FASHION
PLACES
FACES
FOOD
BEAUTY
HOMES
TRAVEL
Supplement
OF LIVERPOOL MAY ISSUE 2010
THE FAB FOUR Liverpool gets ‘Carried’ away with Sex And The City 2
GREAT OUTDOORS Spruce up your outdoor space
SHALL I BE MOTHER?
Skater K C A B E
We enjoy a spot of afternoon tea at some of Liverpool’s finest tearooms
SWEET LIKE CANDY
E R A Z BOY IN T OWN to Otterspool The Hub Festival comes home
LIVERPOOL COMEDY FESTIVAL // STYLE MAKE-OVER // SALON SPOTLIGHT // CYCLING NEWS // HEALTHY EATING
Pastel shades that are good enough to eat
WIN
WR FOR IST BA ND LI SOU VERPO S ND CIT OL Y
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
Contents
MAY 10
BEST
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26
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OF LIVERPOOL
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MAY 2010 NEWS 04 TALK OF TOWN News, gossip and events
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 06 SHOPPING FOR HER Pretty in pink
08 STYLE CLINIC Michelle gets a make-over
09 HEALTH & BEAUTY Hands on therapy
10 SHOPPING FOR HIM Boarder cool
12 FITNESS Cycling for charity
HOMES & GARDENS 14 SUMMER GARDENS Spruce up your outdoor space
ENTERTAINMENT 16 THE BIG INTERVIEW The legendary Ian McNabb and building expert Craig Phillips
19 BY DAY, BY NIGHT Your May ‘to do’ list
20 COMEDY SPECIAL Liverpool Comedy Festival news
FOOD AND DRINK 22 CHILDREN’S CHOICES Junk-free food for kids
Editor’s Letter WE like a good laugh here at Best of Liverpool so we're looking forward to giving our chuckle muscles a good work out this month courtesy of the Liverpool Comedy Festival. The city has pulled out all the stops to showcase some of the funniest names in comedy, including our very own John Bishop. Read all about it in our comedy special. In fact, May promises to be a very merry month with a fabulous line-up of events from the Sound City Music Festival — a feast of musical talent for every persuasion — plus there's the Picasso exhibition to look forward to and much more. We give you a taste of what's to come, as well as our regular features. On the fashion pages, we come over all girlie in pastel shades, meanwhile the blokes can embrace their inner skater boys in time for the Hub Festival at Otterspool Prom.
I pick up some style tips from fashion guru Sarah Bevan-Fischer who gives me a full make-over, while Sue gets her mitts on a luxury manicure in our salon spotlight. As the weather hots up, Emma brings us some cool tips on how to brighten up your outdoor space meanwhile Katie gets her doilies out and celebrates that great British pastime of taking afternoon tea. Paul talks rock and roll with Ian McNabb, meanwhile, Pam samples some good old Geordie hospitality during her trip to Newcastle. And with the new Sex And The City 2 movie due to hit the screens this month, Liverpool's hippest venues are getting in on the act of welcoming a female fab four to the city, while we get to satisfy our thirst for mojitos and Manolos New York style! Enjoy!
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Michelle
23 HEALTHY EATING Dining out the slimmer way
24 AFTERNOON TEA A great British tradition
26 SEX AND THE CITY
LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray
The Fab Four are back in town
MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton
OUT AND ABOUT
SALES MANAGER Frank Notton
28 HEADING OVER TO The wonderful Wirral
30 TRAVEL Tyne and cheer
FRONT COVER SHOT Colin Lane DESIGNER Colin Harrison COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR Sally Jones
WRITERS Paul Baker, Pam Bloom, Sarah Hooley, Sue Kelbrick, Katie McLoughlin, Emma Thompson PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers
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.
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03
Talk of town ONE NIGHT ONLY SOUL STAR ANDY SWEEPS IN STAR of the X Factor Andy Abraham is making his debut at Liverpool’s leading bar-restaurant Blundell Street on Thursday, May 27. Chosen by the British public to represent the UK for Eurovision 2008, his journey has been the stuff of dreams and has seen him rise from ordinary guy to one of the UK’s premier soul stars in the last five years. Andy said: “I’m hugely looking forward to going to Liverpool and playing in front of a packed house, it’s a great place for music and I’m sure we’ll have a great night.” For more information visit www.blundellstreetliverpool.com
Fiestas, fun and fashion Katie McLoughlin and Michelle Rushton divulge all the gossip... HAVING A BLAST CREATIVE young people aged 13 -19 will soon be able to unleash their imagination in a series of free workshops in Liverpool, run by BBC Blast. Blast - the BBC’s youth creativity service - will build a mobile creative village, complete with digital workshop spaces and separate performance area, at The Hub Festival in Otterspool Park on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30. During the workshops, creative youngsters will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment and produce their own work with advice and support from industry professionals, including BBC production staff. Some of the workshops on offer may include things like DJing; hip hop writing and production; film and video making; VJing; radio reporting; dance, drama and spoken word; animation and gaming to name just a few. All workshops and showcases are free, for more details and to sign up visit www.bbc.co.uk/blast/events or email blast-liverpool@bbc.co.uk
CREAM OF THE CROP THE team behind dance festival Creamfields is celebrating having scooped the award for ‘Festival of the Year’ at the prestigious industry Music Week Awards, held in the Hilton Hotel, London. Creamfields beat off stiff competition from heavyweights like Glastonbury, V Festival, Bestival and Global Gathering. Cream CEO, James Barton, was thrilled to pick up the accolade, saying: “It highlights how far we’ve come over the last 12 years and makes all the hard work worthwhile.” This is the second award for Creamfields in recent months, having won Best Dance Festival at the UK Festival Awards in November. Creamfields returns to Daresbury for the August Bank Holiday weekend and will see performances from the likes of Tiësto, David Guetta, Leftfield, Richie Hawtin Presents Plastikman, Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Swedish House Mafia, Eric Prydz, Sven Väth and
ALEXANDRA BURKE AINTREE Racecourse has confirmed that X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke, will headline Ladies’ Night on Friday, May 14 Alexandra - whose last single, Bad Boys featuring Flo Rida, went platinum - is expected to perform a 30 minute set after racing, including exclusive tracks from her new album. You can buy tickets in person at the racecourse, online at www.aintree.co.uk or by calling 0844 579 3001.
WHEEL’S SUCCESS ROLLS ON LORD Mayor Mike Storey was amongst the guests at the official VIP launch of the new Echo Wheel of Liverpool on March 25. The new wheel, which is expected to bring thousands of extra visitors to the city centre, offers riders spectacular views of the city, the River Mersey, the Welsh mountains and World Heritage Site. Lord Mayor Mike Storey cut a ribbon to officially open the attraction during the exclusive event, which also featured a dazzling fireworks display.
LIGHT NIGHT, LIVERPOOL
LAUNCH OF CLAS OHLSON IN CLAYTON SQUARE
FOR one very special night this May, Liverpool’s galleries and museums are to throw open their doors for a unique, ‘after hours’ celebration of the arts. Light Night, to be held on 14 May, marks Liverpool’s springtime celebration of culture and over 50 venues and organisations including the city’s world class museums and gallery spaces will give the opportunity to visit established venues and undiscovered spaces around the city in a relaxed family friendly atmosphere. Visit www.culture.org.uk for more details.
OVER 500 people queued up for the opening of the new Clas Ohlson store In Clayton Square Shopping Centre last week. Wayne Lacy from Netherton and friends queued outside the store from 12midnight the night before! They busked to raise enough money to buy the DVD player that was on offer for £19.99 RRP £79.99. What Wayne didn’t know was that his reward for being the first customer through the doors would be a £100 voucher for the store. The lads brought their own deckchairs to sit on and guitar to play, meanwhile Clas Ohlson staff gave them a flask of coffee and some Swedish ginger biscuits to keep spirits up! Wayne said: “I’ll probably buy one of those flasks they gave us with the coffee – it was pretty useful at five o clock this morning!”
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
LOLA LOVES’ LOLA LOVES’ new spring/summer collection which is gorgeously girlie. With ruffles, frills and polka dots, designer Debbie Bogg has created a feminine look which echoes the early designs of Moschino and the 40s pin-up girl. Debbie’s chic boutique in Cavern Walks is also favoured by celebrities such as Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah from the Sugababes.
BLAKES BLAKES new menu which has certainly put a spring into our tastebuds. The restaurant, within the Hard Day’s Night Hotel will be brightening diners’ days with the launch of its ‘Here Comes the Sun’ menu featuring an array of springtime seasonal delights. Its Beer Battered Haddock, Rustic Chips, Mushy Peas and Tartare Sauce reminds us of a trip to the seaside, whilst the tempting desserts include Exotic Fruit Salad with Mango and Ginger Sorbet.
PASTEL SHADES THESE cheeky little RayBan sunnies in pastel shades from Blankstone Opticians, £145. The Wayfarers certainly brighten up our day whilst helping to protect our peepers at the same time - a real ray of sunshine!
MAY 10 FROM PARIS WITH OH MY LOVE!
LENNY’S SWINGS INTO TOWN OVER 100 guests from around the city headed to Sir Thomas Street for the grand launch of 1920s themed Lenny’s Bar and Smoke Grill. Hollyoaks’ stars Jessica Fox and Elliot Langridge were spotted in the crowds sipping on cocktails from the authentic New York cocktail menu and enjoying delicious taster canapes while Burlesque dancers provided the night’s entertainment. Inspired by legendary bars such as Bourbon and Branch in Chicago, Lenny’s offers a true flavour of the glamour, romance and secrecy of the 1920s prohibition era.
DESIGNER BOUTIQUE
MIXING IT UP
CITY GOLFER DEFENDS TITLE A CUT ABOVE Sam Tune recently proved she is at the cutting edge of hair fashion when she came first in Herbert of Liverpool’s recent competition to find the best stylist. Beating over 40 entries, The 17-year-old from Huyton, who works at Thatchers hair salon, impressed with the asymmetrical hair cut winning £100, an iPod and she was treated to a new pair of scissors by her boss at Thatchers.
NEW LIFE FOR FORMER FUNERAL PARLOUR A FORMER funeral parlour on Grange Road, West Kirby has been transformed into a stylish bar by local entrepreneurs, Tim Bacon and David Hinds, who bought the premises last year. Recently opened, the Red Door neighbourhood bar and restaurant is an eclectic hybrid of a traditional pub and cool classic New York loft style. The venue will serve an extensive range of wines, cocktails and food made for sharing like small plates served tapas-style alongside top quality burgers and sandwiches.
BOYS STUFF
A LIVERPOOL Blue Coat School pupil is due to defend her title at a major tournament showcasing some of the world’s best junior talent this summer. One of the UK’s emerging golfing stars, 12-year-old Eloise Healey from Liverpool will join hundreds of young golfers from around the globe at the prestigious US Kids Golf European Championship, which is returning to East Lothian this summer. A member of Lee Park golf club, Eloise is one of the rising stars of the game and is a twotime winner of the European Championship playing off a handicap of eight. Eloise said: “Hopefully I’ll be able to give it my best shot and see if I can retain the title this year.”
MODELS Katie Downes and Chantelle Tagoe (Emile Heskey's fiancée) were amongst the guests at the launch of Liverpool’s newest wine and cocktail bar, Blush, on April 1. Guests were treated to lush strawberry bellinis from the bar’s eclectic wine and cocktail menu. Entertainment was also high on the agenda, with music provided by the Blush’s resident pianist plus local songstress, Eva Petersen. Part-owner, Simon Ross, even did an impromptu performance! With its opulent décor and sumptuous surroundings, the glam venue, which is in Beetham Plaza on The Strand, is already becoming a firm favourite amongst the sophisticated set, VIPs and celebrities. So head on over and see for yourself – and if you fancy it - get up for a tinkle on the ivories!
A NEW store ladies’ fashion store has opened its doors in Cavern Walks - taking the designer shopping centre on Mathew Street to full capacity, with all units in the centre now let by retailers. The new store, Oh My Love!, is owned by French fashion designer, Anne Lombard, who chose to base her store in Liverpool because she loves how Scouse girls have fun with clothes and aren’t afraid to be adventurous with fashion. The new store’s spring/summer collection - which was all designed by Anne includes beautiful floral prints, candy coloured shades and maxidresses.
CARRIE and the SATC girls are famed for their fashion-forward frocks, but the men are also pretty darn stylish too. So men, if you want to look as dapper as Mr Big or follow Steve’s relaxed style, get yourself down to the Designer Boutique in Aintree. After two years in business, the Stopgate Lane store has been relaunched following a revamp. Owner, Martin Webster, has revitalised the store’s interior and refreshed the brands. He says: “We’re going after the big designers but we want to keep the new brands in the shop too otherwise we’ll just be like most high street stores. We can also offer a more personal service than high street chains, if lads come in and aren’t sure what they’re after we can try and find them an outfit that suits them.” Currently the Designer Boutique stocks clothing from the likes of True Religion, Full Circle, Cruyff Trainers and Nicholas DeaEkins, with the revamped shop Martin aims to introduce Paul Smith and Ralph Lauren.
DESIGNS ON LIFE AFTER meeting at last year’s Liverpool Design Festival ‘Eco-show’ in the Metropolitan Cathedral Crypt, five designers from Liverpool and Manchester have joined forces to fight back against the recession. The group of like-minded designers plan to show examples of their work to retails buyers at Pulse in Earl’s Court, London this month. Director of REthinkthings, Ilsa Parry, says: “It seemed like a natural solution to have a larger presence at the trade show by collaborating with like-minded designers. I think its important to attempt to really make a statement on the London scene about the creativity and quality that designers up north have to offer.” Ilsa Parry will exhibit new
ACTRESS RUNS FOR ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY LIVERPOOL-BASED Emmerdale actress Samantha Giles is taking part in the Bupa Great Manchester Run on 16 May and asking people across the North West to join her in raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society. Samantha, who returns to our screens this summer as Valerie Holden in Hollyoaks, said: “It is heart-breaking to see you someone you love with this terrible disease. “Resources are needed to help people live well with dementia today and to fund research to find a cure tomorrow. Raising just £20 could support a researcher for a day with the equipment and chemicals needed to develop better treatments for dementia.”
SONG FOR ENGLAND
products from her REthinkthings collection along with other new and exciting items designed by Michael Cloke, Tom Sutton, Jason Taylor and Matt Moore.
SING For England – the England World Cup football anthem featuring 16 actors from Channel 4 television drama Hollyoaks is ready to launch a pop video on the digital platform. Websites and social networking platforms will be able to show the first 30secs of the video which is tipped to become a huge hit with England football supporters. Hollyoaks actor John Pickard who plays Dominic Reilly, says: “I’ve always supported and actively played football, it’s a great way to keep fit. “Like many others across England I’ll be watching all the England World Cup games with my heart on my sleeve. I hope the Hollyoaks fans like our video and of course the England football supporters like it too.” Swee Music will release two digital download singles; the Stadium Mix and the Karaoke Mix on Sunday, May 23 on all leading digital download sites 100% of the profits are being donated to the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal which raises money for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. For further information visit www.singforengland.com
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05
Shopping for her
Pretty in pink Sue Kelbrick comes over all girlie with the latest styles in pastel fashion BLACK is so last season darling. It’s all about pastel hues for spring 2010 with soft pinks, powder blues, delicate peaches, feminine creams and gentle greens, gracing the high street at every turn. If you find the thought of dressing from head to foot in pastels a little too much then why not just dip your toe in the water by accessorising with a few key pieces? Or mix and match the look by teaming a floaty dress with a leather biker jacket, as seen on runways everywhere. That’s the beauty of this season’s key trend you can wholeheartedly embrace it or simply add a few subtle touches of pastel to your look - it’s your call.
Dusky pink chunky bangle, £4 from Internacionale
Baby blue pleated mac, £60 from Miss Selfridge
Pink gingham dress, £20 from New Look
Pink biker jacket, £130 from River Island
Dress, £100 from Asos.
Soft pink handbag, £30 from agiftfromthegods.com
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
MAY 10
Pastel panache Cream dress, £30 from Dorothy Perkins
For something a little more subtle, try some pastel accessories:
Mint green cardigan, £45 from Monsoon
Blue teardrop earring £7 from Accessorize Denim polka dot dress, £25 from Boohoo
Oversized pastel rings, £16 from Top Shop
Grecian-style dress, £60 from Oli
Cassandra platform shoe, £32 from Very.co.uk Cream fril bib blouse £32 from Dorothy Perkins Yellow sun Dress, £14 fromTu at Sainburys
Patent peach bag, £26 from Very.co.uk
Blue belle sunglasses, £15 from Accessorize
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 07
Style clinic
My big moment Michelle Rushton is transformed from mumsy to magnificent
HILST interviewing style guru Sarah Bevan-Fischer recently about her new fashion website, I confided how I seem to be stuck in a post-baby style rut. Since piling on the pounds during pregnancy, and juggling a full-time job and a very inquisitive toddler, I am guilty of just throwing on my old maternity smocks to disguise my new curvier shape! Sarah suggested I check out her fashion tips on her Real Style website which provides style advice for women of all shapes and sizes before breaking the fabulous news that she wanted to give me a full 'style over!' First, she asked me to log onto her website and fill out a questionnaire to determine my style preference. After years in retail, Sarah has devised a style profiling tool which puts women into different categories from girlie to rock chick and has created different lookbooks for the different styles. Sarah explained: "My aim is to make women feel confident and to influence the retailers to be more inclusive of different shapes and sizes." My style was 'girlie,' so Sarah set about putting together a number of outfits that would suit my shape, colouring and personality. She said: "Girlies like feminine styles, love colours and patterns, florals and matching shoes and handbags." She took me down to Bravissimo on Bold Street for a proper bra fitting. The manager Kat explained how the right bra can really accentuate and flatter your shape. Armed with my new lingerie, Sarah and I headed off to the Metquarter which had kindly provided us with a changing room where I could try on all the clothes and accessories Sarah had picked out for me from Phase Eight and Hobbs. With most of my clothes in
W Sarah explains how I suit bright jewel shades
Sarah shows me how this outfit can be glammed up from daywear to a night on the tiles with some clever accessories
Here I’m wearing a multi colour maxi dress from Phase Eight, with a pansy cardi, amethyst necklace and clutch bag from Hobbs. Sarah says: “Fab dress made for the pear shaped – here we added a short cardi to emphasise a slim waist and accessorised with a clutch and beads, all to draw the eye towards the slimmer top part of the body. You could wear this for a black tie do or dress down with gladiator sandals or ballet flats for summer holidays, weekends or casual parties – what’s not to love?!”
Colour specialist, Jessica Room at Sassoon explains how she will put the mojo back into Michelle’s dull hair
depressing dark shades, it made a refreshing change to see some vibrant hues. "Many women wear black to make them look slimmer but the colours that suit you best are jewel bright colours rather than pastels or darker shades," Sarah informed me. She then helped me try on lots of different outfits designed to maximise my good bits and hide my bad bits. This was filmed by cameraman Stuart Welton and will be shown on Sarah's website. The outfits were teamed with gorgeously glam accessories which would take me from the office to afterwork events, which I am often invited to as part of my job.
Here I’m wearing a lime tee with multi-print linen skirt, sling back block heel brogue and amethyst bag from Hobbs, teamed with a long cotton knit cardi in marine blue from Phase Eight. Sarah explains: “The long cardi slims the hips by drawing the eye to centre and down.
Then it was off to Mac Cosmetics where make-up artist Michelle Linforth worked her magic. She used Prep and Prime Protect to smooth my skin and eye cream containing caffeine to reduce the puffiness round my eyes from all the sleepless nights. She applied a yellowy foundation to even my rosy skin tone and created a dusky, smokey eyeshadow effect on my eyes, before applying warm blusher and lipcolour. All made up and good to go, we headed back to the changing room where Sarah picked out the outfits which flattered me most and my big moment came where I got to model my new looks in front of the camera. Later in the Newz bar, my friends all gushed about my new look – making me feel like a million dollars! ● Log onto www.stylefileworld.com for more great style advice and the chance to win some fabulous prizes in the Real Style Awards from Chanel and Prada handbags to a chance to be a guest at New York Fashion Week.
Sassoon’s creative director, Cole Thompson, gives Michelle’s long locks a shorter, funkier look
Next, it was off to Sassoon in the Metquarter for a new hair style. There I was placed in the capable hands of colour specialist Jessica Room who put the gloss and shine back into my dull, lifeless locks using a rich chocolate brown colour sliced with toffee and warm red highlights to give my hair a multi-tonal sheen. Meanwhile, creative director, Cole Thompson, cut my hair giving it a shorter, funkier shape and blow dried it using the 'wrap' method which gives the hair more body and movement.
Michelle Linforth at Mac Cosmetics works her magic on Michelle’s make-up
Here I am wearing a royal blue trench from Phase Eight. Sarah says: “What British wardrobe would be complete without this essential item? We loved the colour, plus it looked great with the navy and lime combinations.”
Health & beauty
MAY 10
BEAUTY TIPS
Bare faced cheek
Healing hands Sue Kelbrick feels 10 years younger after an anti-ageing treatment with a difference Sue Kelbrick goes back to basics to embrace the latest in fresh-faced make up THE old saying ‘less is more’ couldn’t be more apt when it comes to this season’s ‘barely there’ make up. But don’t be fooled into believing that this means wearing less make up. Oh no — as any devout cosmetic wearer will tell you good make-up is all about creating the illusion of having little or no make-up on. There is no greater compliment you can receive than someone saying ‘But I thought you weren’t wearing any make-up!’ So just how do you get your make-up to look truly ‘au naturel’? Help is at hand with a vast array of natural shades around from nude foundations and neutral nail colours to beige eye colours and blushers. Start with a natural looking foundation which should make your skin look completely flawless and give your skin a helping hand by going for a dewy-look foundation which makes your skin appear fresh and healthy. Next brush a beige eye colour all over the eye sockets. And to make sure you don’t look TOO natural add some definition with a contrasting darker colour in brown or orange or for a night time look try an eye-catching gold swept over the eye lid. To keep to the neutral colour palette, use brown eye liner and mascara to further define the eye area. To add some colour and to create the look of chiselled cheek bones, try a pink blusher and finally use a nude, barely-there lipstick to create the finishing touch to your natural look. Or for a truly natural finish, for your lips slick some Vaseline on and you are good to go! Make-up? Moi?
APPARENTLY Kasia is Polish for ‘pure’ and if, by that, the owners of Spa by Kasia, mean pure luxury, pure indulgence and pure relaxation, then it is certainly an accurate definition. Situated at the Grosvenor Pulford hotel near Chester, the £3m Spa by Kasia is a favourite with celebrities and after just one visit I can see why. Arriving late and flustered, I was hardly a picture of indulgence or relaxation, but I was soon put at my ease by the friendly and welcoming staff. I was given a guided tour of the spa and within minutes the relaxing smells, calming music and chilled out ambience made me forget all my stresses. As well as claiming to be home to the only genuine Turkish Hamman (Turkish bath) in the north of England, the spa offers a fantastic selection of luxurious facials, manicures, pedicures and massages using a range of ancient Thai healing techniques. But you don’t have to just pick one
treatment. The spa has a fabulous choice of tailor-made packages available to create the perfect spa experience so whether it’s for mother and daughter, man and wife, or best friends, there is something to please everyone. And judging by the happy and tranquil expressions on the faces of my fellow spa-visitors, these packages really do deliver the spa’s claim to ‘nourish, rebalance and repair the face and body.’ After the hectic day I’d had prior to my arrival at the spa, that sounded like music to my ears. After a relaxing shoulder and neck massage, I opted for some hand therapy with an Elemis anti-ageing, procollagen hand and nail treatment. My therapist Sanda soon set to work on my tired and chapped hands, with a range of procedures including exfoliation, a moisturising ‘mask’ for my hands and a soothing hand massage. Already my hands looked and felt softer and once she had given my nails a thorough
Where is it? Spa by Kasia is situated at the luxurious Grosvenor Pulford hotel and spa, a few miles outside Chester, off the M53 and M56 motorways.
What does it do? The spa offers a fabulous range of natural, holistic and organic treatments using luxurious ancient Thai techniques, all set within incredibly opulent surroundings
Contact: Spa by Kasia, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester, CH4 9DG; telephone 01244 572199 or visit www.spabykasia.co.uk.
going over and polished them for me, my hands and nails instantly appeared younger. If only the treatment could be used all over the body…
Natural spices eyeshadow palette, £29 from Clarins Autograph at M&S mineral blusher, £12
Flawless foundation from No7, £14.75 The Body Shop neutral eye shimmer, from £9
Selection of nude make up from Debenhams
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 09
Shopping for him
MAY 10
Shaun White on vertical ramp picture courtesy of Oakley
Sideways sunglasses, £115 from Oakley
Red Belmont hoodie £58 from People Tree
r e t a k S boyz
Accurist Gents Black Leather Strap Watch £150
Bluebird Zip Hoodie£50 from Avalaan
Kingswoods check scarf in red - £18 from People Tree
Paul Baker stops popp in long enough to take us g ollies on his board and pulls back his ho od through the ultimate in skater boy fashion. ie for No fakie! “HE was a skater boy, she said see ya later boy!” – remember that Avril Lavigne song? Actually anyone remember Avril Lavigne? While Avril and her cheesy song may have slid happily into the dusty past, the skater boy look shows no signs of fading away – if anything it’s hotter than ever. And if you're heading over to the Hub Festival at Otterspool Prom this month then you need to look the part. Also, it’s pretty easy to get the look going on! Basic requirements are to get loose with your clothing. That means baggy shorts or jeans, loose-fitting t-shirts and hoodies, plus maybe some decidedly jaunty headwear. Oh yes, and please don’t forget the trainers! Liverpool even has its very own skateboarding champion, Neil Danns from Toxteth. His signature invert handplants and powerful style earned him many British and European titles throughout his career. As a veteran of the scene he's worked with some of the best up and coming British skateboarding talents and is the director of Team Extreme, the UK's only professional extreme sports show team. The skater look may not suit everyone, and you might be thinking that if you’re of a certain age there’s no chance. But cult figures like Neil and veteran world famous skateboarder Tony Hawk still manage to look pretty cool. Brands are an important part of the look with the likes of Vans, Etnies and Volcom being good names to get you started, while Oakley are always good for shades. If you’re still not sure, check out these examples of ‘boarder cool, courtesy of Best of Liverpool.
Ambush shorts £44.99 from Oakley
Neil Danns showing off his boarding skils
Nike 6.0 Air Mogan Mid trainers - £65 from spartoo.co.uk
Globe Finale trainers £62 - from spartoo.co.uk
menswear www.designerboutique-online.com
Grand Re-launch of our new-look store
10% OFF ALL NEW STOCK
Stopgate Lane, Aintree, off East Lancashire Road (next to Martial Art Studio), L9 6AN Telephone: 0151 523 3388 Visit our website www.designerboutique-online.com 10
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only
Official Brand Stockist • True Religion • Nicholas Deakins • Cruyff • UCLA • John Smedley • Full Circle • Penguin • Weekend Offender • French Connection
Fashion
MAY 10
Kay Nelson 15/17 Wavertree Road, Liverpool L7 1PF Tel: 0151 263 6935
Promotion Day Tuesday 25th May, 11am till 4pm Kay Nelson invites you to celebrate the new Spring/Summer 2010 season. The team from Joseph Ribkoff will be presenting and giving advice on this seasons must haves, with their tips on getting the most out of the new Spring/Summer collections. Enjoy a glass of wine and view our model showcasing the latest collections. Receive 10% off any Joseph Ribkoff merchandise on the day with this card. We look forward to seeing you!
Bangles &Beads
“Finish your outfit with the perfect accessories”
FASHION ACCESSORIES • Gift sets
• Occasion Hats & Fascinators • Day bags & Evening bags • Wedding accessories • Hair accessories • Scarves & Pashminas
• Necklaces • Bracelets & Bangles • Earrings • Rings
30 County Road,Walton opposite Ethel Austin • 07540 178078 Email: bangles_beads@rocketmail.com • Join us on Facebook: Bangles-Beads Jewellery Shop
MAY SPECIAL OFFER
Have any facial and enjoy a free EB tidy and E L Tint Bio theraputic non surg facelift Normally £45 NOW NEW
£35 (ask about reduced course price)
Minx toenail transfers Choice of colours & designs last 4-6 weeks Normally £20 SPECIAL OFFER £15
Gift Vouchers available Stockists of Nature Way Face & Body Products St. Tropez Bronzing Products
Ring about our holiday packages/ top-toe treatment Open Mon-Sat, Closed Wed.
190 Smithdown Road, Wavertree, L15 3JT 0151 733 5710
Latest Fashion Clothing Footwear, Bags & Accessories High Street Fashion at affordable prices Shop on line www.ilovemystorm.co.uk St Johns Precinct Liverpool L1 1ND 0151 708 6836
• HUGO BOSS • REPLAY • ARMANI JEANS • PENGUIN • TED BAKER • NIGEL HALL • LUKE 1977 • CRUYFF • D&G • JOHN SMEDLEY 59 Allerton Road L18 www.mazeclothing.uk.com
NEW SPRING STOCK
NOW IN STORE MAIN STOCKISTS OF
Fitness
MAY 10
The bionic woman Fundraiser Sam Archibald goes the distance for the cause WHETHER it’s walking on hot coals or jumping out of planes, Sam Archibald goes the distance for her charity, Clatterbridge Cancer Research. As the charity’s events fundraiser, Sam doesn’t think it sufficient to merely get others to exert their energies for a good cause. By the end of this year, Sam will have run, cycled, hiked, bungee-jumped, skydived and firewalked over 5,000 miles for Clatterbridge Cancer Research. Right now, Sam is beginning to train for her main fundraising event of the year, an international cycle ride in Taiwan in November, with her most immediate aim to encourage 10 more adventurers to join her. The ride spans 292 miles of the island’s east coast, taking in the Taroko Gorges and the Kenting National Park in the tropical region and participants need to raise £3,250 to take part. Sam says: “I am really looking forward to it. You really get to see a lot of a country from the saddle. And you get to see it for what it really is, not the
airbrushed version holiday resorts would like you to see. It’s such an amazing experience.” Clatterbridge Cancer Research celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and has many events planned to mark the occasion. Sam, taking charge of the more pulseraising events the charity has on offer, will be testing her mettle this month by joining fellow participants in a series of bungee jumps she is organising across Liverpool and Wirral. In the same month, Sam will two-wheel her way round all three cycling routes – 25 miles, 50 miles and 100 miles – of the Circle of Hope cycle ride she is organising for Sunday, May 16. As if that wasn’t enough, Sam will be running the Amsterdam Marathon in October. Sam says: “I am undeniably a thrill seeker but, more than that, I would never expect Clatterbridge Cancer Research supporters to do anything I wasn’t prepared to do myself. So whilst a lot of the events I take part in are pure pleasure, albeit physically demanding, some are my worst nightmare. Running for example is certainly not my idea of fun – it’s torture! Give me my bike any day.” Indeed, Sam is a keen advocate of cycling as a healthy hobby. She says: “Cycling for me is a great way to exercise aerobically and very good for toning. “It also gets you from A to B if you want to leave the car behind and is a fabulous way to explore the countryside.
As it’s outdoors you get plenty of fresh air – a huge stress buster.” By the end of 2010, Sam hopes to have hit her events fundraising target of £250,000, a good way towards the £2m the charity needs each year to sustain its current work. If you would like to take part in any of the events Sam is organising in aid of Clatterbridge Cancer Research, please contact Sam on 0151 343 4300 or visit www.clatterbridge.org for more details.
Best friends to cycle across Taiwan BUDDIES Ashley O’Malley from Widnes and her best friend Stephanie Lewin from Speke, both 23, will also be taking part in the momentous trek across Taiwan on behalf of Clatterbridge Cancer Research. In November, 2010, they will head to Taiwan to begin a gruelling 292 mile ride from one end of the mountainous island to the other. Ashley, who will shortly be starting a midwifery course, says: “I lost both my grandma and an uncle to cancer within four months of each other and Stephanie and I both wanted to do something to support cancer research. “When we heard about the Cycle Taiwan ride we jumped at the chance, even though I can’t remember the last time I rode a bike!” She added: “I’ve done the Race for Life before but never anything as challenging as this. I’m going to have to join a gym – soon!” Stephanie, who works for clinical nutrition experts Nutricia, says: “I keep fit through gymnastics and cheerleading and I teach dance twice a week but we will still need to train about four or five times a week.
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
“I’ve already bought myself a new bike, though judging from the pain after my first try-out I’ll be needing a comfier saddle!” Between them, the girls need to raise £7,000 for the charity. They are going to be packing bags in local supermarkets, holding car boot sales, organising a Fancy Footwear Day and staging a music concert “with plenty of dancing!” Stephanie quickly adds. The duo have a website set up for donations at: www.justgiving.com/steph-ashley-cycle.
Home and gardens
MAY 10
ZEN FURNITURE
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
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Homes & gardens Rossini seven-piece set, £269.99, from TJ Hughes
Bask in the summer sun Emma Thompson pops on her shades and discovers outdoor trends that'll make your garden so 'hot' this season
Wooden Turnberry garden set, £399, from Next
WE Brits certainly know how to make the most of any sunshine we get. As soon as those clouds part, we're all guilty of racing to slip on our shorts and stretching out in the garden to make the most of the weather while it lasts. So to ensure your garden looks in great shape, take a peek at the fab selection of patio furniture, summer houses and log cabins available that will turn your basic back yard in to a summer haven. There's everything from compact stools and deck chairs to sleek dining sets for all the family, not forgetting those lazy, chic loungers that let you drift off into an imaginary world of warm sands and Mediterranean seas. Accessories are big this season too, with bold bright cushions to liven up your patio furniture to funky planters and kooky bird houses and feeders, there's plenty to choose from. Here is just a small selection to get you started... Salisbury summerhouse, £817.46, from Wickes
Marrakech lounger, £999, from Bhs
Ricardo four-seater hideaway table and chairs, £499.99, from Tesco Direct
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
MAY 10 Wicker effect egg shape two-seater set, £249.99, from Argos
BRIGHT IDEAS If the sun doesn't put in an appearance this summer, brighten up your garden with these colourful accessories: Bohemia bird print cushions and seat pads, £12, from Bhs
Aluminium framed and weave covered Alexandra round bench set, £999.99 from Taskers
Hanging Tea Light Holders, £12, from Next
Caversham summerhouse, £1,869, from B&Q
Ceramic tea cup and saucer planter, £14.99, from Argos
Metal Watering Can, £6.98, from Wilkinson Floor cushion, £12, from Matalan
Forage Stripe and Pale Kingfisher deck chairs, £25 each, from John Lewis Pink enamel trough, £5.98, from B&Q
Flower garden stakes, £3, from Matalan
Wasp catcher, £6.99, from Strawberry Fool
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
15
The BIG interview
Unleash the Merseybeast
“We were a couple of years after the Bunnymen, Teardrops, OMD and that, and there was a feeding frenzy in Liverpool because the record companies realised how hot the North West was – Manchester and Liverpool”
Paul Baker talks to Ian McNabb ahead of the Mersey musician’s hometown Sound City show HE’S Ian McNabb, he’s a local musical hero and he’s playing at this month’s Liverpool Sound City so what’s he doing on a train bound for London? “I’m going up to Iceland to solve the volcanic ash problem,” he says wryly. It turns out he’s on his way to meet fellow musicians Beth Orton, Marcella Detroit and some of the guys from UNKLE to work on a possible future musical project. It sounds like it’s all go for Ian right now. As the former frontman of influential and revered '80s outfit The Icicle Works there are always going to be demands on his time, but Ian still seems to love it. “I’ve got lots of gigs ‘til the end of the year and then we’re playing the Head Like a Rock album at the Philharmonic with choir and strings, in December. So there’s plenty going on.” And that’s not to mention Ian’s solo show at the Stanley Theatre, May 22, as part of the Sound City event which will turn Liverpool into the gig capital of the UK from May 19-22. So is he looking forward to it? “Absolutely yeah, can’t wait. It’s a different band than I’ve used before because my band is scattered to the four corners doing proper jobs. Going to try and play a good chunk of the new album and greatest hits and just try and put on a good show. “I’m really looking forward to this, I think people are just expecting me to play on my own, but it is the full hit!” Ian will be keeping the fans happy with the best of his solo and Icicle Works material. The Icicle Works sprang up in the early ‘80s when Liverpool’s music scene was almost as big as it had been during Beatlemania. “We were a couple of years after the Bunnymen, Teardrops, OMD and that, and there was a feeding frenzy in Liverpool because the record companies realised how hot the North West was – Manchester and Liverpool – and they all tried to sign bands from that area ‘cos we were cool. “People were saying it was like the Merseybeat days 20 years later, you know.” Ian recalls that it was the sound of ‘70s glam rock which first turned him on to music, thanks to bands like T-Rex, Mott the Hoople and Sweet. Later he discovered The Beatles. Looking back, Ian remembers just how quickly everything came together for the band when they were first starting out.
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“We did an independent single with Probe Records and John Peel played it, God bless him... Then A&R men started coming to see us and then eventually we got a singles deal with Beggar’s Banquet. Then that did well, got to the top of the Indie charts and we got a proper deal. It was pretty easy, probably took us about 18 months to getting our records played from when we started.” Ian realises he came into the industry at a good time for music and recognises the plight of musicians trying to make a name for themselves today. “There was hundreds of gigs then, it was just a lot easier then. [Nowadays] it seems you play in the real tiny toilet places or big arenas. I think a lot of the middle ground has been lost because the corporations have taken over everything.
Like it’s the 02 Arena and the 02 Academy and underneath that you’ve got pubs!” After a number of chart singles, including a hit in America, and a five album career, The Icicle Works disbanded and Ian pursued a solo career that soon garnered him praise and media attention, if not big record sales. “It’s quite a difficult thing to leave a band and try and get people to accept you under your own name. The record company spent so much money investing in this brand name which was ‘The Icicle Works’ and that’s what gets you known, that’s what gets people to like you and if you say here’s the lead singer of The Icicle Works and he’s going out on his own now, well a lot of people won’t get that.” Ian insists he didn’t try to do anything majorly different when he went solo, but it did give him the opportunity to work with some musicians he’d always admired, including the rhythm section from Neil Young’s famous backing band, Crazy Horse. “The first album was accepted, didn’t sell that well, but nobody tried to assassinate me and then the second one, obviously playing with Neil Young’s band got a lot of press and all the big mags were interested – we had four pages in Q and all that. “We did Glastonbury and we did two shows in London that were pretty cool... That was a funny one because they’re thrashing away and everyone goes, ‘Wow this is great, sounds like Neil Young,’ and then I start singing and it sounds like The Icicle Works with Neil Young!” The resulting album, ‘Head Like a Rock’, was eventually nominated for The Mercury Music Prize in 1994, competing with the likes of Blur’s ‘Parklife’, Pulp’s ‘His n Hers’ and Paul Weller’s ‘Wild Wood’.
Ian recalls being joined onstage during the Head Like a Rock tour by Noel Gallagher from Oasis. The band were at their pomp just then, but he found the Oasis axeman unwilling to show off for once. “Noel played with me when I was playing with Crazy Horse in London, just after Shakermaker came out, and he was s****ing himself. I told him to take a guitar solo and he said ‘f*** off man, I’m not going near it, you play one.’” Ian’s now made eight solo albums with his most recent being 2009’s Great Things. Last year he also released his long awaited autobiography, Merseybeast, which he says took about two and a half years to put together. “I just wanted to get it all down in case something happens or I can’t remember it! I’m glad it’s out there. That’s the thing about a book or a record – it doesn’t have to sell now, as long as it’s available I’m happy with that and people can get it if they want it.” So, what everyone wants to know, will there be any more gigs as The Icicle Works? “Oh definitely. We did that 25th anniversary Icicle Works tour and I asked the other lads if they wanted to do it and they were busy so I just went out and did it with my band. “It was successful and it’s the 30th anniversary next year so you know, if the haywagon’s passing through, you either jump on it or you let it go by and it’s too good an opportunity not to get on it,” he laughs. “And I don’t mind playing those songs, I wrote them!” Ian McNabb is playing the Stanley Theatre as part of Liverpool Sound City on Saturday, May 22. Tickets cost £10. You can order Ian’s autobiography, Merseybeast, from Merseyshop on 0845 143 0001 or online: www.merseyshop.com.
MAY 10
Beyond Big Brother Michelle Rushton finds out how former brickie Craig Phillips has built a successful career after winning the TV reality show WITH the last ever Channel 4 Big Brother show being aired next month, there’s one former contestant who will be getting all nostalgic. Liverpool’s Craig Phillips shot to fame in Big Brother 2000 after winning the first series and the nation’s hearts when he confronted ‘Nasty Nick.’ Since then, he has been in demand, presenting and starring in a number of TV programmes, such as the ever-popular 60 Minute Makeover. The former bricklayer has become a highly successful property developer with numerous dwellings in his portfolio. He set up an independent construction training centre in the North West, has launched his autobiography and an independent TV production company and much more. The past 10 years have certainly been eventful for Craig, who admits: “When I went on the show, I never imagined it would lead to all this. “I did it to raise money for my friend Joanne Harris who needed a heart and lung transplant. I had no ambition to be on TV. But it’s been amazing. “I love being able to combine my background in the building trade with my media work. We’ve done over 850 makeover shows.” Craig will be taking a trip down memory lane soon when he will be taking part in TV shows for Channel 4 and E4 to coincide with the forthcoming Big Brother 11 series, looking at its social and cultural impact on British TV over the past decade and sharing a few stories about his own experiences. He took viewers on an MTV cribs style tour of the Celebrity Big Brother house in
January for Big Brother’s Little Brother for C4 and E4. “It brought back so many memories for me,” said Craig, who’s frequently asked to be a brand ambassador for various companies. Craig also opened and performed DIY demonstrations for the new Swedish Clas Ohlson store in Liverpool's Clayton Square last Saturday, as well as lending his voice to their radio adverts. “I enjoyed opening the new store as I think it’s great for Liverpool. It’s so much more than DIY and hardware — it’s a real one-stop — shop for electrical and multimedia products, household, kitchen and bathroom accessories, to tools, leisure and gardening equipment. “It should go down well – it’s very conveniently placed in the city centre and saves people going out of town. “The staff are really clued up. I had a great time meeting and greeting customers and giving them tips and advice on how and when to use various tools and hardware.” Craig is also preparing to launch his popular Chix and Mortar DIY courses (specifically designed for the DIY challenged) in Liverpool this month, (visit www.chixandmortar.co.uk for more details, and is busy penning his own column for the Sunday Mirror with Ryobi Tools. He’s been filming a series of 'How To' webclips for Tesco Magazine online and has just finished his big Victorian build in Liverpool — an external replica of an original 1850s building which was totally destroyed by bombing in WW2. He’s also finding time to back the School Food Trust's new Canteen Rescue campaign and attended a special ceremony held at
Photo Ian Simpson
the Imperial War Museum, London for the PDSA in his role as charity ambassador. That’s just a small taste of what’s he’s up to, as we’re running out of space. Let’s just say, he’s a very busy man and he still finds
time to support numerous charities. Craig works tirelessly for good causes including Brake! the road safety charity and the Downs Syndrome Association. You could say he’s a real brick!
ONES TO WATCH Draw the Line
Object of Dreams
Baltic
Draw the Line was created from the philosophy that art is for everyone and we can all gain pleasure from drawing. The brainchild of local artists Robin Peters and Michael Snowdon, it began in 2007, placing paper and drawing materials onto the tables of public venues and leaving patrons free to doodle and draw while they drink and chat and listen to music. Draw the Line is currently running nights at Django’s Riff with Hip-Hop DJs providing the beats, at 3345 with acoustic accompaniment, and at Keith’s Wine Bar on Lark Lane with Sam Gill providing an improvised musical soundscape. Check out the website for forthcoming events: www.drawtheonline.com
Object of Dreams is a quarterly magazine, published by Object Publishing. Mourning the gap for showcasing talent in Liverpool, Object of Dreams was begun by Liverpudlian progenies Dina Karim and Louise Dalrymple. It is a platform for up and coming artists and writers to showcase their work to the city in all its glory. Object of Dreams is at the forefront of cutting edge commentary and design providing the people of Liverpool with a magazine aimed at the bookshelves and now available from Fact, Bluecoat, Tabac, Resurrection and Probe. They are always looking for new contributors, artists, illustrators, writers, photographers and general creative people to get involved in this community project. Visit www.objectofdreams.co.uk or check them out on Facebook and Twitter.
Baltic is a coalition between two Liverpool based artists, Anna Benson and Roisin Hyland. As they could not find any unique jewellery to wear to an exhibition preview they decided to make their own. People loved it and asked where they could buy it. Inspired, they decided to create accessories that couldn’t be found on the high street. As well as being something to wear, their jewellery became small works of art. Each piece is as unique as its owner and made with love and care. Baltic’s accessories are currently being stocked in LandBaby in the Bluecoat, Liverpool. You can also buy online and find out more about the jewellery and designers at their website: www.balticartists.co.uk.
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
17
Davy Jones Make-up School
Advertising feature
Tricks of the trade Learn the art of TV and film make-up and special effects and film from top leading industry experts HAVE you ever watched an episode of Dr Who and wondered how on earth the team behind it create those weird and wonderful creatures? Or have you marvelled at the life-like wounds in those hospital dramas? You could learn the tricks of the TV and film trade on a brand new course based in Liverpool city centre. Davy Jones Make-up School offers a wide range of short and long intensive courses starting in June, for people who are serious about a career in TV, film, fashion, editorial, bridal and special fx make-up. You will be taught by some of the most respected names in the industry. The school has been set up by Davy Jones and Lin Davie, who have been creating cutting edge makeup, special effects, prosthetics and props for TV and film for 20 years. Having started off working in props for Brookside, Davy trained as a make-up artist for TV and started experimenting and making prosthetics. Word of mouth led to him been head hunted by major TV and film directors. Davy painted the fake tattoos for Wesley Snipes in Blade 2, created prosthetics and make-ups for Pirates of the Caribbean and recently applied and coloured the ‘fat makeup’ for Timothy Spall for the Fattest Man in Britain. He has picked up many major industry awards and nominations including an Emmy
DAVY JONES
MAKEUPSFX
for Life and Death of Peter Sellers and a Royal Television Society award with his wife Lin for their work on Bodies. Davy and Lin, an award-winning make-up designer with an impressive CV (she was awarded a Welsh Bafta for her work on Dr Who), set up the new workshop and Make-up SFX school on Victoria Street. The team of industry-savvy tutors also includes Alex Caulfield, an Emmy nominated freelance costume designer and Alyn Waterman, one of the country’s top make-up and hair stylists, as well as Emma Fairfield with over 12 years’ teaching experience and an amazing portfolio of high end fashion and catwalk work, plus some fantastic surprise guests. The course covers basic make-up techniques to industry standard. Students will be taught the latest make-up and air brushing techniques suitable for all filming on High Definition cameras. You will also be taught basic hair skills including bridal hair and period/character styling, as well as learning how to dress wigs and apply and lay facial hair such as beards and mutton chops! You can learn how to create trauma makeups, ageing techniques and prosthetics – culminating in creating a killer portfolio. The course also gives students a useful insight into how to get work and you will receive a professional make-up and hair kit.
Lin Davie and Davy Jones
Davy explained: “Our course is suitable for anyone from school or college leavers and mums who wish to return to work, to people who have been made redundant and fancy a total change of direction. “I left school with no qualifications and never imagined I would be doing this in a million years but it’s been a fantastic career.” Davy admits that his favourite moment was working on Blade 2 painting tattoos on
Wesley Snipes. "I’m a massive martial arts fan and after doing his tattoos I would spend all my time with Steve Johnston’s fx guys and watching the filming on set ’till Wesley arrived – what a brilliant way to spend three months – in Prague and getting paid for it! But I’d have done it for nothing... (shhhhhh!)” he revealed. For more information visit www.makeupsfx.com or telephone 0777854954
SCHOOL OF MAKEUP
& FX WORKSHOP
Want a career in makeup? Whether it’s in Fashion, Film or TV - if you’re serious about a career in makeup there’s only one place to learn and that’s hands-on with working professionals at the school of Emmy and Bafta Award Winning makeup artist Davy Jones. To find out more visit us online at www.makeupsfx.com and download our 2010 Prospectus or call Davy on 07778549544
DAVY JONES SCHOOL OF MAKEUP & FX WORKSHOP / 1ST FLOOR / THE CARLISLE BUILDING / 61-69 VICTORIA STREET / LIVERPOOL L1 6JD 18
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
Things to do, places to see
MAY 10
Sarah Hooley leafs through her diary to find out what’s on this May
BY DAY
BY NIGHT Picture by David Munn
Going underground Travel back in time and discover Liverpool dock life as you've never seen it before at the Old Dock. One of the city's newest historic attractions, the Old Dock opened at the beginning of May and for the first time in centuries will allow the public to see the bed of the Pool (the creek that gave Liverpool its name). The Old Dock was the first commercial wet dock in the world — dating back to 1715 — and was miraculously rediscovered during excavation work underneath Liverpool ONE. Free tours are available, call 0151 478 4296 to book your place.
Picture perfect Delve into the fascinating world of Picasso: Peace and Freedom at the Tate Liverpool this May. Billed as the must-see exhibition of 2010, Picasso: Peace and Freedom brings together over 150 of the artist's works and is the first exhibition to explore the post-war period of Picasso's life in depth. The exhibition is on from May 21 to August 30 and admission is £10 (£8 for concessions). Call 0151 702 7400 to book your tickets.
Hub-tastic Don your baggy jeans and skater-boy hat as the HUB Festival 2010 rolls into town this May 29 and 30! The UK's largest free urban youth
WIN
Football frenzy event, HUB Festival 2010 will mark its homecoming to Otterspool prom in style with two days of extreme sports, break-dancing and live music. There's also Europe's largest portable vert ramp, plus a host of amateur competitions and world-class legends from BMX, skateboarding and in-line. Entry to the festival is free, visit www.hubfestival.co.uk for more information.
If you've ever fancied your chances as a budding Jimmy McGovern or Willy Russell, make a date in your diary for EVERYWORD 2010 at Liverpool Everyman. On from May 18 to 29, the annual new writing festival boasts a two week programme of workshops, readings and events with masters of the trade like David Eldridge, Paines Plough and Robert Farquhar. Call 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com
ONE NIGHT IN ISTANBUL TICKETS
For a chance to get your mits on one of two pairs of tickets to see the matinee performance of critically acclaimed comedy, One Night In Istanbul, at the Liverpool Empire, on Saturday May 22 answer the following question:
WIN
Grab a brolly
Literary fest
Impeccable improv
Who wrote One Night In Istanbul? Email your name, daytime telephone number and answer to: magazine@liverpool.com, stating Istanbul in the subject box. The closing date for entries is May 14.
LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY WRIST BANDS
Liverpool Sound City 2010 is kindly offering one lucky Best of Liverpool reader the chance to win two standard wristbands to this year's incredible festival, on May 19-22! The fantastic wristbands allow winners access to all Sound City events (excluding Gil Scot-Heron) and are a must-have for music fans everywhere. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: What band is Ian McCulloch in? Email your name, daytime telephone number and answer to magazine@liverpool.com stating Sound City in the subject box. The closing date for entries is May 12.
Prepare to shake your booty as music superstar and Grammy Award-winner Rihanna brings her long-awaited arena tour to the Echo Arena on May 8. Joined by special guest Pixie Lott, the Bardados-born singing sensation is undoubtedly one of the world's hottest music stars and looks set to wow fans with performances from her fourth album, Rated R. Tickets are available from www.echoarena.com
There'll be laughs aplenty as the smashhit phenomenon, One Night In Istanbul, makes a triumphant return to the Liverpool Empire, May 17 to 29. Written by Nicky Alt, One Night In Istanbul, is one of the fastest-selling Liverpool plays of all time and tells the hilarious tale of four Liverpool lads, Hitler's cufflinks, a sexy cleaner and one unforgettable night of football as the mighty Reds take on Italian Champions, AC Milan in a true football fairytale. For tickets visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk
Proving once again it's a top destination for comedy, Paul Merton and friends will be stopping by the Royal Court Theatre with Paul Merton's Impro Chums on May 10. Joined by Mike McShane, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster, Paul and the side-splitting stand-ups will use their finely honed improvisational skills to create a new and unique comedy show, based entirely on suggestions from the audience, every night. Tickets are available from www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk
Boys' toys Attention all speed demons — prepare to go full throttle as the Liverpool Pageant of Power roars into town on May 25. A world class celebration of all things powerful, the exciting event welcomes a stunning selection of Le Mans supercars, helicopters, powerboats and even a JCB GT Dragster for an evening of high-octane adventure. Watch in awe as jet-skiers, powerboats and Breitling Wingwalkers strut their stuff at Salthouse Quay and Canning Dock and prepare to be amazed by Formula 1 and Le Mans supercars drag racing down the Strand. Visit www.cpop.co.uk for more information.
MUST DO MUST TRY... to clear space in your diary for Liverpool Sound City, May 19 to 22. One of the UK's largest city centre live music festivals, Liverpool Sound City boasts an impressive lineup of 400 artists across 35 venues in just four days. Highlights include gigs from Paloma Faith, Delphic, The Maccabees and Echo & The Bunnymen front man Ian McCulloch, as well as performances from some of the industry's freshest talent. Sound City tickets and wristbands are available from www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk
MUST HAVE... an intensive toning session to get wobbly legs and tums in tip top condition for summer at Hair Transform on Castle Street. The latest 'buzz' word in fitness, the salon's Vibraxis machine is an easy way to lose inches and condenses an hour’s workout into just 10 minutes. Benefits include targeting cellulite, reducing body fat, increasing muscle strength and helping back pain. A session costs £4 or block bookings of 12 are available for £40. Call Hair Transform on 0151 909 8198.
MUST REMEMBER... to indulge your sweet tooth at the Sweetheart Bakery on Renshaw Street. The city's first authentic, Chinese bakery, the quirky, new eatery opened a few months ago and is filled with a mouth-watering selection of delicious cakes, pastries and tarts. From tempting cream cakes topped with fresh fruit to crispy BBQ pork and custard Chinese pastries, each treat is freshly made on the premises using traditional Chinese recipes and techniques. Call the Sweetheart Bakery on 0151 708 0186.
MUST SEE.... the welcome return of comedygenius Daniel Kitson and his acclaimed new show, 66a Church Road, at the Everyman on May 6 – 8. Telling the funny, sad and truly nostalgic story of a forsaken flat, a broken heart and the ache for home, 66a Church Road promises to be another corker. And judging by his sell-out performance at the Playhouse last year, tickets look set to shift fast. Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19
2010
Comedy cure
Laughter is the best medicine for the Year IVERPOOL Comedy Festival celebrates its ninth consecutive outing this year with a fantastic line up that is sure to have people laughing in the streets. With top names already secured and plenty more to follow, The Comedy Trust is promising to provide a festival that is bigger and better than ever before. John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Paul Merton, Jon Richardson, Pete Firman, Milton Jones and Jack Whitehall are confirmed for the Festival this month. There will be comic plays (including A Fistful Of Collars at Royal Court Liverpool), comedy workshops, young people’s comedy nights and old favourites like The Best of Liverpool and Drink Up Stand Up will return, so there’s something for everyone at this year’s Festival. As well as the usual venues, the Comedy Festival will be using Baa Bar on Myrtle Street for new, cutting edge shows including the Edinburgh Festival smash hit How to Survive A Zombie Apocalypse.
of Health and Wellbeing
L
John Bishop
The Unity Theatre will host its usual collection of Edinburgh previews and the best from last year’s Edinburgh Festival with the chance to see up and coming comics like Jon Richardson and Jack Whitehall. Gillian Miller, chair of The Comedy Trust, said: “The Festival is an institution now and we are
delighted that so many great comics want to get involved.” Sam Avery, stand up comedian and director of The Comedy Trust, said: “Every year the Festival seems to get bigger and I am looking forward to a couple of the busiest weeks of my life! I will also be doing a very special gig in the build up to the Festival where I will be performing in someone’s house!” John Bishop is made up to be playing the Liverpool Echo Arena at the start of the Festival. He says: “The Liverpool Comedy Festival is a great platform for local and national comics to perform on and it’s brilliant to have such a lot of talent in the city in such a short space of time. "I’m really looking forward to it from a personal point of view as I’ve had the pleasure of growing with the Festival from my first gigs in the Unity in front of a small crowd to a packed Echo Arena this year.” The Liverpool Comedy Festival runs from May 6 to 16. Tickets and information are available from www.liverpoolcomedyfestival.com or on 0870 787 1866.
The Chuckle challenge
Comedy Festival inner Pam Ayres for the Liverpool Michelle Rushton unleashes her
rs last week, I corridor of Best of Liverpool towe to my colleague Peter Grant in the phy or contemporary ogra phot life wild ME and my big mouth! Chatting of spot A t. ed some sort of creative outle happened to mentioned that I crav aps? dance perh s, Puns, Punchlines evening at the perform your own poem at my Poem “Ok – I challenge you to write and ke. Clar i re heading off to interview Marg Everyman,” he said casually befo not had any dealings reciting the odd rude limerick, I’ve from rt Sam Avery Apa ed. mus I !” poet “Me – a s in secondary Tale ry erbu Cant the works of Chaucer’s by later him with rhyme since grappling with into ped bum I out of it as I discovered when school. But there was no getting med me. Aaargh! ed in for a two minute slot,” he infor book ’re “You r. ense disp r the wate city is a challenge the in ts grea ary liter gside some Writing a poem and performing alon . very woolly mammoth at that of mammoth proportions - and a verse. What would I I was less averse to creating a little it, nd arou head my got I But once ite? passion for Marm write about? Global warming? My to and from work on nd me for inspiration. Travelling Struggling for ideas, I looked arou day out. From the old in, day see I rs acte char rent the diffe the train, I started observing all the carriage with her Tartan lady who barges her way through sor with a penchant for advi bags on wheels to the pensions ing. danc rican Latin Ame I have started penning a And so, during my daily commute train of ction few verses based on my colle e in a rhym even them of e som Hell, r. characte I way. of kind ue olog Victoria Wood mon I’ve just need to fine tune it a little and such to s wear one t wha out ed not work night a gig or how to conquer those first t! What nerves. I don’t even posses a bere hing if I have a Bob Fleming style coug fit on the night? Do they stock Jack Daniels? Watch this space - I’ll let you know how it goes!
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
POETIC LICENCE Paul Baker gets well versed, chatting to Peter Grant about his forthcoming poetry event at the Liverpool Comedy Festival WHEN asked "what is a poem?" well respected local writer, Peter Grant, pauses to think for a moment. “What is a poem? That’s a good question. If you can come up with a line that can make people think…” He trails off for a moment, to think up that line and then speaks slowly and deliberately, reeling you in with his answer: “I’m not careless, it doesn’t mean I couldn’t care less. Now, is that a poem?” It’s a difficult question, but one that you might get a clearer answer to if you’re in attendance at one of the poetry evenings that Peter is hosting at the Everyman during this month’s Liverpool Comedy Festival. Entitled ‘Poems, Puns, Punchlines,’ Peter insists this event is not your typically stuffy or arty poetry night. “I covered the first Liverpool Comedy Festival back in the mid 80s and I couldn’t understand why they didn’t put poetry on,” he says. “I was always saying comedy can be done through poetry and it’s finally broken through, so I’m really pleased that we’ve got it into the festival for the first time.” Peter has been a Liverpool Echo journalist and writer covering the city and the arts for over 30 years. In that time he’s interviewed almost every famous Scouser, from Paul McCartney to Ricky Tomlinson and can count many of them as mates. But it was his friendship with the Mersey Poets, Roger McGough, Brian Patten and particularly, Adrian Henri, that inspired him to write and later perform poetry. “Adrian was a great friend of mine and the most beautiful thing he ever said to me was: ‘If you’re going to write poetry then just do it: write it and perform it, but don’t go out into the wilderness.’” Peter did indeed go off and ‘do’ poetry. At the age of 48 he did two dates at the Everyman, performing stand-up poetry, and he admits it was scary stuff! “It does take bravery but it doesn’t matter if people hear it and think it’s rubbish, it’s the fact that you had the guts to get up there and do it.” And he’s even got a book of his poems coming out in October, called ‘Goes Without Saying.’ “Poems, Puns, Punchlines is about saying ‘having a laugh is the best way to get through the day,’ I’ve got a few surprise people coming in, local celebs. Also, we’ve got a ukulele player and a guitar player. It’s going to be great fun, a good laugh.” So on Thursday and Friday, May 13 and 14, in the Everyman’s third room, poetry will be tickling the Comedy Festival’s funnybones for the first time. Tickets for Poems, Puns, Punchlines are £5 with all proceeds going to charity. Starts 8pm. For more information email Peter at: grantymail@gmail.com Peter Grant
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 21
Children
Junk free zone
Chicken Satay Kebabs with Chinese leaf, Beanspouts and Baby Sweetcorn from Annabel Karmel’s recipe book
Michelle Rushton turns to the experts for tips on how to encourage children to eat healthily IF your little one exists on a diet of spaghetti hoops, chips and chocolate biscuits, despair ye not. Introducing your little darling to a healthier diet may seem like an impossible task, but it’s never too late to start trying. Annabel Karmel, famous author and expert on children’s food, has some great advice on how to make meal times fun and nutritious at the same time. She tells Best of Liverpool: “Food is the fuel that powers our children. It makes them grow strong, gives them energy and plenty of opportunities to wind up their parents. “If your child refuses to eat anything other than junk food, chill out, he will soon find there’s not much point making a fuss if you don’t react. Let your child be hungry sometimes. A hungry child is a less fussy child. “After school is a great window of opportunity to get your child to eat something healthy as they generally come home starving having rushed lunch to spend time with their friends in the playground. “The trouble is most children dive into the biscuit tin or
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
grab a chocolate bar after school. Have something ready prepared on the table. Cut up fruit on a plate is much more tempting than fruit in a fruit bowl, children like raw veg with a tasty dip. “It’s quick and easy to make delicious wraps, pitta pockets or pasta salads and it’s a good idea to have a low shelf in the fridge where children can help themselves to tasty healthy snacks. “If you have a little ‘junk food junkie’ who refuses to try anything new, play a game where you blindfold your child and give him several foods to taste some old favourites and some new and see if he can identify what they are without looking!” For tasty recipes you can make at home for your children get a copy of Annabel’s book — After-School Meal Planner (Ebury Press £14.99). For more healthy eating tips visit the website www.annabelkarmel.com
Eating out
WHEN it comes to eating out with the kids, children’s menus don’t always offer a great deal of healthy choices. However, chef and restaurateur Paul Heathcote is helping to combat rising obesity among children by launching a new menu at his Olive Press restaurant. The new healthy choices include baked mushrooms, char-grilled chicken strips and fresh fruit salads for dessert. Meanwhile, side orders include green vegetables, salad and new potatoes. Paul explains: “It is important for youngsters to see they can enjoy the food they like but that treats need to be balanced with something healthy like fresh fruit for dessert and a glass of fruit juice rather than a fizzy drink. “There are still indulgent options like warm chocolate turnover and ice cream, but by offering healthy alternatives I hope our younger diners will learn to make balanced choices when they come to the restaurant and at home too.” For more information visit www.heathcotes.co.uk or follow Paul on Twitter @paul_heathcote
Ham, sweetcorn, pineapple and tomato pizza INGREDIENTS: ● Jar of passata or tomato sauce ● Plain pizza base ● 25g cooked ham ● 2 dessertspoons of tinned sweetcorn ● 25g diced pineapple ● 3 plum tomatoes cut in half ● 15g grated cheese METHOD: ● Spread the passata or tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base and scatter over the ham, sweetcorn, pineapple and tomato halves. ● Sprinkle over the grated cheese evenly and bake for 10 minutes at 200c degrees.
Healthy eating
MAY 10
Lite bites FOR a healthy lunch that’s full of flavour but kind to your waistline, try these recipes from SkinniMalinX, The Diet Café on Castle Street:
Skinnimalinx
Slimmers’ Paradise Katie Mcloughlin sheds light on how to indulge the healthy way... AFTER welcoming the Easter bunny with open arms last month and eating your own body weight in chocolate, the prospect of donning a bikini on your upcoming summer holiday probably fills you with dread. So for a summer body you’re proud of, more energy and skin that glows with health, it’s time to give your diet a few seasonal tweaks. We’re not saying you have to spend the next six months munching lettuce leaves to keep the muffin-top at bay, simply resist the urge to scoff that last Creme Egg lurking at the back of the cupboard and choose healthy, nutrient-packed meals that are full of flavour but kind to your waistline. From specialist diet cafés where you can enjoy a lovely low-fat lunch, to eateries serving up fresh nutrient-rich meals and delicatessens where you can tuck into superfood sandwiches, Liverpool has plenty of places where slimmers can enjoy scrumptious meals. Some of the best include:
ETSU,
SKINNIMALINX,
25 The Strand, 0151 236-7530, www.etsu-restaurant.co.uk Japanese food is renowned for being one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Posh Spice reportedly loves the stuff and eats unlimited amounts of edamame beans, which are a great source of protein and said to be beneficial for the heart. Whilst sushi is packed with Omega 3 and Vitamin E. If you’re looking for Etsu authentic Japanese cuisine served with flair, visit Etsu where you can tuck into the likes of mixed sashimi served with wasabi, radish and soy sauce; fresh miso soup; or fresh tuna loin with ponzu sauce.
The Diet Café, 21 Castle Street, 0151 236 6116, www.skinnimalinx.co.uk Recently opened, this city-centre café has become something of a Mecca for slimmers looking for lipsmackingly tasty yet healthy breakfasts and lunches. The café is the brainchild of Kate Hawtin and mum, Angela Brennan, who spotted a gap in the market after they struggled to find somewhere to eat when they were on diets. All meals are freshly prepared and the menu includes a range of healthy, low-fat breakfasts, soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches, baguettes, cakes and desserts that are every bit as tasty as their higher fat counterparts. To help you stick to your diet, the menu also lists the amount of Weight Watchers’ points, Slimming World syns, saturated fat, calories and carbs in each dish.
SOUPERNATURAL, Unit 1, Norwich House Arcade, Rumford Street, 0151 236 7007 A popular haunt with Liverpool’s vegetarians and health-conscious office workers, this small and friendly café serves up imaginative vegetarian meals. The perfect place to enjoy a nutrient rich, flavour packed lunch, Soupernatural’s constantly changing menu features delicious fresh soups, salads, sandwiches and jacket potatoes to name just a few.
VEG SOUP (SERVES 12): INGREDIENTS: ● 1,200ml veg stock ● 1 medium onion ● 2 medium carrots ● 1 medium stalk of celery ● 2 small courgettes ● 1/2 green cabbage ● 500g cauliflower ● 500g broccolli ● 2tsp fresh thyme ● 2tbs fresh parsley ● Salt and pepper ● Dash of lemon juice
METHOD: ● Put all the vegetables, thyme and stock into a large soup pot. ● Cover and bring to boil on a high heat, reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered, for about 10 minutes. ● Stir in the parsley, season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice. ● Leave to simmer for a further 10 minutes. ● Blend and serve.
CORONATION CHICKEN FILLING (serves four) Soupernatural
INGREDIENTS: ● 240g steamed chicken ● 60g extra low fat mayo ● 4tsp mild curry powder ● Pinch of chilli powder ● 2tsp lemon juice ● 40g grapes ● 40g onions ● 20g peppers ● Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD: ● Steam the chicken for 20 minutes. ● Cook the onions and peppers using low fat cooking spray, after a few minutes, cover the onions and peppers with water and simmer until the water has completely disappeared. ● Slice the steamed chicken into small chunks and mix well with all the other ingredients. ● Refrigerate for at least 30 mins to allow the flavours to infuse the chicken. ● Divide into four and serve with either a salad, jacket potato or as a sandwich.
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 23
Afternoon tea VICTORIA SANDWICH CAKE RECIPE:
NO afternoon tea would be complete without a classic Victoria sandwich cake. This recipe is from Nigel Paul Smith, executive chef at the Maritime Dining Rooms:
MAY 10
Tea for two...
INGREDIENTS: 5 eggs 60g very soft butter 150g caster sugar 150g plain flour 6-7 tbsp good quality strawberry jam 1/2 pint double cream Icing sugar to dust METHOD: ● Pre-heat oven to 190c. Put a pan of water on to simmer and gently warm the eggs and caster sugar in a large bowl that fits comfortably over the pan. ● Whisk the eggs and sugar until sugar begins to dissolve. Take off the heat, whisk until cool - the mixture will double. If you whisk very well it will treble. The key to whisking is a consistent technique and achieving a figure of eight action. ● Gently fold in the flour over five stages, being careful not to knock out the air you’ve whisked in. Next, add the molten butter and gradually fold in. ● Line a 10 inch baking tin with greaseproof paper. Place greaseproof paper around the inside edge of the tin too, using a little oil on the tin to help it stick. ● Slowly add your cake mix. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Once the sponge is cooked, allow to cool, then slice in half through the middle. ● Spread strawberry jam liberally on one half of the cake. Whisk the double cream until thick, then spread on the other half of the cake. ● Join the two halves together, press gently until the filling oozes to the edge. Dust with icing sugar.
Katie Mcloughlin asks “Shall I be mother?” as she celebrates the great British pastime of taking afternoon tea STYLISH, sophisticated and quintessentially English, afternoon tea is officially back in vogue. No longer the preserve of pensioners on days out to Southport, this Victorian tradition is experiencing something of a resurgence. With more and more hotels, restaurants and cafes choosing to serve this once oldfashioned refreshment, Liverpool now has plenty of places where you can treat yourself to a proper high tea complete with dainty sandwiches, expertly blended tea, real bone China and delicious cakes. Some of our favourite places to indulge in afternoon tea include:
London Carriage Works:
Adelphi:
Afternoon tea at this Hope Street restaurant is a real indulgence. Served between 3-5pm, it features the likes of smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches; freshly baked loaf cakes; warm scones with clotted cream, preserves and fresh berries. Plus you can enjoy herb and leaf teas, Champagnes and sparkling wines. Visit www.thelondoncarriageworks.co.uk or call 0151 705 2222.
Built in 1914, the Adelphi is a grand setting for afternoon tea. Available from noon, you can choose from a lounge cream tea; farmhouse tea; or Adelphi afternoon tea including a pot of tea or coffee, sandwiches, a pastry and a scone with jam and cream. Visit www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/liverpool or call 0151 709 7200.
Maritime Dining Rooms: Overlooking the docks, afternoon tea in the Maritime Dining Rooms is an elegant affair. Choose from light afternoon tea; afternoon tea; and full afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches, home-made biscuits, cakes, scones with strawberry conserve and clotted cream, pâtisseries and loose leaf tea. Visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime or call 0151 478 4056.
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
Hard Days Night Hotel: Take your tea in this swanky Beatles-themed hotel, and you can plump for cream tea; afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, home-made cakes and a pot of tea; or high tea including a glass of Champagne. Visit www.harddaysnighthotel.com or call 0151 236 1964.
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Food and drink
MAY 10
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
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25
Sex And The City
MAY 10
THE FAB FOUR
Lenny’s Kiss cocktail
Sarah Hooley gets 'Carried' away as SATC 2 mania sweeps the city... DUST off your Manolos, grab a Cosmopolitan and get together with your closest girlfriends as the city prepares to welcome back four of its favourite ladies in Sex And The City 2! Opening in cinemas on May 28, SATC 2 is already tipped to be the biggest film premier since, well since, the first SATC movie...and in true NYC-fashion we've found a selection of Liverpool's hottest hangouts to sip a cocktail or two and celebrate in style. Move over Paul, John, Ringo and George – there's a new fab four in town!
Newz Bar Already a celeb favourite, where better to mix with Liverpool's glitz and glam than Newz Bar on Water Street? One of the city's most exclusive venues, Newz Bar's stunning decor, sumptuous red leather booths and magnificent Art Deco bar make it a must for any night out with the girls. Likewise, its extensive cocktail list is a guaranteed crowd pleaser with Mojitos, Amaretto Mimosas and Woodford Manhattans, to name but a few. Newz Bar, 18 Water Street, Liverpool, L2 8TD or call 0151 236 2025.
The Panoramic Igloo Igloo is one of the city's trendiest new cocktail bars and has fast become a favourite with cocktail connoisseurs. Set in St Peter's Square, the bar's glamorous private booths and hip DJs are the perfect complement to its sensational list of cocktails and Igloo's selective door policy ensures you'll only be rubbing shoulders with Liverpool's finest. Treat yourself to a classic Bellini or indulge in one of Igloo's house cocktails which come with a refreshing shot of chilled Champagne. Igloo, 78-82 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQ or call 0151 708 7008.
Bar Four Set inside the sleek and sophisticated surroundings of the Hard Day’s Night Hotel, Bar Four effortlessly oozes Sex And The City-esque glamour. Flawlessly decorated with wood panelled walls and original art work, the 'destination cocktail bar' is home to a team of skilled mixologists who have created a unique menu of Beatles' influenced cocktails. Indulge in a moreish Honey Can't Buy Me Love and Strawberry Fields or splash out on champagne cocktail, Fab Four, with Louis XIII cognac and Cristal champagne. Bar Four, Hard Day’s Night Hotel, Central Buildings, North John Street, Liverpool, L2 6RR or call 0151 236 1964.
SATC EVENT NIGHTS Lenny's Bar & Smoke Grill
Picture by Ellie Laycock
If your dream of an SATC evening out needs a Manhattan-esque skyscraper then look no further than Canape Hour at the Panoramic. Sample complementary nibbles like Foie Gras in puff pastry, cured mackerel with a lemon cream fraiche, parmesan tuille with goat's cheese truffle and wash down with a Cosmopolitan. Canape Hour is on between 5pm and 6pm Monday to Friday. Panoramic, 34th Floor, West Tower, Brook Street, Liverpool, L3 9PJ or call 0151 236 5534.
Celebrate the return of our favourite foursome at the launch of the 'Ultimate Girl’s Night' party at Lenny's Bar & Smoke Grill on May 28. The night will treat ladies to sexy 'Greek God' male models and four half price Sex And The City-themed cocktails, as well as a sultry Blues singer, special two course set menu with a complementary glass of champagne. Lenny's Bar & Smoke Grill on 0151 227 1079.
The Sir Thomas Hotel Hit the town in true SATC-fashion at the Sir Thomas Hotel's Sex And The City 2 Movie Night, May 28. Set in the heart of the city centre, the prestigious Sir Thomas Hotel is renowned for its contemporary restaurant - not to mention its elegant Champagne and Cocktail bar - and promises an evening you won't forget. Guests will be treated to canapes and Cosmopolitans, followed by a luxury two course meal plus admission to watch the latest film all for £25. To book your place call The Sir Thomas Hotel on 0151 236 1366.
WHETHER you're having a girls’ night in or are looking for the perfect pre-party drink, show off your superior cocktail skills with this exclusive Sex And The City inspired cocktail from Lenny's Bar & Smoke Grill. The creation of Paul Knight, bar manager at Lenny's, the delicious drink embodies glamour and sophistication à la Carrie Bradshaw and is the perfect way to toast the fabulous foursome.
Lenny's Kiss Ingredients: for one cocktail ● 25ml Finlandia vodka ● 12.5ml Chambord ● 12.5ml Triple Sec ● 25ml Cranberry juice ● 10 ml Peach puree DIRECTIONS: ● Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake thoroughly. ● Strain the mixture over a cocktail strainer twice (or a sieve for cocktail amateurs!) and then pour into a supersophisticated Martini glass to serve. ● For extra flair, garnish with half a fresh strawberry.
STEP OUT IN STYLE FROM Carrie's obsession with designer shoes to Samantha's sexy sky-high killer heels, no self-respecting SATC-fan would be seen without her own fabulous footwear. Here's our selection of some of the best.... Laqueena, £75, from Faith
Eleanor, £140, KG by Kurt Geiger Holly Willoughby black frill heels, £32, from Arrogant, Very.co.uk £130, from Carvela
Picture by Yui Mok
The Catt-rall that got the cream
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
AFTER swapping Mossley Hill for Manhattan, sexy Scouse actress, Kim Cattrall, will make a welcome return to Liverpool screens in Sex And The City 2 this month. Famed for her fiesty role as man-eater, Samantha Jones, the Hollywood starlet has once again reprised her saucy character for
the latest big screen instalment which sees Samantha, Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda hit the road on a girls’ holiday to Abu Dhabi. The star, who is well known for her love of Liverpool, emigrated to Canada as a child but has made a number of low key trips to the city.
Just last year Kim was spotted at The Beatles Story, BabyCream, Upstairs at the Bluecoat and 60 Hope Street. And with the Golden Globe-winner set to star in Antony and Cleopatra at the Everyman Theatre later this year, it won’t be long until Liverpool's bright lights lure Kim home again.
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Heading over to…
MAY 10
HIDDEN GEMS
PANACHE IN HOYLAKE Hoylake is well known as one of the coolest places on the Wirral for a night out and making quite a name for itself in the village is Panache, which caters for an over 25 clientele. Offering some of the most ontrend cocktails anywhere as well as all the classic favourites, the bar is a must for any cocktail connoisseur. If the Sex and the City girls ever went out on the Wirral this is where they would go! Visit Panache, 43 Market Street, Hoylake, Wirral, Telephone 07515375918
Over the water
HOW TO GET THERE: Travelling by train: From Liverpool Central the Wirral Line goes to West Kirby, New Brighton and Ellesmere Port
Sue Kelbrick explores the delights of Wirral
JULIAN’S RESTAURANT With a reputation as one of Wirral’s finest restaurants, Julian’s serves modern British cuisine in a bistro-style environment. Run by Julian and Jackie Davies, the couple are passionate about their food which is locally sourced where possible, and offer an eclectic menu which uses only the best, inseason produce. The restaurant has won a number of prestigious awards and Julian himself was recently crowned chef of the year at the Wirral Tourism Awards. Visit Julian’s, 20 Birkenhead Road, Hoylake Telephone 0151 632 6241
NICHOLLS OF PARKGATE Anyone who lives in the area will no doubt already be familiar with Nicholls’ delicious home-made ice cream and fudge but if you’ve never sampled it then it is well worth making the trip there. The ice cream is to die for and on hot sunny days people queue round the block to get a taste of these delicious ice creams. The shop has even got its own Facebook appreciation society! Visit Nicholls of Parkgate, The Parade, Parkgate, Telephone 0151 336 1274
THE Wirral has a wealth of delights to offer visitors and is simply bursting with heritage and history, has bucket loads of fantastic flora and fauna, not to mention fabulous food and drink, enough to keep even the most intrepid explorer busy. Taking a ferry across the river has to be one of the best ways to approach Wirral and for those Scousers who get nervous the instant they leave their beloved city – it is worth leaving just to be treated to the views of the Liverpool skyline from ‘the other side.’ Close to Birkenhead is the charming village of Port Sunlight. Built in the late 19th century, the village was originally designed to be a home for workers from the nearby Lever factory. Each block of houses is designed by a different architect, over 30 all together, making it a truly unique place to visit. At the heart of Port Sunlight is the Lady Lever Art Gallery which houses renowned works of art including PreRaphaelite masterpieces and work by Gainsborough, Stubbs, Constable and Turner and the finest collection of Wedgwood in the UK. Helping to give visitors a poignant
insight into life in the village during the late 1800s, is the Port Sunlight Museum and Garden Village. On a sunny day there is nowhere nicer to visit than the award-winning Ness Botanic Gardens. Overlooking the Dee Estuary and set in 60 acres of landscaped gardens, the gardens contain, what are considered to be the finest collections of rhododendron and azaleas in the north west as well as an outstanding selection of Himalayan and Chinese plants. Continuing with the outdoor theme, Wirral Country Park is one of the finest country parks in the country and you’d be hard pressed to beat some of the stunning views it offers from the 12 mile long footpath which runs parallel to the Dee Estuary. If you are looking for a good old fashioned day out by the seaside then pay a visit to New Brighton. Having undergone something of a transformation thanks to a £60m redevelopment scheme, the town is enjoying a whole new lease of life. New Brighton is home to a wide range of attractions including the Floral Pavilion Theatre and Conference
Travelling by bus: Buses to the Wirral leave from Castle Street, Victoria Street and Sir Thomas Street Travelling by ferry: From Liverpool Pier Head to Seacombe Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit merseytravel.gov.uk for details.
Centre, which recently underwent a £12m refurbishment and now offers state of the art conferencing facilities as well as a packed programme of events throughout the year. For the kids, there is the Riverside Bowling Alley, the Laser Quest centre, and the New Palace Amusement Arcade which includes a small fairground. And just over the road there is Fort Perch Rock, which is a coast battery defence now housing an Aviation and Archeology Museum, as well as a ‘Luftwaffe over Merseyside’ permanent exhibition. There is also Perch Rock lighthouse and Vale Park further along the promenade. Wirral is a great place to explore. And want to know the best bit? It’s all right on our doorstep!
GOING UNDERGROUND on the Northern Line to Southport Moreton station in association with
For travel information call 0871 200 2233 or visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk
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Leasowe Lighthouse is a short walk from Moreton station and is the base for the ranger service of the North Wirral Coastal Park. It was built in 1763 by Liverpool Corporation's Docks Committee, and is apparently the oldest brick-built lighthouse in Britain. It was one of four lights on the North Wirral foreshore and was home to the only known female lighthouse keeper, Mrs Williams. In the summer, the lighthouse is open on the first and third Sunday of the month from 1pm until 4pm.
Hoylake station Home to the Royal Liverpool Golf Club which hosted the Open Golf championship in 2006, Hoylake is a great place to visit with a wealth of independent shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Sample some of the finest cuisine on the Wirral and pick up some fabulous local produce offered by Wirral Country Park. Have a browse round the shops where you can find everything from priceless antiques, vintage clothes and designer shoes to unique, one-off gifts, original artwork, computers and mobile phones.
West Kirby station From West Kirby, stroll down to the fantastic Marine Lake and take the stunning two mile walk out to Hilbre Island. Here, there is a local nature reserve and an observatory where a dizzying variety of birds can be seen throughout the year including red and black throated divers, great crested grebe, long-tailed ducks and purple sandpipers. A real haven for birdwatchers. But word of warning — if you are planning a trip to Hilbre Island, make sure you take account of the tidal times, or you could get trapped there!
Best of Wirral
MAY 10
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Travel
Manchester Ship Canal Cruises 2010
Fun on the Tyne Pam Bloom bridges the gap between Liverpool and Newcastle ’VE long thought Newcastle and Liverpool were a lot like sisters – both established on important rivers, with historic ports, compact city centres, similar architecture and a great accent, to boot. Both cities had castles in the middle ages, though we lost ours long ago. So when Best of Liverpool editor Michelle asked if I wanted to go on a trip ‘oop North,’ my instant reaction was “Why aye, man!” Myself and other half Tony drove up on Friday evening, arriving at our hosts, Niche Hotels’ Grey Street Hotel, at around 9pm. The whole area was buzzing with restaurant, club and theatre-goers, so we sneakily parked in a bus stop in order to check in. Grey Street Hotel is on the corner of the city’s famous Grey Street and Moseley Street, in the heart of Newcastle’s upmarket retail district. Bars, restaurants and classy shops abound here (oh... and there’s a Greggs...) – just down the road there’s a
I
Grey Street Hotel
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
huntin’/shootin’/fishin’ establishment, plus a few jewellers where if you have to ask, you can’t afford. A mere 200 yards’ stroll in one direction is the city’s fabulous Quayside, complete with world-famous bridges, a pleasant prom to walk along and, presumably on autumn days, fog on the Tyne. Stroll up the mainly pedestrianised Grey Street the other way and you come to the Charles Grey Monument, dedicated to the life of 19th century Prime Minister Earl Grey (yes, he of the tea). Just round the corner there’s plenty of shops, both old and modern, including a sprinkling of indoor markets. If you want to go further afield and don’t want to take the car, there’s even a Metro station here, too. Parking for the hotel is in close-by Dean Street multi-storey car park, at very reasonable rates, so you could leave your car here all day if you wanted. Famished after our journey, we were delighted when the hotel’s stylish restaurant, The Living Room, offered to find us a table despite being fully booked by a party. And we were even more pleased to receive the food – me the slow-roasted lamb, Tony the pork belly – as it was delicious, filling and, had we been paying, extremely reasonable! Not wanting to eat too much just before bedtime, we nonetheless managed to force down desserts – sticky toffee pudding for me, warm treacle tart for To’ – just for research purposes, you understand, before retiring to our room, stuffed but content. Described as a boutique hotel and able to cater for conferences with its own bar and business rooms, Grey Street Hotel blends traditional and modern styles, all rooms having sumptuous beds, TVs and DVD players
Grey Street Hotel bedroom
Reception at Grey Street Hotel
(you can borrow a film if you wish), tea and coffee, phone, iron, safe, desk space and luxury toiletries in the spotless, ultra-modern bathroom. Our room was nestled on the top, fifth, floor, with a view over the city rooftops. Saturday dawned drizzly, so after breakfast and a short walk we drove out of the city into the surrounding countryside. Newcastle is ideally placed for exploring the region’s many attractions, being a short drive from scenic Northumberland National Park, the iconic Angel of the North, the cathedral city of Durham, the fantastic Beamish museum and the pretty villages along the coast. Today, guided by Tony’s sister Kim, who lives nearby, we headed for Cragside, home of Lord Armstrong, Victorian inventor and landscape genius and the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. As luck
RELAX and enjoy a fascinating six hour, 35 mile journey along this world famous waterway taking in some fantastic scenery. The Mersey Ferries’ Manchester Ship Canal tour includes a live commentary giving a revealing insight into the facts, history and dramas of one of Britain's major waterways and how its construction shaped the region. Mersey Ferries vessels carry passengers in comfort and style following their multi-million pound refits. They now boast a licensed bar and refreshments and snacks are available to purchase in the lounge areas. The ferry departs from Pier Head, Liverpool and Seacombe, Wallasey and Salford Quays, Manchester, on selected dates from April to September 2010. Many of the cruises include a stopover in Liverpool or Salford Quays for you to visit The Lowry, Imperial War Museum, Lowry Outlet Mall or Albert Dock and central Liverpool attractions, before buses collect and return you to your starting point. On stopover cruises from Manchester to Liverpool, there is a new option to visit U-Boat Story at Woodside Terminal, Birkenhead which tells the amazing story of the German World War II submarine U534, which is located at the terminal. The price is £36 per person (£34 for seniors and children) and includes return travel by bus back to your departure point. If you wish to include a visit to U-Boat Story the adult ticket is £40 and senior ticket is £38. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit www.merseyferries.co.uk or call 0151 330 1444 (Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm) for more details.
would have it, entry was free that day, and we spent a pleasant afternoon strolling around the large grounds and marvelling at the house’s innovations. Sunday morning being much brighter, we took a few hours to explore Newcastle city centre and Quayside, which was lined with market stalls. We even found the castle keep – what remains of the one that gave the city its name. But there was plenty more to see. A ‘sister’ city well worth a return visit? Why aye! Pam was the guest of Niche Hotels’ Grey Street Hotel, Grey Street, Newcastle. Prices vary – visit www.greystreethotel.com or call 0191 230 6777 for latest offers.
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
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liverpool summer pops festival 2010
ROCKIN’ ALL OVER THE POPS summerpops.com
JACKSON BROWNE
friday 2 july echo arena
THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW
friday 9 july echo arena ‘BEATLES DAY CONCERT IS BACK!
Don your mop top in the name of charity and get to the arena for a night of Beatles fun!’
saturday 10 july echo arena
Jools Holland
& his Rhythmn & Blues Orchestra Featuring GILSON LAVIS and special guest star
ALISON MOYET
saturday 3 & saturday 31july echo arena
CROSBY, STILLS & NASH wednesday 7july echo arena
friday 16 july echo arena
DWEEZIL ZAPPA & THE ZAPPA FAMILY TRUST PRESENT THE MUSIC OF FRANK ZAPPA
sunday 25 july echo arena
2 july Robert Cray philharmonic hall • 2 july Jackson Browne echo arena 3 july The Australian Pink Floyd Show echo arena • 4 july Mersey Masters echo arena 7 july Crosby, Stills & Nash echo arena • 9 july Status Quo echo arena • 10 july Beatles Day echo arena 15 july The Fabulous Thunderbirds O2 academy 2 • 16 july Jools Holland echo arena 17 july Kristin Hersh mountford hall • 17 july Eve Selis, Elizabeth Cook & Piney Gir stanley theatre 21 july Rod Stewart echo arena • 23 july Colin Maclntyre (Mull Historical Society) O2 academy 2 25 july Zappa Plays Zappa echo arena • 25 july Kate Walsh stanley theatre • 28 july The Heavy O2 academy 2 30 july Stephen Langstaff stanley theatre • 31 july The Australian Pink Floyd Show echo arena ALL TICKETS SUBJECT TO BOOKING FEE
0844 847 1616 24hr hotline/vip experience
echo arena box office 0844 8000 400
ticketline 0151 256 5555