Best of Liverpool Magazine, March 2010 by Liverpool Post & Echo

FASHION

PLACES

FACES

FOOD

BEAUTY

HOMES

TRAVEL

Supplement

OF LIVERPOOL MARCH ISSUE 2010

PALE AND INTERESTING Get the Nicola Roberts look

FASHION STAKES The race is on to find a winning outfit for Ladies' Day

Love

COMEDY AND COUNTRY From Ricky Tomlinson to Charlie Landsborough

your Mum

We celebrate Merseyside’s yummy mummies and find ways to treat your ma for Mother’s Day HEALTH AND BEAUTY // CHILDREN’S BOOKS// WHAT’S ON ST PATRICK’S DAY// BEAUTIFUL BOUDOIRS // BIG INTERVIEW

WIN

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£70

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Contents

BEST

MARCH 10 06

OF LIVERPOOL

MARCH 2010 NEWS

04 TALK OF TOWN News, gossip and events

FASHION 06 SHOPPING FOR HER Gearing up for Ladies’ Day

HEALTH & BEAUTY 10 SALON SPOTLIGHT Be pale and proud like Nicola!

SHOPPING FOR HIM 12 SUITS YOU Cutting a dash at the races

CHILDREN 14 BOOK WORMS The write stuff

ENTERTAINMENT 16 THE BIG INTERVIEW Charlie Landsborough and Stephen King

18 COUNTRY AND COMEDY Ricky comes home

FOOD AND DRINK 20 ST PATRICK’S DAY Get yourself in a stew

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL 22 TOP 10 Places to treat your ma

24 YUMMY MUMMIES

Editor’s Letter TRUST me to jinx the weather by speaking too soon in our last episode of Best of Liverpool! There was I harping on about the first signs of spring and saying goodbye to the snow – and we’re still pulling on the snow boots, scraping the ice off the car and doing the splits outside Somerfield! I do apologise, but at least we can look forward to some sunshine in the way of the John Smith’s Grand National. A firm fixture in any fashionista’s calendar, Ladies’ Day gives us the excuse to have a little flutter and get dressed up to the nines. And if you’ve got your sights set on winning the annual style contest, we give you some hot tips on how to ensure you’re strongly fancied. Don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day on March 14 – we bring you our top 10 places to take your mum for a bite to eat, as well as some fabulous gift ideas – whilst celebrating some

of Merseyside’s yummiest mummies. As it’s World Book Day this month, we come over all nostalgic remembering our favourite childhood books and speak to local children’s authors on the importance of teaching our little ones to read. In this edition, we give our bedrooms a make-over in our quest for some decent shuteye, celebrate our Irish roots for St Patrick’s Day and chat with local talented photographer Stephen King who’s captured the glamour of the 50s in his Lewis’s Fifth Floor exhibition. We also go digging underground to find out how the Queensway Tunnel operates and come over all country and western after interviewing Charlie Landsborough and Ricky Tomlinson. Yeeha!

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Michelle

Inspirational Mersey mums

INTERIORS 26 BEDROOM STYLE Create a beautiful boudoir

LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray

FRONT COVER SHOT Gareth Jones

OUT AND ABOUT

MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton

DESIGNERS Zoe Bevan and Colin Harrison

28 HEADING OVER TO...

SALES MANAGER Frank Notton

COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR Sally Jones

WRITERS Paul Baker, Peter Grant, Katie McLoughlin, Emma Thompson, Sarah Hooley, Sue Kelbrick

COPYRIGHT Best of Liverpool is published monthly by Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales/Liverpool Echo. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

Old Swan and Tuebrook

30 TUNNEL TOUR Michelle goes down under

PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03

Talk of town FASHION CULTURE

Dreamboats and petticoats

STYLE FILE

Michelle Rushton looks at up and coming events and occasions in and around the city

Plus size model, Jen Hunter from Wigan, and entrepreneur/style advisor, Sarah Bevan-Fischer from Liverpool, have joined forces to launch a new fashion website for real women. Style File is aimed at giving women of all shapes and sizes confidence, attitude and style. Fashionistas and fashion phobics alike can pick up valuable fashion advice, tips and fill out the on-line questionnaire to help them to find their ‘own’ style. They can also enter the on-line Real Style Awards and win some amazing prizes. The site is also looking for 'Style Ambassadors' to represent the brand and be style leaders for real women. A panel of industry experts will judge a short-list of the most stylish real women in the world in November 2010. Sarah Bevan-Fischer, who has had many years experience in the fashion retail business, says: “By building a community of real women sharing tips on their own style we can influence retailers to stock clothes that real women want.” Visit www.stylefileworld.com

50s NOSTALGIA Due to its phenomenal West End success, Dreamboats and Petticoats, the smash hit musical is to extend its UK tour and will call in at the Liverpool Empire from 8-13 March. This spectacular feel-good production will give you ‘the greatest time of your life’ — taking you back to a time when each passing week brought another classic track. The show features songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, Chuck Berry and many hits from music’s golden era! For more details visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

KIRSTY’S NEW COLLECTION Womenswear designer, Kirsty Doyle, celebrated the opening of her Liverpool ONE store with the unveiling of her Spring/Summer collections. Guests at the launch were treated to pick and mix, Cup of Love cupcakes, angel card readings and cocktails in teacups. Models showed off Kirsty’s new collection including a range of cocktail dresses designed especially for Ladies’ Day whilst guests danced to exclusive mixes by DJ Jessica Doyle. Kirsty’s new store is now open at 20 Mansteys Lane, Liverpool ONE. Visit www.kirsty-doyle.com

HELLO CELLO! Champagne, live DJs and Louboutins were the order of the day at the glittering launch of new Cello Boutique in Cavern Walks last Saturday. The cast of Hollyoaks, local celebrities and fashionistas celebrated the opening of the new ladies store in the designer shopping centre on Mathew Street. The store showcased new labels by Couture designers Kelly Seels and AnniLou who created one-off pieces exclusively for the event. The boutique is owned by Louisa Kelly who has worked on the set of popular Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks as a stylist for over 13 years. After spending the majority of her time sourcing cutting edge fashion for its colourful cast, Louisa decided to open her first store after discovering a need for unique clothing at affordable prices. Cello Boutique stocks everything a fashionable girls needs to feel fabulous – accessories, jewellery, broaches and bags by Vivienne Rose and exclusive fashion labels such as Charas, Hunters & Gatherers, So Couture and Obi.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

MANKEY MONKEYS A Hard Day’s Night Hotel recently unveiled Liverpool’s newest fab four! The Beatles-inspired hotel was hit by Mankey Monkey fever as four new Beatles-themed cuddly primates took up residence in the hotel’s restaurant, Blakes. The Beatles-themed monkeys are among over 100 statues to arrive and settle in business premises across the city as part of a charity public art event

to raise money for Alder Hey children’s hospital. The Beatles-themed monkeys were created at Mankey Monkey HQ – the ‘Bling Bling Building’ in Hanover Street. Chief Monkey WAG, Eirin HallangenLake, says: “In the birthplace of The Beatles, our Mankey Monkey family wouldn’t be complete without the fab four. Hard Day’s Night Hotel was our first choice to foster the Beatle Monkeys, and I'm happy to say they went bananas for the idea.”

Making cookies The Gulshan The truly scrumptious line-up of specials at one of Liverpool’s finest Indian restaurants, The Gulshan. A real favourite with curry connoisseurs, the Aigburth eaterie is offering 24 different specials over the next 12 months, each will be fighting for a place on our its 25th anniversary menu for next year. This month we can look forward to Teetul Maas - Wild Alaskan black cod coated in a Bengali style tamarind-based marinade pan-fried and served on a bed of spinach leaves with a side of boiled rice. For more information Call 0151427 2273

Meghan Fabulous The fact that Boudoir Boutique in Cavern Walks has just added a fabulous line to its already gorgeous selection of clothes — Meghan Fabulous. This cool LA brand has some lovely flowery frocks - just perfect for Ladies’ Day or just floating around the garden in looking lovely and serene.

These cute little cookie jars from The Quarter Kitchen. Mummy’s Yummies, priced £8.99, make the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Presented in a rather lovely glass jar and filled with ingredients to make the biscuits or cookies of your choice, all tied up with a pretty bow, you can choose from a vast selection including Double Chocolate Chip Biscuit Mix, Gingerbread Biscuit Mix, Cranberry and White Chocolate Biscuit Mix and Rainbow Biscuit Mix.

Pandora All things sparkly at the new flagship Pandora store at Liverpool ONE. Now we don’t have to travel the country for our favourite wrist candy. This new jewellery store stocks fabulous charm bracelets, as well as rings, earrings and necklaces.

MARCH 10 OSCARS OF THE NORTH

Alma de Cuba

MIDNIGHT WALK Ladies on Merseyside are being urged to join forces and sign up to this year’s Jospice Midnight Walk sponsored by Medicash. The 11K walk takes place on Friday, June 11 and will start and finish at Holy Family High School in Thornton. Based in Thornton, the hospice was established in 1974 and has cared for over 5,000 people and their families. Liverpool based health cash plan provider Medicash has sponsored the fundraising event since it was launched five years ago. Other sponsors include Holy Family High School, Sefton PCT, Merseytravel, Sainsbury’s, Lions, Merseyside Police and Hearts Health Club. BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips will officially launch the walk on the night. Well known supporters of Jospice include Cherie Booth QC, who is vice president of the charity, Liverpool actress Pauline Daniels and actor and broadcaster Dean Sullivan. To take part in the Jospice Ladies’ Midnight Walk, visit www.jospice.org.uk or call 0151 932 6035 for more information. Medicash will also donate a percentage of the annual premium from any cash plans which are signed up to before June 30 2010. Visit www.medicash.org or call 0800 011 2222 and quote “Midnight Walk”.

Chaophraya

Well done to Liverpool bars and restaurants, Alma de Cuba and Chaophraya, which ‘fayred well’ at the recent Hi-Life Dining Awards. The most glittering night in the restaurant calendar, this year’s awards were held at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel and featured an array of celebrity guests including soap stars from Hollyoaks, Corrie and Emmerdale. The Hi-Life Dining Awards, seen as the industry ‘Oscars of the North,’ and now in their 25th year, are the largest restaurant accolades to be voted for by the dining public. Alma de Cuba won in the Best Atmosphere category. Meanwhile, Chaophraya, Liverpool won the Best Newcomer category.

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT Panoramic, the UK’s highest restaurant, has received an entry in the new Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2010 for the second year running. The restaurant, which is situated on the 34th floor of the West Tower, received three ‘forks and knives’ in the guide, in a rating from one to five, based on the comfort and quality of the restaurant. The prestigious rating follows a string of plaudits for Panoramic from the food industry, the latest being an entry into the world-renowned Good Food Guide in 2010. The restaurant has also been voted 26th in Restaurant Magazine’s Top 100 list of best eateries in the UK.

ON THE GRAPEVINE STREETS AHEAD Two streets in Liverpool have been shortlisted in the Google Street View Awards. The Google Street View Awards is a celebration of Britain’s best-loved streets as voted for by the public in a nationwide poll. Mathew Street has been nominated for Britain’s Best Fashion Street, while Hope Street has been nominated for Britain’s Best Foodie Street. The streets have been chosen by Google’s panel of experts includes VisitBritain, Lonely Planet, TV presenter Julia Bradbury, fashion designer Jeff Banks and editor of Glamour, Jo Elvin. Justine Mills, owner and buyer at Cricket boutique on Mathew Street, says: “Mathew Street has been at the cutting edge of fashion since the 1960s, from the Beatles walking to the Cavern Club in their winklepicker boots to the modern day footballers’ wives shopping at Cricket in their Christian Louboutin heels.” The Liverpool streets will now battle it out against other streets in a nationwide public vote - the result will be announced this month. Visit www.maps.google.co.uk/beststreets to find out more.

DAY SKIPPER

Danny’s winning designs

MISS ENGLAND RIDES HER LUCK Miss England beauty Katrina Hodge had a ‘wheely’ good time as she became one of the first people to ride in Liverpool’s new big wheel. The stunner took the inaugural spin wearing a dress made entirely out of lottery balls and tickets as part of a promotional campaign for the National Lottery Euromillions draw.

Corporal Hodge, 23, was awarded a commendation for bravery after saving a colleague’s life while serving in Iraq. Dubbed ‘Combat Barbie’, Hodge has been granted six months’ leave to fulfil her role as Miss England. She says: “It just goes to show how one stroke of luck can change your life and make your

CRAIG SERENADES SHOPPERS Internationally renowned violin artist, Craig Owen set the scene for romance by serenading shoppers with a selection of his favourite romantic tunes at Cavern Walks over the Valentine’s weekend. Craig has toured with Atomic Kitten and had a number one album in the UK classical chart with the Pete Waterman/Decca Classics produced album ‘Duel.’ Craig says: “I was thrilled to perform at Cavern Walks shopping centre. I have

performed in Liverpool a number of times throughout my career, but being able to perform right in the heart of Liverpool’s Cavern Quarter was truly amazing.” Shoppers were also treated to a selection of exclusive giveaways including free Valentine’s chocolates, as well as the shopping centre’s brand new VIP Club card, which allows members a sneak preview of all Cavern Walks events, offers and discounts.

wildest dreams a reality.” The new 60 metre high tourist attraction, sponsored by the Liverpool Echo, is positioned on the piazza outside the Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool – and offers riders spectacular views of the city. It also offers a VIP luxury capsule with leather seating, DVD player and a champagne fridge.

A partiallysighted footballer has been crowned one of the joint winners of Britain’s Next Top Interior Designer competition. Students from two of the country’s top interior design schools, KLC School of Interior Design in London and Liverpool John Moores University, were tasked with designing two studio apartments for an urban professional and a retired couple at Grosvenor’s flagship One Park West building, in Liverpool. Leading the judging panel was designer to the stars Ben de Lisi, Kate Kingston from Kingston Shaw and Alex Proby, inhouse interiors expert at Grosvenor. Danny, 21, from Garston, who has recently been chosen to train with the England Football Association’s partially sighted team, said: “My two main passions are football and design so being picked as one of the winners of this competition, and to train with England, in such a short space of time, is absolutely fantastic.”

Celebrities, sport stars and city leaders have backed a campaign for the city to have its own bank holiday, akin to St Patrick’s Day. Social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, have sprung up allowing supporters to back the campaign and a petition is being launched on the 10 Downing Street website calling on the Prime Minister to create a bank holiday to celebrate the city of Liverpool. The idea was devised by Aintree, organisers of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting, who want to replicate Melbourne Cup Day, in Victoria, Australia, where the state’s residents are given a public holiday to celebrate its world famous horse race. The campaign will be officially launched on Thursday, April 8 when the first day of the Grand National meeting will be renamed Liverpool Day and include a series of events celebrating the city’s culture.

WINE MERCHANTS Wine lovers - don’t miss the chance to sample some fine food and wine at the new Wine Merchants event. The first event will take place on Wednesday, March 10 at 7pm at Merchants, 62 Castle Street. Hosted by Bodegas Borbore from the San Juan region of Argentina, the evening will consist of a four course meal with a different wine to savour with each course. The host will guide you through the wines and present some background on each wine and the winery. The event costs £30 per person. For reservations call 0151 702 7897 or email dining@62castlest.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05

Shopping for her

Under starter’s orders The race is on to find your winning Ladies’ Day outfit, says Katie McLoughlin FROM the thrills and spills of the turnstiles to the colourful frocks and champagne quaffing hospitality tents, the John Smith’s Grand National is as synonymous with glamour as it is with horse-racing. This year’s event takes place from April 8 - 10, and whilst jockeys prepare to tackle one of the world’s greatest steeplechases, race-goers are undergoing preparations of their own to look hot to trot as they vie to compete in the event’s now famous style contest. Whatever your personal style - one thing’s for sure - glamour is always a safe bet as the city’s fillies pull out all the stops for this three-day meeting and big hair, even bigger heels and fabulous frocks are sure to be de rigour amongst your stable-mates in the grandstand. To improve your odds in the coveted style contest, there’s a whole host of trends to choose between. Glamour girls will love the latest party dresses adorned with gold, glitter and crystals, whilst those keen to stand out from the crowd can make a real style-statement in bold floral or tribal prints, jumpsuits, silk genie trousers or the underwear-as-outerwear trend. Fashion has also come over all girly this season, with models walking down the catwalks swathed in floaty layers of chiffon and lace, dazzling bright whites, bow detailing, nude colours and candy floss shades like pastel pinks, yellows and lilacs - the perfect palette for a quintessentially pretty race-day look. Be careful not to follow trends from headto-toe though, as judging by the form of previous winners, originality and an individual sense of style are key to securing a place in the winners’ enclosure. Whatever your personal style, our selection of fabulous frocks, footwear, fascinators and more, is sure to help inspire your Ladies’ Day look. Blue seam jersey dress, £40, from Next, Church Street Clutch bag, £24.99, from River Island

AX Paris ruffle flower brooch dress, £25, from www.oli.co.uk

Jacket, £60, vest, £6, shorts, £35, and necklace, £12, all from www.asos.com

Calistat heels, £125, from Faith Footwear, Liverpool ONE

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

MARCH 10 Olivia Rubin Matisse dress, £257, from Boudoir Boutique, Cavern Walks

Bow one shoulder dress, £30, from www.asos.com Sandal, £120, from www.asos.com

Lilly lace dress, £95, from French Connection, Lord Street

Black Belize bow on band, £18, from Accessorize, Parker Street

Jezz shoes, £90, from Dune, Liverpool ONE

Tropical dress, £85, from www.religionclothing.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 07

Ladies’ Day

Grandstand glam Amanda Williams' insider tips on how to turn heads in the turnstiles

Photo by James Maloney

AS the shops showcase this new season’s collections, the choice of dresses for the races is endless. Amanda Williams, who runs designer boutique, Style Clinic on Allerton Road, believes everyone can find a race-day style to suit them this season. She says: “From the classic nautical tailored look to the pretty, delicate and romantic style, or the more flamboyant floral, geometric and abstract prints currently seen on the catwalks this season’s trends translate well for the races.” Amanda, who offers a style consultant service at the upmarket boutique, adds: “Try lots of shapes if you’re unsure, as the key to looking stylish and chic is to make it look effortless. “A long dress is a sure way to feel elegant at the races - it will add length to the body, making you appear taller and leaner. Short or kneelength dresses are often an easier option, but you should always consider leg-wear. Lace tights will add glamour and a little sexiness. Alternatively patterned, striped or floral will add quirkiness and personality.” To finish your Ladies’ Day outfit, Amanda advises choosing accessories carefully to ensure your look ‘carries through’. For more style advice, contact Amanda on 0151 735 1784 or visit Style Clinic, 86 Allerton Road (above Toni & Guy), Liverpool, L18 1LW.

Save your sole Katie McLoughlin kicks off her skyscrapers in favour of healing heels AFTER years of creating gorgeously glam, uber-high heels that we readily crammed our feet into, designers have decided to give our soles a little light relief this season, as low heeled shoes are one of main trends this spring. You might think kitten heels are worn only by your mother and those unfortunate souls with bunions, but low heels have appeared in many of the big designers’ collections, including Chloe, Missoni, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs to name just a few. Indeed, you know this trend is a big one (forgive the pun!) when even sky-high heel devotee, Victoria Beckham, has been papped wearing ballet pumps in favour of her usual six-inch Louboutins. So to help you put your best foot forward this spring/summer, here’s our selection of six of the best low heels...

Buckle peep-toe shoe, £40, from Dorothy Perkins, Church Street Lima giraffe print sandal, £119, from Hobbs, The Metquarter

Gateau Tie shoes, £60, from Office, Liverpool ONE

Round toe buckle court shoes, £19.50, from Marks & Spencer, Church Street

Talon trends

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Wrap Suede Shoes, £55, from Next, Church Street

Shades of cool AS every stylish woman knows, a winning Ladies’ Day look would not be complete without a perfect pair of designer sunglasses. Blankstone Opticians in Derby Square is currently filling its shelves with collections to suit all tastes, including Victoria Beckham style shades from Chanel, cool and classic frames from RayBan and chic shades from Gucci’s very own Tom Ford. Director, Mark Blankstone, says: “Sunglasses are an essential part of any local fashionistas’ overall look when they go to Aintree - whether they end up wearing them on their head as a fashion accessory or actually wearing them to protect their eyes from the sun. “This year, the designer brands have decided to go all out and have launched several stunning collections, which are priced from £80 for a pair of original RayBans to nearly £300 for a pair of pearl-encrusted Chanel frames.” For more information contact Mark and the team on 0151 236 5392.

Photo by WENN

EVERY season has an on-trend nail colour and this spring the must-have shade on everyone’s lips (and nails) is mink. A mixture of grey and beige, this natural shade has been flying off the shelves ever since Lilly Allen was spotted wearing Chanel’s Particuliere nail varnish at the fashion house’s spring/summer show in Paris. However, Lilly isn’t the only celeb to have nailed this look, as Sandra Bullock sported gorgeous mushroom-coloured talons at this year’s Golden Globes and Gwyneth Paltrow has been seen wearing a gorgeous soft cocoa colour. Owner of Cavern Walks’ Nail Nation, Claire Grace, says: “This season is the time to start looking after your nails by coating them in the newest nail colour trend that was seen all over the spring/summer catwalks - mink. This cappuccino coloured shade not only looks chic and natural, but flatters the hand by elongating the fingers.” Nail Nation is known as the place to go when your pinkies need some pampering, and now the city-centre salon is stocking two great mink shades - Desert Suede and Chocolate Milk - by Creative Nail Design who’ve been inspired by the Chanel, Hervé Léger and BCBG Max Azria spring/summer shows. For more information call the salon on 0151 255 0885 or visit Nail Nation, Cavern Walks, Harrington Street.

Red stud detail heels, £44.99, from River Island, Church Street

WIN

Blankstone Opticians is kindly offering one lucky reader a pair of unisex RayBan Aviator sunglasses, worth £100. To be in with a chance of winning these classic designer sunglasses, simply tell us where Blankstone Opticians is based?

Email your answer, putting Blankstone Opticians in the subject box, with your name, address and daytime telephone number to magazine@liverpool.com. Deadline for entries: Friday, March 19.

Jewellers

MARCH 10 Fishers Jewellers (Bootle) Ltd, 104 The Hexagon, Strand Shopping Centre, Bootle, L20 4SS 0151 922 3225

We buy gold at top prices

Independent Family Run Jewellers, Est. 1968

Cash paid for your old gold or broken jewellery • Watch your wedding ring being made, using your own gold if required • Specialists in hand made jewellery • Diamond rings made to order • Deposit secures any item • Name pendants made to order

SAME DAY JEWELLERY REPAIRS

Cash Paid

24 North John Street Liverpool L2 9RP

for Gold

Any Condition Any Quantity

0151 236 0177

Best Prices Offered

WE PROBABLY PAY BEST PRICES IN LIVERPOOL

Eric G. Milton Jewellers and Pawnbrokers Established 1932 Tel: 0151 525 6066

SCRAP GOLD WANTED • NO AMOUNT TOO SMALL •

DO NOT ACCEPT UNDER £7 PER GRAM FOR YOUR 9 CARAT GOLD WHEN BULLION GOLD WILL PAY YOU MORE DO NOT be fooled by expensive TV ads DO NOT sell your Gold at Road shows DO NOT be fooled by here today gone tomorrow dealers

74-76 County Road, Walton, Liverpool

OPEN: MONDAY-SATURDAY 9.00am-5.00pm

NEW STOCK NOW IN

BEST PRICES GIVEN For Unwanted and Broken Gold, Sovereigns and Silver Hundreds of satisfied customers Thousands of pounds already paid out WHY NOT TOP UP YOUR HOLIDAY FUND!

F A WELCH (Hatton Garden) Ltd 75 Bold Street, Liverpool • 0151 708 7363

Est 1908

Jewellery & Watch Re Rethreading, Valua pairs tions, Cleaning & Polish ing ReRhodium of all Jewellery undertak en on the premises

When you have tried the rest, come to the best, cut out the middle men, Come direct to

BULLION GOLD for the highest cash price paid, bring this advert into Bullion Gold Merchant

01704 500993 (shop) 07951 888 241 (after hours) www.bulliongoldmerchants.com

Showroom 36 King Street, Southport (opp Iceland) COME AND MEET THE MERCHANTS I.D. REQUIRED

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 09

Health & beauty Photos: Garath Jones

TOP FIVE TANNING LOTIONS WE’VE all had our fair share of false tan disasters, but with new and improved formulas, thankfully the days of waking up looking like an oompa loompa are a thing of the past. So to help you achieve a golden glow without damaging your skin or ending up with legs more streaky than bacon, here’s our selection of five of the best tanning products:

What lies beneath Xen-Tan Transform Luxe, 236ml, £23.95, from www.xen-tan.co.uk Packed with shea butter and vitamin E, to gradually build streak-free tan.

A machine that can show you where you’re likely to get wrinkles - before they appear - sounds like the Holy Grail of skincare. Katie McLoughlin finds out more...

Model Co Tan Airbrush in a Can, 220g, £34, from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE This airbrush tan goes on as a fine mist and has a deep golden pigment.

YOUR skin may look healthy on the surface, but as I found out when I had a skin analysis at Tracey Bell’s clinic on Hanover Street, there may be much more to your complexion than first meets the eye. The skin analysis began with a consultation about my lifestyle and skincare regime with medical aesthetician, Emma Hendrick. After my make-up was removed, I leaned into the skin analysis machine and closed my eyes as a series of photographs of my face were taken. Much like the recently widely-publicised photo of Nicola Roberts with computergenerated skin damage, the skin analysis images highlight where your skin is damaged, identify specific skin concerns like excessive oil, fine lines, UV damage and pigmentation, and show where you’re likely to get wrinkles in the future if you don’t take action now. I’d been warned that the skin analysis photos can be far from pretty, so I was

Tracey Bell specialises in cutting-edge beauty treatments, cosmetic dentistry, non-surgical rejuvenation treatments, weight management solutions, mineral make-up and more, to help you transform how you look and feel.

Fake Bake SelfTanning Lotion, 170ml, £24.95, from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE This lotion is easy to apply evenly and creates a tan that suits your skin tone.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

pleasantly surprised to see that apart from a couple of slight dehydration lines across my forehead and cheeks (which show up as blue lines in the photos), my skin wasn’t in too bad shape. To prevent these dehydration lines from turning into wrinkles in later life, Emma advised me to drink more water. She also recommended that I start using a separate eye cream, as normal moisturiser can be too heavy for the eye area and cause puffiness and suggested exfoliating two to three times a week as cell turnover can slow down as you get older. Following the analysis, Emma recommended a light fruit peel to rejuvenate my complexion, and like so many people, on hearing the word ‘peel’ I panicked. Visions of red raw, snake-like faces on 10 Years Younger flashed into my mind and not wanting to end up like Samantha in that episode of Sex and the City, I was a little

George Moisturising Lipstick, £3, from ASDA

Rodial Brazilian Tan Dark, 150ml, £39, from www.rodial.co.uk Crammed with nourishing bergamot and coconut oil, it glides on easily and dries quickly for a streak-free, long lasting tan.

Beyond the pale... WITH her commitment to individual style and campaigning against sunbeds, Nicola Roberts is fast-becoming the poster girl for porcelain-skinned beauty. Katie McLoughlin shows you how to steal her make-up style...

Situated in the heart of the city, the stylish Liverpool clinic is on Hanover Street.

What does it do?

TREATMENT REVIEW Elemis Total Glow Self Tanning Cream, 125ml, £22 from www.timetospa.co.uk With extracts of nourishing jojoba and macadamia nut oil, gives a natural, golden tan.

Where is it?

Contact: Tracey Bell, 32-36 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 4LN, call 0151 707 0340 or visit www.traceybell.co.uk

hesitant at first. However, I needn’t have worried, as the fruit peel was nowhere near as scary as I’d first imagined. Ideal for giving your skin a boost before a special occasion, the treatment took around 20 minutes, during which a sticky, fruity smelling mixture was applied to my face. The marmalade-like mixture was left on for around 10 minutes then removed and sun protection applied to the skin. Designed to brighten skin, the fruit peel features grapefruit, pineapple and citrus enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells, leaving skin super-soft, smooth and glowing - and more importantly, there was not a trace of redness or flaky skin in sight.

Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Mascara, £19.50, from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Complexion Highlighter, £23, from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE

Benefit Brow Zing (brow-shaping kit), £22.50, from Debenhams, Liverpool ONE Bloom nail polish in Sofia, £8.00, from Superdrug, Parker Street

Dainty Doll by Nicola Roberts Blush & Contour, shade: bloom, £9.75, from www.asos.com

Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes (eye contour kit), £23.50, from Debenhams, Liverpool ONE

Eyelure Girls Aloud Lashes Nicola, £5, from Superdrug, Parker Street

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Shopping for him

MARCH 10

SUIT

YOURSELF Paul Baker avoids falling at the first hurdle by looking at what the best dressed men will be wearing at this year’s Grand National IT’S March now and spring’s a-coming! That means it’s time to freshen up your wardrobe and make a serious style statement. With this year’s John Smith’s Grand National just over a month away we’re already under starters orders in the fashion stakes for the races. But if your suit has seen better days or you haven’t been to a tailors since you were best man at your mate’s wedding, the Grand National is as good an excuse as any to purchase some new threads... EING a student of both fashion and interior design, Billee Williams is a man who knows a thing or two about style and looking good. Moving from Selfridges in Manchester to become the store manager at exclusive men’s tailoring store Gieves & Hawkes in Liverpool’s Metquarter, who better than Billee to make sure Merseyside’s men are dressed to impress at next month’s John Smith’s Grand National meeting? As Billee himself attests, people tend to buy from people, so being personable and knowledgeable is important in his line of work, saying: “After the clothes, the next selling point is yourself.” So what items does Billee reckon we should be donning for the 163rd running of the Grand National? “Strong tailored pieces are important, and it’s good to have something quite unique,” says Billee. “Although there is no official dress code at the Grand National, smartening up for the occasion is a must. Each year we have an increased demand for the three piece suit because it’s a strong distinctive look, and it also gives your suit more versatility; even with the jacket off you still look incredibly smart.” And don’t forget to dress for the weather. It may not be bright and warm during the

WIN

Back a winner with TM Lewin’s Grand National prize giveaway

GET into the spirit of the 163rd John Smith’s Grand National by having a punt on TM Lewin’s fantastic reader prize of a fitted Merino wool suit, with shirt and cufflinks worth £700. Ten runners up will also win a pair of themed horse cufflinks worth £35 each, while every other entrant can treat themselves to a free tie worth £57 each from TM Lewin with every £30 spent in store. Found at Liverpool’s Metquarter, TM Lewin is renowned throughout the business world for its high-quality shirts and is becoming synonymous in all areas of male grooming, offering affordable high street prices that can make dressing for work or the races an exciting experience again. For your chance to win one of the above prizes, simply email your answer along with the words ‘Best of Liverpool’ to: Karen@redpublicrelations.co.uk Where is TM Lewin located? A) Bold Street B) Metquarter C) Clayton Square To claim your free tie worth £57 with every purchase over £30, simply produce this competition in store at Metquarter. T&C’s – This prize is non-negotiable, non-transferable, and non-refundable. There is no cash alternative. No purchase necessary for entry, only to receive the tie, and only one tie per person allowed. The prize must be redeemed by April 8, 2010 when the competition ends.

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Jacket and Trousers from Gieves & Ha wkes

Photography: www.stevecollinson.com

meeting and Billee recommends lightweight tweeds, in case of rain or shine. But what about colour choice? “Although spring/summer suiting tends to favour lighter colours, it does not have to dictate the pallette. A darker suit, in say a mid rich blue, combined with the right shirt, tie or even bow tie can achieve a really fresh look.” Other looks Billee advises us to check out include the return of the double-breasted suit, and the smart-casual classic blazer and skinny trousers combination. Waistcoats are an option too: “I think of waistcoats literally as the male version of the corset. It should fit tight and you should always dress to your body shape,” he reveals. At the end of the day, Billee’s advice is not to forget about the little things. Make sure your suit fits you right. Get it tailored, even when buying off the peg, and don’t forget to personalise. Billee says: “To really personalise your look, take care in choosing your finishing touches like the pocket square, tie pin and cufflinks. These small details can have a huge impact on the overall look, but utilised well, make you really look the part.” Get some style advice of your own or a fitting for a suit from Billee at Gieves & Hawkes at the Metquarter, on Whitechapel, in Liverpool city centre.

MARCH 10

TAILOR MADE Berkley Bowen’s cutting the cloth for its customers to create a suit for any special occasion or event OOKING impeccably dressed and portraying style and distinction is an art and not something many people can achieve on their own. This is why Berkley Bowen’s professional clothiers are held in such high regard by their clients across Merseyside, who all trust that they will ensure they step out looking nothing less than perfect, whether it is for a business meeting, a charity dinner or a day at the races... The journey of having custom made clothing is an exciting one and starts with a visit from a Berkley Bowen professional clothier, at the customer’s home or workplace, to discuss their needs, wants and current wardrobe. The wardrobe analysis will take into account the client’s current clothing, their

skin tone and eye colour, as well as where they will be wearing the clothing, be it mainly in the office, out at clients, on the golf course or social events. This allows the clothier to recommend the most appropriate cloths, colours and styles for the individual’s needs. With over 3,000 cloths to choose from, there really is no limit and the customer can choose every detail of their outfit from the position of the pockets, how many buttons on the jacket, the colour of the stitching and the shape of the collar, ensuring that it will be a completely individual garment. Once the cloth, colour and detail have been selected, the customer needs to choose a whether its made to measure or pure bespoke. If it will be a made to measure suit, computer guided laser cutters are used to cut the cloth to the specific measurements of the individual and then it is sewn together by machine. A pure bespoke suit offers a more comfortable finish, as it is cut by hand and hand - stitched, meaning that the stitches are looser so it has more fluidity of movement with the individual’s body, providing a more comfortable wear. Once the main structure of the suit is made after three to four weeks, the customer will try it on to check the fit, the lengths and confirm all the finishing details. The suit is then finished and after another three to four weeks, the garments are then hand delivered to the customer, by the Berkley Bowen professional clothier, and they have a new, completely individual outfit that is a perfect fit. Berkley Bowen offers both made to measure and pure bespoke tailoring services from its showroom on Water Street, in the city centre.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Children

WIN a copy of YUM by Hilary Keating Best of Liverpool has got 25 copies of Yum, one of Hilary Keating’s most popular books which encourages children not only to read but also to learn about healthy eating. Simply answer the following question Q. What is the name of Hilary Keating’s publishing company? Email your answer putting Yum as the subject by March 12 to magazine@liverpool.com

Book worms Want to give your children a head start in life? Then read to them! Sue Kelbrick dons her reading glasses and shows you how STUDIES have shown that reading to young children stimulates their development and gives them a head start when they reach school. As well as helping their reading, sharing a bedtime story with a child improves memory and promotes their motor skills, through learning to turn the pages. It also enhances their emotional and social development. Today is World Book Day which is the biggest annual celebration of books and reading in the UK, so there has never been a better time to get your kids reading! Children’s author, Hilary Keating, from Aigburth, believes that it is vital for children to read and be read to, from an early age. She says: “I think books open doors to new and amazing worlds. They help us to think, to question and help children to develop speech, language and listening skills. Books encourage children to use their imagination and build relationships - and most of all - they are fun!” As well as writing stories for the Fireman Sam and the Mr Men series, Hilary has produced a number of children’s books through her own publishing company and creative consultancy, Wild About Words, which is committed to raising children’s confidence, self-esteem and expectations through reading and writing. “It is amazing the difference reading and writing makes to children’s lives,” Hilary exclaims. “Without them, children are unable to communicate effectively and the world is a lonely place without the ability to communicate with others.”

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Hilary has put together some top tips to encourage your child to read: ● Make a habit of reading to your child every day, whether they are one or 10. ● When your child is able to, have them read to you. You can take turns reading chapters in a simple chapter book, for example. ● Get a library card for your child. Go to the library every week and take out several books. ● Be aware of your child's interests and direct your child to related books. ● Try to find a series that they really like and will want to continue reading. ● Provide a comfortable reading area, with good lighting, in your home. ● Discuss books with your child. ● Buy books for your child that are related to their special interests. ● Make up and illustrate stories together to encourage your child to use their imagination. ● If your child is a reluctant reader and not reading on grade level, buy hi/lo books (books with a high interest level, low vocabulary). ● Talk to your child's teacher and ask for suggestions. ● If your child likes computers, enroll in an online book group.

MARCH 10

MUM’S THE WORD

WIN Daisy Dawes is based on the Wirral and has just had her first book published. Written and illustrated by Daisy, who is also an artist and sculptor, Get Ahead Fred is a cautionary tale of one man’s obsession with hats, which is brought to life with beautiful hand-made models and hand-written rhyming text. Daisy, who has worked as a model maker on Harry Potter, Pingu and Rex the Runt, believes that as well as being a great read, Get Ahead Fred will help to widen children’s vocabulary. She says: “I think that books are hugely important for children and really help to feed their imagination. Whatever age you are, you can’t beat losing yourself in a good book and watching characters come to life through the pages of a book is just fantastic.” She goes on to say: “Storytelling is a great tradition that is hopefully undergoing something of a revival. Reading and being read to is definitely something all children should experience.” You can follow Fred’s adventures at myspace.com/getaheadfred and watch out for Daisy signing books in the area over the Easter holidays. And if you can't wait that long then Maverick Books is kindly offering a signed copy of Get Ahead Fred to one lucky reader Daisy will even write a personal message in it for the winner. Simply answer the following question : Q. What is Fred’s obsession? Email your answer, putting Fred as the subject, by March 12 to magazine@liverpool.com

Hansel & Gretel – a wondertale CELEBRATED Cornish theatre company, Kneehigh Theatre, will bring its latest wondertale, Hansel & Gretel, to the Everyman - which promises to delight children and adults with its special brand of wit, charm and sensational story telling. The production, which will take place from Tuesday, March 16 to Saturday, April 3, is a tender, tasty and terrifying re-telling of the classic story – told through lively music, rough poetry, the most amazing gadgets and gizmos... and with the help of some rather unlucky rabbits. Mike Shepherd, director of Hansel & Gretel and founding father of Kneehigh, said the show will be “a celebration of human survival and our ability to find our way home.”

The production includes an original score of music and songs by Stu Barker and Ian Ross, performed by the company on stage on a variety of instruments. There are traps and cages, puppets and rabbits, dark forests and darker secrets: a visual and soulful feast that is perfect for young and old. If you go into the woods with Hansel & Gretel, prepare for a world of darkness, wit and wonder, of earthy delights and crooked shadows. A world that is sweet but never sugary! Suitable for children over seven, tickets cost £10 - £16.50. For full details call 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com

Show your mum how much you love her this Mother’s Day by giving her a beautiful home-made gift. Sue Kelbrick comes over all Blue Peter... A new bag for the old bag? All mums love their handbags so why not give your mum her very own personalised bag? Invest in a plain canvas bag and then using some brightly coloured fabric paint, stamp your handprint onto the bag. Use your imagination to create different patterns. If you keep the fingers of your hand together you will create a tulip shape so you can then paint on a stem and leaves to make the ultimate fashion accessory! Fabric marker pens are useful if you want to write a message on the bag or add your own design.

Heaven scent Make your mum some beautiful shaped soap by shaving enough soap off a bar to fill a cup. Put this into a mixing bowl and add some warm water so the soap becomes soft. If you want to create funky coloured soap then add some food colouring at this stage. When the soap is soft enough to knead, press the mixture into different shaped cookie cutters. Leave to dry on their side for 24 hours and then gently pop the soap out of the cookie cutter. Next put

your soaps into a cellophane bag or into a basket and tie with some fancy ribbon.

Precious memories For a truly personal gift, create a memory book for your mum. Print out your favourite pictures of you and your mum together and place them into a photo album. Insert stories and poems talking about your favourite memories of your mother. A guaranteed winner with mums everywhere this one!

Musical magic A simple enough idea but one which is sure to go down a treat with your mum, is to make her a CD of her favourite songs. Design your own label with a Mother’s Day theme so your mum can treasure it forever.

Frame it Pick out a favourite photograph of your mum and put it in a frame. Using sequins, glitter, beads, shells and jewellery stick them onto the frame and then cut out letters spelling Happy Mother’s Day and stick them on too, for a lasting reminder of how much you love your mum.

Children’s best books According to worldwide sales of children’s books, the old ones are still the best with the top five bestselling children’s books of all time, all having been written more than 50 years ago: ● The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery published in 1943 has sold over 80 million copies. ● Heidi by Johanna Spryi was first published in 1880 and has sold more than 50 million copies. ● Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery was written in 1908 and has sold 50 million copies. ● Black Beauty by Anna Sewell who wrote the book in 1877, has also sold 50 million copies all over the world. ● Charlotte’s Web by EB White was written in 1952 and has sold 45 million copies.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 15

The BIG interview

WIN WIN - a Charlie Landsborough goodie bag! Best of Liverpool has a pair of tickets for Charlie Landsborough’s concert in Southport, as well as a copy of his album Under Blue Skies, a tour souvenir and a signed copy of Storyteller — his fantastic autobiography, to give away to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning, email magazine@liverpool.com, stating Charlie Landsborough in the subject box, with the answer to the following question: Where does Charlie Landsborough come from? Deadline: Wednesday, March 10.

The Westerner returns Peter Grant meets up again with country legend Charlie Landsborough to help with his ‘research…’ HE Birkenhead cowboy sipped a pint of cold Guinness in the place it all began – Ma Boyle’s pub in Liverpool city centre. Charlie Landsborough, the softlyspoken, silver-haired country music legend, says: “This is where I was approached to do my autobiography – in this very pub. “And this is where, a year later, I was back celebrating its publication with my family and friends – a fantastic day.” Granted, it all really began for Charlie a long way back, but his warm and revealing book recaps for the reader a very real history about this well respected, much-loved performer. His life story is an inspiration to many. So after much persuasion he finally put his voice thoughts onto CD – as opposed to pen to paper. “I did a lot of my research – over a pint or two with a journalist who shall remain nameless,” he says with a knowing laugh. Charlie is a joy to be with – a working class hero from Birkenhead who went on to conquer Nashville. His fans are many, from all ages and all walks of life, so much so that Daniel O’Donnell the Irish superstar happily wrote the foreword to the book which has now gone into re-print. Storyteller is the title and it sums up Charles Alexander Landsborough perfectly. He tells stories; he sings stories – and his life is one great success story: a

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

celebration of faith and hope over “I love playing Merseyside and I am adversity. He’s been there, done that . . . looking forward to Southport, it’s where labourer, soldier, teacher . . . I filmed my video and it’s always a real The launch of his book was indeed a joy to play there – like the Philharmonic party night recalling all his different – home from home." careers. Charlie smiles at the memory: Charlie puts his success down to many “Here I am talking to The Best of factors: his family, friends, fans and a Liverpool magazine and in the pub on special ‘guest star’ his forever friend – a the night of the launch I was man he calls ‘The Lord.’ surrounded by – ‘the BEST of Liverpool’ “My wife Thelma and my family, my Adds Charlie: “Gerry Marsden was children and grandchildren keep my big here, a great feet on the ambassador, and ground,” he Jimmy “Here I am talking to The Best says. “And I go McGovern, my where the Lord of Liverpool magazine and mate at teacher takes me.” training college, Charlie’s in the pub that night of the and who is one songs always launch I was surrounded by of this city’s strike a chord, ‘the BEST of Liverpool’ finest writers, from the was here with beautiful What his wife Eileen. Colour is the “Ken Dodd Wind to I Will turned up, too, not on time, but he Love You All My Life, recorded by Foster brought his tickling stick, by Jove. He is and Allen. the best comedian in the world.” He says people and places always All three stars would say Charlie inspire him. “Characters I have met represents the best in his field. Modest along the way feature strongly, as do as ever, he just smiles that trademark those I have yet to meet. I am a lucky smile. man; I get to write, sing and play to Charlie’s fan base is worldwide. He is people who want to hear me.” currently on the first of his annual UK The love he makes is reciprocated. His tours to entertain them. The spring five-piece band and slick lighting shows outing sees him at Southport Theatre on ensure that Charlie’s tours are major, March 14. He closes his autumn tour at happy get-togethers. And on his concert the Liverpool Philharmonic on tours there’s always a fair smattering of November 14. humour: “I like to include jokes and

short stories in between the songs.” Indeed, Charlie is, according to Jimmy McGovern: “one of the funniest people I have ever met.” Ken Dodd says: “He is a gentleman – a graduate from the school of hard knocks but a gentle man — with a big heart.” Gerry Marsden says Charlie is quite simply: “A wonderful man and a singersongwriter who deserves his hard earned success.” But don’t mention such compliments to Charlie – he will change the subject quickly or go to the bar and offer some more liquid research. “I am blessed, yes, blessed,” he says. “I remember when I started out playing the Pacific Road pub in Birkenhead with a microphone sellotaped to a sweeping brush. “Then years later I am at the world famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville wondering about the journey that took me there. “The great thing is, the journey continues, there’s more stories to tell and songs to sing.” Carry On Cowboy – fancy one for the road? ● Catch Charlie Landsborough at Southport Theatre, on Sunday, March 14 at 7.30pm. For tickets call 0844 847 2380. Find out more about the man himself at www.charlielandsborough.com or you can buy a copy of Storyteller the official autobiography, published by Trinity Mirror, priced £8.99 — visit www.merseyshop.com

MARCH 10

A LOST WORLD

Stephen King

Paul Baker gets a clearer picture of the work of photographer Stephen King IT was on a chance visit to Lewis’s in Liverpool city centre that local photographer, 34-year-old Stephen King, first heard about the building’s fifth floor. As his new exhibition at the city’s National Conservation Centre shows, and as many Liverpudlians will remember vividly, the fifth floor in Lewis’s department store on Ranelagh Street was a glamorous place, hosting a hair salon, a cafeteria and a silver service restaurant. As times changed and demand for these services declined, so it was decided to close down the fifth floor - though, as Stephen found out - their wonders remained largely untouched since that day, waiting to be rediscovered. Once he entered the fifth floor, however, Stephen realised he’d stumbled upon something of a lost world; a museum piece of the city’s proud heritage. “Once I got in there,” says Stephen, “I thought, ‘where do I start?’ I realised there was so much more I could do with the fifth floor.” Realising he’d uncovered a genuine timecapsule, Stephen applied for a grant from the Arts Council of Great Britain to help fund a longer shoot. With an approach that is, in his own words: “documentary photography in a studio style,” Stephen’s work has quite literally shone new light upon a vital part of the city’s past. While the stark photographs of the faded and ghostly glamour of the fifth floor were striking and beautiful, Stephen felt that on their own they couldn’t tell the story of what went on there. “Everywhere I looked there were traces of the people who’ve worked there. I realised the best way to combat the problem of making sense of the space was to get these people back in there.” The problem of tracking down exemployees for the portraits which really help to bring to life the project was not as difficult as you might imagine, as Stephen explains: “The Lewis’s culture was like a family. So many of the current staff were

still in contact with ex-employees that it made it easier to get in touch with them.” Stephen grew up in Moreton in Wirral and started taking photographs when he was 10. After taking up skateboarding a year later he soon decided to marry these two early obsessions in his life. Having studied GCSE photography at his high school, Henry Meols (now Wallasey School), and at college, his career took off and he found himself photographing skateboarders in action all over the world.

This in turn led to Stephen starting his own skateboarding magazine. Called Document, it gave him free reign to do the features he wanted in a high-end ultrastylish art format. Along with commercial work for a variety of clients, Stephen is always on the lookout for local art photography projects closer to home, like Lewis’s Fifth Floor. In fact, the Lewis’s Fifth Floor project bore similarities to an earlier shoot of Stephen’s called Charlie’s House.

Stephen heard about a man known only as Charlie, who lived in now boarded-up housing in Anfield. Charlie had died and his house had been left in a similar timecapsule-like state when Stephen had the chance to photograph it. “Charlie hadn’t been upstairs since about the 1970s,” explains Stephen. “There were old newspapers just left there. Even Charlie’s stuff from when he came home from the army was left unpacked.” Stephen certainly has developed a fascination for images that show the past existing in the present. And as the finished results show, Stephen’s ability to seamlessly blend the city’s past with its present brings us more than just images of a bygone age. His vibrant colour photographs allow us to inhabit these spaces again, spaces in our minds that were increasingly just a fuzzy

memory or a warm feeling from our own past. Stephen’s images really succeed in bringing the past back to life – something the best photographs always manage to do. Relive those memories of Lewis’s Fifth Floor again by visiting the exhibition at the National Conservation Centre on Whitechapel, running until August 30. For more information about Stephen King’s work, visit his website: www.stephenkingphotography.co.uk

ONES TO WATCH recording facilities, with the aims of spreading the sound of those bands who can’t afford to spend thousands in the studio. Label boss, Sam Gill, says: “Think of us as a 21st century Alan Lomax, intrepid field recordists digging for the gems that otherwise would be lost.” Check out the sounds of this innovative new label via the website at www.high45s.blogspot.com

High 45s

Shane Beales

High 45s is an independent, internet-based record label, dedicated to shining a light on the latest sounds of the Liverpool underground. With an ever-increasing roster of local artists, High 45s, covers a wide-ranging sonic spectrum from acoustic blues to full-blown electronica with everything and (almost) anything inbetween. It also offers low cost, high quality, in-house production, design and

Having wowed both live audiences and the digital download crowd, Liverpoolbased Australian Shane Beales is preparing to launch his latest EP Heavy Clouds

at the Zanzibar, on March 19. The EP is already available via free digital download from www.heavy-clouds.com, but from March 19 you’ll be able to get your mitts on a highly collectable limited edition physical copy featuring a specially packaged and re-mastered copy of the EP, complete with original artwork from artist Katriona Beales and designer Jon Lockhart. Drawing on a range of diverse influences, the four tracks on Heavy Clouds give examples of the diversity in Beales’ arsenal, from grunge-infused rock to delicate piano ballads. www.shanebeales.com or www.heavy-clouds.com

Joel Bird Fresh from his exhibition at Calderstones Park, Liverpool-born artist and sculptor, Joel Bird is celebrating his ongoing success in America after receiving another coveted invitation, for the third year running, to exhibit his latest

collection in the renowned Tyme Gallery in Philadelphia. Art aficionados across America, from Philadelphia to New York have expressed their appreciation for the Liverpool artist and have commissioned his work for public and private sales. His earthy collection focuses on the harmony of the natural world through sympathetic and charming depiction of landscapes and peoples’ interaction with their environment. And Joel’s work resonates beyond America following a recent invite to exhibit at the hugely prestigious Florence Biennial, a true testament to the Liverpool artist’s unique and celebrated talent. www.JoelBird.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Country and Comedy

Hat’s off to Hobo Rick Michelle Rushton speaks to comedy king Ricky Tomlinson about his latest hoedown CTOR Ricky Tomlinson will be dusting off his cowboy hat for an evening of country music and comedy. The king of comedy will be compering the show which will be staged at the Liverpool Empire and combines his two lifelong passions. Catching up with the Royle Family star whilst he was filming his latest movie in Sunderland, Ricky admits he’s been hankering for a good old hoedown. He says: “Back in the 50s and 60s I was a pub and club entertainer playing the banjo and was in a band called Hobo Rick And The City Slickers. “We performed with some wonderful country artists, such as The Hillsiders, a Liverpool country band. I miss the country scene and wanted to get the old guys back.” Indeed, the Country & Comedy Show promises a great line up. Ricky reveals: “Topping the bill is country music singer and songwriter, Raymond Froggatt, who’s got a huge following. “We’ve also got comedian Mick Miller and Kevin Kennedy who played Curly Watts in Corrie, who plays and sings country.” Ricky’s friend and fellow ex-Brookside actor, Michael Starke, will be putting in an appearance, as well as comedienne and actress, Crissy Rock. “We’ve got some great young talent in the show too,” said Ricky. “We’ve got the likes of Katie Rhodes who won Country

Music Singer of the Year 2009 and Tim McKay who won it the year before and is off to Nashville this year. “Then there’s Gary Murphy from Birkenhead who’s incredible – he can play Duelling Banjos on his own. “It’s going to be a really good, entertaining night with loads of fantastic artists. I’m doing a bit of stand up and we’ve got dancers performing from the Dolphin Dance Studio, of which I am a patron – they’re brilliant!” The award-winning actor, whose best loved roles include grumpy couch potato, Jim Royle, as well as Mike Bassett: England Manager and trade unionist Bobby Grant in Brookside, confides that he’s looking forward to coming home. As well as filming the movie in Sunderland, Ricky’s been touring the length and breadth of the country with his laughter show. “I’m looking forward to performing at The Empire. Audiences are great wherever you go but I love coming home to Liverpool. “My inspiration comes from Ken Dodd, who has to be the greatest stand up comic. And the people of Liverpool are always friendly, I try and return the compliment by doing things for the city. But I can never repay the people of Liverpool – they've been so good to me.” Indeed, Ricky does a lot of charity work for Liverpool and the North West – recently sending his autobiographies to Cumbria to help raise money after the

Viva Espana THIS month we gannets at Best of Liverpool are getting excited at the prospect of sampling some Spanish fayre Lunya – Liverpool’s first Spanish Catalonian restaurant and deli – opens this month on College Lane in Liverpool One. The first restaurant of its kind outside of London, Lunya will offer dishes from North East Spain including tapas and daily a la carte specials. It will also boast a deli offering a selection of Spanish delicacies, including charcuterie, cheeseboard, rare wines and sherries. And in the summer, Lunya will have tables outside — and there will also be live music on the terrace. Takeaway breakfast and lunch are also available, making Lunya ideal for busy people looking for something quick, tasty and fresh to see them through the day. Until then, you can recreate one of the restaurant’s impressive dishes in the comfort of your own home as executive chef, Peter Kinsella, reveals the secret to the perfect seafood paella. For more information, visit www.lunya.co.uk, follow @Lunya on Twitter or search for Lunya on Facebook.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Paella de Mariscos – Seafood Paella Ingredients: ● 750ml fish stock ● 8 large prawns (tail on) ● 4 langoustines (shell on) ● 16 mussels ● 8 clams ● 1 large squid – cut into rings about 1/2 cm ● Small cuttle fish – cut into 1cm squares ● 60 ml of good extra virgin olive oil ● 300g Bomba rice (or Senia/Calasparro rice, if you cannot get Bomba rice) ● 3 large ripe tomatoes (grated on a cheese grater – throw the skin away) ● Garlic (crushed and finely chopped) ● Small mild onion (finely chopped) ● 50ml white wine ● 1 tsp of mild smoked paprika (Pimenton de la Vera) ● 20 strands of Saffron (soaked in 2 tsp of boiling water) ● 100g of fresh or frozen petit pois ● Lemon – cut into 8 wedges ● 1 tsp of chopped flat leaf parsley ● Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste ● Equipment needed - 35/40cm Paella pan – or large flat bottomed frying pan (big enough to serve 4 people)

floods. And one project close to his heart is the Human Milk Bank Appeal at the Countess of Chester hospital. He is adamant that if he could choose to live anywhere in the UK, it would always be Liverpool. “I couldn’t live anywhere else,” says Ricky, who lives in Aigburth. “I’ve got all my family here.” One of his favourite places to visit is St George’s Hall. He says: “As an ex-builder, I just love looking at the amazing ceiling, the cornices and mosaic floor.” And he loves to spend time with his grandson, Louis, aged five. “I idolise him,” says Ricky. “We’re saving up now for him to go to university.” Ricky is also writing a children’s book for Louis. “I love the English language,” he admits. “I did a recent radio interview

and they asked me which three books I would take on a desert island. I said a dictionary, thesaurus, and the bible, which has some wonderful stories.” A keen banjo player, Ricky is also hoping to get back on the road in concert. “I'd ask me mate Gerry (Gerry Marsden from Gerry and the Pacemakers), but he's too old,” he roars laughing. And we can look forward to seeing him in another Royle Family this Christmas, although he won’t be heading to the Pearl of Prestatyn for his summer holidays after the last episode. “I think they’ve got a contract on me!” he chuckles. ● The Country & Comedy Show takes place at the Liverpool Empire, on March 17 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £18.50. To book call the box office on 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk

WIN

Method: Make the fish stock: in a saucepan. Alternatively, buy one litre of fresh fish stock from your local fishmonger or supermarket. In your paella pan, add the olive oil, and heat until it gently smokes. Add the prawns and langoustine and fry for about 1 minute each side, turning them half way through. Take out of the pan and leave on a plate to cool. Reduce heat to medium, add the onion and garlic and fry for 5 minutes. Add the tomato and wine and fry for a further 5 minutes. Add the pimenton and saffron (with its water), 700ml of stock and salt and pepper to taste (do not over salt). Add the cuttle fish and squid, stir and bring to the boil. Add rice, give it one good stir and then LEAVE IT ALONE – do not stir it again; you are not making a risotto! Cook on a high heat for 10 minutes. Add the prawns, langoustines, mussels and cockles, arranging them on top of the rice in an even pattern – Paellas are not just about the taste, the look is very important too. Reduce the heat, cover with foil and cook for another 5-10 minutes. If the rice is

looking a little dry, put more stock in. When you hear the rice start to crackle, turn up the heat for 30 seconds and then turn off the heat. To produce the crust of rice in the bottom of the Paella which most people fight over – cover the pan with a tea towel for 5 minutes to let the Paella breathe, sprinkle with parsley, arrange the lemon wedges on top and serve.

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO AT LUNYA For a chance to win, email the answer to the following question to magazine@liverpool.com, stating Lunya in the subject box, including your name and daytime telephone number before March 15. Question: What is the name of the executive chef at Lunya?

Things to do, places to see

MARCH 10

It's all going on this March so Sarah Hooley gives us a selection of the highlights...

BY DAY

BY NIGHT CESAR MILLAN

Be inspired by the mysterious world of the ancient Greeks at the World Museum’s new permanent display – Ancient Greece. Ancient Greece features more than 150 exhibits from the World Museum’s remarkable collection and admission is free. Visit the World Museum, William Brown Street in the city centre - open from 10am to 5pm daily.

With celebrity fans including Nicolas Cage, Will Smith and Scarlett Johansson, it’s fair to say that Cesar Millan is somewhat of a TV sensation and on March 20 you’ll be able to catch his incredible talents first hand at the Echo Arena. Best known for his four time Emmy-nominated hit US TV programme, ‘The Dog Whisperer,’ the fascinating show is Cesar Millan’s first live tour in the UK and is sure to wow his dog loving audience Tickets are priced at £39.50, visit www.echoarena.com

MORECAMBE Straight from the West End, the critically acclaimed Morecambe by Tim Witnall celebrates the wonderful life of Eric Morecambe. Starring Bob Golding, this extraordinary one man show is a moving portrait of one of Britain’s best loved comics and promises to be a must-see for fans of classic comedy. The show is on at the Liverpool Playhouse from March 8 to 13, visit www.everymanplayhouse.com

ARTS AND CRAFTS

POP MY CORK If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a budding Oz Clarke, why not book your place on a one day wine tasting workshop at the Radisson Blu Hotel? Run by wine experts, Wine Unearthed, the course on March 13 includes a full day of tasting and learning about wines – not to mention a three course food and wine matching lunch – and is ideal for everyone from absolute beginners to wine enthusiasts. The course costs £75 and can be booked by calling 01477 537 072.

WIN

Picture by Dan Kenyon

IT’S ALL GREEK...

Unity Theatre welcomes you to come and lose yourself in The Forest on March 20. A place where things are not quite what they seem, The Forest is the first in a new series of dance projects aimed at children aged three to seven and promises to captivate the whole family. Full of adventure and bursting with life, the show is a Fevered Sleep/Fuel Production and has earned rave reviews across the country. Performances are at 11am and 2pm and tickets are available from Unity Theatre’s box office on 0151 709 4988.

Picture by Manual Vason

FOREST FUN

Head to Leaf Tea Shop & Bar on Parliament Street to discover a secret emporium of local handmade arts and crafts at the Make Sundays, March 14. Held the second Sunday of every month, it’s the ideal excuse to combine a lazy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea with a spot of shopping from some of the region’s best creative talent. Whilst there, make a note to pop back for the Leaf’s ever-popular Mini-Vintage Fair on Sunday, March 28. Both events are on from 11am to 5pm and entry is free.

LUCKY NUMBERS

TICKETS FOR PORRIDGE

ALL STAR WRESTLING

Prepare for laughs aplenty in the first ever professional stage adaptation of the hit BBC comedy, Porridge. A true comic treat, the fantastic play was penned by the original writers and stars all of your favourite Porridge characters, including Fletch, played by Shaun Williamson (BBC’s EastEnders). Porridge is on at the Liverpool Empire from March 22 to March 24, for tickets call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk The Liverpool Empire is kindly giving two Best of Liverpool readers a pair of tickets for Porridge’s opening night on March 22. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: What BBC soap opera has Shaun Williamson previously starred in? Email your name, daytime telephone number and answer to magazine@liverpool.com stating Porridge in the subject box. The closing date for entries is March 15. Shaun Williamson, starring in Porridge at the Liverpool Empire. Picture courtesy of Robert Workman

Those of us who are old enough to remember Saturday afternoon wrestling on ITV’s World of Sport can enjoy a trip down memory lane. Brian Dixon, the driving force behind Merseyside’s All Star Wrestling, has lined up an impressive series of over-the-top-rope rumble events at the Liverpool Empire featuring transatlantic invaders including the ever colourful Tatanka and the two ton ‘American Avalanche’ PN Neuz. The local line-up also includes ‘Bad News’ Brown, Mikey Whiplash and Robbie Dynamite. The event will take place on Friday, March 19 at 7.30pm. For more details visit the website at www.superslamwrestling.co.uk or call 0906 812 1884. Altogether now: “Easy! Easy!”

Continuing The Royal Court’s sterling reputation for top comedy, the award-winning Lucky Numbers, on from March 12 to April 10, is set to be another blinder. The rip-roaring comedy tells the tale of poor lottoplaying Nana, destined to lose her mind and live a life with her feckless family until one day her numbers come up and Nana decides she wants to see some big changes before she hands over that precious bit of pink paper. Tickets start from £10, visit www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk. The show is suitable for those over 16 years.

MUST DO MUST TRY... and spend some quality time with our lovely mums for Mother’s Day. The one time of year you can officially spoil your mum rotten, why not whisk her away to enjoy an afternoon of musical delights at the Palm House in Sefton Park? Holding a special concert at 2pm on March 14, sit back and relax as St Helen’s Concert Band and the Way Barbershop Group entertain. Entry is free, visit www.palmhouse.org.uk

MUST HAVE... a fabulous new hair cut at Origin Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa on Castle Street. An exciting new addition to the stylish salon, the brand new hair department opened just two days ago and boasts a team of professional stylists, blow dry experts and colour specialists. Plus, with a wonderfully tempting range of beauty treatments – including the brand new Priori Skin Peel - why not treat yourself to a relaxing treatment followed by a glamorous blow dry?. To book an appointment call 0151 236 6086 or visit www.originrejuvenationclinic.co.uk

MUST REMEMBER... to show our support for British troops at RED Fridays in Cafe Sports England and Cafe Sports Express. A new event on every friday, RED Fridays are all about telling our troops that we’re thinking of them and asks both staff and customers to wear something red in their honour. All diners from the armed forces receive a 20% discount on food and with a mouth-watering menu and devishly-delicious selection of cocktails, what better excuse do you need?! Visit www.cafesportsengland.com

MUST SEE.... Chris Cox’s awardwining, smash hit Edinburgh Festival Show at FACT Picturehouse, Wood Street, on March 17. One of the most unique acts in British entertainment, Chris blends an electric mix of contemporary mind-reading, psychology and body language, with magic, illusion and humour to create something truly special. And as Chris’ last UK tour for a while before he begins work on new projects for American TV, don’t miss your chance to see a star of the future. Tickets are available from

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19

St Patrick’s Day

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day Here's a handful of our favourite haunts in which to toast St Patrick's Day MOST of us claim to be Irish on St Patrick’s Day and even if we’re not, it’s best to make sure our fellow Irish neighbours are settled into our city by raising a glass and getting the celebrations underway. Whether it’s a pint of the famous blackstuff with friends in your local or you’re hitting town in style – with big green hats and ribbons – you won’t be short of a place to enjoy St Patrick’s Day in Liverpool. Here are just a handful of the traditional and Irish-themed bars around the city for you to check out.

A great place for your more traditional Irish drink, although that’s not to say, in true paddy-style, they can’t party with the best of them! With regular traditional live music and Sunday live Gaelic football/hurling matches being shown, there’s plenty to feed those Irish roots. That’s not forgetting the selection of pub food, including a delicious Irish stew! Visit 77 Seel Street, L1 4BB www.poguemahones.co.uk

Situated on what was once the site of a reallife 17th century slaughterhouse, it attracts many generations of drinkers with its mix of bands and comedy. During the day you can grab a bite to eat from 11.30am to 3pm, then the evenings can bring a different mix with plenty of entertainment being offered in the basement from live bands to comedy acts. Or you can just enjoy a drink in the bar upstairs. Visit 13-15 Fenwick Street, L2 7LS or www.laughterhousecomedy.com

Stew-pendous! WITH St Patrick’s Day on the horizon we thought it only right to ask local, executive chef, Leigh Harvey for his version of the family favourite, Irish stew. We know everyone has their own way, and your mum’s is usually best but Leigh from The James Monro on Tithebarn Street gave us a recipe with a twist which includes the famous black stuff. Leigh said: “This is a slow cooking dish which would have been cooked on the embers of a peat fire over night and eaten the next day. Today it's easy to forget how flavoursome slow cooking can be, so give this Irish stew a try over the weekend.”

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

O’NEILLS

Set in the heart of Liverpool’s night life on Mathew Street, it would be easy for Flanagan’s Apple to fall in with the rest of them but it has kept plenty of Irish tradition. Serving food during lunch time, this Irish pub has a real sense of character with a combination of great drinks, live bands and Irish music. Visit 18 Mathew Street, L2 6RE.

A popular and lively venue being placed on the corner of Wood Street there’s plenty of chance for a good old ‘jig’ here. As well as serving a great range of drinks, such as Irish themed cocktails, Caffrey’s, Smithwick’s, Magners and Guinness, you can also try a selection of Irish dishes from its Taste of Ireland menu, which includes Irish stew crock pot with Irish soda bread or Limerick ham and Irish cheddar quiche. Visit 68 Hanover Street, L1 4AG, call 0151 709 7360 or visit www.oneills.co.uk/oneillsliverpool

SHENANIGANS SLAUGHTER HOUSE

POGUE MAHONE

FLANAGAN'S APPLE

Ideally placed for those finishing work in the commercial district, it would almost seem rude not to pop in on St Patrick’s Day! Traditional inside Shenanigans is said to serve one of the best pints of Guinness, not to mention the Emerald-isle style cocktails and shots such as the Irish Flag, Baby Guinness and Irish Whip. There’s plenty to keep you busy through the week with an open-mic night, live music, live sports on the big screen and a live Irish band on a Sunday afternoon. Visit 77 Tithebarn Street, L2 2EN or www.shenanigansliverpool.co.uk

Irish Stew Preparation time: 10mins Cooking time: 2 hours INGREDIENTS: ● 1 can Guinness – half for the pot, half for the cook! ● 2 large onions, peeled and diced ● 1 and a half lbs neck of lamb (best end), cut into cutlets and trimmed (get your butcher to advise/do this) ● 1lb potatoes peeled and sliced ● 2 tbsp parsley (fresh and chopped) ● 1 tsp thyme (chopped and mixed in with parsley), ● Seasoning (salt and pepper) ● 1/2 to 3/4 pint vegetable stock (Swiss Bouillon is best)

METHOD: ● Preheat oven to 170C/325F or Gas Mark 3 In a casserole dish, layer the lamb, onions and potatoes. ● Between each layer, sprinkle a little of the herbs and seasoning. Finish with a layer of potatoes. ● Pour the stock into the dish and add the Guinness. ● In order to achieve the crispy potato topping, place a buttered greaseproof paper sheet on top of the casserole. ● Then place in oven and cook for around two to two and a half hours. ● This dish should serve four people and traditionally would be served with pickled red cabbage or buttered carrots. Torn crusty bread is a must!

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Mother’s Day venues

MARCH 10

Circo Restaurant at the Albert Dock

La Viña, by Martin Birchall

Delicious food from The James Monro

The Orchard

CIRCO Roll up, roll up for Circo's wonderful Mother's Day celebrations. Set amongst the glamour of the Albert Dock, Circo is offering a leisurely three course lunch for £17.95 per person, or dinner and dancing with live Motown music from Swing 4 U, for £40 per person. Dishes include classic prawn cocktail; a traditional roast lunch with honey glazed gammon and warm toffee apple crumble for dessert. Circo, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AD; 0151 709 0470; www.circoliverpool.com

LA VIÑA Passionate about authentic home-cooked Spanish cuisine, the warm and welcoming surroundings of La Viña are sure to win any mum over. Its fabulous combination of tempting tapas dishes, delicious paellas, friendly staff and selection of sparkling Spanish sherries, wines and cavas make it a great alternative for Mother's Day and it's easy to see why the bustling restaurant has an army of loyal diners. La Viña, 11-15 North John Street, Liverpool, L2 5QY; 0151 255 1401; www.lavina.co.uk

BLAKES RESTAURANT Situated within the exclusive Beatles-inspired Hard Days Night Hotel, Blakes Restaurant offers the perfect way to wow your mum this Mother's Day. The stylish restaurant has entries in both the Good Food Guide 2010 and Michelin Restaurant Guide and its delicious three course Mother's Day menu can be yours for just £24.95. Treat your taste buds to the beer battered haddock with rustic chips and mushy peas; spinach, red pepper and ricotta lasagne and baked raspberry cheesecake amongst many others. Blakes Restaurant, 41 North John Street, Liverpool, L2 6RR; 0151 243 2121; www.harddaysnighthotel.com

Mum's the word Sarah Hooley finds that Liverpool has all the ingredients to enjoy a marvellous Mother's Day. Here's our pick of the top 10 places to take your ma... PANORAMIC

THE ORCHARD

THE MARITIME DINING ROOMS

With spectacular views over the city, you can take your mum to new heights at Panoramic. The sophisticated 300ft-high restaurant enjoys 360 degree vistas from its prestigious position on the 34th floor of the West Tower and chef, Chris Marshall has expertly masterminded a special three course Mother's Day menu for £29.50 per person. Starters include pigeon cannelloni; with beef sirloin for main and banana cheesecake with salted popcorn ice cream for pudding. Panoramic, 34th Floor West Tower, Brook Street, Liverpool, L3 9PJ; 0151 236 5534; www.panoramicliverpool.com

For wholesome, high-quality comfort food in stylish surroundings it doesn't get much better than The Orchard. The popular restaurant has its own cider tavern and is proud to source all of its ingredients within a 55-mile radius. The wonderful Sunday lunch menu costs, £9.95 per person for two courses or £14.95 for three courses and features delicious starters including deep-fried brie with redcurrant sauce and roast lamb or traditional bubble and squeak with chestnut to follow. The Orchard, 57 Blundell Street, Liverpool, L1 0AJ; 0151 709 3060; www.theorchardliverpool.com

This Mother’s Day, The Maritime Dining Rooms is offering your mum the chance to be in the company of some of her biggest idols. Situated on the fourth floor of the Grade I listed Maritime Museum building at the Albert Dock, the superb restaurant will be serving a delicious three course Mothering Sunday menu set within a mini-exhibiton celebrating classic movie stars and their journeys on the seas. The menu costs £17.95 per person and includes smoked haddock fishcake; succulent roast chicken with bread sauce, and creamy egg custard with banana. The Maritime Dining Rooms, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AQ; 0151 478 4056; www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime

60 HOPE STREET Show your mum just how much she means to you at 60 Hope Street, in the form of a delectable Mothering Sunday lunch. A favourite with mums everywhere, 60 Hope Street has created a wonderful three course menu. Try the smoked salmon tart and poached egg, roast rump of spring lamb with potato gratin, green beans and minted hollandaise, followed by baked lemon tart with crème fraiche and a rich cup of coffee to finish. The Mothering Sunday lunch costs £28.50 per person and will be served between 12pm and 2.30pm. 60 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BZ; 0151 707 6060, www.60hopestreet.com

PABLO'S RESTAURANT AND BAR Enjoying an enviable location on bustling Lark Lane, Pablo's Restaurant and Bar has a marvellous Mother's Day menu this March 14. Lovingly created by chef, Darren Burke, the three course set menu costs £21.95 per person and features wild boar pate; pot roast loin of pork served with dauphinoise potatoes; and, brioche apricot bread and butter pudding for dessert. The restaurant also has live music throughout the afternoon and every mum will be treated to free chocolates. Pablo's Restaurant and Bar, 123-129 Lark Lane, Liverpool, L17 8UR; 0151 727 8329; www.pabloslarklane.co.uk

IONA RESTAURANT Treat your mum to a superb meal and enjoy the elegant, yet relaxed surroundings of Iona Restaurant. Set inside a beautiful Grade II listed building, Iona has all the contemporary glamour of a city restaurant and this Mother's Day it’s offering a delicious three course Sunday lunch for £19.95 per person (£9.95 for children). There's even a glass of bubbly for all mums and a face painter on hand to entertain little ones. Iona Restaurant, 211 Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 3DY; 0151 922 3370; www.ionarestaurants.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Blakes Mothers Day competition

WIN

Blakes Restaurant at the luxurious Hard Days Night Hotel is kindly offering one lucky Best of Liverpool reader the chance to win a sumptuous three course meal for four people from its special Mother's Day set menu, at 12pm on Sunday, March 14. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question: Which hotel is Blakes Restaurant located within? Email your answer to magazine@liverpool.com, stating Blakes Restaurant in the subject box — and don't forget to include your name and daytime telephone number. The closing date for entries is March 10.

THE JAMES MONRO The betting is, you’ve probably eaten your mum out of house and home during the years! But thankfully, The James Monro is offering a special three course Mother's Day set menu (£19.95 per person). A stylish yet elegant venue, the gastropub specialises in contemporary and heritage meals from around the world, and its mouthwatering Mother's Day menu includes dishes such as Welsh lamb shank and Pembrokeshire sausages with honey. The James Monro, 69 Tithebarn Street, Liverpool, L2 2EN; 0151 236 9700;

Mother’s Day

MARCH 10

Oriental Buffet Restaurant

BEST VALUE IN LIVERPOOL

Oriental Buffet & Korean Fondue Restaurant

Eat as much as you like . . . ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET

7 DAYS A WEEK 365 DAYS A YEAR Lunch Buffet

11.30am - 5.30pm

Grand Buffet

5.30pm - 11.30pm

£5.95

with over 60 Dishes Book now for Mothers Day

£6.95

Children’s Buffet

(Below 4.5 ft tall)

£3.99

UNLIMITED SOFT DRINK AVAILABLE During December 50p surcharge on Grand Buffet only

(no price increase)

77 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4EZ (2 mins walk from Chinatown)

The Devonshire House Hotel 293-297 Edge Lane, Liverpool, L7 9LD

CELEBRATE MOTHERS DAY

Treat your Mum to a delicious Three Course Carvery Meal Sunday 14th March 2010 from 1pm to 4pm £14.95 per adult Children under 12 £7.50 each and children under 2 go free (We do not provide high chairs)

Childrens Disco from 2pm til 5pm – Face Painter – Balloon Modeller

We also cater for:- Weddings – Birthdays – Christmas Parties – Conferences ALSO COMING SOON Billy & Wally’s Fish Supper Cabaret Night Friday 14th May 2010 @ £19.95 per person Tel: 0151 264 6600 – Fax: 0151 263 2109 Email: rachael.ely@devonshirehouse.co.uk Website: www.devonshirehouse.co.uk

0151 707 2929

ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET WITH OVER 70 DISHES We do not accept cheques. Children under 4.5ft eat for HALF PRICE OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR

TREAT YOUR FAMILY ON A SUNDAY FOR £21 (2 adults & 2 children under 4 yrs)

A free bottle of bubbly for all Hen & Stag parties TSO’s is ideally located on Queens Square, next to The Marriott Hotel

TSO’s Restaurant is The Best Choice For Christmas, Family Parties, Work Do’s, New Year Celebrations Or Even Just A Quick Bite Most Popular Chinese Oriental Buffet Restaurant in Liverpool

OUTSIDE CATERING AVAILABLE from £4.50pp

EAT AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE BUFFET, OVER 70 DISHES BOOK NOW FOR MOTHER’S DAY £7.50 ALL DAY Children under 4.5ft eat half price 10% OFF for Students & OAPs

4 Queens Square, Liverpool L1 1HF. T: 0151 709 2811

The Solna Hotel

Sefton Park 0151 734 3398

Mother’s Day Carvery Lunch

I N D I A N R E S TA U R A N T TA PA S A N D LO U NGE B A R

Sunday 14th March 2pm till £14.95 plus free gift for Mu5pm m!

Fresh Italian Minestrone Soup Starters served with Parmesan Crou tons & Warm Melon Fan smotheredwith Artisan Bread Mixed Berry Coulis & serv ed with fresh Chicken Parfait served with Strawberries Cumberland Sauce on a bed of Rocket & Mixed Leaves Mains Roast Honey Glazed Gammon finished with crushed Pine Chef’s Traditional Hand Carv apple Honey & Cranberry glazed ed Norfolk Turkey Crown served with Chipolatas, Glazed Roasted Onio ns & Che Mushroom, Brie, Rocket & stnut Stuffing Redcurrant Bake with a Cranberry & Brandy served in a Filo Pastry Sauce All served with fresh seasonal vegetables, new potatoes, roast potatoes and traditional gravy Desserts Dutch Apple Tart with Cha ntilly Cream Hot Chocolate Fudge Strawberry Shortcake BavaCake with Ice Cream rois with Chantilly Cream

EST. 1986

Bookings now being taken for Mother’s Day Open 7 Days, 5.00pm until 11.00pm Booking recommended, particularly on weekends

Private function room available for parties etc.

544/548 Aigburth Rd, Liverpool L19 Telephone: 0151 427 2273 www.gulshan-liverpool.com

Franco’s Ristorante Where Italians love to eat

Serving the best Italian cuisine for 25 years

SPECIAL EVENING MENU 3 Course

£17.95 per person IDEAL FOR SMALL WEDDINGS

includes half a bottle of House Wine per couple Tues-Sat all evening

Also available for Business Lunches • Birthdays • Parties • Celebrations • Office Functions. Mon-Fri 11.30am-3.00pm. Tuesday-Sat 5.30pm-11.00pm 48a Castle Street, Liverpool - Tel: 0151 236 3375 Fax: 0151 236 7260 www.baritalialiverpool.com

Call 0151 709 0470 www.circoliverpool.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 23

Mother’s Day special

Yummy mummies JUGGLING a successful acting career with a hectic home life is no easy feat, but for Suzanne Collins, being a mum is the greatest job she could ever wish for. Best known for her roles in Brookside and Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels, the 31-year old actress from Birkenhead is also mum to Mya, her beautiful five-yearold daughter. “Mya is my reason for getting up in the morning,” Suzanne says, grinning at the mere mention of her “gorgeous girlie girl.” She confides: “She really is my best friend and becoming a mum is probably both one of the hardest and best things that I've ever done.”

And the special bond between mother and daughter was something that became even more poignant after Suzanne's own mum passed away when Mya was just five-months-old. “I was really close to my mum, but it wasn't until I had Mya that I realised how much she loved me and that all she wanted was the best for me.” She adds with a laugh: “At the moment I'm still Mya's idol, and I'm dreading that changing as she gets older! “Like most mums I'm constantly battling with the guilt that I'm not doing enough, but I'm determined to set a good example for Mya and show her that women can work and be successful.” Indeed, Suzanne's glittering career is going from strength to strength. On top of launching Yummy Mummy Mondays at Alma de Cuba last year and being codirector of a drama workshop company called High Horizons, Suzanne is also in great demand in the world of acting. She says enthusiastically: “I've just started rehearsals for A Fistful of Collars which opens at the Royal Court Theatre in April, we're set to do another run of Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels and I've also just finished filming a pilot for a

SUMPTUOUS SPAS Why not treat your mum to a spot of well deserved 'me-time' with a pampering spa day

Chill Out Spa – Knowsley Hall

With the simple aim of pampering every woman to their heart’s content, the Little Day Spa is the perfect place for a day of indulgence. Relax in one of the beautiful treatment rooms, make the most of the Sex and the City-style nail bar and unwind in the massaging pedi-spas. Mums will love the Spa Teaser package which includes a facial, back neck and shoulder massage, manicure, pedicure, use of spa facilities, lunch and glass of wine for £68. Call 0151 928 1029 or visit www.littledayspaltd.co.uk

Body Conscious – Aigburth The stylish salon takes pride in offering the perfect place to relax and clients can escape into a pampering world of serenity and calm. There are also a fabulous range of special pamper packages, including the indulgent Mother and Daughter Delight Day which treats clients to a mini manicure, taster facial, luxury zen spa pedicure and lime and ginger body salt glow with refreshments for £60 each. 206 Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L17 9PE 0151 727 7400, or Visit www.bodyconsciousliverpool.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

died I learnt that life's for living and no matter how low you feel, that one hug from your baby makes everything worthwhile.” ● You can catch Suzanne Collins on stage in A Fistful of Collars at the Liverpool Royal Court Theatre, April 16 to May 15.

Here's some more inspirational mothers from Merseyside...

Picture by John Stillwell

Little Day Spa – Brighton-le-Sands

fantastic new comedy called That Band, which was produced by Phil McIntyre, one of the executive producers for Phoenix Nights.” So how does the supermum manage to do it all? “I just do the best I can,” Suzanne says modestly. “After my mum

Picture by Zak Hussein

One of the most exclusive spas in Merseyside, the Chill Out Spa enjoys a prestigious location within the stunning grounds of Knowsley Hall. Its luxurious surroundings strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and contemporary design — and together with a fabulous selection of pamper packages — the spa is famed for its sumptuous facilities including a wonderful lagoon spa, chill-out pods, chromatherapy whirlpool spa, Turkish steam showers and a nail and beauty salon. Call 0844 9670 599 or visit www.chilloutspa.co.uk

Picture by Gareth Jones

Sarah Hooley mulls over the joys of motherhood with star of stage and screen Suzanne Collins

Natasha Hamilton Already mum to son, Josh and Harry, pop princess, Natasha Hamilton, is expecting her third child this summer. The 27-year-old singer, who recently starred as Peter Pan at the Liverpool Empire, is due to release her first solo single later this year.

Coleen Rooney It was just four months ago that a beaming Coleen Rooney gave birth to her first son, Kai Wayne. Absolutely loving her new role and judging by the stunning photographs taken at the recent Hilton Rocks launch party, motherhood certainly seems to be suiting her.

Jennifer Ellison Glowing new-mum Jennifer Ellison recently gave birth to her first child, Bobby. The formerBrookside actress is already stepmum to husband Robbie Tickle's twin girls, Sophie and Chloe, and is said to be delighted at the arrival of her new son last month.

Mel C Yummy mummy and formerSpice Girl, Melanie C, became mum to baby Scarlet Starr last February and has since gone on to be nominated for a prestigious Olivier Award in recognition of her starring role as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers.

Cake stand, £15, and strawberry and vanilla chocolate cup cakes, £2.99 for four, both from Marks & Spencer

Gorgeous gifts Sarah Hooley checks out some of the best gifts guaranteed to get you in the good books this Mother's Day....

Mother's Day hatbox, £25.95, from LUSH Stylish Mother's Day floral makeup up bag, £20, from Clinique

'Love You Mum' gingerbread heart, £2.50, from John Lewis Red Herring ribbon detail chain bag, £22, from Debenhams

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25

Interiors

Goodnight sweetheart To mark National Bed Month, Sue Kelbrick puts on her PJs and goes off in search of the perfect night’s sleep WE spend a third of our life doing it but what is the single one thing that most people feel they aren’t getting enough of ? Believe it or not, it’s sleep! Sleep is vital for our health. Not only does it allow our bodies to rest and regenerate, it also ensures we wake up refreshed and ready to face the day. Creating a relaxing environment in the bedroom is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep. Peter Bradshaw is retail manager of The Bed Factory, which has been around for 25 years, and is committed to ensuring his customers get a good night’s sleep. So we asked him what is the key to a good night’s kip? “Getting a comfortable bed is paramount to ensuring a great night’s shut-eye," he reveals. “And after all, when we spend so much of our lives in bed, then it is worth taking our time to find the right one.” Peter recommends shopping around to make sure that you get the best bed for your budget. He explains: “A good bed retailer should offer a range of beds which have undergone rigorous testing and they should also be able to advise you on the most suitable bed for your needs.” It is worth spending as much as you can afford on a good bed. After all, it is an important investment. Especially when you consider that for every £100 you spend on a bed this represents just 2.7p a night over 10 years.

Peter has put together some top tips to help you find the perfect bed: ● You need to make sure the bed is neither too hard nor too soft so take a leaf out of Goldilocks’ book and try before you buy! ● A good way to check if the bed you are lying on is just right is to lie on your back and place your hand in the small of your back and then try to move it about. If your hand moves too easily, then the bed may be too hard for you. If it is a struggle to move your hand, then the bed is too soft. And if you can move your hand with just a little resistance, the bed should be just right for you. ● Try moving about in the bed adopting all the sleeping positions you tend to use to get an idea of comfort. Compare with other beds to build a picture of the most comfortable one for you. ● If you share a bed with a partner then make sure you take them with you when choosing your new bed. Remember that it is important that the new bed suits both of you. Photo courtesy of Harveys The Furniture Store

INGREDIENTS FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP: Get cosy with this gorgeous Roses towelling robe by Cath Kidston, £59.99 available from www.giftedpenguin.co.uk

Yankee Candles do a great range called Aromatherapy Spa, which is made from actual essential oils. Each fragrance is a unique blend designed specifically to create a different mood. Relax is made up of lavender, ylang-ylang and geranium, soothing and relaxing, this blend helps to aid a relaxing night’s sleep. Collection available from www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Create soft ambient lighting to help get you in the mood for a great night's sleep. This silhouette table lamp from Matalan £40, is stylish and contemporary and should give out just the right chilled out light.

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You can't beat a comfortable pillow for helping to promote a good night's sleep. Check out this Skyline Detail pillow from Colin and Justin for Matalan, £12.

Help to create just the right environment for sleep with the Relax Lavender Eye Pillow from Lily And Lime. This pure linen eye pillow is filled with relaxing sweet smelling lavender scent which helps to lull you into a more relaxed place and space. Available from Lily and Lime for £14.95, 0844 800 8867 or lilyandlime.co.uk

MARCH 10

SUE GETS SOME SHUT EYE

WHEN I was offered the opportunity to spend the night at the city’s latest boutique hotel, I jumped at the chance. As the mother of a young child, I know what sleep deprivation is all about and couldn’t wait for the prospect of a good night’s sleep! Promising a ‘luxurious and opulent’ experience I had high hopes of The Renshaw Hotel. And it didn’t disappoint. From the minute I walked through the doors into the stylish reception area, I was made to feel extremely welcome and the staff couldn’t do enough to help. I was taken up to my room and as I felt the sheer luxury of the thick carpet underfoot, I was dying to kick my shoes off and get comfy. The luxury didn’t end there. My room was really spacious and had everything I could possibly need including an impressively big plasma screen television, an iPod docking station and a state of the art DVD player.

Photo courtesy of Freemans

The decor of the room was cool and contemporary without being overpowering. The walls were a warm raspberry colour which were set off well by the metallic theme of the rest of the furniture. The best bit for me though, was slipping under the covers into a warm and comfortable bed. I can honestly say I had the best night’s sleep in a long time (though it’s always an advantage not to have a small child waking you up every few hours!). And even better was waking up the next morning and having a refreshing shower in the gorgeously decadent bathroom complete with top of the range complementary smellies! The hotel has just 16 rooms which means that there has been no compromise on either space or decor. It is independently owned which makes for an all-round more personal experience and the owners pride themselves on giving customers a memorable stay. To top off the experience, I enjoyed a delicious and hearty breakfast, served in the hotel’s trendy restaurant area, which was suitably generous and certainly set me up for the day. All I can say is that I can’t wait to make a return visit.

Keep warm with a stylish faux fur throw, like this one for £34.99 available from www.dunelm-mill.com. Telephone 08451 65 65 65.

You can’t beat some sumptuous bedding to get you in the mood for a great night’s sleep. Check out the Adriana Plum bed linen collection from the Star range by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams.

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Heading over to…

MARCH 10

HIDDEN GEMS

BEXLEYS BUTCHERS If it’s good enough for the stars then it must be worth a visit! Having won a number of awards including UK butcher shop of the year 2008, Bexleys Butchers also supplied the European MTV awards at the Echo Arena. With over 40 years’ combined experience, staff at Bexleys Butchers provide fresh and home-cooked meats, including Orkney Island Gold meats, preserves, fresh fruit and veg plus a breakfast and lunch menu. Visit 561 Prescot Road, Old Swan, L13 5UX, 0151 259 4380, www.bexleys.co.uk

Swanning around Emma Thompson discovers the independent shopping gems of Old Swan and Tuebrook

CENTRE ATTRACTION Specialising in wedding, celebration, novelty and all types of corporate cakes, Centre Attraction will strive to create the perfect cake for your occasion. It also sells everything you need to bake your own including cake toppers, ribbons, stands, cutters and moulds, sugar paste and cake boxes. Open 9.30am to 5pm Monday - Friday, 1pm close on Wednesday and 4.45pm close on Saturday. Visit 436 Prescot Road, Old Swan, L13 3DA, 0151 228 9424, www.centreattraction.co.uk

LISTER DRIVE FISHERIES A family-run business for 14 years, Lister Drive Fisheries stocks over 2,000 tropical fish and a wide variety of pets, giving you one of the largest selections in Liverpool. The building used to be an old swimming baths and now sells fish, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and accessories such as cages, kennels, carriers, food and the shop also specialises in pets and supplies. Visit 5 Lister Drive, L13 7HH, 0151 220 4864, www.listerfisheries.co.uk

CHURCHILL’S FOOD EMPORIUM Serving a fine selection of quality products for nearly 10 years, Churchill’s has a range of counters. There’s the butchery with its fine cuts of meat, to the delicatessen featuring cooked meats, plus many cheeses, and a bakery stocked with freshly-made pastries, as well as a delicious fresh cream counter. Visit 611 West Derby Road, Tuebrook, L13 8AG or 0151 254 2227.

THEY may not have the acclaimed night life of Lark Lane or the stylish boutiques of Crosby but Old Swan and Tuebrook have everything a local community needs. This ranges from well established snooker halls and dance schools to the green spaces of Newsham Park and, of course, the fabulous selection of beauty salons sitting alongside the independent and high street shops. Like many areas of Liverpool they both comprise residential streets and old buildings that have been converted to create ideal shopping venues, such as the award-winning Churchill’s Food Emporium in Tuebrook which is a Grade II listed building. Also in Old Swan, the old Curzon cinema which was built in 1936 has been transformed into a selection of shops set in the cinema’s old shell which closed in the 1960s. Just a short distance from Old Swan and alongside Tuebrook, Newsham Park offers a break from the hustle and bustle creating a great 120 acre open park space for locals to enjoy. Based on designs by Edward Kemp, this was the first of three new parks developed to ring Victorian Liverpool. Newsham Park is surrounded by fine period architecture including the Grade II listed Seaman’s Orphanage and Newsham House, this is where Queen

Victoria stayed in 1886. Now the park contains two large lakes, one dedicated to model boats, as well as a children’s play area so it’s a welcome retreat amidst the rows of houses and traffic in the area. Tuebrook’s array of shops mainly sit along one side of West Derby Road where there is everything from carpets to furniture, beauty salons to butchers and plenty in-between! The impressive St John the Baptist Church set on the opposite side of the road was built between 1868 and 1870. One interesting suggestion of the origin of the area’s name is Tew Brook – a tributary of the Alt – although the brook itself is now almost entirely piped or culverted. Heading over to Old Swan, Prescot Road is the main ‘artery’ running through the area with St Oswald’s Street and Derby Lane spreading out from the crossroad. Alongside the wellestablished, family-run businesses there is a selection of high street shops and supermarkets giving locals ample choice. Like many outer-city areas, there is a vast choice of shops, many independently owned, where you can get an expert service, including everything from quality beds, home furniture and accessories to clothing stores and designers, plus food counters to keep

those hungry tummies satisfied. There is also a number of great dance studios including Martin’s Dance Centre on Derby Lane which teaches everything from ballroom and tango to street dance and salsa. Or try the Dynamix Centre on Prescot Road offering a mix of health and fitness with a dance studio and gym. Nestled amongst a residential estate in Old Swan is Doric Park - a popular local park which has a playground and multiuse games area for children. In an aim to create a top quality facility for young people, work is currently underway on a new £750,000 youth centre on Montague Road in Old Swan. With young people working closely with architects, it forms part of a wider refurbishment of the alternative education centre and will include a bistro, sports facilities and a dance and drama space. So, make the most of your area and you’ll discover local stores have plenty to offer in Old Swan and Tuebrook.

HOW TO GET THERE: Travelling by bus — take the number 12 or 13 to Tuebrook; or 8 or 9 to Old Swan. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or log on to Merseytravel.gov.uk for details.

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For travel information call 0871 200 2233 or visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

West Derby Road

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For evening fun jump off the 12 or 13 at the start of West Derby Road for the Liverpool Olympia. An elaborate venue providing entertainment for over 70 years, a smashing line-up is planned with the Olympian MMA Championships on Saturday then a Cage Fight Club on March 20 and EBF Boxing on March 27. Call 0151 263 6633, visit www.liverpoololympia.com

Travel on the 12 or 13 to the top of West Derby Road to arrive at Balance Health Centre, which treats a wide spectrum of health-related issues. Treatments are carried out by fully qualified therapists, and include aromatherapy, deep lymphatic massage, allergy testing, chiropody, osteopathy, colonic hydrotherapy (irrigation), acupuncture and sports injuries. Call 0151 263 6442, visit www.balancehealthcentre.co.uk

Hop off the number 8 or 9 bus on Prescot Road and walk to 29 Derby Lane to discover the George Scott Snooker Club. Founded in 1983, it boasts 22 full snooker tables, nine American pool tables, a licensed bar, darts and TV screens. Memberships are now available, £30 per year, or a day membership for £6. Call 0151 228 5864, visit www.snookerhallliverpool.info

Best of Old Swan and Tuebrook

MARCH 10

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Queensway Tunnel FASCINATING FACTS

Going Underground Michelle Rushton takes part in the Queensway Mersey Tunnel Tour

● It took 1,700 men nine years to build the Queensway Tunnel, during which time 17 men were killed. ● Over 1,200,000 tons of rock, gravel and clay were excavated during the build. Material left over was used to build Otterspool Promenade. ● The tunnel is two miles long and contains a single carriageway of four lanes, two in each direction. ● The Queensway Tunnel remained open day and night through the devastating bomb raids of 1941. ● Buses were not allowed to travel through the tunnel until the 1970s. ● The entrance to the Kingsway Tunnel was used in the video game Grand Theft Auto III . ● In September 2009, scenes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows were filmed in the tunnel. ● 35,000 vehicles go through the tunnel per day. ● Queensway is the safest tunnel in Europe for its age and in the event of an emergency. ● Over 300 staff work on the Mersey Tunnels.

T’s dark, dirty and draughty in places, but what an adventure! I’m describing my recent experience delving deep under the River Mersey during a behind the scenes tour of the engineering masterpiece that is Queensway Tunnel. Interested to know how it all operates, I met tour guides Alison and Helen at the George’s Dock Building, along with a coach party of retired professionals from Southport. Donning fetching hard hats and highvis vests, we were shown into the visitor room where our tour guides showed us a fascinating film on how the tunnel was built. Royal assent was granted for the first Mersey Road Tunnel to ease traffic on the Mersey ferries and work started in 1925 to a design by consulting engineer Sir Basil Mott. It cost £8,000,000 to build and was opened in 1934 by King George V and Queen Mary, after whom the tunnel is named, in front of crowds of 200,000 people. One of its main features is an excellent ventilation system which was imperative as, without it, during times of heavy traffic, people could be poisoned by carbon monoxide fumes, and so six ventilation stations were built, powered by giant fans 28 feet in diameter. After genning up on the tunnels’ history, we set off to find out how it all works, stopping first at the Tunnel Control Room where we were introduced to control room engineer, Billy McCoy. Resembling something from the Starship Enterprise, the room is full of knobs, switches and dials which once controlled everything in the tunnel from the lights and power, to the ventilation. This equipment is now 75-years-old and was very recently replaced with a more modern computerised system.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Billy explained how the Control Room is manned for 24 hours, 365 days a year and how traffic flow and air quality are closely monitored at all times. “We have 80 cameras so we can keep an eye on the traffic, which can get busy, especially on a match night,” he said. “In the event of a car breakdown or crash, we can see what’s happening and adjust the ventilation at that point so there’s more fresh air in that area.” Bidding farewell to Billy, we climbed down lots of steps to the exhaust chamber where we peered down a 120 foot snake pit shaft. We then heard a loud creaking noise as a huge 75-year-old fan whirred into action, causing a real draught. Hanging on to our hard hats, we then climbed down below ground level to the Fresh Air Chamber, where Alison explained how fresh air is blasted in at the bottom of the tunnel, allowing the

dirty air to rise and escape through vents at the top. Showing us into the Mid River Fan room, Helen explained the excellent back-up systems in the tunnel. Built in the 60s, the room houses two huge fans – if one is faulty, the other one will automatically take over. We then climbed down further to road deck level where you could hear the roar of the traffic – motorists obviously anxious to get to the Derby match! We ventured out onto the road surface, watching the cars whiz past. Then it was down even more steps to the very bottom of the tunnel, below the car decks. Originally, there were plans to build a tram deck down here. However, the ferry companies objected that it would take away their passengers and so the plans were scrapped. Helen and Alison then showed us one of the recently installed seven

Emergency Escape Refuges below the road deck. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or explosion, motorists can escape to these refuges via a walkway and wait in safety. The refuges can hold 130 people each and have supplies of bottled water, a toilet, blankets and a video link to the Mersey Tunnels Police control room. While we were deep underground, Helen and Alison entertained us with stories of tunnel ghosts, such as ‘Gilly’ — the original tunnel caretaker who has been spotted by Billy in the control room still keeping a watchful eye on the tunnels, and the headless lady motorcyclist. There’s also ‘Leaky’ who likes to remind Helen and Alison that the tunnel “is no place for women” while they are conducting their tours! One of the tour party asks the guides about the toll fees. Helen explained: “When the tunnels first opened, each passenger in a vehicle had to pay one shilling each, the equivalent of £2.70 today. We’ve had elderly people on the tour who remember hiding under blankets to avoid having to pay!” As the tour nears the end, it’s time to face the prospect of climbing back up all those stairs. There is a lift, but I felt too embarrassed to use it seeing as the Southport pensioners are shinning up the stairs two at a time like sprightly gazelles. As I caught my breath back at the top, I paused and took time to reflect on my experience. Although I had horrendous ‘hard hat hair,’ and it was a little chilly at times, I found the two and a half hours just flew by and the information was interesting and easy to digest — a real eye-opener. ● Tours cost £5. For more information call 0151 236 8602 or visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk

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