeting an extraordinary range of vivid characters.

Summer 2014

FEATURE INTERVIEW

“Retracing the steps of a journey which holds such amazing memories has been an incredible experience and a real privilege,” he said. “I met some amazing people the first time round and I'm delighted to say I did it again. It's the people and their success that makes Australia great. e scenery isn't bad either!” e 1992 ride was just the first massive charitable challenge John took on. Two years ago he raised £3.4m for Sports Relief by completing a five-day, 290 mile triathlon from London to Paris which saw him row, cycle, ride and run. A lifelong Liverpool FC fan John also recently donated £96,000 to the Hillsborough Support Group.

“He even kept the public interest up during my time away with regular pieces in the Echo and by organising radio calls with the Linda McDermott show on BBC Radio Merseyside. ere is no doubt that without his support I would never have got the trip oﬀ the ground.”

John recalls the birth of his adventure in his autobiography “How Did All is Happen” when Liverpool's Lord Mayor put him in touch with Arthur Johnson:

“I spent a week in Sydney preparing for the trip, during which time I made contact with a group called Scousers Down Under, whom Arthur had put me in touch with. Now I know Scousers Down Under sounds like a fly-on the wall documentary involving lads in tracksuits having BBQ’s whilst their numerous kids and wives jump in and out of the swimming pool somewhere sunny but the reality of it was that it was a network of people from Liverpool who had moved to Australia at various times and now supported each other where they could as well as oﬀering support to strangers with the same accent like me.”

“I met Arthur and he introduced me to Rick Myers of the NSPCC, which became the designated charity. Arthur was a

“I left Sydney for Cairns on January 26 1992. e date had been chosen by Ray Pont, a Scouser Down Under, to coincide

He holds the record for selling more seats at Liverpool's Echo Arena than any other performer and returns there in December at the end of a new national tour.

complete star. He put the wheels in motion for me to meet people in Australia , including Scouse ex-pat groups and Rotary clubs along the route. He got support from companies like BT and got everything to come together.”

Summer 2014

FEATURE INTERVIEW

with a football competition. It provided a good opportunity to send a picture back to Arthur of myself surrounded by wellwishers dressed in Liverpool and Everton football kits. e picture looked good and was used in the Echo.” Remembering arriving home at the end of the trip he writes: “I rode into the Albert Dock on September 12 1992. I was greeted by a crowd of around 50 people made up of work colleagues, friends, family, Melanie and a man playing the bagpipes (for a reason Arthur has never been able to explain). It was emotional seeing everyone after so long and, after spending a large portion of the previous nine months alone, it was slightly overwhelming to receive handshakes and hugs from so many people in one go.” “ere was a reception in a bar at the Albert Dock where I was told the trip had raised £30,000 for the NSPCC. In today's money that would hardly cover a Premier League footballer's hairdresser's bill but in 1992 it was a significant sum.”

How Did All is Happen? Is published by Harper Collins price £20

Summer 2014

FEATURE CONCeRTO gROup

The Venue Int r o d u c i n g The Ve n u e at t h e R o y al Live r Bui l d i n g

Summer 2014

FEATURE CONCeRTO gROup

rand new for 2014, e Venue at e Royal Liver Building is an iconic address in the heart of Liverpool, brought to you by e Concerto Group.

is extraordinary first floor event space is perfectly suited to special occasions, whether you’re looking for the ultimate corporate event space or want to impress with a private event like no other. e building overlooks the River Mersey, and forms one of the ‘ree Graces’ along with the Port of Liverpool Building and the Cunard Building. It’s a hugely important Liverpool icon, reflected in its Grade I listed building status. Benefitting from stunning panoramic views, the venue offers the ideal setting for entertaining. Here guests will be able to raise a toast against the backdrop of the bright lights of Liverpool whilst they unwind in a unique setting. e flexible event space lends itself perfectly to a wide range of events, from parties, dinners, conferences and product launches to fashion shows and photo shoots. e Venue is also licensed for civil wedding and partnership ceremonies. A venue guaranteed to motivate and inspire, e Venue at the Royal Liver Building is perfect for corporate entertaining. is flexible venue offers a range of contemporary, gallery style rooms, ideal for meetings, presentations, conferences and more. Lending themselves perfectly to all manner of branding and customisation, the spaces of e Venue have been designed in a classic, understated style and boast all the audiovisual equipment required to ensure the success of the most complex corporate events. e Venue is also perfect for weddings. is Liverpool icon is the ideal setting for wedding receptions and celebrations, boasting incredible, elegant event rooms with stunning contemporary decor. e venue’s event managers are on hand every step of the way, enabling couples to create the day of their dreams at the Royal Liver Building. is blank canvas space can be transformed with ornate, bold theming, or the look can be kept simple for a contemporary take on wedding design. e Venue’s bright, airy spaces also offer fantastic flexibility for product launches. A glass frontage ensures plenty of natural light, with views of the River Mersey creating a stunning backdrop for events. Spacious gallery style rooms can be adapted to meet the most complex of event briefs, whilst an understated, neutral design enables any colour scheme, design or branding to transform the space. e first floor spaces of e Venue can accommodate 120 seated guests, 200 standing guests or 80 conference guests.

Summer 2014

FEATURE CONCeRTO gROup

W h aT I S The CONCeRTO gROup? e Concerto Group is one of the UK's leading event services companies. A £37 million + business with seven oﬃces and employing over 120 full time staﬀ, the Group is comprised of 16 brands, providing event management, venues, catering and event services. Working with the Concerto Group couldn’t be simpler. rough one initial point of contact you gain access to an extensive range of event services divisions. Whether you need an award winning caterer, breathtaking entertainment or a venue guaranteed to make guests’ jaws drop, you are in capable hands with e Concerto Group. Concerto is also the perfect partner for charity events and fundraising. Significant economies of scale enable you to make the most of your budget, meaning you’ll be able to create a memorable charity event that raises money. Take advantage of our event management, venues, catering, production and entertainment services and invite guests to a unique fundraising event which sends the right message. Today the Concerto Group is made up of a multitude of separate divisions, enabling it to cater for any event brief but it wasn’t always that way. Mike Kershaw, Concerto’s current Chairman and Guy Rodger, a company shareholder. Both Mike and Guy remain at the heart of the business, having been instrumental in the creation of Concerto 25 years ago.

Summer 2014

Mike Kershaw is the former President of the UK Chapter of ISES - e International Special Event Society. A graduate of London University, Mike worked in law before moving into the corporate events industry in 1983 as an account executive with Event Management Group where he produced full hospitality programmes, incentive travel schemes and conference production for many key accounts. A very experienced event planner, he has overseen the recent expansion of the company through several acquisitions and the development of numerous venues across London and was a leading force in the Concerto Olympic Team, working with NOCs, sponsors and venues to deliver a wide range of events during London 2012. After a brief career in futures trading Guy Rodger decided that parties rather than potato futures were his calling. He’s probably been to more parties than just about anyone in the UK, and he remains excited about the opportunities the group’s new Liverpool venue will bring. is year saw the group extend its venue portfolio into the North of England, with the acquisition of a brand new space in the heart of Liverpool - e Venue at the Royal Liver Building. is impressive building is the perfect fit for the Concerto Group, with its stunning, elegant event spaces and incredible views of the River Mersey - not to mention its reputation as the iconic face of Liverpool. To date Concerto has catered for over 1 million people - and counting!

FEATURE CONCeRTO gROup

W h y d I d CONCeRTO ChOOSe L I V e R p O O L? e Concerto Group has long been one of the country’s top events companies, but when it was decided that regional venues were to be added to the group Liverpool was the company’s first choice. Liverpool is an important region for the company’s important associations market, largely as a result of the brilliant reputation the city has throughout the world. Liverpool is a city associations love to visit, and it’s perfect for those looking for somewhere to explore. Concerto’s Destination Management service includes all you’ll need to create events on an epic scale, whether you’re looking to show guests all that the UK’s best cities have to oﬀer, or need to create an extraordinary bespoke weekend to blow your guests away - and we happen to think Liverpool’s the perfect place to do so.

is year Concerto will be hosting the American Association of Orthodontists, who will be welcomed to the UK with the full Concerto experience, including social programmes, an unforgettable dinner at the Natural History Museum, a full schedule of entertainment and a show-stopping party at iconic London venue Old Billingsgate. e addition of Liverpool venue e Royal Liver Building to Concerto’s offering means integrated events such as these will be on offer outside of London, enabling Concerto to show its guests all that this iconic city has to offer. e Venue at the Royal Liver Building is the latest venue from the Concerto Group, one of the UK's leading event services companies. Concerto is committed to working in partnership to provide its clients with bold, fresh, creative, professional and honest answers to your event needs, from corporate events such as conferences and meetings to private events like weddings and parties. To find out more please visit concertogroup.co.uk or call 020 7378 2970.

Summer 2014

FEATURE BuSIneSS

Global Venture Capital The International Festival for Business (IFB) 2014

by Simon Grant 38

Summer 2014

FEATURE BuSIneSS

year's IFB. To meet that demand a number of innovations were tailored to match up suppliers, investors and potential customers before and during the festival.

e 50-day festival aimed to attract a national and international audience of business delegates and trade intermediaries, with more than 150 business-centric events of every size and persuasion on oﬀer.

Simply registering for free IFB Business Club membership unlocked numerous opportunities. Like the free IFB Business Brokerage service, which matched an individual's requirements with other delegates and facilitated business meetings on their behalf.

Billed by organisers as “a key part of the government's target of rebalancing the economy and achieving its export and investment objectives,” the festival programme highlighted seven distinctive 'Best of British' themes, including everything from creative and digital industries to manufacturing, science and technology.

While the “Meet the Buyer” service aimed to bring together senior buyers and top suppliers and an interactive MYIFB app allowed delegates to organise their IFB experience on the fly. Smartphone users toting the nifty app could tailor their own personalised itineraries and connect directly with other IFB Business Club members.

Sounds ambitious? at was exactly the point, according to the oﬃcial IFB website. “IFB 2014 isn’t a talking shop,” they said. “We are placing an explicit focus on creating new international and domestic business-to-business relationships and commercial openings for small, medium and large UK companies.”

en there was the IFB Hub, which set up camp at Mann Island on the picturesque Waterfront. Facilities there included a dedicated trading floor, with access to international delegates, embassies, the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) government department and the British Chamber of Commerce. Plus it harboured meeting rooms and exhibition spaces for hire, as well as an international lounge for networking or simply grabbing a quiet five minutes of Wi-Fi time.

iverpool played host to the International Festival for Business (IFB) 2014, over the course of seven weeks in June and July, as part of the year's largest gathering of global business events.

As such, this “once in-a-generation business festival experience” pulled out all the stops with major international conventions, product launches, conferences, workshops, award ceremonies, seminars, business breakfasts and a succession of ‘meet the buyer’ events. Organisers said, “IFB 2014 will be truly global, with international reach and significance. e festival will connect UK businesses into international markets, bringing together the smartest entrepreneurial minds and the best business opportunities.” Bringing people together, from all walks of business, to foster new business relationships was a key driver for this

It's been far from “all work and no play” either because a full IFB Cultural Programme has run alongside the wheeling and dealing, with what organisers called, “a feast of festivals, exhibitions, art events, theatre shows, and music in all genres, dance, film, new media, street art, flash mobs and creative conversations.” Visit www.ifb2014.com for the lowdown on all the action of the IFB 2014 in Liverpool.

Summer 2014

FEATURE InTeRVIeW

Frank McKenna. Frank by name, frank by nature. Over the course of our interview, the former Labour politician turned Chief Executive of inﬂuential business lobby organisation and networking group Downtown in Business (DIB) shoots straight from the hip. Once described as the most powerful politician in the North West and 'Tony Blair's man in the North' – both epithets he waves aside as ﬂattering but false.

Frankly Speaking Downtown in Business (DIB) 40

Summer 2014

FEATURE InTeRVIeW McKenna is forthright, honest and refreshingly down to earth. Traits which launched his swift ascent as a Parliamentary Assistant in Westminster and then to Deputy Leader of Lancashire County Council. During which time his forte for economic development and business support, engendered by a stint chairing Lancashire Enterprises, began a lifelong passion for business. He would later lead the North West Regional Assembly; a forum for every council leader and the 30 top businesses in the North West. Needless to say, on leaving office, that Little Black Book of his became a bona fide ticket to ride. With the corridors of public and private power open to him, McKenna seized his opportunity and cornered a niche in the market. “In 2004, when I decided to launch Downtown in Business, it was around trying to use those experiences and that background to maximum effect,” McKenna explains. “e things that I had was knowledge of how the public and private sector operated, and the fact that they talk two completely different languages, which helps now because I can act as a translator. e second thing is the network of contacts that I have, right across the political spectrum both in terms of senior officers and senior politicians, is quite extensive.”

At it's inception ten years ago, Downtown was an unashamedly out and out public affairs and lobbying organisation for the private sector. Back then, before the boom went bust, there was a clear need to foster meaningful dialogue between the private and public sector factions. An idea was born. McKenna continues, “I very quickly recognised that there was an opportunity to broaden Downtown's offer from simply lobbying and public affairs advice to what is generally known as networking. It's a term I've come to hate because I think it's a very devalued term with so much dross operating in this space now. So we prefer to call it 'connecting' now. “I'm a big believer that if you're going to do something, you've got to do something that's better than anything else out there. So I went to about a dozen different business events and fortunately none of them were particularly good. ere was not one of those events that I came away thinking 'God I could never do that.' In fact, I came away from every single one thinking 'if I can't do better than that then I want shooting.'”

Summer 2014

FEATURE InTeRVIeW

Downtown's exclusive events, pitched at the crème de la crème of decision makers in the North West, soon went viral. With a website that was quickly receiving around 20,000 hits a month, McKenna and his team soon realised the potential for promoting their members online. Nowadays their regular e-bulletin, entitled TFI Friday (ank Frank It's Friday) reaches 18,000 businesses across the North of England and their social media platforms garner heavy traﬃc. Whilst the new quarterly DQ magazine is circulated to 3,000 select recipients. Downtown was booming. It was time to take the brand on the road and look at expansion plans. McKenna says, “We wanted to see whether or not the brand was transferrable because Liverpool is a unique city. Just because something works in Liverpool doesn't mean it's going to work somewhere else. We took the brand up to Preston and it succeeded. “So then it was whether or not you went to the city in the North, Manchester. Four years ago I went and had a cup of tea with Howard Bernstein, the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council. We had looked at the Manchester market and thought there's an awful lot going on, it's a busy place, a crowded market and even though we think we're the greatest thing since sliced bread we were still very much seen as a Liverpool brand. 42

Summer 2014

“I was actually going to speak to Howard to ask him for his contact book for Leeds because we were going to head up there. He said, 'Why don't you set up in Manchester?'” Downtown duly accepted the invitation. Now the franchise has added Leeds to its growing portfolio after all, with the dye cast for 'connecting' with Birmingham and eventually London. McKenna says, “If and when we've done Birmingham, you then have to ask 'what is the purpose of this organisation?' Is it just to set up in cities and influence the policies and decision making within those various locations, trying to persuade national politicians from the regions? Or is it actually to do something that's a bit more ambitious and aspirational, which is to actually start to create an entity that can help to close that huge problem of the North/South divide? A lobby for northern businesses in London. “Our ultimate aim in the next three years will be to explore the possibility of a presence in London that gives Northern businesses two things. Firstly, that lobbying voice with politicians, MPs, ministers and more importantly perhaps civil servants; the people who some suggest really run the country. Secondly, the opportunity of winning work in London. Connecting with businesses in the capital.

FEATURE InTeRVIeW

He adds, “It's actually about creating a narrative for Northern businesses that says we can compete with the South. For the UK's sake we need to start competing more effectively and for our own self-interest Northern businesses, and more importantly Northern politicians, need to collaborate more effectively than they have done in the past. “ere's got to be an acceptance that together Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire and even Birmingham will have far greater say than they will fighting each other. I'm not suggesting that we need to stop London's progress but equally we need to stop accepting the crumbs off the table. at means acting more collectively and it also means us challenging the power structures that currently exist in the UK where Westminster controls 90% of spend.” A decade on, Downtown has adapted, survived, thrived even. ey've spotted opportunities, been nimble, proactive and leveraged an impressive degree of credibility. Most importantly, they've “aggressively defended” their independent voice. anks to them, countless Northern businesses are reaping the rewards as a result.

McKenna concludes, “We've calculated that over £800 million worth of deals have been done directly through Downtown. at's a conservative estimate because on top of that there will have been multi-million pounds worth of deals done oﬀ the back of it. “If we send an email to someone saying 'we think you should meet Mr Smith or Mrs Jones' people are going to say 'yeah, we'll do that meeting' because they know we're not in the business of wasting their time. at is really the unique proposition that is Downtown.”

Visit www.downtowninbusiness.com or follow @DowntownBusiness for more information and all the latest news from DIB.

Summer 2014

LocaL BUSINESS

Sam Bushell Head of Family Law

Dave Bushell (MD)

Kevin Ross Head of Property

his year Brown Turner Ross was again nominated as Law Firm of the Year in the prestigious City of Liverpool Business Awards. We are proud of that achievement and of our heritage - 130 years of providing Legal Services. However that is less important than our ability to help you grow your business & get the advice you need to do so in the world we live in now. S o H o w c an we HeLP youR BuSineSS? • Employment Law: we oﬀer a Free Audit of your HR & Employment Policies & Procedures backed up by a Report identifying any deficiencies and quoting a Fixed Fee for any work that needs doing. A bespoke HR Helpline is agreed with you and a Policy then written to insure your business against Tribunal Claims - the whole package is payable over 12 months • Contracts, Terms & Conditions - are yours up to date & enforceable? • Dispute Resolution, Litigation • Commercial Property, Leases, Sales & Purchases • Company Sales & Purchases - our Team has dealt with several high value transactions H o w c o u LD we HeLP you? Well, you could contact us for advice for you or your family on any of the following • Property Sales & Purchases • Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Inheritance Tax Planning & Probate • Family Law

Brown Turner Ross

So wHy SHouLD you cHooSe uS aS yo u R Law FiRM? Well, our Clients tell us that they like the way we deal with their legal problems because we • are approachable & understand their problems • provide no nonsense advice avoiding legal jargon • understand that they want to know what all their options are which is best in their particular case • provide a high quality service reflecting our expertise • know that the cost of the legal services we provide is a factor that has to be taken into account • take the time to understand their business • learn about their strategy for growing the business and quite simply, because we do what we say we will do. Dave Bushell, Managing Director of Brown Turner Ross said - "We are proud of the fact that the Firm has provided legal advice for 130 years but our focus is more on how we continue to do that in a fast changing world. Providing a personal and professional service is a priority for us. e Firm is expanding, having recently appointed two new Directors and we are delighted to have been nominated for the second year running as "Law Firm of the Year" in Liverpool. Liverpool is now more vibrant than it has been for decades & we are committed to playing a full part in its resurgence."

• Motoring Prosecutions We have a long established reputation for excellent service based on Fixed Fees, speed, eﬃciency and good communication. is has been endorsed by our receiving e Law Society's accreditations - "Conveyancing Quality Scheme" & "Wills Inheritance Quality Scheme."

Summer 2014

Call us now on 0151 236 2233 or our 24 hour Advice Line 0800 195 7517

David Bushell

Sam Bushell

Kevin Ross

Frank Rogers

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Mike Kirkham

LiVeRPooL BIENNIAL

Easel in on the action

Liverpool Biennial 2014, 5 July-26 October

art lovers, prepare to be amazed. Because the uK's largest international contemporary art festival, the Liverpool Biennial, takes over the city once more from 5 July to 26 october. it promises to bring a colourful palette of 900 established and emerging artists, as well as inspiring community projects, to our attention over the course of ten marathon weeks.

by Simon Grant

Summer 2014

LiVeRPooL BIENNIAL Elsewhere, perennial highlight the John Moores Painting Prize takes its annual bow at the Walker Art Gallery. e UK's best known and longest established painting competition will run from 5 July to 30 November. e winner of which collects a cheque for a cool £25,000 with four runners up prizes of £2,500. Tate Liverpool features an installation from French supermodernist architect, Claude Parent, whose assembly of slanted floors and ramps will transform the Wolfson Gallery's perspectives. ey're also showing the masterpieces of other non-conformists, like pop artist Roy Lichtenstein and English vorticist, Edward Wadsworth.

ince launching back in 1999, the Liverpool Biennial has commissioned over 200 new artworks and now attracts attendance figures of more 600,000 visitors over the span of the event.

While the Bluecoat exhibits the works of flamboyant American abstract painter, James McNeill Whistler and the Bloomberg New Contemporaries celebrates 65 years of championing Britain's most exciting art students.

e eighth instalment of the Biennial exhibition is cropping up all over the city this year. In familiar gallery spaces – like the Bluecoat, FACT and Tate Liverpool – but also in some quirkier spaces too. Fancy sampling the wares of an international collection of artists at the historic Liverpool School for the Blind (also the former Trade Union Centre and now owned by Hope Street Hotel) for example? Or if art history is more your oeuvre, then head to the city apartment that's screening art house documentaries from experimental Belgian television director, Jef Cornelis. Yep, it's eclectic alright and will scramble your perception of 'normal' art environments. A deliberate ploy, by curators Mai Abu ElDahab and Anthony Huberman, that runs throughout the exhibition's title theme: A Needle Walks into a Haystack. Internationally renowned composer, Michael Nyman, opens proceedings with a special rendition of his Symphony No. 11: Hillsborough Memorial, performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Taking place at Liverpool Cathedral on Saturday 5 July (tickets are £10 available at www.liverpoolphil.com) this poignant performance marks the 25-year anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

e visual arts fringe festival, e Independents (or Indies if you're too cool for art school), runs alongside the main Biennial programme. Going all out to promote emerging artists, from across the North West, the Indies gatecrash public spaces to bring artistic works from the gallery's confines to everyday locations. So look out for their work across our city's streets, markets, shops and bars. If you're feeling inspired by all the creativity on show, you too can easel your way in on the action (sorry!). Because there's a dizzying variety of community focussed initiatives taking place. Including family workshops, school tours, free learning resources and projects working with Liverpool Schools. For more information about the Liverpool Biennial visit www.biennial.com or follow on Facebook and on Twitter @Biennial. Summer 2014

FEATURE GiAntS

“If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants,” Sir Isaac Newton famously once said. That was his tribute to the eﬀorts of scientists before him, who laid the foundations for his discoveries. But it's a sentiment that could just as easily be brought to mind when remembering the heroes of the First World War and all that we have to thank them for. Lest we forget.

A Giant Commemoration Giant Spectacular, Memories of August 1914, 23-27 July by Simon Grant

Summer 2014

FEATURE GiAntS Metropolitan and the Anglican Cathedrals, and Canning Dock – where they'll wave a fond farewell before sailing away on the Mersey. Founder and Artistic Director of Royal De Luxe, Jean Luc Courcoult, said: “We are excited to return to Liverpool once again – last time we were given such a warm welcome by the people of Liverpool that all of us felt like we were part of the city’s family! “Liverpool’s streets are the perfect stage for a show of this kind and we look forward to returning and sharing our World War One story which will hopefully

itting then that Liverpool hosts the the return of French street theatre mavericks, Royal De Luxe, as they bring their cast of giant marionettes back to the city for the UK's biggest – in every sense of the word – commemoration event to mark the centenary of World War One's (WW1) outbreak. e Memories of August 1914 event, spanning five days from 23-27 July, sees the Little Girl Giant and her faithful companion Xolo return with the new addition of her 85-year-old Grandmother. e trio will roam the city's streets in a

touch all who witness it.” Minister for Sport and Tourism Helen Grant said the flagship event for the UK Government's centenary celebrations would form part of a series of ongoing anniversary events. She said, “2014 marks the centenary of the outbreak of a war which transformed not only this country, but the world forever. ere will be events taking place across the country throughout the four days of the anniversary but Liverpool will without a doubt be home to one of the largest cultural commemorations.

moving tribute to that wartorn era and a generation of Britons who faced down adversity. e larger than life stars step into action properly on Friday 25 July, at 11am, with the Little Girl Giant and Xolo springing to life outside the Queensway Tunnel entrance and heading in search of the Grandmother, who starts her journey from the Great Hall of St George’s Hall. All three will be reunited, in Newsham Park, at around 8.00pm after a route that takes in William Brown Street, the Town Hall, the World Heritage Waterfront, the Chinese Arch, the Summer 2014

FEATURE GiAntS

Summer 2014

FEATURE GiAntS

“is is sure to be a truly powerful and memorable piece of street theatre which will shine a spotlight on an incredibly important period in our history,” she added. e last time Royal De Luxe's troop of performers graced Liverpool's streets with their epic ensemble was in 2012, when 800,000 astonished Liverpudlians turned out to witness Sea Odyssey. at three-day event commemorated the Titanic disaster and reputedly generated £32m for the city. Organisers expect another giant turnout this time around thanks to the poignant portrayals of the statuesque new 'Grandmother of Liverpool' and a storyline based on the memories of elder generations. At 24.3 feet (7.4 metres) tall the massive matriarch will tower over her 18ft (5.5m) granddaughter and their 9.2ft (2.8m) pooch. Bringing it all to life will be around seven John Such cranes, up to twelve operatives – many of whom were involved with Sea Odyssey – and roughly 500 volunteers. Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, expressed his pride that Liverpool will be staging the historic event. He said, “For Liverpool to host one of the biggest WW1 commemorative events in 2014 is a huge honour in itself. I know Royal De Luxe will make Liverpool, along with the whole of the UK, proud with the outdoor magic they

Summer 2014

create, which is guaranteed to be awe-inspiring.” He added, “e Grandmother brings a whole diﬀerent dimension to the event and her involvement will really bring home the message of commemorating World War One. Liverpool is at the heart of the story – to be able to hear the stories of our elderly community really is a privilege. eir family memories recalling such a turning-point in world history will be both fascinating and moving for everyone involved.” e Giant Spectacular will also act as the grande finale for the 2014 International Festival for Business. Bringing down the curtains in style on an economy boosting showcase that spans the whole of June and July with business events taking place across the city. Jointly commissioned by Liverpool City Council and 14-18 NOW (the First World War Centenary Cultural Programme), the event received a landmark £250,000 award from the Arts Council, as well as support from the Department of Culture, the European Regional Development Fund, and the Heritage Lottery Fund. For all the latest news, simply ‘like’ the Giant Spectacular page on Facebook, follow @giantspectacular on Twitter, or visit www.giantspectacular.com.

FEATURE BEATLES

Turn left at Greenland

Celebrating the Beatles' “conquering America” 50 years on by Simon Grant 54

Summer 2014

FEATURE BEATLES

"Now yesterday and today our theatre's been jammed with newspapermen and hundreds of photographers from all over the nation, and these veterans agreed with me that this city never has witnessed the excitement stirred by these youngsters from Liverpool who call themselves e Beatles. Now tonight, you're gonna twice be entertained by them. Right now and again in the second half of our show. Ladies and gentlemen...e Beatles! Let's bring them on."

At 8 o’clock, on 9 February 1964 seventy three million Americans (45 per cent of the population) turned their dials to CBS to watch Ed Sullivan utter those exact words. It was a seminal moment. Not just for four likely lads from Liverpool – John, Paul, George and Ringo – but for the British pop music industry in general. ey'd done it; they'd broken America. e floodgates opened and a generation of celebrated UK bands would follow. But 50 years on the 'special relationship' that was forged that evening, between US music fans and the 'Fab Four,' remains as fervent as if it had happened yesterday (when all our troubles seemed so far away?!). Beatlemania had surged through Britain like a tsunami the year before. First album 'Please please me' was rush released by Parlophone in March 1963 to capitalise on the band's surging fan base. Soon after they'd be sitting pretty at the summit of the UK music charts. e radio waves were awash with their feel-good melodies and by the tail end of the year, such was Lennon's rakish confidence, even the monarchy were being encouraged to “rattle their jewellery” at a Royal Variety Performance. But it wasn't until the Liverpool phenomenon had racked up a US number one that manager Brian Epstein would consider an acoustic assault on American audiences with an appearance on Sullivan's highly influential live show. Rumour has it he'd been press ganged by Sullivan after the presenter, and his wife Sylvia, had encountered a screaming horde of girls at Heathrow Airport eagerly awaiting the foursome's return from a tour of Sweden. Not even the rain could extinguish their delirium and a lightbulb sparked in Sullivan's head. He was desperate to secure the Beatle's debut US televisual performance. As it happened, Epstein and Sullivan's golden handshake came later in the year, at the Hotel Delmonico in New York City, with an agreement that the band would take top billing in three shows during 1964 for a cool $10,000. e ground swell of excitement before their bow was something akin to fever pitch. e Beatles’ fifth UK hit record “I Want to Hold Your Hand” was leaked ahead of its US release date. Try as they might, US music label Capitol Records couldn't avert American DJs from airing the record, and so were forced to rush the album out on 26 December 1963, ahead of schedule.

Summer 2014

FEATURE BEATLES

MAGiCAL MySTEry Tour And they did. On 7 February the Fab Four touched down at John F Kennedy airport, in New York, to be greeted by 3,000 adoring fans and a scrum of reporters. At an ensuing press conference, journalists were eager to know how the Beatles found America. “Turn left at Greenland,” was Ringo's typically playful response. ey lapped it up.

e record sold 250,000 copies in the first three days. By 10 January 1964 it had sold more than one million copies and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” was the number one song on the Billboard charts. America couldn't get enough, with non-stop air play saturating the radio frequencies, a major run on mop-top wigs, and car bumper stickers ominously prophesying “e Beatles Are Coming.”

Summer 2014

e next two days would be spent holed up in the e Plaza Hotel, besieged by determined fans. All of whom were desperate for a glimpse of their favourite idols. CBS had been inundated with 50,000 seat requests for their Studio 50 screening. ey could accommodate just 700. Richard Nixon’s 15-year-old-daughter, Julie, would be one of the lucky ones to prevail. So it was that more than 23 million households across the States bore witness to four charismatic Scousers, their bowlhair bouﬀants wobbling joyously atop their sharp suited skinny frames, burst into action with an opening rendition of “All my loving.” And in amongst those crackly grey-tinted visuals, the well-drilled harmonies and ear piercing shrieks, history had undoubtedly been made.

FEATURE BEATLES

ST r Aw B E r ry FiELdS ForEvEr

Grab your own slice of Beatlemania with a visit to e Cavern Club, Mathew Street or e Beatles Story, in the Albert Dock. Visit www.cavernclub.org and www.beatlesstory.com for more information.

Fast forward half a century and the rapturous memories of that night still burn bright. Sole remaining band members, Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr would come together at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards on 26 January before recording footage for a February CBS broadcast entitled 'e Night at Changed America: A Grammy Salute to e Beatles.' Meanwhile to mark the Beatles invasion in a 'real-time' re-enactment, professional doppelgängers, e Cavern Club Beatles, went stateside to recreate those fateful few days with a phalanx of Liverpool dignitaries in tow. Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Gary Millar was joined by Deputy Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Wendy Simon and Marketing Liverpool oﬃcials to accompany the acclaimed tribute act in the celebrations and to promote the birthplace of the Beatles across the Pond. A six gig tour replicated everything from the Fab Four's touchdown on US soil – with the Lord Mayor unveiling a plaque at JFK Airport's TWA Terminal – to that Ed Sullivan bow, as well as poignant visits to the Liverpool bench near Central Park's Strawberry Fields, e Plaza Hotel and Times Square. Music legends Dionne Warwick, Lulu, and Mary Wilson (founding member of the Supremes, America’s most successful female group) also headlined with e Cavern Club Beatles at a gala event at New York’s Apollo eatre.

Summer 2014

EATING out

Hunger games

Eat i n g o u t i n L i ve r p o o l by Simon Grant

Liverpool's dining scene is the hottest ticket to gastronomic satisfaction right now. It's a veritable smorgasbord of international ﬂavours and eclectic venues. Whatever you're looking for – whether it's a handmade burger, a fragrant Thai supper, or an elegant a la carte feast high above the city's iconic skyline – it's out there waiting for you. Simon Grant takes you on a tour of the city's ﬁnest foodie neighbourhoods and dining establishments. 58

Summer 2014

EATING out

H o p E S p r i nGS EtErnaL Hope Street. e ever classical cultural heartbeat of the city never disappoints in the way of spectacular dining experiences. Indulge in superb modern British fare at the likes of multi-award winning e London Carriage Works and the Georgian town house environs of the Side Door and 60 Hope Street. e latter's sister restaurants, the Quarter and HOST, serve up contemporary European and Pan-Asian delights respectively. While the new kid on the block, Frederiks, delivers transatlantic favourites in achingly cool surrounds (designed by the same clever people behind Camp and Furnace).

o n E f o r a LL, aLL for onE Whether you're planning on pounding the streets in search of a bargain or revving up for a big night out – Liverpool ONE has a multitude of dining options to keep you fuelled. ere's tantalising tapas from multi-award winning Catalan deli and restaurant Lunya or stylish Salt House. Experience homely gastropub fare at e Hub or international flavours from Jamie's Italian, Bem Brasil, Chaophraya and Las Iguanas. All your household favourites also make a welcome appearance, like Cafe Rouge, GBK Burger, Pizza Express, Yo Sushi, Wagamama, TGI Fridays and Red Hot Buﬀet to name but a few.

B o L d f L avourS e hip and gritty surroundings from Bold Street to the Chinatown archway have spawned some of the coolest restaurants in town. Grab a specialist tea and wholesome bite to eat at LEAF, sample luscious Lebanese street food at Bakchich, enjoy a slice of the American dream at deli-style dive bar Nolita Cantina, or partake in some Mexican morsels at Lucha Libre on Wood Street. For something a bit more gentile, try e Italian Club (and sister restaurant, e Italian Club Fish) and opulent Alma De Cuba on Seel Street. Or opt for a flamboyant supper service at Sapporo Teppanyaki on Duke Street. A stroll up to nearby Berry Street will reward you with mouthwatering Asian flavours from the UK’s oldest Chinese community.

Summer 2014

EATING out

B u S i n E S S and pLEaSurE Some of the swankiest eateries are on oﬀer in the city's business district and hotels. For sky high dining, with breathtaking views over the Mersey and the regal cityscape, head for Panoramic 34. Just as striking, Restaurant Bar and Grill's gleaming marble pillars and vaulted ceilings belie its banking hall origins. Some of the best quality restaurants can be found ensconced within Liverpool’s finest hotels. ere's Marco Pierre White at Hotel Indigo, Blakes at Hard Days Night Hotel, and the reassuringly decadent Malmaison Brasserie.

at yo u r MErSEy e Albert Dock also harbours no end of swish restaurants. Smuggler’s Cove, What’s Cooking, Gusto, Blue Bar and Grill, circus themed Circo and glamorous PanAm are just

Summer 2014

some of our favourites. e Maritime Dining Rooms oﬀer traditional British produce, with a modern flip, overlooking the docks. While there's succulent 28-day aged steaks at Miller & Carter, irresistible Indian cuisine at Spice Lounge Indian cuisine, and more hearty British pub grub at the grade II listed Pump House. It's making us hungry just writing this! If you're just as ravenous reading it, then salivation salvation is at hand at every one of the gourmand haunts listed above. See you there.

The Smugglers Cove, Albert Docks hidden treasure! The ideal venue for IFB (International Festival of Business) delegates that want to go the pub after the hub. Just a few minutes walk from No 1 Mann Island, featuring a huge selection of cask ales, craft beers and 151 diďŹ&#x20AC;erent rums, not to mention the impressive cocktail list; there is something for everyone! Dubbed Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own 'Pirate of the Caribbean for adults' due to its quirky nautical design, The Smuggler's Cove has proved incredibly popular since it opened in November 2013. Owned and operated by the New World Trading Company, it has welcomed celebrity guests such as Coleen Rooney, Kelly Osborne, Alex Gerrard, Jennifer Ellison, footballers and their wives as well the local Hollyoaks cast. Live music is featured every night, including a popular sing-along on Thursdays, a great way to unwind after a day of business and networking! For anyone looking for somewhere special for corporate clients, the snug is available when booked in advance. Ale tasting master classes are available for anyone looking to extend their taste buds and knowledge. If you would like to explore some of the vast 151-strong collection, rum master classes are also available!

The Smugglers Cove Bar & Restaurant

Britannia Pavillion Albert Dock Liverpool L3 4AD www.thesmugglerscove.uk.com Contact Karen Deas The Business Development Manager on liverpoolbdm@thesmugglerscove.uk.com or call 0151 703 6555

RESTAURANT cLaSSifiEdS

aLMa dE cuBa

BLakES rEStaurant

BroWnS Bar & BraSSEriE

St Peters’ Church Seel Street Liverpool L1 4BH Tel : 0843 504 4696 www.alma-de-cuba.com

Hard Days Night Hotel , North John Street, Liverpool, L2 6RR Tel: 0151 243 2121 www.harddaysnighthotel.com

43a Paradise Street Liverpool L1 3DN Tel : 0151 709 1693 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk

Alma de Cuba is quite simply one of the UK’s most trendy venues. Set inside the magnificent conversion of the former St Peters’ Catholic Church, Alma de Cuba is an eclectic mix of Cuban, Hispanic and Latin American influences that are enhanced even further by Liverpool’s great atmosphere. e building alone is an iconic destination and it was the first church in Liverpool to be turned into a social venue and has since become possibly the most spectacular restaurant and bar in Liverpool. We could not begin to express the experience of Alma de Cuba and so we simply advise you to try it for yourself.

Blakes Restaurant is open to residents and non-residents alike and creates the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for 2 or parties of up to 22 guests right in the centre of Liverpool. Using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients, you will enjoy classic British cuisine at it’s best whilst surrounded by iconic memorabilia and Beatles artwork. Named after Sir Peter Blake who created the artwork for the famous Sgt Pepper album, dining at Blakes will be an experience to remember combining superb cuisine and that famous musical history. Blakes Restaurant is open Tuesday to Friday for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, all day Saturday and opens for breakfast only on Sundays and Mondays.

For more than forty years Browns has been the essence of quality and excellence, with a reputation for classic food, well delivered in a stylish environment and are renowned for providing the perfect place to meet, eat and drink in a welcoming and unobtrusive atmosphere. ey have continued this tradition with Browns in Liverpool which is located superbly within Liverpool ONE shopping centre. With classic dishes alongside more continental flavours, the food is skilfully prepared and exquisitely executed to provide quality without ever being arrogant or fussy. It goes without saying that only the freshest and finest ingredients are used within this stylish establishment.

MpW StEakHouSE Bar & GriLL

panoraMic 34

Sapporo tEppanyaki

10 Chapel Street Liverpool L3 9AG Tel : 0151 559 0555 www.mpwsteakhouseliverpool.co.uk

West Tower, 34th Floor 10 Brook Street Liverpool L3 9PJ Tel : 0151 236 5534 www.panoramic34.com

134 Duke Street East Village Liverpool L1 5AG Tel : 0151 705 3005 www.sapporo.co.uk

e Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill is situated within Hotel Indigo in Liverpool City Centre. Oﬀering guests an aﬀordable yet glamorous culinary experience, the restaurant presents the perfect excuse to dine out. e perfect venue for any occasion, you are guaranteed exquisite food, a unique atmosphere and an unforgettable experience. As the first British chef to be awarded 3 Michelin stars and the youngest chef in the world to have ever received them, Marco Pierre White is a name synonymous with quality and finesse and it is these characteristics that will define your visit to this wonderful restaurant.

Set 300 feet above sea level on the 34th floor of the West Tower, Panoramic 34 is one of the UK’s highest restaurants. is celebrated fine dining restaurant is encapsulated by ceiling to floor windows offering breath-taking views of the magnificent Liverpool skyline. e ambience, service and food can only be described as truly 5 star. ey offer tasting menus, a la carte menus, dinner menus, and lunch menus. e cuisine is superb and the trained staff are friendly and knowledgeable. e Panoramic 34 penthouse dining suite is the perfect place to celebrate any special occasion or to host a business conference or lunch for your corporate clients. Dining with a view doesn’t get better than this.

Sapporo Teppanyaki is a true dining experience. If ever there was a way to enjoy a meal then this is it. Whilst seated at your table the magnificent show chefs will entertain you with the theatre of Teppanyaki style cooking and will create mouth-watering dishes to ensure a night that you will never forget. Watch the chefs juggle with eggs, slice food in mid-air and show oﬀ their knife throwing expertise. is really is the perfect venue for any celebration or corporate entertaining as you watch juicy steaks or the freshest seafood and so much more being cooked right before your eyes.

Summer 2014

RESTAURANT & BAR cLaSSifiEdS

tHE BiErkELLEr

BLuE Bar and GriLL

JaMiE'S itaLian - LivErpooL

6 Thomas Steers Way Liverpool L1 8LW Tel : 0845 533 3000 www.thebierkeller.com

17 Edward Pavilion The Albert Dock Liverpool L3 4AE Tel: 0151 702 5831 www.bluebarliverpool.co.uk

45 Paradise Street Liverpool One Liverpool, L1 3EU Tel : 0151 559 9830 www.jamiesitalian.com

e Bierkeller is a real piece of Bavaria in the heart of Liverpool City Centre. With its 1300 capacity it boasts to being one of the biggest and busiest bars in Liverpool. e Bierkeller has the finest selection of draught German beers with authentic regional food, and all served by staﬀ in traditional Bavarian clothing. With long bench seating and live entertainment from their Oompah band at the weekends, you are guaranteed to be standing on the benches and raising your steins in Liverpool’s number one party destination. Whether it’s the oﬃce party, birthday or any other celebration, the Bierkeller will cater for any occasion.

Blue Bar & Grill is without question one of Liverpool’s most celebrated venues and benefits from a stunning location at the world famous Albert Dock. Blue incorporates a café bar,a restaurant and an exterior terrace which overlooks Liverpool’s Waterfront and is definitely one of the best alfresco spots the city has to oﬀer. Blue’s impressive grill restaurant serves freshly prepared quality food, exemplified by a stunning menu with an exciting range of dishes. If you are looking for a night out Blue is open until late and features DJ entertainment and has a further bar area available for private function hire for up to 600 people.

Jamie's Italian was founded in Oxford just four years ago. Since then it has grown to more than 30 restaurants worldwide, and there are already plans for even more in towns, counties and countries around the world. But that's not even half the story... Every one of their restaurants is unique and each has a daily special blackboard and even the menus and the restaurant design are diﬀerent. ere is however one thing you can be sure of : you will always get the very best fresh in season ingredients and beautiful recipes, all cooked with love and passion.

paLM SuGar LounGE Bar

pan aM Bar and rEStaurant

tHE LivinG rooM

5 -6 Kenyon Steps Liverpool One Liverpool L1 3DF Tel: 0151 707 6654 www.palmsugarlounge.com

Unit 22 Britania Pavilion Albert Dock Liverpool L3 4AD Tel.: 0151 702 5831 www.panambarliverpool.co.uk

15 Victoria Street Liverpool L2 5QS Tel : 0151 236 1999 www.thelivingroom.co.uk

Palm Sugar is located in the Heart of Liverpool One and is the perfect location to unwind during a hectic shopping trip or for an evening of celebration. is award winning bar has been voted best in Liverpool and is a mixture of the Far East with a New York cocktail lounge atmosphere. Take a seat in this most luxurious of venues and relax whilst the friendly cocktail waiters take care of your every need. On a busy night, Palm Sugar really is the place to be and be seen. Perfect for a top notch night out with friends or why not enjoy the Tapas menu which is served from midday every day until 10pm.

A contemporary bar and restaurant located in the Grade 1 listed Britannia Pavilion on the Albert Dock with fabulous views towards Liverpool's ree Graces and has won the coveted Taste of Merseyside Accreditation. Situated within the former Granada Studios building which used to host Richard and Judy’s is Morning programme Panam Bar and Restaurant serves fantastic food in beautiful salubrious surroundings and is perfect for a quality night out or for corporate or private functions. You can opt for a more chilled out evening in one of the intimate booths or you can hit the dance floor with some of the regular live entertainment. One of the city’s best bars and restaurants.

e Living Room is situated on Victoria Street close to the fashionable Met Quarter. Having established themselves as a fixture of the Liverpool social scene, the Living Room is undeniably one of the places to be seen in the city. ere is no doubt at all that you will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere along with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu which compliments the food menu perfectly. Situated below e Living Room is Mosquito where you can party the night away with the most excluisve crowd in the city. Often referred to as the most prestigeous bar in Liverpool, Mosquito will provide Champagne and Cocktails to suit all tastes.

Summer 2014

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Magical mystery tour

B a r s & N i g h t l i fe By Simon Grant

Summer 2014

BARS & NIGHTLIFE you're guaranteed a magical mystery tour on a night out in Liverpool.

cousers know how to party. We live for the weekend and when it arrives, we go for it with every ounce of care-free abandonment that we have. Our vibrant, eclectic, friendly night scene is the stuﬀ of legend. It's been that way since the Beatles rocked the very foundations of the Cavern Club and the music world of the 1960s. Liverpool's legend has grown bigger ever since. To the extent that Rough Guides recently voted our fair city the

third best city in the world to visit behind Rio de Janeiro and Sarajevo.

No evening's outing would be complete without a visit to Mathew Street – where Beatlemania began in the evocative brick vaults of the Cavern Club. As you'd expect, the music never stops here and to relive the Fab Four's halcyon days you should head over on Saturday night for legendary tribute band, the Cavern Club Beatles. Head wobble optional. Elsewhere in these parts you'll find Rubber Soul, Lennon’s Bar and the Hard Days Night Hotel paying homage to the city's biggest export with equal measures of liveliness.

With so much choice on oﬀer, your nocturnal itinerary could take all manner of diﬀerent twists and turns depending on what you're looking for. Want to dance all night? Sup a German stein? Visit a circus-themed bar with a troupe of freak show performers? Or simply pay a visit (in every sense) to one of John Lennon's favourite boozers for its cask ales, lavish décor and listed gents toilets. Whatever your penchants,

Heading towards Seel Street, and the surrounding cobbled alleyways of the Ropewalks district, you'll find a vibrant blend of hipster bars each with their own distinctive personalities. Here you can samba the night away at the altar of a converted church, at Alma de Cuba. Don your Hawaiian shirt for exotic cocktails at Aloha. Dabble in a sizeable German stein and hot dogs at Salt Dog Slims (those in the know can

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BARS & NIGHTLIFE crack the code to their 'secret' bar). ere's also the small but mighty Santa Chupitos, trendy burger joint Almost Famous and after hours music venues e Peacock, Heebie Jeebies and East Village Arts Club. Far from just a shopping mecca, Liverpool ONE boasts some prime drinking real estate too. Sample the best of Bavaria at Bierkeller. It's extensive list of German beers arrive by way of costumed frauleins or from your very own keg, directly at your table. ere's the plush Palm Sugar Lounge for upmarket cocktails or e Hub Alehouse & Kitchen; a trendy gastropub and watering hole in the stunning Grade II listed Casartelli building. For a sedate real ale and refined interiors, the traditional pubs of Hardman Street sure take some beating. Top of the list has to be one of John Lennon's reputed favourite pubs (of which there were many), e Philharmonic Dining Rooms. e 'Phil' scores highly for smooth cask ales and a lavishly ornate gentleman's club décor that even extends to the red

marble urinals of the listed gents toilets (ladies, you can even sneak a peek if you ask the bar staﬀ nicely). Other atmospheric venues include e Roscoe Head, Ye Cracke, e Pilgrim, e Cambridge and the vast array of world beers on show at the Fly In e Loaf.

Camp and Furnace. is glorious former warehouse has space and character in droves, hosting weekly food slams and the Summer Camp music festival. Baltic Social oﬀers a more intimate aﬀair, while HAUS and Kitchen Street pop-up are among the city's most talked about club nights.

Elsewhere, dotted among the galleries and museums of the Albert Docks, is a fine array of drinking establishments. ere's Blue Bar and Grill, home to the Liverpool Comedy Central at its underbelly. Circus themed show venue, Circo with its five bars, freakshows and a la carte 'dinner-and-a-show' oﬀerings. Plus Gusto, glam Pan Am and the Smugglers Cove concept bar, which is all about the rum and nightly live music.

Talking of which, if you're planning on staying out late and throwing some shapes there's no end of options available. Concert Square is big, brash and raucous with nightlife mainstays like Reflex and Revolution, as well as the legendary Krazyhouse. Or the colourful LGBT district in and around Eberle Street, Dale Street, and Cumberland Street is home to some of the most pumping after hours clubs in town. Queen of them all has got to be Garlands, still going strong and as popular as ever. But G-Bar, Pink, Navy Bar, Superstar Boudoir and Heaven are all equally fabulous.

e up and coming Baltic Triangle area has shrugged oﬀ its warehouse roots and – in keeping with its mantle as the creative pulse of Liverpool – has thrown up some interesting venues of late. In fact, it was this unashamedly hipster area that gave rise to most of the Rough Guide's excitement. Chief among the socialite protagonists is

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So there you go. We've all got our favourites. Get your glad rags on and re-discover yours.

CENTRAL PERK

Relive the Friends phenomenon at Central Perk Central Perk Liverpool, Hatton Garden, L3 2AN / 0151 236 6799 Central Perk Chester, Bridge Street, CH1 1NX / 01244 316015 www.central-perk.co.uk

Summer 2014

CENTRAL PERK Friends. e name itself brings back memories of six New York 20-somethings who were pretty much part of everyone’s lives for 10 years. Everyone knew the names of Chandler, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, Rachel and Ross. Everyone had their favourite. Everyone wanted to have a coffee with them in Central Perk, Manhattan. And now two coffee shops in vibrant Liverpool and historic Chester give fans of the show the chance to relax in the city’s very own Central Perk – just as the Friends characters did over in New York. Central Perk Liverpool is located on Hatton Garden, within the very heart of the city and just a short walk from iconic attractions including St George’s Hall, Walker Art Gallery and World Museum Liverpool. Walk through the door and you’ll feel like you’re there – as it is an exact replica of the coffee shop in the show, from which a lot of the show was set. Visitors relaxing in Central Perk can watch classic episodes on large wallmounted flatscreen televisions, while enjoying refreshments inkeeping with the American theme. Yes this does include waffles and pancakes! Just minutes from the city’s vibrant Commercial District, Central Perk Liverpool is also ideal for businesses looking for that unique backdrop to host an informal business meeting and entertain clients. Since opening in April 2012, it quickly established itself on the city’s ever growing cafe culture circuit. And now it also has the backing of the creator of the Friends brand, Warner Bros. Building on its success, the Liverpool venue’s first anniversary was marked with a second opening when Central Perk Chester on Bridge Street was born. ere are now plans to roll out the Central Perk model across the North West, and later across the UK and Ireland. Group Director Steven Hesketh takes up the story: “Shortly after Central Perk Liverpool opened, Warner Bros became aware of its existence and wanted to get involved and ensure what we were doing was inkeeping with the overall Friends brand. “Negotiations began and soon after we agreed a UK and Ireland license with Warner Bros which allows us to take Central Perk onto a national platform. e appeal of the brand continues with us welcoming customers who have travelled from

Manchester and Shropshire specifically to experience our unique coffee shop and take home a special piece of official Central Perk memorabilia. “We were so delighted with how Liverpool embraced Central Perk, that just 12 months later we launched Chester which is already proving to be an overwhelming success. Demand continues so we expanded Liverpool to celebrate our second year, making it double in size.” e Friends phenomenon began back in 1994 when the American sitcom first hit our television screens. e six key characters soon became household names and attracted a cult following during the 10 years the show was on air. It is now 10 years since the final episode was screened – but the show and its characters remain just as popular today, two decades since it first started. e last show was broadcast in May 2004, watched by 52.5 million American viewers – making it the fourth most watched series finale in television history and the most watched episode of the decade. e popularity of Friends remains, and is evident with the success of Central Perk both in Liverpool and Chester. Central Perk friends can enjoy a range of homemade cakes, American-style deli sandwiches, sodas, special blend Central Perk tea and coffee, and a range of confectionery specially imported from the States. As well as operating as a coffee shop, both Central Perks are licensed and have thriving weekly events, including quiz nights, move nights, book clubs, and live music nights – ideal for finding that next Phoebe and their own version of Smelly Cat! Steven continued by talking about plans for the future: “We employ 15 plus staff across both venues, and the team are all fully qualified Baristas. e team work closely with our exclusive coffee provider, Liverpool-based Joe Black Coffee. “Building on the continued success of Liverpool and Chester, we are set to open our third venue in September in another central Liverpool location. We are also exploring opportunities to develop sites in Southport, St.Helens and Manchester. is is part of our detailed franchising model, which will see an estimated 300 Central Perk coffee shops open across the country in the next 10 years.” Central Perk is also available for private hire – the perfect backdrop for a celebration with your own Friends. Summer 2014

FRUITIQUE

Be Unique With Fruitique Fruitique.co.uk.

t fruitique we create a unique concept of fresh fruit bouquets including hand crafted fruit arrangements and real Belgium chocolate coated dipped fruit to make any occasion feel just that little bit more special. Using only the freshest of produce and the highest standards our beautiful fruit creations guarantee to put a smile on everyone’s face and will have your taste buds jumping with joy. 

Real Belgium Chocolate lollipops for the little ones



Bride and Groom design strawberries (perfect for your wedding guest arrival)



Healthy and tasty alternative birthday cake chocolate covered fruit bouquets



Beautiful edible table centrepieces for any occasion



A special and Unique gift for a loved one (much more fun than flowers !!)



A get well soon gift to make anybody feel better.



And So Much More !!

is is the eﬀect that our products do have. Quite simply whether it be beautiful edible and healthy table centre-pieces or a special gift that your little ones will enjoy with their friends at a Birthday party, Fruitique will create something unique and special. If you have a celebration, or maybe you just want to say thank you or I love you, or even get well soon, we have something that will bring a smile to everyone’s face and pleasure to those taste buds..

If you are going to a dinner party and thinking of taking a bunch of flowers or a bottle of wine to arrive with why not think outside of the box. Be different and arrive with a gift that will be much more delicious and fun and will bring any celebratory meal to a wonderfully happy conclusion. One of our mouth-watering chocolate dipped fruit creations will have everybody’s taste buds jumping with excitement and will be the talking point of the party. All weddings are different. Some are relatively quiet affairs with just a few guests whilst others like to really push the boat out for the biggest day of their life. What is true though is that all generally follow the same sort of pattern. A part of that is the arrival of the Bride and Groom at the venue after the ceremony and this is almost always celebrated with Champagne. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if somebody thought of something different for when your guests arrive. At Fruitque we create something so simple and yet so different for moments just like this. Why not present all of your guests with matching chocolate coated Bride & Groom designed Strawberries. It will compliment that Champagne beautifully. Very simple maybe but has this ever happened at any wedding you have been to?

Summer 2014

www.fruitique.co.uk Tel : 07809 226552 e mail : info@fruitique.co.uk

LIVERPOOL & EVERTON FEatuRE

Make us dream

Liverpool and Everton 2013-14 Review

by Simon Grant 72

Summer 2014

LIVERPOOL & EVERTON FEatuRE

t is a sign of success when the red and blue factions of this footballing city are left crestfallen by the mere prospects of Champions League and Europa League football next season. Such is the resurgence on both sides of Stanley Park. Liverpool surprised everyone, lest their loyal fans and bullish young manager, with a title charge that was a whisker away from bringing title winning silverware back to Anfield for the first time in 24 years. Meanwhile, in his debut season at Everton, another young manager was pitting his inimitable style of attractive football against the Big Boys. e result of which saw the Toﬀees flirting with Champions League football right up until the final furlong of the season. Now that the dust has settled, and the colour and pageantry of the Fifa World Cup in Brazil has reached its crescendo, Simon Grant takes an Exclusive look back at a thrilling Premier League season that firmly reestablished Liverpool's status as a supreme footballing powerhouse. In footballing terms it is quite the rarity for a city to claim two footballing institutions at the top of their game, at the same time. Sure, Madrid is an obvious continental candidate. But beyond that, on our fair shores, it's an exclusive club indeed. London can stake a strong claim with Chelsea and Arsenal finishing third and fourth in the Premier League respectively and the former reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League – only to be knocked out by one of those imperious Madrid teams ironically. Manchester's blue moon rose again, with City claiming the Premier League crown for the second time in three seasons. Agonisingly so for any Red (of Liverpool or indeed United colours). But while the Sky Blues took the honours, the red side of Manchester witnessed the dramatic decline of defending champions United, led by the embattled David Moyes. A sight that will have delighted many long suﬀering supporters on this side of the M62 – particularly Evertonians. And so, the mantle of the Northern capital of football has shifted west; back to its spiritual home of the 70s and 80s. Liverpool has found its groove once more. Summer 2014

LIVERPOOL & EVERTON FEatuRE

R E d h o t StREak

Footballer's Association's (PFA) Player of the Year, Barclays Player of the Season and Barclays Golden Boot awards in recognition.

For a club whose original target was to clamber back into Champions League contention, Liverpool far exceeded their own lofty expectations this season. Finishing a near second to Manchester City, with everything to play for in a nailbiting final day, there was much to celebrate. Cast aside the blips – wonder captain, Steven Gerrard's slip against Chelsea and allowing Crystal Palace to claw back a three-goal lead in the penultimate game. ey were aberrations that you can forgive a team that dared to dream but ultimately sleepwalked their way to the finish line.

Alongside Suarez, Daniel Sturridge slotted 21 goals as part of their scintillating strike partnership. And young talents Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and John Flanagan all made telling contributions. So much so that the trio would be called up to Roy Hodgson's 30-man England squad for Brazil, alongside fellow teammates and international regulars, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson (albeit Flanagan as a stand-by).

So, what about the good stuﬀ? A hundred and one goals speaks volumes (just one shy of the free-scoring champions). at statistic perfectly sums up the expressive, imaginative football that Brendan Rodgers has nurtured among his young pretenders. at champagne style of attacking football, so reminiscent of the halcyon days at Anfield, would see Rodgers, 41 pick up the coveted League Manager's Association Manager of the Year award – the first time a Liverpool gaﬀer has received the accolade. Luis Suarez, much maligned but always dazzling, enjoyed an epic season. e Uruguayan came back with a vengeance after a want-away summer break and 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. If the pressure was on, it didn't show. All told, the 27-year-old netted 31 goals and made 12 assists in 33 Premier League appearances. Achievements that would see him pick up the Professional

Defensive frailties ultimately cost the Reds. An inferior goal diﬀerence of 14 goals was the result of a whopping 50 goals conceded, compared to City's miserly 37. Fittingly Brazilian football we think you'll agree. And it's those defensive frailties that will no doubt play a significant factor in Rodgers' summer transfer dealings. Talking of rebuilding, the club announced plans to boost Anfield's capacity from 45,500 to almost 59,000, with an expansion of the Main Stand and Anfield Road Stand earmarked for completion in time for the start of the 201617 season. In an emotionally charged season, marking the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, fans and players united at a memorial service at Anfield on 15 April. A oneminute silence took place at 15:06 – the exact time the game was stopped amid dreadful circumstances that fateful day in 1989 – as the bells of the Anglican Cathedral, Liverpool Town Hall and churches across Merseyside tolled their bells 96 times to honour each fan who died. Ninety six seats were respectfully left empty and scarves from every team in the top four leagues were arranged into a 96 on the Anfield turf as a poignant show of unity. A quarter of a century on, Liverpool have emerged from the footballing doldrums to give the best tribute possible with one of the most exciting Premier League campaigns in history. Next year, those league-winning daydreams may just materialise.

Summer 2014

LIVERPOOL & EVERTON FEatuRE

t R u E B Lu E It wasn't just Liverpool who enjoyed a barnstorming season. Everton recorded their highest ever Premier League points haul with 72 – comfortably beating their previous best of 65 in 07/08 – and a fifth position that secures Europa League football at Goodison next term. It was very nearly Champions League up until two games to play but alas, it was not meant to be, with their final push fading with a whimper. But happily we will see both city teams play once again in European competition in this coming season. What Liverpool wouldn't give for some of Everton's rearguard resilience. e Toﬀees managed 15 clean sheets and boasted the third most watertight defence in the Premier League, conceding just 39 goals (compared to Chelsea's 27 and Manchester City's 37). Not a bad start for a young manager, who many believed was too inexperienced (despite winning the FA Cup with Wigan) for a club the size of Everton. Suﬃce to say, Roberto Martinez proved his doubters wrong.

League, in a season crowned by dethroning Ashley Cole as the first-choice England left-back in Brazil. Ross Barkley fulfilled his potential as “the best young English talent” – according to Martinez – to book his place to South America, putting career-threatening injuries behind him. His teenage team-mate John Stones' clear ability earned a call-up as a World Cup stand-by, and Phil Jagielka returned from injury to force his way into the England squad. All in all, Liverpool's footballing superpower status was confirmed with ten (eleven now if you count Liverpudlian Ricky Lambert) inclusions in Roy Hodgson's 30-man World Cup squad. With such a supreme crop of outstanding talent, and two tremendous young managers, the future looks bright for Merseyside football for many years to come.

One of the star performers was Leighton Baines, the creator of more chances than any other defender in the Premier

Summer 2014

FEATURE FeStIvAL

It's coming home... Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF), 15-31 August by Simon Grant

It wasn't so long ago that the August Bank Holiday weekend meant one thing for Merseyside music fans: The Mathew Street Music Festival. Crowds of more than 300,000 revellers would descend on the city centre for a bacchanalian few days of merriment. But in 2013, the unthinkable happened. The festival was axed. After 20 years as a mainstay of Liverpool's social calendar, the plug was pulled in favour of a fresher, familyfriendlier approach. The Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) was born. Diehards bemoaned the switch,

Summer 2014

parents applauded it. However, despite initially polarising opinion no-one can deny that the inaugural LIMF in 2013 was a resounding success. Now the festival is gearing up for a second showing that has all the ingredients to eclipse last year's event. The Mathew Street Music Festival seems like a foggy, distant memory.

FEATURE FeStIvAL

t's back. e Liverpool International Music Festival is about to take centre stage at Sefton Park once more from Friday 15 to Saturday 31 August. Building on last year's curtain raiser, a tub-thumping lineup of household names and emerging acts are set to wow the crowds for 2014. Among the 200 plus acts on show will be some of the biggest artists in recent memory. e likes of Boy George, Shaggy, Tim Burgess from e Charlatans, Goldie, e Hoosiers, Lemar, and 90s Scouse super-band, e Farm will perform as part of 150 hours of live music over the course of sixteen spectacular days.

L I M F S u M Mer JAM

e ensuing weekend heralds three huge days of free events. Saturday sees the Central Stage given over to a British Invasion. Marking the 50-year anniversary of the Beatles breaking America (featured on p54) tribute bands will pay homage to our all-conquering super-groups, like e Who, the Rolling Stones and of course the Fab Four. Meanwhile the International Emerging Sounds Stage features the fresh sounds of Japan’s WordySoulSpeak, Stylo G from Jamaica, and Icelandic electronic three-piece Samaris. Sunday sees heavyweights Shaggy, Kid Creole and Goldie headline an eclectic selection of World Music and Bank Holiday Monday sees a Juice FM takeover with Lemar, e Hoosiers, Marsha Ambrosius, e Farm, and a DJ set from Kanye West producer, Evian Christ going all out to rock Sefton Park.

Fittingly for a World Cup year, Ian Broudie and e Lightning Seeds, are 'coming home' to team up with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra to kick oﬀ LIMF Summer Jam. e intriguing collaboration forms part of a special concert hosted by Classic FM on Friday 22 August.

Summer 2014

FEATURE FeStIvAL

HuGe ArrAy oF tALent Of course, as you'd expect the bulk of the action revolves around the mammoth Central Stage. But there's also a huge array of talent to be found on various other stages dotted around the festival. BBC Radio Merseyside's 'It’s Liverpool' Stage celebrates exciting new breakthrough acts and Mersey beat legends. e International Emerging Sounds Stage features global artists bringing their own distinctive international flavour to our shores. While the e LIMF Bandstand spotlights local unsigned talent and the LIMF Academy showcases 15 of the region’s most promising young acts and oﬀers workshops from music industry luminaries for young musicians aged between 13-21 years old. is year organisers have taken the innovative step of commissioning various unique collaborations, bringing together performers from diﬀerent genres and backgrounds, under the banner of 'World Firsts By Collaboration.' is encompasses four ticketed events, including Steve Levine’s Assembly Point Sessions – (St George’s Hall, 21 August), where the Grammy and Brit award-winning producer will team up with Tim Burgess, Pete Wylie and Bernard Butler. And Boy George performs a headline set. Migration Music (e Everyman, 28 and 29 August ), sees Liverpool’s Sense of Sound choir pair up with acclaimed beat-boxer, Shlomo for a powerful blend of vocals, visuals and beats. You Are Here (Sefton Park Palm House, 23 August) presents musical interpretations of home from artists symbolically representing the Triple Entente – Great Britain, Russia and France – including R&B vocalist KOF, Moscow's Noonwraith and electro-pop specialists Moongai from Nantes. Finally Minor Characters (e Kazimier, Friday 29 August) brings six artists together, including the likes of East India Youth and Forest Sword, to record a truly unique record for e Quietus label.

Summer 2014

FEATURE FeStIvAL

t H e p L Ac e to be over tHe Au G u S t b Ank HoLIdAy Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson told the LIMF website that the inaugural festival had provoked an overwhelmingly positive response and that this year's event would be the place to be over the August Bank Holiday. He said, “ere aren’t many other cities in the UK which put on hours and hours of high quality live music – the majority of which is completely free. As we saw in 2013, LIMF is a fresh approach to music festivals and I’m positive this year will be just as impressive and shine a spotlight on Liverpool’s music credentials.” e Lightning Seeds' Ian Broudie added: “I’m delighted to be playing at Liverpool International Music Festival this year. e combination of the band and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in Sefton Park on a sunny August evening should make for a magical event.” e full event programme is completed by the return of Summer Camp at Camp and Furnace, Above e Beaten Track, International Beatle Week and Boiler Room at Circus.

For the latest information about the Liverpool International Music Festival visit www.limfestival.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter @LIMFestival.

Summer 2014

FEATURE crIcket

Liverpool cricket club Founded in 1807, Liverpool Cricket Club is the oldest amateur sporting establishment in Merseyside. As well as cricket, it also has excellent squash, tennis, hockey, bowls, lacrosse and rugby facilities. It also hosts the prestigious Liverpool Hope International Tennis Tournament and Lancashire County Cricket matches. BUT – LIvERpooL CRICkET CLUB, IS MoRE THAN jUST CRICkET.

Due to its superb club house and beautiful setting, the LCC is being increasingly used for a variety of none sporting events. It has 3 excellent function rooms and a large atmospheric marquee. ese occasions range from Weddings, Funerals, Birthdays and Christenings to Corporate Events and Parties. e LCC now also has a Wedding Licence, which means one of the most enjoyable, but stressful days of a couples life, can be made so much easier. e whole ceremony, reception and party all in one venue and what a beautiful venue for that special day. If you throw in a few Car Boot Sales and Family Fun Days, the LCC really does have something for everyone. ere is also the option of being a Club Member too, which starts as little as £33.00 for a Junior and £55.00 for a senior. e message that everyone at the Liverpool Cricket Club wants to get across to all that live in the surrounding areas of South Liverpool is; you have a great venue on your doorstep, so use it! Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L19 3QF Tel: 0151 427 2930 Website – www.liverpoolcricketclub.co.uk Email – oﬃce@liverpoolcricketclub.co.uk 80

Summer 2014

top pr Agency boss celebrates in style PR guru Paul Knowles celebrated the expansion of his Agency and his birthday by hosting an exclusive event for his close friends in his home city. The multi award winning PK Agency already operates successfully in Liverpool, Manchester and London however news of client success stories seems to have travelled to Leeds and Newcastle where the Agency has seen a signiﬁcant growth. The soiree took place at Liverpool’s latest celebrity hotspot ‘Jenny’s Bar’, Fenwick Street in the heart of the city and those lucky enough to receive an invite came from all over the country as chauﬀeurs from Sat Cars were on hand to ferry them around. Guests were welcomed by Austin Powers and treated to hundreds of the bar’s notorious cocktails and vintage champagne served by models from The Agent UK. Luxurious canapés were supplied by celebrity caterers Virtuosity and cupcakes by local confectioners Lah De

Dah Ladies along with fabulous decorated strawberries by Fruitique.co.uk. The acclaimed Afrika Fuentes travelled to Liverpool to entertain guests with a special unplugged performance followed by local Hilton hotel DJ Si Jackson. Guests partied until the early hours and were seen leaving swinging huge Jo Malone goody bags. A group of glamorous girls were heard saying ‘what an amazing night’ as they were leaving and Austin Powers (aka John Barry) said “This is one of the best parties I have ever attended, everyone is having such a good time the food and drinks are plentiful and out of this world”. Di Thompson of Couture Foto took pictures for a celeb magazine however Exclusive Liverpool were fortunate to get their hands on some of the pictures from the night. Hopefully next time we will get an invite!

Amy Jackson (Model) & Ryan omas (Coronation Street)

Marcus Collins (X Factor)

Jade Ainsworth, Herbert Howe (Herbert of Liverpool) & Michelle Clough

Paul Knowles & Tom Stockton (MSB Solicitors)

Rick Vaughn (DJ) & Emma Vaughn

James Griﬃths (Calvin Klein), Luke Trevaskis (Trevaskis Communications)

Stephen Cowell (PES) & Maria Murray (Osqa Liverpool)

Gillian Harris & Andrew Harris (FA Coach)

Dean Jones (Mansion Liverpool) & Katie McMahon (Mansion Liverpool)

Tahnee Macfarlane & Sally Lawrence (Virgin Atlantic)

Yasmin Bantock (Melanie Louise), Paul Knowles, Emma EscoďŹ&#x20AC;ery (Cricket) & Lorraine McCulloch (Celebrity Stylist)

Alfie Bubbles & Collette McCaughran

Emma Vaughn & Lauren McCaughran

FEATURE Apollo

Apollo Care is on a mission to restore high standards and compassion in the care industry

other and daughter team Sue and Cheryl White launched Apollo Care back in May 2011 in response to the poor quality home care services given by some other providers. ree years on, the pair still feel frustrated whenever they see exposes like Panorama’s in April that show that there are still some in the industry that are failing those in their care. While many of us read the headlines about unscrupulous care home owners or watch programmes like Panorama and feel angry, frustrated and powerless, Sue and Cheryl have channelled their frustration at the care industry into something positive, using it to fuel their determination to build up a world-class business that sets the highest possible standards. Sue has over 30 years’ experience in the industry and her daughter, Cheryl, is a Community nurse with a lot of experience in her field. Together they created Apollo Care, a small family-run domiciliary care agency. Setting them apart from some of their competitors, Apollo Care has a firm focus on their clients’ specific needs, providing a completely tailored service to enable individuals to retain a greater level of independence and remain living in their own homes for as long as possible. It’s an approach that has resulted in a series of awards wins for Apolllo Care, with the company being honoured with a prestigious Contribution to Care award this May. is is the latest in a series of top industry honours for the company, which also won awards for ‘Business Inspiration’ and ‘Newcomer of the Year’ in 2012. Apollo Care oﬀer all of their clients a package of care to suit their individual needs and all of their carers are hired directly by the company. is enables Apollo Care to oﬀer continuity and suitability to match each client’s individual personality and needs. Apollo Care guarantee that their carers will provide excellent care, arrive on time, and follow an individual care plan that meets all the client’s needs. A care manager will visit clients on a regular basis to reassess their care package and discuss any

Summer 2014

feedback the client wishes to oﬀer about their service. Unlike many home care providers, Apollo Care has been making the headlines for all the right reasons. Many business owners would be satisfied with having achieved so much in such a small space of time, but Sue and Cheryl are determined to roll out Apollo Care, shaking up the care industry and helping to raise standards across the board. ey’re inviting carefully selected franchisees to join them to help spread the Apollo Care level of service in the North West and with just four areas still left in Liverpool for potential franchisees, demand has been incredibly high. Hannah White, the Managing Director of Apollo Care West Wirral, said: “I have worked in the domiciliary care industry for 16 years and over the last five years I have often looked into buying a franchise but the prices have always been far beyond my means. “When I heard that Apollo Care were franchising at a reasonable aﬀordable cost for people who have worked in social care, and have a genuine caring interest as well as the determination to start a business I applied for more details and my application was successful. “My business has been running since January 2014 and has developed beyond my expectations. e support I have received whilst setting up the franchise and during these early months has been vital. I underwent a complex induction training process and the ongoing support, networking support and on hand support from Cheryl has been a huge help as I have developed the business.” With an exciting six months ahead, Sue and Cheryl are poised to head into 2015 as the owners of a brand which represents not only a business success story but also provides a model for bringing impeccable standards and compassion back into the care industry. www.apollocare.co.uk

TRAVEL

One&Only Hayman Island Turtle travel invite you to discover the astonishing natural beauty of this private island where each day is filled with restorative peace, indulgence, adventure and everlasting memories are made. Luxury is officially redefined as One&Only Hayman Island.

Telephone 01704 512738 www.turtletravel.co.uk 28 Hoghton Street Southport PR9 0PA

Summer 2014

TRAVEL

o n e & o n ly ReSoRt, HAymAn ISlAnd- GReAt BARRIeR Reef Heralding the beginning of a new era, the One&Only resort officially opened on the 1st July 2014. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland and forming part of the Whitsunday Islands this private Island offers you a world of leisure and underwater adventure. Innovative cuisine in a variety of restaurants present a range of culinary experiences and the Great Barrier Reef provides the perfect setting for exciting activities including diving, snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing and helicopter and seaplane adventures. Relax in the tranquility of the One&Only Spa, get active in the state-of-the-art fitness center, play a game of tennis or practice your golf swing on the driving range. e experience of One&Only Hayman Island is one of a welcome attention to detail and a warm and professional approach to delivering an enjoyable and memorable stay in this special place in the world. Turtle travel have a special introductory rate for “Exclusive” readers contact us for further details Tel +44 (0)1704 512 738

Summer 2014

TRAVEL

Sandy lane Barbados

Serene, stylish and one of the finest addresses in Barbados, Sandy Lane resort has been welcoming guests since 1961 . A luxurious romantic setting perfect for couples and families looking for the very best holiday experience. Celebrated for its world famous and unparalleled style Sandy Lane is a beachfront favorite for the discerning. From the luxury chauffeur airport transfer to the attentive staff, exceptionally well appointed rooms and suites this is truly an elite holiday destination. A palladium style cream stone property Sandy Lane houses 112 rooms, suites and penthouses as well as a luxurious five bedroom villa . Rooms boast marble bathrooms, state of the art entertainment systems and generous verandas. Recreational facilities are second to none with three championship golf courses, nine tennis courts and the world-renowned Tree House club for kids and teenagers, leaving you free to relax and unwind on the beach. Turtle Travel can offer Escape Packages, Family, Romance or Golf and Spa options. Telephone Our Travel Consultants on : +44 (0)1704 512738 for more details.

Summer 2014

What ’S On

Liverpool events for all the family

If you're looking for things to do this summer then look no further than our Exclusive pick of what's on in Liverpool over the coming months. by Simon Grant 1

KIdS and famILIES RSPB heLPing wiLdLife

WorLd muSEum | 23-31 auGuSt | 1-4pm | frEE

For budding young wildlife fanatics, there's a fun-filled opportunity to join members of the RSPB to learn about the natural world with daily 'hands-on' activity afternoons. It's free and there's no need to book; just drop by on the day.

muSEumS theiR SPiRitS

IntErnatIonaL SLavEry muSEum | untIL 7 SEptEmbEr | 10am-5pm | frEE

Jamaican artist Laura Facey explores the cruelty of slavery and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. At the heart of her exhibition is a beautiful cottonwood canoe, that 'floats' on dried sugar cane, containing 1,357 resin miniatures of Redemption Song – a monument that stands at Emancipation Park in Kingston, Jamaica.

famiLy aRt CLuB

WaLKEr art GaLLEry | fIrSt WEEKEnd of EvEry month | Saturday 11am12.30pm and 2-3.30pm, Sunday 11am-12.30pm frEE (booKInG ESSEntIaL)

Head down to the Walker Art Gallery with your little Picasso wannabes (aged between 7-12 years old) for interactive workshops, experimenting with diﬀerent materials and techniques, with the gallery's brilliant education team. 2 1.World Museum 2.Family Art Club

3.eir Spirits 4.Elvis and us

Summer 2014

eLviS and uS

pIEr hEad | untIL 30 SEptEmbEr | 9am-7pm (LaSt admISSIon 6pm) | £6

Slip on your blue suede shoes and head to Pier Head for a slice of Elvis memorabilia. Co-curated by Graceland and the Beatles Story this fascinating collection brims with rare and previously unseen exhibits. Including the white Fender bass guitar played by Elvis and e Beatles when they met in 1965, Elvis' shirt from Jailhouse Rock, telegrams from e Colonel to Ed Sullivan and early video footage of 'e King.' Catch it while you can before Elvis permanently leaves the building.

What ’S On

muSIc

thEatrES

BuRt BaChaRaCh

yePfeSt

LIvE In concErt | LIvErpooL EmpIrE thEatrE | 3 auGuSt | 8pm | £38.40-£64.90 (pLuS £2.85 tranSactIon fEE)

Legendary composer and perennial chart-topper, Burt Bacharach returns to the UK for this much anticipated concert. With more than fifty years of top class music making behind the cult crooner, and a back catalogue full of familiar hits, this is one gig that music fans of all generations won't want to miss.

KyLie minOgue KISS mE oncE tour | Echo arEna | 24 SEptEmbEr | 7.30pm | £88/£50/£44.50 (pLuS £2.25 handLInG fEE pEr ordEr)

Diminutive pop pixie, Kylie kicks oﬀ her Kiss Me Once tour in style at the Echo Arena. Get a first glimpse of the Aussie's epic new staging as she heads oﬀ on a whirlwind 31 shows in 15 European countries. After her popular judging stint on e Voice UK, Kylie makes her triumphant return to the big stage with her first studio album (Kiss Me Once) since 2010’s Aphrodite.

EvEryman | 17 JuLy to 2 auGuSt | tImES and prIcES vary

e Young Everyman Playhouse's troupe of talented 11-25-year-old performers showcase a series of ambitious events at the iconic theatre. Standout shows include the Young DaDa Showcase (6pm, 17 July, £3-4) of dance, music and performances led by deaf and disabled Merseyside artistes and e Time and Space Plays (7.30pm, 31 July, £2) – miniature plays exploring, well...time and space, from YEP's hotbed of talented young playwrights.

annie get yOuR gun

LIvErpooL EmpIrE thEatrE | 5-9 auGuSt | 2.30pm or 7.30pm | £10£33.90 (pLuS £2.85 tranSactIon fEE)

Sassy cowgirl Annie Oakley bursts into life in this Tony award-winning version of Irving Berlin’s classic musical. A stellar cast list includes Jason Donovan, West End starlet Emma Williams and comedian Norman Pace. With classic sing-a-long hits ere’s No Business Like Show Business and Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better, led by a live orchestra.

5 6

5.Burt Bacharach 6.Kylie Minogue

Summer 2014

7.Yepfest 8.Annie get your gun’