Best of Liverpool October 2009

FASHION

Supplement

FRIGHT NIGHT

Halloween special and spooky goings on in the city

TO DIGITAL

AUTUMN STYLE

FACES

BEST

FOOD

BEAUTY

HOMES

TRAVEL

OF LIVERPOOL

COUNTDOWN Our guide to the big switch-over and some seriously sexy screens

PLACES

OCTOBER ISSUE 2009

FELINE FINE Kitten Liz McClarnon gets her claws into her brand new album

Wrap up for winter with some touchy feely textiles

IS IT THAT TIME

WIN! OR

ETS F O K C I T CE T N E P TWO S THE CROS EY! MERS

ALREADY?

Time to start planning the Christmas do with our top 10 party venues

TOP LOCAL DESIGNERS // MEN'S MILITARY STYLE // FOOTIE FOCUS // WINTER RECIPES // NIGHTS OUT

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

BEST Contents

OCTOBER 09 22

24

OF L IVERPOO L

OCTOBER 09

NEWS 04 TALK OF TOWN

16

What a busy bunch you are

FASHION & BEAUTY 06 SHOPPING FOR HER We’ve got autumn all wrapped up

07 LOCAL DESIGNERS

Three hot Liverpool fashion designers

08 HEALTH & BEAUTY New looks for autumn

09 HEALTH & BEAUTY

Win yourself a fabulous spa package

10 SHOPPING FOR HIM Military style on parade

11 FOOTIE FOCUS Whose side are you on?

INTERIORS 12 SHOPPING FOR HOME

Are you ready for the digital switchover?

14 SHOPPING FOR HOME

Funky clocks - whatever makes you tick

ENTERTAINMENT

TRAVEL 28 HEADING OVER TO...

We discover historical West Derby

30 TRAVEL Art on the move

16 THE BIG INTERVIEW Liz McClarnon and ones to watch

Editor’s Letter AS summer fades into a distant memory and the dark nights draw in, we start feeling the need to batten down the hatches and nest.

Curling up on the sofa with a fleecy throw seems very appealing, especially with the televisual feast of delights we have in store from Strictly Come Dancing to the X Factor!

And soon we have the digital switchover, which gives us a big excuse to splurge on some seriously snazzy TV equipment.

See our selection of big screen tellies and Freeview options on page 12.

However, to tempt us out of hibernation mode, venues across Merseyside have pulled out all the stops to offer us a fabulous line up of events during the month of October - from Twopence To Cross The Mersey to Tom Jones.

And towards the end of the month, the city unleashes its more sinister side, with all kinds of spooky shenanigans being staged. One Halloween must-do is Farmageddon.

Having survived ‘press night’ where the organisers at Farmer Ted’s unveiled their haunted houses for 2009, I am still slightly hoarse from all the screaming and hysterical laughing (not to mention, clutching onto complete strangers out of fear).

With a distinct autumn nip in the air, cover up with some stylishly snug coats and cloaks on page 6. On the subject of fashion, we have singled out some hot talent in the design stakes with our interview with three local designers on page 7.

Meanwhile, men won’t be left out in the cold with our military style fashion trends on page 10.

And we bring you some winter warming comfort food with our autumnal recipes courtesy of the Everyman Bistro on page 21.

Also in this issue, we catch up with the lovely Liz McClarnon and start thinking of where to go in the city for our Christmas party. Plus we have some fabulous competitions for you.

Happy autumn!

Michelle

18 BY DAY, BY NIGHT Must-dos for October

PS. Don’t forget the clocks go back!

FOOD & DRINK

07

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co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/ best-of-liverpool/

21 SEASONAL FAYRE Hearty home cooking

22 HALLOWEEN

LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray

Recipes for terror

MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton

24 CHRISTMAS PARTIES

SALES MANAGER Frank Notton

Our top 10 guide to THE places to party

WRITERS Paul Baker, Sue Kelbrick, Katie McLoughlin, Emma Thompson PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers

FRONT COVER SHOT Mark Lightford at Fauxtograph – mark@fauxtograph.co.uk DESIGNERS Charlie Hearnshaw, Alison Gilliland, Zoe Bevan COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR Sally Jones 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.

ace d F E FRE ing an p a Map10 OFF £ al i c a F BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03

Talk of town COMING UP...

Paralympian gold medalist Danny Crates

Things to look forward to in the city this month

WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU? Michelle Rushton couldn't help but overhear…

EXPERIMENT WITH STYLE

Be the first to experience the latest fashion trends from up and coming designers at the Liverpool Design Festival’s Fashion Lab from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1 at the Crypt Hall of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

Fashion Lab will showcase the work of exciting new fashion designers alongside some more established independent designers with the opportunity to buy clothing, handbags, jewellery and accessories.

Liverpool designer, Kirsty Doyle, former winner of TV show Project Catwalk and artistic director of the Fashion Lab explains how the exhibitors had been selected: “We chose the designers for the Fashion Lab because they produce beautiful work themselves in the UK but they are inspired by cultures and nature across the globe.

“For example, Nawal Gebreel who is originally from the Middle East, hand prints and pleats stunning silk scarves drawing on Japanese traditions.”

Fashion Lab will be followed by Finishing School, a series of fashion masterclasses for designers, from November 2 - 6, featuring advice from industry experts such as Joanne Watkinson, head women’s wear buyer for my-wardrobe.com, and Justine Mills of the renowned Liverpool boutique Cricket.

During the event, you can also keep up with the latest trends in eco design, view the hottest new environmentally sound products and grab yourself a unique or limited edition hand crafted design gem at the Eco Design Show being held in the Crypt Hall.

SPARKLING EVENT

The highlight of Liverpool’s social calendar, The Prince’s Trust’s Diamond Ball, will return later this year.

The prestigious annual event will take place on Thursday, December 3 at St George’s Hall.

A Laurent Perrier champagne reception will be followed with a meal before the entertainment and dancing begins. The highlight of the night will be a midnight diamond raffle.

Last year’s event raised £45,000 but it is hoped this figure can be beaten with the help of the 450 movers and shakers from the region who will attend.

Steve Sealey, chair of The North West Development Committee for the Prince’s Trust, said: “The Prince’s Trust will help almost 5,000 young people across the North West region alone this year so it’s really important we secure funds to provide the much needed support to encourage our region’s youngsters.”

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● Barburrito gave away a record breaking 3,000 burritos recently at its Liverpool ONE and Manchester Piccadilly bars.

The generous food chain organised the event to promote its new re-branding introducing cheeky character Derek the Donkey and hopes to enter the Guinness Book of Records. ● Ex-Eastender actress, Brooke Kinsella, met with children from the You’re The Voice project last month at the House of Commons.

The children from schools in Norris Green and Croxteth were delivering their anti-gun, gang and knife message by performing tracks from their CD You're The Voice which was recently released and is available on download from www.voiceinthecity.org.uk ● Paradise Street Interchange has been renamed Liverpool ONE Bus Station to make it easier for passengers and visitors to link the multi-million pound interchange to the giant leisure and retail centre.

It is situated directly next to the anchor John Lewis store and the emerging Hilton Hotel within Liverpool ONE. Meanwhile, Merseyside is set to benefit from a £1million cash

Barburrito

The Quarter

windfall for new cycle facilities at Merseyrail Stations. ● A team of eight teenagers from Range High School in Formby has reached the Grand Finals of the 2009 Fieldfare Kielder Challenge.

Having beaten competition from more than 200 teams at the recent regional heats, Range High will now travel to Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland to take part in a series of large scale problem solving and teambuilding activities.

Inspirational Paralympian and 800m gold-medal winner Danny Crates is lined-up to present the Cup to the victors. ● The Masque has been

returned to its former glory with a full make-over.

The former theatre known as The Barfly and home to Chibuku & Circus, has featured world renowned artists including The Kooks, Erick Morillo, Arctic Monkeys and more.

It has been fitted with a brand spanking new Funktion 1 soundsystem and features a super slick, tattoo inspired, Ink bar. ● The Quarter on Falkner Street has picked up an award for the best value food from the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival, which comes as no surprise with all the fresh, locally sourced produce used to create the tasty dishes on offer in the much

loved eatery. ● Award-winning, Liverpool born actress, Alison Steadman, returned to the city to launch Clapperboard Presents and take part in a Q&A session for the non profit making organisation which works creatively with over 1,000 young people between the ages of 13-19 across the North West.

The event, sponsored by Merseytravel, took place at Picturehouse@FACT with a screening of director Mike Leigh’s Life is Sweet and celebrated the groundbreaking work of award winning talented Merseyside artists from Willy Russell to Ian Hart. ● The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) recently celebrated its 10th birthday with a big BBQ at The Peacock.

The organisation has helped thousands of young men on Merseyside via its helpline, website and campaigning work. ● Also playing pass the parcel this month is FACT, which enjoyed its 20th anniversary.

As well as launching its new book, We are the Real-time Experiment, FACT (the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) looked back at some of its amazing commissions in film, video, and new media over the last 20 years. ● Meanwhile, the Metquarter is gearing up for the arrival of designer Kirsty Doyle and Jo Malone as well as M.A.C doubling in size to include a lash bar and group consultation rooms. ● Lastly, a big clap on the back goes to Liverpool 3D creative consultant, Ilsa Parry, who has been taking part in the brand new BBC reality show Philippe Starck’s Design for Life.

Ilsa was personally selected by Philippe Starck to become one of his students at his “school of creativity.” Ilsa and her fellow innovators are exhibiting their work at 100% design in Earls Court London.

The 28-year-old multidisciplinary designer with her own product line, REthinkthings, has launched four new products including Kaspa the glow in the dark kids’ nightlight.

We’re loving Chaopraya

Foodies have been positively raving about this Thai restaurant and bar in Liverpool ONE. Named after the main waterway running through South East Asia, it specialises in authentic Thai cuisine.

The Thai Fisherman’s Soup has to be eaten to be believed.

Brew

These innovative and modern loose leaf tea shops on Old Hall Street and Bold Street turn the humble cuppa on its head. With a fabulous range of teas from classic to fruity, Brew also offers an extensive range of FruiTEAS and icy cold SmooTEAS to keep those hot flushes at bay. Coupled with the fresh as the day is long menu, all made entirely on the premises, you

can feel detoxed, virtuous and a damn sight cooler after a trip to Brew.

Rococo

One of Liverpool's newest and most exclusive venues, Rococo is fusing the feel and opulence of a stylish Manhattan lounge and the glamour and exclusivity of the legendary Studio 54.

With no expense spared this venue will provide a safe haven for the beautiful more discerning socialite that likes to lounge or party and appreciates the finer things in life.

Blankstone Opticians

The Liverpool opticians is revolutionising eyewear in the city by teaming up with top designer, Tom Davies, to offer uniquely tailored and designed

handmade frames, to suit a person’s face, colouring, physical characteristics and lifestyle.

Each custom-made pair has millimetreperfect measurements, incorporating exclusive design features, and a choice of 50 different colours.

To top this off, frames are discreetly laserengraved inside with the wearer’s name.

OCTOBER 09 CUTTING EDGE

BEST FEET FORWARD

Internationally renowned Liverpool-based hairdresser, Andrew Collinge, used his hairdressing scissors for a different purpose this month as he cut the ribbon to officially open his new salon on Bold Street.

The stunning new Graduates salon marks the company’s 25 years as one of the UK’s top training providers and will welcome a record number of new trainee hairdressers this year.

Andrew Collinge recently received the prestigious ‘Beacon Status’ from the Government for setting the benchmark for hairdressing training in the UK. The new Andrew Collinge Graduates Salon is expected to be a hotbed of creativity for young cutting-edge hairdressing stylists.

Speaking of the new salon, training director, Sarah Collinge says: “The opening of the new Graduates Salon is the perfect opportunity to celebrate over 25 years in training and employing young people in the North West.”

Over 200 people joined forces recently to walk along the banks of the River Mersey to raise money for Zoë's Place Baby Hospice.

The Zoë’s Place Family Riverside Walk, sponsored by Medicash, is estimated to have raised over £20,000 for the charity which will use the money to fund a massive refurbishment project.

The walk was officially started by chief executive of Medicash, Sue Weir, and Juice FM breakfast show presenter Leanne Campbell.

Penny Williams, Zoë's Place fundraising and communications manager, says: “We want to thank everyone who has supported us and raised money for the refurbishment which will cost over £425,000. The development plans we have for the hospice are very exciting and will allow us to care for more children with complex medical needs every year.”

Support was also provided on the day

by Merseyside Police Federation, who marshalled the four mile and eight and a half mile routes walkers could choose between.

Well known patrons of Zoë’s Place include Lady Caroline Derby, ex-Everton player Joe Royle, Liverpool actress and comedian Faith Brown, Brookside and Coronation Street star Michael Starke, and BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Willie Miller.

GRAPE AND GRAIN PanAsian restaurant HoSt on Hope Street has been playing host to a number of beer and wine tasting events.

A beer tasting dinner was recently organised in conjunction with the renowned Robert Cain Brewery, attended by over 70 guests who enjoyed trying five different beers paired with carefully selected dishes which complemented the flavours of the brews.

Guests were also talked through each course by Cains Brewery co-owner, Sudarghara Dusanj and Colin Manning, co-owner of HoSt. On another occasion, the restaurant took guests on a journey through the new world Western Cape wine province, accompanied by the vibrant spice and flavour of the Far East.

The fusion of these worlds occurred at a wine tasting dinner organised with the Simonsig Estate of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Over 50 guests attended the Hope Street-based restaurant and enjoyed five different wines paired with carefully selected dishes which complemented the flavours of the wines.

Guests were also talked through each wine by expert Pieter Malan of the Simonsig Estate.

Social scene

A fun time has been had by all, as Michelle Rushton found out…

FESTIVAL’S FINEST FAYRE Liverpool’s leading bars and restaurants celebrated their achievements at The Liverpool Food and Drink Festival 2009’s inaugural awards last month.

Organised by festival producer, SK Events, and sponsored by leading city law firm, Hill Dickinson, and Blackwater Bars, the city’s best eateries and bars fought it out in nine categories to scoop one of the coveted prizes at Pan Am, Albert Dock.

The general public chose the winners, with major awards going to The Italian Fish Club for Best Restaurant and The London Carriage Works for Favourite Bar. Restaurant of Excellence went to Delifonseca and What’s Cooking was also recognised for its commitment in providing a family friendly environment for diners.

The awards followed the week-long festival that attracted more than 30,000 visitors alone to its Sefton Park launch with the likes of celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White contributing to the day thanks to support from Liverpool City Council.

MAMAS AND PAPAS Yummy mummies throughout the city have been cooing over the arrival of the new Mamas & Papas store at Liverpool One. The boutique was officially opened last month by Jan Sanders, the community midwife from Merseyside who won the Midwife of the Year Awards 2008, with help from store manager James and M&P founders David & Luisa Scacchetti.

The event attracted the wives and girlfriends of all the leading soap stars from Hollyoaks to Coronation Street and Emmerdale who enjoyed a champagne afternoon tea courtesy of Alma de Cuba.

The producer of Emmerdale’s wife won the celebrity auction by placing the highest

SELL-OUT SUCCESS Rain didn’t stop revellers from enjoying themselves at this year’s Creamfields festival.

Held over the bank holiday weekend at Daresbury, the music festival proved it was the most sought after dance festival in the UK. The stunning Cheshire site played host to a 30,000 –strong crowd each day attracting one of the coolest and best looking crowds Creamfields has ever seen!

The recession busting year that saw Creamfields lowering the ticket price to £100 featured a stunning line up with sets

bid for Spice Girl Mel C’s pushchair which was organised in aid of Cancer Research UK. The auction was hosted by Juice FM’s Leanne Campbell who whipped up a serious bidding war for the one-off pushchair created by Mamas & Papas following Mel’s design called ‘Scarlet Star’ - named after Mel’s daughter.

The highlight of the event was when Wirral TV presenter and actress, Terri Dwyer, launched into fluent Italian when she met Luisa Scacchetti.

Terri and Luisa swapped shopping tips for boutiques along the Adriatic Coast where both ladies happen to have holiday villas less than a few minutes away from each other. from Dizzee Rascal, Tiesto, Deadmau5, Swedish House Mafia and Basement Jaxx to name just some!

With a weekend full of surprises some of the highlights were Calvin Harris joining Dizzee Rascal on stage, which caught even Dizzee by surprise as his crew signalled to him from the side of the stage! Calvin Harris performed ‘Dance Wiv Me’ and ‘Holiday’ which erupted into a firework display of cannons and confetti.

Deadmau5 arrived in superstar style in a helicopter and revealed his brand new rodent inspired mau5head exclusively to the Creamfields crowd with fireworks to close the set rising up over the festival!

HEAD-ON The Pan Am staged a fantastic line up of music recently in support of head and neck cancer.

The “Head-On” music event featured three fantastic bands – Instant Karma (the UK's leading John Lennon tribute), Chegwin (the best of Eighties big haired, tight trousered, waxed torsoed, rock) and Crowded Scouse, as well as other guest artists.

The event was organised to raise money for The Merseyside Regional Head & Neck Cancer Centre, a large and internationally recognised cancer centre, which undertakes a wide range of research on its own, and in collaboration with other organisations.

All funds and donations raised will go straight to the Centre's cancer research and patient care programmes, with none being spent on administration.

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Shopping for her

ALL WRAPPED UP Sue Kelbrick shows you how to cover up in style this winter

D

ESPITE the global economic downturn, it seems the world of fashion is giving talk of cutbacks, economising and cost-cutting, the cold shoulder, with trends for 2009 and 2010 coming over all lavishly luxurious and indulgent.

Maybe a touch of luxury is just what the world needs to forget about the credit crunch? Think sensual fabrics and textiles such as suede, velvet,

sequins and bold prints such as tartan and leopardprint.

From fabulous coats, capes and cloaks draped seductively across the body, to the harsher, more masculine lines of leather and PVC trousers and pencil skirts, and you have the look. Team with a pair of killer over the knee boots and you are seriously dressed to impress.

LEFT TO RIGHT FROM BELOW LEOPARD SKIN COAT, £350 from Karen Millen RED CAPE, £35 from Matalan TARTAN CAPE, £725 from Vivienne Westwood AZTEC FELTED COAT, £59.99 AND SLOUCH SOFT KNIT CARDIGAN, £29.99 from River Island

These boots are made for walking…

OFFICE, CASPER THIGH HIGH BOOT, £90

MARKS AND SPENCER, OVER THE KNEE BOOTS, £45 CLARKS, LEOPARD PRINT ANKLE BOOT, £54

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, ROMAN-VELOUKID BOOTS, £499

LITTLEWOODS, LOVE LABEL PEEP TOE SHOE BOOTS, £36

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DOROTHY PERKINS, THIGH HIGH, SUEDE TASSLE BOOTS, £70

Local designers

OCTOBER 09

Sew talented Sue Kelbrick checks out three of the city’s up and coming designers LIVERPOOL is renowned for its love affair with fashion, a marriage which has spawned a wealth of creative offspring. Here we unveil the inspiration and influences behind the collections of three hot local designers.

Ally Mac Already a favourite with the Liverpool fashion crowd, Ally Mac’s latest collection doesn’t disappoint.

Created by fashion designer Alison Guy, Ally Mac offers individual and show stopping designs for ladies who want to stand out from the crowd.

Alison takes her inspiration from around the world having worked in Australia and New Zealand and she regularly travels to the Far East to source fabrics.

According to Alison, being a designer is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. She says: “I come from a very creative family where I was always encouraged to draw so it seemed like a natural progression to become a designer. I just love dressing

up and I’m a real girlie girl so I think I have a good idea what kind of clothes women like to wear.”

The key to Alison’s success seems to be her ability to design for ‘real’ women and her overall aim is to design clothes as individual as her clients are. And who is Alison’s style icon? Sarah Jessica-Parker of course!

For more details visit www.fashionbyallymac.co.uk, telephone 07734 202 249 or alternatively, email enquiries@fashionbyallymac.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: Steve Collinson www.stevecollinson.com MODEL: Lanie Wilson (Boss Model Management Manchester) MAKE UP: Anna Priadka www.annapriadka.com SHOT AT: www.liverpoolstudiohire.com

Benna Harry Lola Loves Local designer, Debbie Bogg recently opened her first Lola Loves store in Cavern Walks and is already making quite a name for herself with local fashionistas.

Unveiling her latest collection which takes inspiration from Madonna’s iconic 80s style, Debbie has integrated sculptured shoulders, layers of pearls, satin and sequins and teamed them with vertiginous black heels, to ensure that her designs are bang on trend.

Debbie is fiercely proud of Lola Loves saying: “Every garment I sell has my label on it and it won’t leave the store unless I think it’s perfect and it’s going to be loved. I want every woman who buys something from Lola Loves to feel confident and beautiful when they are wearing one of my designs.”

Check out the store in Cavern Walks or telephone 07923 541 024.

Jewellery and accessory designer, Benna Harry was inspired to produce her own collection by her two greatest loves - shopping and travel.

Having trained at renowned St Martins’ Art College, Benna spent time travelling around the world and has harnessed these experiences into her unique designs.

Purchasing an eclectic mix of accessories for the modern woman, mixing vintage and designer with individual taste, she put together her first collection in 2008.

Constantly adding beautiful jewellery, hats, scarves, sunglasses, bags and leather goods bought in small quantities or as a one-off, Benna has created her own website - benna.co.uk - designed for women who want to express their individual identity.

Truly a passionate cherry picker, Benna’s range and gift section has the likes of celeb faves Jennifer

COMPETITION

Behr, Laura Bohinc, Citrine, Alex Monroe, Noir, Laura Lee and Annina Vogel in her online portfolio of seasonal and all-year round must-haves.

Benna herself also works with creatives, photographers, illustrators and stylists to produce essential look books giving shoppers more ideas and more reasons to buy. Visit benna.co.uk or telephone 0845 872 0899.

WIN

Local designer Benna Harry is very kindly offering to give away a gorgeous Jane Carr cashmere scarf worth £200 to one lucky Best of Liverpool reader. Simply email magazine@liverpool.com with a daytime telephone number, stating Benna Harry in the subject box, with the answer to the following question: At which renowned art college did Benna train?

Deadline for entries: Friday, October 23

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 07

Health & beauty

Salon spotlight

AUTUMN TRENDS

Sue Kelbrick discovers an oasis of calm and comfort at The Catharine Suite

IMAGINE a place which is a hospital but feels like a hotel, somewhere you are treated with dignity and respect, and a place where you have peace of mind that you are being looked after by some of the finest medical staff there are.

The Catharine Suite is a private patient suite based at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital offering a range of private gynaecology and cosmetic surgery procedures plus a selection of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

WHERE IS IT The Catharine Suite is situated at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Crown Street in Liverpool.

WHAT DOES IT DO The Catharine Suite offers a range of private gynaecology and cosmetic surgery procedures as well as a selection of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

CONTACT The Catharine Suite, Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS Telephone 0151 702 4491, email catharine.suite@lwh.nhs.uk or visit www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk

From straight forward cosmetic procedures such as Botox to more complex, gynaecological surgery, the dedicated team at The Catharine Suite offers the same consistent level of service to all its patients.

From the minute you walk into the relaxing reception area and are shown into a private consultation room, there is a prevailing feeling of calm and comfort. And this continues throughout your stay at The Catharine Suite.

Offering an exceptional level of professional care to all its patients, The Catharine Suite has seven beautifully presented bedrooms. You could be forgiven for thinking you had walked into a boutique hotel with stylish pictures adorning the walls, comfortable leather armchairs for visitors and integrated lap tops, telephones and DVD players.

There is a delicious menu to choose from and all food is freshly prepared by the hospital’s dedicated chefs. Visitors to the suite are also well looked after being offered refreshments and light snacks. It is these little details which set The Catharine Suite apart and means that patients can relax and enjoy their stay.

But at the same time, thanks to its setting within the Liverpool Women’s Hospital, The Catharine Suite has all

the clinical back up you could possibly require.

Jonathan Herod, clinical director at The Catharine Suite, believes it is this that sets the suite apart from other private facilities. “We give patients the best of both worlds, offering them all the advantages of private medical care, but with the added benefits of the safety and reassurance that are provided by a large NHS hospital.”

Margaret Cuthbertson, business manager adds: “The beauty of The Catharine Suite is not only do patients get seen quickly by a doctor, but they get to choose that doctor, who then looks after them personally throughout their treatment.”

And want to know the best bit? Revenue generated is ploughed back into developing NHS services elsewhere so whilst you are enjoying your stay at The Catharine Suite, you can feel like you are doing your bit to help.

If you want to find out more about The Catharine Suite, pop along to the Ladies’ Health Evening being held on October 13, from 6pm until 9pm. There will be fascinating talks from leading experts on fertility, cosmetic surgery and gynaecology, guided tours of the facilities available and help and advice on better health and well being.

Refreshments and canapes will also be available.

Sue Kelbrick gets the lowdown on the latest hair trends for autumn from Dion Padan at Hooka Salon on Wood Street.

Translucent reflects for women: It's all about subtle blends this season.

Dion pre-lightens sections of hair before applying a semi-permanent colour over the full head for delicate conditioning colour and radiant shine.

Celebrity influences and fans include Colleen Rooney and Cheryl Cole.

Rugged effects for men: The bleach look is long gone! Scattered highlights with a slight colour change is the way to create a rugged textured result on gents’ hair.

Extreme lengths for women: It’s one extreme or the other this season as girls are cropping their locks or growing their layers out!

Short layered oval fringes modernise the traditional crop and gives a more edgy result, whereas on longer styles it's left over the eyebrows and connected to the side layers to frame the face.

Top heavy men: Men’s haircuts are getting more dramatic this winter.

It's all about extremely distinctive sides or/and fringes. All the weight is removed from the back resulting in a top heavy effect. Hair is either styled in a unkempt finish or given a smarter, classic look. www.hooka-uk.com, telephone 0151 708 0302.

TRIED AND TESTED

When it comes to skincare, Sue Kelbrick gets pointed in the right direction GEOGRAPHY was never my strong subject at school so when I found out I was going for a skin mapping session at Voodou on Bold Street, it was with some trepidation that I found myself in the salon.

Fortunately there wasn’t a compass in sight and Suzanne, the beauty therapist, soon put me at my ease, explaining what skin mapping is all about. Developed exclusively for Dermalogica, skin mapping is a revolutionary approach to skin analysis. It divides the skin on the face into ‘zones’ and then each area is methodically analysed so that a skin care plan can be developed to your unique needs.

According to Suzanne, I have a few breakouts (too many late nights), some

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pigmentation (too much time spent in the sun) and a bit of dryness (the perils of working in an air conditioned office), so whilst assuring me it was nothing to worry to worry about, she suggested which specific products would help to deal with these problems and how to improve the condition of my skin in general.

I was then treated to a wonderful Dermalogica facial and massage using the products Suzanne had recommended during the face mapping session. After the facial, I left the salon feeling relaxed and chilled out and my skin looked and felt firmer, softer and above all, nourished.

Telephone Voodou on 0844 445 7889 for more information.

Health & beauty

OCTOBER 09

Great escape Paul Baker discovers the perfect winter retreat in Wirral FOUR star hotel Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa is perfect for a weekend get away or a day’s pampering in beautiful surroundings.

Best of all, this luxurious retreat is only 20 minutes away from the centre of Liverpool.

Located in the exclusive area of Thornton Hough in Wirral, Thornton Hall offers award-winning cuisine in two fine restaurants, a 20m pool, two outdoor hot tubs, and one of the finest spas in the North West, offering an amazing array of treatments and packages to suit everyone.

Thornton Hall was recently a shortlisted finalist for the second year running in the British Beauty and Spa Awards.

The hotel gained its place in the Destination Hotel/Spa of the Year category for 2009, after being judged by a panel of renowned beauty industry professionals.

These awards are often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of the beauty industry and are widely respected for recognising the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

“We were very pleased to have

been selected, and I am so proud of our team for all their hard work,” says Andrew Thompson, managing director of Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa. “We are delighted to have been recognised by making it to the final stages of such a prestigious award.”

To find out more about Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa check the website located at www.thorntonhallhotel.com. You can book a spa package of your own or even a longer stay at the hotel by calling the spa on 0151 353 0116 or 0151 353 3737 and the hotel on 0151 336 3938.

Win a signature Spa day at Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa!

WIN

The signature Spa day includes an ESPA Total Holistic body treatment with hot stones, a luxury ESPA facial, a Jessica Deluxe manicure, a wash and finish within the hair spa, all rounded off with a light lunch within Times Bistro and full use of the hotel’s leisure/spa facilities.

The spa day has a value of £190 and times are subject to booking and availability. All you have to do to enter is answer this question: In which category in the British Beauty and Spa Awards 2009 was Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa a shortlisted finalist?

Email your answer along with telephone contact details, stating Thornton Hall in the subject box to: magazine@liverpool.com. Entries must be with us by the end of Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa and below, the spa’s celebrity clients

Ladies! Join us for an exclusive Womens’ Health Evening at Liverpool Women’s Bring your friends along for a special evening on women’s health and well-being with friendly, professional conversation. Browse the array of stalls, listen to fascinating talks and find out more about the services provided at Liverpool Women’s - including fertility, cosmetic surgery and gynaecology. ·

Opportunities to meet and talk with leading medical experts

·

Fertility advice including talks by Charles Kingsland, Clinical Director of The Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine

·

Guided tours of new patient units

·

Relaxation techniques to help you wind down after a long day

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Presentations on cosmetic surgery procedures by leading consultant, Mr Kevin Hancock

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Tips and advice for health and well-being

Refreshments, canapés and friendly, professional conversation – and it’s all free!

OCTOBER 13TH, 6 - 9PM: LIVERPOOL WOMEN’S NHS FOUNDATION TRUST, CROWN STREET, LIVERPOOL, L8 7SS. www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk To register email rsvp@paversmith.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 09

Shopping for him Camouflage hat, £15, from Next

FROM TOP LEFT Autograph funnel coat, £129, from Marks & Spencer Won Hundred jacket, £275, from Urban Outfitters Goodsouls reefer jacket, £98, from Littlewoods.com Navy wool military double breasted coat, £99, from Burton

ARMED AND STYLISH Katie McLoughlin reports on the latest military trend

M

ARCHING boots at the ready boys, because military chic is one of the main menswear looks of the season.

From double-breasted wool coats complete with chunky buttons to heavy-duty, army-style boots, the military look is everywhere this season. So to help you toughen up your winter wardrobe, here are some of the best military coats and jackets to complete your autumn/winter uniform...

Columbia boots, £140, from Dune

Leather trim cargo trousers, £45, from Next

D-Ring boots, £60, from Next

Navy canvas messenger bag, £22, from Next

Jacket, £539, from Vivienne Westwood’s MAN menswear autumn/winter 09 collection.

All stock available at Vivienne Westwood, 8 Mathew Street, Liverpool, tel: 0151 227 2700 or www.hervia.com

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Footie focus

OCTOBER 09 LEFT Louis Saha in this season’s Everton home strip. An essential purchase for any true blue.

BELOW Hospitality in the 1878 suite at Goodison Park

EFC Extras

A game of two halves Paul Baker takes to the terraces to find out what's cool for The Blues and hot for The Reds this season

O

NLY the most unaware of cave dwellers will have failed to spot that the football season is in full swing and terraces from Marine to Madrid are thronging once more with anthems, cheers and boos.

For millions of men and women across the land, the first few months of a new football season is a time of renewed hope and optimism, this could be the year, this could be the start of the good times.

It’s a great time of year to be a football fan, no need to fear relegation and the weeping and gnashing of teeth that follows (unless you support Southampton, anyway).

And, if you’re one of those uninitiated into the footballing fraternity, this springtime of the season offers a chance to really get into the beautiful game, take your seat in the stands, learn the terrace chants and catch the football bug long before the stresses of the so-called “business end” of the football calendar come along.

Most people get dragged along to their first match by an over-enthusiastic relative or family

friend and (unless you go on to play professionally for Liverpool) you’ll likely wear your team’s colours for the rest of your life. That’s how quickly you can get hooked on the action, the excitement, the atmosphere and, above all, the camaraderie of supporting your team.

Our city is famed throughout the world for its embarrasment of footballing riches, offering two Premier league clubs – Liverpool FC and Everton FC – each sporting enviable histories, traditions and trophy cabinets. And let’s not forget other notable local clubs such as Tranmere Rovers, Southport FC and Crosby’s Marine FC, plus a host of amateur clubs.

So, if you want to sample local football in the new 2009/2010 season, there’s no shortage of options. Here's some footie must-haves to get you in the soccer spirit.

Why not take advantage of the hospitality of The People’s Club and make use of Everton Football Club’s corporate facilities?

Great for entertaining before the match, the club boasts top chefs and service to match, plus well-stocked bars and luxurious lounges (1). Not to mention great seats to watch Everton in action.

It’s perfect for networking, building professional relationships or just enjoying the match in style with family and friends.

Do you think you know your Everton kits? Whether you know your Royal Blues from your Salmon Pinks or not, the EFC Kits guide is filled with great pics and facts about Everton’s famous kits down the years (2).

1.

2.

LFC Line-up

1.

Liverpool’s new away kit (1) is a real eye-catcher with the darker third choice strip in particular causing a stir, being voted one of the 10 best kits for the new season by the website backpagefootball.com A must-see for Reds is the ‘Legends Tours Of Anfield.’ (2) Legends such as Alan Kennedy, Phil Neal and David Johnson will be taking fans behind the scenes at Anfield with insights and dressing room tales never told before in this way.

Go down the tunnel to the sound of the crowd with a chance to touch the famous “This Is Anfield” sign before taking your seat in the dug out to hear how 2. the players received their instructions from the touchline.

For more details visit www.liverpoolfc.tv/tours We’ve all seen those famous Kopite banners; whether Liverpool are playing at Anfield or the farthest corners or Europe the Scouse wit will always be on show. This fantastic new book tells the tales behind the banners, the fans that made them and the journeys they have taken them on (3).

ABOVE If it’s good enough for Sven… Go ahead, touch the ‘This is Anfield’ sign!

FAR RIGHT Steven Gerrard in Liverpool’s new away kit RIGHT Liverpool FC Banners book

3.

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Shopping for home The LG LF7700 offers subscription-free, built-in High Definition Freesat LCD TV

DO THE DIGITAL SWITCHEROO! Paul Baker walks you through the digital TV minefield and shows you the latest Freeview friendly gadgets to blow your hard-earned dosh on

T

FLAT SCREEENS

High Definition is the future of TV. Say goodbye to pixelated action and blurred images. HD really does look amazing and you can get it with a Freeview HD receiver and a HD compatible TV set.

Most modern flatscreen TVs, whether using plasma or LCD technology will be ready to screen HD programmes, but check before you buy. Your favourite action-packed movies and next year’s World Cup finals will look stunning in HD. If it’s not built-in, then you’ll need a HD box or a subscription to the HD channels available through Sky or Virgin. Oh yeah, and you’ll need a super-duper new TV like these to watch them on.

Samsung’s 40in Full HD Freeview LCD TV

HE digital switchover is approaching! At midnight on Wednesday, November 4, this year, the analogue BBC Two signal will be switched off forever and the remainder of the analogue channels will disappear on December 2.

However, rumours of the demise of your television set have been greatly exaggerated.

Almost any TV can be converted to pick-up digital programming, but you will at least need to buy yourself a digital set-top box to begin enjoying the full range of free digital channels.

If you already have Sky TV, Virgin Media or Freesat then you don’t have to worry about the upcoming switchover. Anyone who has already upgraded to Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision should retune their digital equipment on the switchover dates to make sure they retain all their digital channels.

A digital box is just the start of what’s available to you. So why not use the digital switchover as an excuse to upgrade to some seriously snazzy digital tech for your home?

The Freeview box is a basic must for our new digital age.

However, you could choose to get

Freeview and replace your VCR or DVD recorder in one fell swoop by shopping for a swanky new Freeview+ box.

It works like those cool Sky+ and Virgin+ boxes to record whatever digital programmes you want and save them for whenever it’s convenient for you to watch them.

None other than Keith Chegwin has been given the role of Digital Switchover Ambassador, making digital television sound a little like some invading alien force with Keith as its figurehead. Still, the Chegster is a real fan of these Freeview+ boxes, saying: “Having Freeview+ is a great way to make sure you can watch and record all your favourite TV shows after switchover.

“With the average home owning two or more TVs, Freeview is the best way to convert all the TV sets in your house without the hassle of monthly bills.”

Thanks for that Cheggers, but if you’re a fan of Freeview+, you’re going to love some of these bad boys…

PORTABLE

Freeview isn’t just for your ultra massive HD models though. Hi-tech company August International has an amazing selection of portable Freeview televisions. Yes that’s right, you can now watch More 4, Film 4 and BBC 4 on the move, in work, even on the loo. They range in screen size from tiny 3.5in types up to 11in models – perfect for boats, lorries and caravans.

August DA900C Portable Freeview TV from August International, www.augustint.com

WHAT IS FREESAT?

Freesat+ FOXSAT-HDR box (satellite installation not included) from www.humaxdigital.com/freesat

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Freeview is all well and good, but you can go one better and opt for Freesat!

Freesat is a satellite TV service providing subscription-free digital television to everyone in the UK, offering over 130 TV, radio and interactive channels, including High Definition (HD) services from the BBC and ITV. Plus, in most cases Freesat can be used with an

existing Sky satellite dish.

Freesat is a not-for-profit organisation and is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV. For more information visit www.freesat.co.uk.

Kit wise, the high specification, twin tuner Humax FOXSAT-HDR is a great choice. With this you can pause, rewind and record High Definition (HD) digital TV and gain access to all the Freesat channels.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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Shopping for home

Turn back time As the clocks go back an hour on Sunday, October 25 we're looking forward to a lovely lie-in! Here's some funky time-pieces to keep you ticking over...

RIGHT Utterly stylish Happy Bird clock, £100 from www.occa-athome.co.uk

RIGHT Don't like the time? Then change it, with this chalk board clock £24.75 from John Lewis

ABOVE Perfect for the young and the young at heart, this cute HP Wall Clock is £28 from Mamas and Papas stores

LEFT Karlsson DIY Multicolor Dice Wall Clock, £55 from Dotmaison.com yeah, we can't tell what time it is either, but who cares when your clock is this funky?

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ABOVE If you want something a little more classy, take this one for a spin. At £142, the 'Cafe de la Tour' pendulum clock is the Rolls Royce of clocks, from Lavender & Sage

LEFT Showing that you don't have to shell out a fortune for a cool clock, this Cherry Wall Clock is just £3.99 from Dunelm Mill

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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The interview

PEOPLE IN LIVERPOOL ALWAYS SUPPORT YOU… I LOVE THE WAY THAT WE GET BEHIND OUR OWN!

Photo courtesy of Mark Lightford at Fauxtograph

KITTEN GOT THE CREAM Life's pretty purr-fect for Liz McClarnon, as Katie McLoughlin found out...

S

HE’S performed for the Queen at Buckingham Palace, made countless TV appearances and sold 10 million records worldwide.

Having achieved so much by such a young age you’d be forgiven for thinking that 28-year-old Liz McClarnon would be something of a diva.

But, as Best of Liverpool found out when we caught up with her on the way to do some filming for The Gadget Show, nothing could be further from the truth.

Bright, beautiful and bubbly, it’s fair to say that the Garston-born starlet is one of the nicest people in pop.

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Liz’s enthusiasm for everything she does together with her affable, down-to-earth nature, has won her legions of fans and a glowing industry reputation.

So it’s little surprise that she’s extremely in demand at the moment with everyone from publishers to TV shows, charities and restaurants keen to get the Whole Again singer involved in their project.

In the last two-years alone, Liz has become the first celebrity to have their own dish on the Pizza Hut menu; presented the National Lottery mid-week draw; won Celebrity Masterchef; designed a Race for Life T-shirt to raise funds

for Cancer Reserach UK; had a four week cookery slot on LK Today; written her debut novel, appeared on Shooting Stars and created recipes for John West Tuna, Kerry Foods and British Pork to name just a few.

With so much on her plate it’s hard to imagine the singer has time to do anything else, but despite her busy schedule, Liz has signed a new solo recording contract with Liverpool record label, 3 Beat, and has been busy recording a new album.

Talking about her new recording contract, Liz says: “I’m ecstatic!

It’s brilliant because 3 Beat is a Liverpool-based label but has the

big backing of Universal too.

What’s really nice is that they’re passionate about me doing music they’ve done remixes over the past couple of weeks and we’re talking about videos now.”

Not In Love, the first single from Liz’s new album, is expected to be released early next year. Liz is clearly excited about the forthcoming release and describes the style of the single as Atomic Kitten meets Kylie.

She explains: “I wanted to stick with the Atomic Kitten thing because it works so well and it’s what I’m known for - I would definitely never stray from that, and Kylie because that’s the kind of music I like.”

On her new album, which is still to be named, Liz has worked with an impressive array of people including Tinderbox who’ve penned hits for the likes of Rhianna and Leona Lewis.

She says: “I’ve worked with some really wicked people like Rod Davis who wrote Kylie’s Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, who I worked with in Atomic Kitten, Cathy Dennis’s sister, Georgie Dennis, who’s an amazing song writer and a lot of people who wrote Atomic Kitten’s albums.”

Liverpool is renowned for its musical heritage, something which Liz believes helps when you’re first starting out. She says: “If you’re from Liverpool you’ve got your foot in the door anyway because performing is in your blood. There’s a lot of talented people in the city - there’s definitely something in the water!”

Liz has enjoyed a successful career in the music industry, and her advice to any young Scousers keen to follow in the Kitten’s famous footsteps is clear - have

confidence in your own ability.

She says: “If you believe you’ve got a good voice, don’t let anyone tell you that you haven’t.”

Scousers are famed for their sense of camaraderie and the way they always champion their own and this is something Liz particularly loves about the city, saying: “People in Liverpool always support you. They have that Irish mentality and support you because you’re from round here - I absolutely love that.

“Just the other day, there was a comedian on and I said I didn’t fancy it, but my brother said ‘you have to go he’s from Liverpool!’ - I love the way that we get behind our own!”

As well as her new recording contract, Liz has lots of exciting things in the pipeline, including TV appearances and a new cookery book.

And Liz, who was crowned Celebrity Masterchef Champion 2008, adds: “I’m having meetings with really big TV companies who make cooking shows and they’re requesting for me to come to them - it’s really flattering and exciting.”

Since scooping the Masterchef title, Liz has had lots of requests from food companies, something which she is still getting used to, saying: “I’m getting more confident and starting to understand what they want from me. People generally want to pick my brains a bit about how you go from not being able to cook to cooking really great food.”

However Liz is no food snob and it’s very important to her to be true to herself, producing food that real people can make and enjoy.

She says: “One of my main things about doing a show is that

OCTOBER 09

‘The best crowds are in Liverpool’

The Proclaimers - Craig and Charlie Reid

Scottish songsmiths The Proclaimers are in Liverpool this October. Paul Baker caught up with one half of the duo, Craig Reid.

Paul – You’ve had a long career, produced many songs, but there are a few tracks that really caught the public’s attention and are still very much part of the public consciousness. Letter from America; I’m Gonna Be (500 miles); I’m on My Way; Sunshine on Leith. Do you mind that these songs represent you?

I want to keep it real, I don’t want to be the presenter of a really posh cooking show - I could eat the food but I definitely couldn’t cook it!

“I want to be doing real food for real people - that’s what my cookbook’s all about. I’m a working class girl who grew up being able to go to really nice restaurants because my job allows it. I love food - but I’m not a food snob. I’ve faced a lot of snobbery around chefs who say I’m not qualified, but you know what I love food and that’s all that matters!

“Just the other day I had double sausage, chips and cheese from the chippy and a couple of days before that I was in a French restaurant in London eating frog’s legs! So I absolutely love it all!”

Talking about her favourite places to eat when she’s in Liverpool, Liz says: “I will always go to Natasha’s place in the Metquarter - she does nice steak butties and pink champagne - and she puts red onion on them, which I like! I love the Sir Thomas Hotel and Panoramic - it serves beautiful food. I love going out to Lark Lane too, the Moon & Pea is one of my favourite places to go there.”

When it comes to shopping in the city, the Garston starlet loves to pop into Cricket but she’s also a big fan of Liverpool One, saying: “I’m so made up with it, we’ve got shops and restaurants we didn’t always have - it’s great for the city.”

Liz’s new single, Not In Love, is expected to be released early next year.

To keep up-to-date with everything Liz is up to, visit myspace.com/lizmcclarnon

Craig – No, I think that’s good. I mean, truthfully, in the wide world it’s maybe only one song ‘500 miles’ and maybe ‘I’m on my way.’

Most acts, even the biggest acts, maybe apart from Elvis and The Beatles and Bob Dylan, are only known for three or four songs by the general public. And they’d be the biggest songs, the ones you play to people all round the world that sustain a career. They’re the ones you play every night.

P – I was watching some footage of Hibs fans singing Sunshine on Leith after the 2007 CIS Cup final. You’ll Never Walk Alone is obviously up there with the most famous terrace songs, but yours has to be up there too. How proud were you when Hibernian took that up as a club song?

C – It just happened, you know. The first time I heard it, when they were singing it big time, it was actually just after 9/11 and we were in America. We had another six weeks to go in America and we were doing this tour and it was

kinda depressing and everything and Hibs played AEK Athens in the UEFA Cup and the game went to extra time at the leg at Easter Road. Just before extra time they put [our song] on and there’s 20,000 folks singing it and folk like two miles away had heard it, loads of people heard it out in the street!

I heard it and it was absolutely fantastic and since then it’s been a kind of fixture. There was that league cup final we beat Kilmarnock a couple of years ago, 5-1. I was there and Charlie was there and it was great, you know, it was just fantastic with 30,000 folks singing your song.

P – How much has Liverpool influenced you musically?

C – Musically, aye, ‘cos of The Beatles.

We were born in ’62 and I remember hearing The Beatles on the radio as a very young child and really getting into them when I was 10, 11, 12 and buying all the albums. I think anybody that loves melodic music and harmonies is influenced by The Beatles so yeah, completely.

Favourite album? I would say Rubber Soul.

P – Liverpool’s been a regular spot on your previous UK tours. What is it about the city that keeps you coming back?

C – The place is incredibly musical.

People get up and sing in Liverpool.

ONES TO WATCH Adam Richie Having started his residency at Kingdom in August, 26-year-old guitarist, singer and songwriter Adam Richie, is rapidly making a name for himself as a rising star in the city’s music scene.

Adam, who started playing guitar at the age of 18, performs at the Harrington Street club every Friday, where he plays an eclectic selection of covers alongside original music.

Influenced by everyone from Mozart right through to Lionel Richie and Guns ‘n’ Roses, Adam describes his style as individual, saying: “Musically I’m very different to other players as I have a technical approach mixed with a very loose free style of playing.”

It’s like an Irish thing, you know, maybe even more than Ireland’s got now? Maybe Liverpool’s even kept it a bit more than Ireland. And it’s got that thing, people just love music.

I remember the first time we ever played, it was opening for The Housemartins at the Royal Court and we did it and I think it was part of a radio festival.

They got us on anyway and it was about 20 minutes, maybe a bit shorter, and it was terrifying – the big crowd!

We did a couple of songs and from the back of the hall somebody shouts out [does alright Scouse impression] “Beam me up, Scotty!” and we were p----g ourselves then and in the end, they got it. They didn’t want to make it at the start but, by the end, there was folks going nuts. If you appreciate

Alfie Booth Creative director at the latest Andrew Collinge Graduates Salon, on Bold Street, showed he was a cut above when he made it through to the final of this year’s Creative Head’s Most Wanted Awards in the ‘Ones to Watch’ category.

Impressing the panel of top experts with his creativity, passion and technical skills, Aflie was described as: “very ambitious – a great performer and a talented hairdresser.”

Alfie, who has also previously been shortlisted twice as ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the British Hairdressing Awards, had to fend off stiff competition from stylists across the country to make it into the final five.

humour and you appreciate folk being happy, the best crowds are Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle in England; plus Dublin, Belfast and Glasgow.

They’re the great places to play because it’s the same attitude at a gig as it is at a game.

If they like you, they really like you, and Liverpool’s one of the great places to play. Anybody that plays music will tell you that, anybody who puts their back into it knows that they’ll appreciate you.

The Proclaimers are playing the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Wednesday, October 28. Their latest album Notes & Rhymes is out now.

For the full interview visit the Liverpool Echo website: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpoolentertainment

To get his gritty coming-of-age tale of football hooliganism onto the big screen, Kevin, who used to manage The Farm, and friend, David A Hughes, who successfully wrote music for films (most notably penning the best-selling soundtrack for Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), formed their own independent production company, Red Union Films.

Now, just two years since starting the firm, the pair are adapting another of Kevin’s books, Powder, into a feature film.

Powder follows fictitious Scouse band, the Grams, from obscurity to fame, exploring the excesses and debauchery of the rock and roll lifestyle along the way. Currently in development, the film, which is expected to be released in Autumn 2010, stars Lilly Allen’s younger brother Alfie in the lead role alongside Liam Boyle, who played Elvis in Awaydays.

Red Union Films Merseyside author, Kevin Sampson, spent more than a decade trying to get his cult novel Awaydays turned into a film. Despite plenty of set-backs, the film, starring Stephen Graham of Snatch and This is England fame, was released to much acclaim last May.

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Entertainment

Twopence To Cross The Mersey Emma Thompson discovers the trials and tribulations of Helen Forrester during the credit crunch of the 1930s WE all know how it feels to be short of cash, but life during the 1930s depression was something almost unimaginable for most.

Twopence To Cross The Mersey gives us such an insight combined with the Liverpool humour that keeps you going.

Based on Helen Forrester’s best selling book, the record-breaking musical play returns to the Liverpool Empire from October 6 to 17, following incredible sell out visits in 2005 and 2007.

Written by Rob Fennah and directed by Ian Kellgren, this performance allows you to follow the true story of Helen’s experiences in 1930s Liverpool as she struggles to overcome her family’s descent from great wealth to abject poverty.

Helen Forrester said: “The feeling of the show is very accurate and the writers have put real understanding of life into the songs.”

Twopence stars actress and comedienne Pauline Daniels (Shirley Valentine, Breezeblock Park) in the role of Helen Forrester senior and Mark Moraghan as John Forrester, Helen’s spendthrift father. Together with his numerous TV and theatre credits, Mark is making a big name for himself as a singer and is about to release his first album, Moonlight’s Back In Style, with BBC

broadcaster, Nicky Campbell.

Also ‘flying’ back to join the cast from the West End after staring as Peter Pan is Ciaran Kellgren.

Ciaran says: “My Dad, Ian, directs Twopence To Cross The Mersey and to work with him again will be something special. He’s always sworn he’d never work with me again after A Christmas Carol when I was nine-years-old, but I think the producer twisted his arm. I have always loved this production and I can’t wait to get started.”

When Helen Forrester’s father went bankrupt in 1930 she and her six siblings were forced from comfortable middle-class life in southern England to utmost poverty in the depression-ridden North.

Her parents more or less collapsed under the strain, and the running of the household, in slum surroundings and with little food, the care of the younger children, all fell on 12-yearold Helen.

Unable to attend school, Helen’s fear that she was to be trapped forever caused her to despair at times. But she was determined to have a chance to gain an education and a better future.

Find out how she achieved this in the incredible musical. For more information visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk

Katie McLoughlin catches up with Dave Brown as he tries his hand at stand-up comedy RECRUITMENT advisor, Dave Brown, is renowned for being a bit of a joker in the Best of Liverpool office.

Keen to see if his jokes can cut it on stage, we’ve enrolled Dave on a six-week comedy course run by The Comedy Trust. The current Funny Business course, which is part of Southport Comedy Festival, started on September 22.

We caught up with Dave after the first workshop. He says: “It was OK, we did a few ice breakers and things but we didn’t have to do any stand-up this time.

The group was very mixed, ranging from a 20- year-old banker to people in their 50s.

“After breaking the ice we worked in groups on spider diagrams and word association. Our group was given old people as our word, so we came up with things associated with that like retirement, charity shops and nursing homes, that kind of thing. Then we had to read out what we’d written and say something funny about each of the words.

“For the next workshop we’ve got to come up with

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a two-minute monologue using the spider diagrams and word association. We’ll also learn about handling the mic and stage craft.”

The two-hour long workshops are run by professional comics, Sam Avery and Brendan Riley, and take place once a week at Southport Arts Centre until October 28 when the wouldbe comics have to perform their own stand-up routine in front of an audience.

Commenting on how he feels about the final performance - which takes place on his 40th birthday, Dave says: “I’m alright about it - I don’t know what to expect but they reassure us that we can make all the mistakes we like in the workshops as we’ll practice and get it perfect before the final performance.”

So will Dave’s comedy make the grade or will he be heckled by the audience? Find out in the December issue of Best of Liverpool when we’ll review his performance.

To find out more about Funny Business contact The Comedy Trust on 0870 443 0955 or visit www.funnybusiness.org

WIN

We have five pairs of tickets to give away for this excellent performance on October 7, just answer the following question: How many siblings does Helen Forrester have?

Email your answer with ‘Twopence’ in the subject box, your name and phone number to magazine@liverpool.com.

Deadline for entries: Sunday, October 4.

GODFATHER OF SOUL ECHO Arena unveils its exciting line-up for October THE team here at Best of Liverpool is getting extremely excited about the impending arrival of South Walian singing legend, Tom Jones.

Following on the heels of his universally praised and successful album 24 Hours, Tom comes to the ECHO Arena Liverpool on Saturday, October 17 presenting his repertoire from the 60s to the present.

A living legend who has befriended, collaborated and hung out with practically every key character in the music and showbiz worlds and has survived audiences of frenzied, knicker-hurling fans, Tom appeals to all generations and genres, from mainstream to cutting edge and has been hailed one of the “godfathers of modern soul,” inspiring the likes of Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson, Joss Stone and Duffy.

The ECHO Arena has a spectacular line-up for October, as Elton John will be bringing the lid down on his red piano on October 28.

Elton's spectacular show The Red Piano, will be the last time that fans will get the chance to enjoy the spectacle of the David LaChapelledesigned Vegas smash hit and Teddy Thompson has been confirmed as a special guest.

Commenting on his return to Liverpool, Elton said: "We really enjoyed playing to Liverpool last December, the reaction from the

audience and the musical history that the city has left us in no doubt that the ECHO Arena had to be the last venue we played in the UK.” Fans will also be able to take home a unique and permanent souvenir. The show will be recorded and made available on CD on the night - the ultimate 'I was there' memento.

We’ve also got Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson on October 2 to look forward to hello possums! Bachelor boys Cliff Richard and The Shadows will take to the stage on October 7. The Nolans will be getting us in the mood for dancing on October 24 and Pink will rock the house on October 27.

Re-formed wonders Spandau Ballet will take us on a journey back to the 80s on October 29 and the month will end on a funny note with Eddie Izzard’s show Stripped on October 31 running ‘till November 1.

To book tickets log on to www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400.

Photo: Carsten Windhorst

COMEDY CAPERS

GIVEAWAY!

Things to do, places to see

OCTOBER 09

Emma Thompson gives us a glimpse of what we've got to look forward to this October

BY NIGHT

BY DAY U-boat Story

Liverbirds.com

Venture on board a real German U-boat, where you can see into the fascinating cross-sectioned submarine and discover its amazing story through a highly interactive exhibition, which tells the story of a World War II German submarine U-534. There are guided tours available, and the attraction opens at 10.30am (closed Mondays, except school holidays). Log on to www.u-boatstory.co.uk or call 0151 330 1000 for more information.

For over 18s only, this play is not for the faint hearted, however it is a play for those who like to laugh, to love, to cry and to learn!

Liverbirds.com is a hard-hitting black comedy about Liverpool's sex industry starring Margi Clarke and Louis Emerick.

This new play, with an all-Liverpool cast, is set over the three days of the Grand National and cuts away the sleaze of the escort industry showing the hilarious side of this dark and sometimes dangerous world.

Liverbirds.com starts on Monday, October 5 to 10, at the Novas Urban Contemporary Centre, off Jamaica Street. Tickets (over 18s only): £12 and £10 (OAPs), call the box office on 0151 709 3789.

How to get there: Travelling to the U-boat story at Woodside Ferry Terminal, you can go by ferry from the Pier Head and Seacombe terminal, or use Merseyrail and get off at Hamilton Square station in Birkenhead which is just a five minute walk.

Stephen Shakeshaft: Liverpool People

A Taste Of Shanghai

Experience the food, culture and performances of Liverpool's twin city, Shanghai. To celebrate the 10th year of their twinning, along with Liverpool being the only UK city to participate in next year's World Expo in Shanghai - the biggest business event ever staged - two special events have been arranged. On October 24 in Metquarter and October 25 in Williamson Square from noon to 4pm there will be food tasting, traditional music, ribbon dancing, calligraphy and arts and crafts for all the family.

Chapter and Verse Literature Festival

This festival at the Bluecoat includes 30 events over five days from October 14-18. Just one event is from much-loved children’s author and illustrator, Michael Rosen with “Poems and Stories” on October 14, from 10.30 to 11.30am (repeated 1.30 to 2.30pm). Rosen will be performing some of his own poems and sharing his love of children’s books from all around the world. In addition, during the first three weeks of October, children can participate in some giant fridge poetry at the Bluecoat.

Also on Friday evening, October 16, Vic Reeves performs and introduces us to the world as he sees it, from asparagus to Zeppelin.

Illustrated by Vic himself, his new book amasses all the world’s knowledge “into one gloriously preposterous book.”

Log on to www.thebluecoat.org.uk or call 0151 702 5324 for more details.

As former picture editor for the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, Stephen Shakeshaft has caputured many great moments. Now he's put on display around 70 photographs including unpublished gems alongside award-winning images amassed since the 1960s.

Stephen says: “Much of my work involved sport and news stories but there were often quieter periods when I might see an everyday scene making a great picture.”

Visit the National Conservation Centre, from 10am to 5pm everyday, admission is free. Log on to www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk or call 0151 478 4999 for details.

Joyous Machines: Michael Landy and Jean Tinguely

Tate Liverpool will be hosting a dynamic exhibition of the work of Jean Tinguely (19251991), one of the most radical and inventive sculptors of the mid twentieth-century, and renowned British artist Michael Landy, from October 2 to January 10. Entitled Joyeous Machines, the exhibition can be found on the Fourth Floor Gallery. Meanwhile, over at the Wolfson Gallery, the museum will be displaying Mark Rothko’s Seagram Murals. These nine iconic paintings will be presented according to Rothko’s specifications, with atmospheric lighting to enhance the dramatic qualities of the works. This display is presented in conjunction with the Tate Collection display DLA Piper Series: This is Sculpture.

Visit www.tate.org.uk/liverpool for more details.

Cream

Happy Birthday Cream! The clubbing world’s favourite institution turns 17 on Saturday, October 10 and as ever Cream has assembled another great line up for this year’s birthday celebrations which will take place at its original birthplace, Nation.

The lineup includes DJ/producer Eric Prydz, Deadmau5 making his Cream debut, Timo Maas and Santos forming ‘Mutant Clan’, as well as the flying Frenchman Sebastièn Legèr and Chris Lake, plus plenty more.

Claim your dancefloor spot early, log on to www.cream.co.uk for info.

The Caretaker

The Everyman Theatre is tomorrow welcoming to the stage The Caretaker by Harold Pinter, which sees the homecoming of celebrated actor Jonathan Pryce to the theatre where he began his career.

Directed by Christopher Morahan, this new production tells the story of two brothers and a

Tom Brooke (Mick), Jon athan Pryce (Davies) and Peter McDonald (Aston) in rehearsals for The Caretaker. Pho to: Helen Warner

tramp. Davies is a down and out when Aston takes him in for the night. Lost in a shoeless world he soon fancies his chances at something more permanent. Then Mick shows up.

From October 2 to 31, prices start from £10, log on to www.everymanplayhouse.com or call 0151 709 4776.

Championship boxing tickets For this Merseyside derby it's time to pick your corner as local lads Paul Smith and Tony Quigley fight in their home city at the Echo Arena, with Smith challenging Quigley for the supermiddleweight title.

This blockbuster event takes place on October 30, with Kell Brook's eagerly anticipated British welterweight title defence against Michael Jennings also going ahead on the same card.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “Local pride will be at stake when Smith takes on Quigley, and I'm expecting a cracker.”

For tickets log on to www.echoarena.com or call 0844 8000 400.

Best of Liverpool have one pair of tickets to give away to a lucky reader by simply answering the following question:

WIN

Which American, former five-weight world champion boxer last month came out of 'retirement' to claim his 40 win - 0 losses, with a unanimous points victory over Juan Manuel Marquez?

Email magazine@liverpool.com with your answer, 'Boxing' in the subject box, your name and phone number. Deadline: Monday, October 12.

MUST DO MUST TRY...

A cake decoration masterclass

by David's Cakes of Distinction in College Road, Crosby, offering an inspirational cake decorating experience with empasis on fun, education and entertainment! From 10am to 4.30pm the one-day group event will be held in it’s showroom on Sunday, October 18 and Sunday, November 29.

Call 0151 931 3331 or log on to www.davidcakes.co.uk for price details.

MUST HAVE...

A stunningly designed

dress from Kirsy Doyle in the Metquarter. Liverpool Fashion designer Kirsty Doyle has launched her own flagship concept store exclusive to Metquarter.

Spread over two floors, the boutique has her ready to wear collection and Kiki by Kirsty Doyle lingerie label, plus a luxurious private space where bespoke customers can enjoy their fittings.

MUST SEE...

Soul diva Gladys Knight

on her much anticipated ‘Midnight Train to Love – Farewell Tour', joined by Tito Jackson, at the Echo Arena on October 15.

This not-to-be missed show will see Knight bring her entire Las Vegas show complete with a stunning 19-piece band. While Tito will take to the stage with his 14-piece band - The Funk Brothers to perform a string of hit songs by Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5.

MUST REMEMBER...

The seventh annual

Guinness Liverpool Irish Festival taking place from October 16 to November 1. With music sessions, concerts, plays, films, walks, clubs and exhibitions you can check out The Celtic Tenors', the Sharon Shannon Big Band, and the LFC Irish Legends night with John Aldridge, Ronnie Whelan and Jim Beglin. Visit www.liverpoolirishfestival.com for more info.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

&drink

Food

OCTOBER 09

Winter Warmers Emma Thompson samples some seasonal fayre

WITH winter on the way I decided to catch up with one of the city's top chefs, Tom Gill, at the Everyman Bistro to find out how to make the perfect winter warming dishes.

Having worked at the Everyman Bistro for a combination of 12 years, head chef Tom says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This coming food season is one of my favourites, I much prefer hearty soup and broth dishes they're

always really satisfying to make!â&#x20AC;?

After indulging in Tom's winter warming choices, which were thoroughly moreish, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll certainly be giving these recipes a try at home, although if mine don't quite reach the quality I'll be returning to the Bistro to keep me going as the weather gets colder!

Here are the recipes for you to try at home!

Provencal beef daube (stew) Serves 4 Ingredients 550g braising steak 2 carrots peeled and roughly sliced 1 small onion peeled and thinly sliced 2 cloves of garlic crushed 250g mushrooms 2 anchovies zest of an orange 100g bacon lardons handfull of black olives small glass of red wine

Ham, leek and butter bean soup Serves 4-6 Ingredients 1 ham hock 200g butter beans 2 leeks sliced and washed 2 carrots diced 1 small onion finely chopped For the stock: Rosemary Thyme 1 carrot Half an onion 1 celery stick

tin of chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp tomato puree pinch of sugar 1 tbsp chopped parsley Bundle tied together 1 sprig of celery, sprig of rosemary, sprig of thyme Method 1. In a heavy bottomed pan, saute the onion in a little olive oil until soft, add the garlic and half the red wine then

Method 1. Soak the beans overnight. Drain off the water they have soaked in then cover with fresh unsalted water and boil until cooked, then drain and season with plenty of salt and pepper.

2. Cover the ham hock and stock vegetables with cold water then bring to the boil, skim and simmer for two hours (covered). Remove the ham and allow to cool slightly then remove the meat from the bone.

3. Strain the stock and add 1500ml to a pan, then bring to the boil and add the carrots and onion. Simmer for five minutes then add the leeks, beans and ham, then continue simmering until the leeks are tender and serve with crusty bread.

reduce by half. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, carrots, orange zest, anchovies and the herb bundle. Put the lid on and place on a very low heat.

2. Heat a frying pan with a little oil and brown the braising steak on all sides then add it to the sauce. In the same frying pan, fry the lardons until slightly crispy and add them to the sauce.

3. Pour away any excess oil from the pan and place back on the heat, add the rest of the wine and stir to remove any meat sediment from the pan, reduce by half then add to the stew 4. Simmer very gently for one hour then add the mushrooms, stir well and simmer until the beef is tender. Remove from the heat and add the olives and parsley season and serve.

Roast garlic mash Place a whole bulb of garlic in some foil, drizzle with a little olive oil then close the foil around the garlic and bake in a low oven (160 degrees) for about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Peel four large potatoes (King Edwards) and cook in plenty of boiling salted water, then drain in a collander.

Mash and add a very generous knob of butter and a good splash of cream.

Then push the garlic cloves out of their skins and chop into a paste, add to the mash and season with salt and pepper.

Toffee, apple and custard Brown Betty, by Pam Wellings Serves 6 Breadcrumbs ingredients 7oz fresh breadcrumbs 3oz butter (melted) 4oz caster sugar Method Toss the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and then mix in the sugar, then leave to one side.

Preparing apples Method Cut 2lbs of cooking apples into chunks and toss with caster sugar depending on how sweet you want your apples.

Place apples in a baking tray and cook in a preheated oven (180 degrees/gas mark 4) until just soft.

Toffee sauce ingredients 8oz Golden Syrup 8oz light brown sugar 2oz butter half a pint of double cream Method Place the syrup, sugar and butter in a heavy bottomed pan and heat gently until all the ingredients are combined and the sugar has dissolved. Then boil rapidly on a higher heat for 2-3 minutes, carefully add the cream and stir until incorporated. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

Vanilla custard ingredients 4oz caster sugar 2oz cornflour 4 egg yolks 1 pint of milk 1 vanilla pod (split with seeds scraped out)

Once cooled assemble dessert. Begin with the apple, followed by the toffee sauce, crumbs, another layer of apple, followed by the custard then top with the crumbs. Bake in the oven (180 degrees/gas mark 4) for 15 - 20 minutes until the crumb topping is crisp and browned.

Method Beat together the egg yolks, cornflour and sugar in a large bowl and leave to one side. Add the vanilla to the milk and place in a heavy bottomed pan, then heat the milk to almost boiling point.

Whisk all the ingredients together by pouring the milk into the egg, sugar mixture then pour everything back into the pan and stir until the custard thickens.

Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

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Halloween special Learn about Liverpool’s ghostly past with Shiverpool Picture: Eddie Barford

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT Katie McLoughlin finds the best family frighteners

W

HATEVER the age of your children, there’s plenty for all the family to see and do this Halloween.

If you’re keen to scare the living daylights out of teenagers then a trip to Farmaggedon at Farmer Ted’s Farm Park near Ormskirk is a must at this time of year.

Each year the Downholland farm is transformed into a terrifying house of horrors that prays on all your fears.

Find your way through the long dark passageways, an abandoned abbatoir and a car-crash complete with depraved zombies to name just a few, and see how long it takes before you scream your head off as you grapple past all around you in a desperate bid to escape the clutches of Freddie Krueger, a demented dentist and insane clowns.

Voted one of the must-see haunted attractions in the world by the number one industry magazine in America, Farmaggedon is suitable only for those over the age of 15.

Farmaggedon runs throughout October and Farmaggedon will pray on all your fears Picture: Gavin Trafford

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

tickets start at £10 per person, for details visit www.farmaggedon.co.uk.

If being chased by a chain-saw wielding maniac through a dark farm is not your idea of Halloween fun, then why not pay a visit to the Halloween Children’s Fancy Dress Party in Sefton Park Palm House on Saturday, October 31?

Ideal for younger children, the fancy dress party includes a disco, scary face painters, creepy crawlies and lots of spooky goings on. Tickets are £5 per person, available from the Unity Box Office, call 0151 709 4988 for more details.

Sadly, the 2009 Halloween Lantern Carnival, which usually takes place in Sefton Park, has been cancelled. The Lantern Carnival will return in 2010.

However for this year, the Liverpool Lantern Company has organised a Halloween Fair for families and children in St Luke’s Church (the bombed-out church) on Leece Street.

Starting at 5pm on October 31, the fair will include long-forgotten Halloween

games, ghostly apparitions, a lantern arcade, a ghoulish pedal-powered fun fair in St Luke’s gardens and other-worldly adventures inside the church walls. Tickets are priced at £3 for adults or £2 for children.

Only a limited number of tickets are available, for more details visit www.liverpoollanterncompany.co.uk for information.

From October 17, children and families can also take part in lantern making workshops to help create the magic lantern arcade at the Halloween Fair. Workshops take place throughout the city, contact the Liverpool Lantern Company for details.

On Friday, October 30, Mary Shelley’s famous novel, Frankenstein, is being brought to life in a new muliti-media composition written by local composer Neil Campbell.

Featuring sound design, narration and specially developed visuals synchronised with the live music, Neil Campbell’s Frankenstein is being premiered in St George’s Hall’s neo-classical Concert Room.

Children can take part in lantern making workshops Picture: Liverool Lantern Company

Tickets are priced from £12.50, available from Unity Theatre Box Office, tel: 0151 709 4988.

Alternatively, if you’re a massive fan of Most Haunted, then why not see if you can have a paranormal experience of your own and learn about Liverpool’s supernatural secrets on a Shiverpool tour?

Suitable for children aged 8+, Shiverpool runs two ghostly tours – you can either discover the city’s famous ghosts on the Hope Street tour or delve into the dark and murky tales surrounding Liverpool’s commercial rise on the Auld City tour.

A Full Moon tour also runs once a month, starting at St James’ Cemetery.

Tickets to Shiverpool’s tours must be bought in advance, with family tickets available from £29. Visit www.shiverpool.co.uk or call 0151 709 2030 for more information.

With so many ghoulish delights on offer there’s something for children of all ages to enjoy this Halloween, so hop on your broomsticks, don your pointy hats and get set for an evening of fiendish family fun!

OCTOBER 09

HUBBLE BUBBLE, TOIL AND TROUBLE… WE all remember those childhood Halloween parties when we were amazed by the ghoulish grub on offer from jellies with eyeballs in to fairycakes adorned with liquorice spider’s legs, ghostlyshaped gingerbread biscuits and witch’s brew, there’s nothing

quite like scaring your friends with some spooky treats.

Children love the eccentricity and playfulness of Halloweenthemed food, and youngsters of all ages will enjoy cooking up these scary but easy-to-make treats - no cauldron required...

Scary Monster Cupcakes Have fun with your children designing ghoulish cupcakes for Halloween. Makes 12 cupcakes.

Ingredients: 125g softened butter or soft margarine, 125g caster sugar, two large eggs, 125g self-raising flour, one tsp vanilla extract, one tub creamy vanilla frosting (you can buy tubs of frosting in supermarkets), green food colouring, a selection of assorted sweets eg: marshmallows, mini-marshmallows, liquorice laces, liquorice allsorts, chocolate buttons, a box of writing icing (mini tubes of icing in four colours available in supermarkets) Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark four. Cream the margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at time, together with a tbsp flour. Add the vanilla essence and fold in the remaining flour.

2. Line a bun tray with 12 paper cases and half fill each paper case with the cupcake batter. Bake the cakes for about 20 minutes. You can tell they are done when

Ingredients: Ready-made guacamole, houmous or other favourite dip, five baby carrots, flaked almonds, four carrots, stuffed green olives, red grapes, sour cream

1. Fill a small bowl with ready-made guacamole, houmous or other favourite dip.

2. Take five baby carrots and take a thin slice off the tip of each. Use a knife to make a small incision at the base of each carrot cut and push a flaked almond into the slot to create finger nails! Arrange the carrots in the dip so they look like fingers.

3. For the sheep’s eyes, peel four carrots and slice thickly. Also, slice a few stuffed green olives and red grapes.

4. Top each carrot slice with a blob of sour cream and the sliced grapes or olives. Arrange the eyes in pairs on a serving plate.

Method:

Recipe and image courtesy: British Carrots.

Frankenstein’s Fingers and Sheep’s Eyes Guard yourself against ‘things that go bump in the night’ with these spooky treats, made with carrots to help you see in the dark!

HALLOWEEN OUTFITS FOR YOUR LITTLE MONSTERS… RIGHT: WEREWOLF COSTUME, £10, from Marks & Spencer BELOW: PIRATE, WITCH, SKELETON, DRACULA, PUMPKIN, GHOUL OR BAT FAIRY CHILDREN’S DRESSING UP SETS, £5.99 each, from Aldi

they have risen up, are golden in colour and spring back into shape when pressed with your finger. Leave to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Colour half the frosting green by mixing in some green food colouring.

When cool, spread half the cupcakes with white frosting and half with frosting that you’ve tinted green.

Have fun with your children creating eyes, noses and mouths using the sweets and writing icing.

Recipe and image courtesy: Annabel Karmel Family Cookbook Winter Edition available in Sainsburys, Asda, Tesco and at amazon.com. Visit www.annabelkarmel.com for more recipe ideas and information.

Chocolate Treats Looking for ready-made trick or treat goodies for your little horrors? Pop into Thorntons on Whitechapel, St John’s Way or in Central station where you can pick up milk chocolate spooky eyeballs (£1.99), skeleton, pumpkin or ghost chocolate lollipops (69p each) and scary gums multi-packs (£1.99) amongst other ghoulish treats.

FRIGHT NIGHT 1. Stephanie Meyer’s tantalising tale of romance between a young girl and a vampire has become a cult-hit amongst teenage girls since the first book was published two years ago.

Now fans eagerly awaiting the release of the second film in The Twilight Saga, can get their hands on a special collector’s edition of New Moon (published October 13, £20), a beautiful set of four Twilight Journals (published October 13, £16.63) and get a behind-thescenes look at the making of this hugely anticipated film with New Moon: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz (published October 6, £10.99).

2.

3.

1.

Priced at £12.99, The Enemy is bursting at the seams with unexpected twists, peril, breathless adventure and a world of unimaginable horror.

It’s not only a fantastic children’s adventure story, but also an unforgettable portrait of a world where the adults aren’t there to look after you - instead they want to eat you!

3. Ghostbusters – scary enough to satisfy youngster’s desire for something ‘Halloweeny’, funny enough to stop them from having nightmares. Available from HMV for £3.99.

4. Featuring the likes of Thriller, The Monster Mash and I Put A Spell On You, this two-CD, Ultimate Halloween Party Album, £4.99 from HMV, is ideal for children’s Halloween parties.

4.

2. Author of the best-selling Young Bond series and co-creator of The Fast Show, Charlie Higson has launched a new zombie thriller for teenagers. Published by Puffin Books, The Enemy, which was released last month, is set in an eerie, modern-day London after a mystery illness attacks everyone over the age of 14.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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&drink

Food Zeligs

Serving up more than just food Zeligs Dine in tune at Zeligs in Liverpool One. Every week you can enjoy live entertainment; Friday 2 and 16 October experience David Knopov ‘Perfectly Frank' and his six piece swing band, or Saturday 24 and 31 is the Toni James Band with her reputation as a polished and sophisticated performer.

Also every Wednesday sees Zeligs host the Liverpool Jazz Club, a great evening of jazz and fine dining.

What's Cooking Fancy reminiscing back to Wham and Adam Ant? Then check out 80s night every Monday from 5pm at What's Cooking at the Albert Dock, with 80s music, menu and prices! From a Hawaiian burger, bowl of chilli or Texan steak, What's Cooking offers a cool 80s selection.

Alma de Cuba

Party planner

If you're the 'chosen one' tasked with organising the office Christmas party this year, Emma Thompson has found 10 great venues for your festive shindig CROWNE PLAZA

Alma de Cuba Set inside the magnificent conversion of the former St. Peter’s Catholic church, Alma de Cuba is an eclectic mix of Cuban and Latin American influences that are enhanced with Liverpool’s great spirit.

Serving fabulous food from noon until late everyday, now Alma de Cuba has introduced Cuba Libre Thursdays from 57pm where businesses can enjoy a free cocktail with limited passes each week.

The evening continues with Musica en Vivo - live music with the best Latin party sounds every Thursday from 10.30pm.

This glamorous venue doesn't rest on Sunday's either with a live Gospel choir performing from 1.30pm to 5pm while you enjoy Sunday brunch.

The Orchard Having opened its doors less than six months ago, The Orchard on Blundell Street has quickly become popular. With a selection of comedy nights lined up including October 4, and November 1, along with live entertainment planned, The Orchard delivers a lot more than simply quality food and drink.

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Whether you're planning a whole company Christmas celebration or just a small team outing, The Crowne Plaza at the Pier Head has excellent festive celebrations in-hand.

Smaller groups can revel at one of the fabulous mixed party nights, with a festive meal, cabaret and disco in the Princes suite or choose a three course dinner and disco at the Plaza Brasserie.

The superb Christmas menu is served in elegant surroundings from December 1 to 23.

Suite lunches are also available from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.

Call 0151 243 8040 or log on to www.cpliverpool.com

CHAOPHRAYA

Having recently opened its doors in Liverpool One, this fine dining Thai menu creates a fresh and flavoursome true gourmet experience. Chaophraya is the ideal venue to treat yourself in the run up to Christmas and is perfect if you fancy something other than traditional choice.

With a set Christmas menu and a festive a la carte menu available there's plenty to choose from.

PANAM

Set within the Albert Dock, PanAm and Blue both allow you to enjoy festivities in stylish

surroundings with excellent food, dancing and views over the docks.

After your meal the party starts with the resident DJ offering an eclectic mix, with PanAm playing a vibrant mix of RnB, funk and party, while Blue plays a party-rocking fusion of pop, RnB, dance and rock.

Check out the Christmas menu at www.panam-venue.co.uk

ROYAL COURT

Rawhide Comedy Club has your Christmas party all wrapped up. Known as a top entertainment venue, the Royal Court can also offer great food beforehand too!

With a full menu prepared by awardwinning chef, Simon Collard, three top notch comedians and a compere from the national circuit, plus VIP entry to Flares nightclub on Mathew Street, Rawhide is the complete Christmas package. Even the most grinchlike office member will be full of 'ho ho hos.'

Tickets for Christmas shows are £40 including the meal. Call 0870 787 1866 or go to www.rawhidecomedy.com to book.

RADISSON BLU

Whether you're opting for a big group celebration, or a small private drinks party, the Radisson Blu on Old Hall Street has an excellent choice for Christmas. With either a sit down menu or buffet menu, both including an arrival drink, dinner and disco, you can dance the night away.

You can choose contemporary Italian

OCTOBER 09

dining in the Filini restaurant, group parties in the three suites available or a private party in their exclusive White Bar.

THE GULSHAN

If you're after something to spice up this year's Christmas celebrations, then the fine Indian flavours of The Gulshan on Aigburth Road are certainly worth a try. Having undergone a stylish refurbishment this new sophisticated look offers a sumptuous upstairs cocktail lounge and tapas bar and makes a perfect venue for your Christmas parties whether it's with family and friends or work colleagues.

MERSEYFERRIES CHRISTMAS CRUISE

Enjoy the city from a different view by cruising down the River Mersey for your festive party. On Friday, December 18 you can enjoy the ultimate party band, Biker Groove, along with DJ Krazy Lez you are guaranteed a brilliant start to your Christmas. Saturday, December 19 you can revel in the 60s Christmas Party Night. Be prepared to party with the fabulous sounds of the 60s, brought to you by Rubber Sole and DJ Krazy Lez. Cruises depart Pier Head at 8.30pm and Seacombe at 8.45pm, with the cruise duration approximately three and a half hours.

LEO CASINO

It's a sure bet if you choose Leo Casino for your party venue. Set on Queen's Dock if you book for eight or more then you can also enjoy a fun introduction to blackjack and roulette on the casino magic tables, as well as the food and live entertainment.

Along with the great selection of games to try, there's a delicious menu available at £25 per person, although there's 10% off for nonentertainment days. Log on to www.leocasino.co.uk or call 0151 709 8878 for more information.

COMEDY CENTRAL AT BABY BLUE

Always providing great entertainment, Comedy Central at the Albert Dock is a fab night out combining excellent food and quality acts. Plus for those looking for a Christmas party with a difference, Comedy Central offers either a Christmas buffet menu or the delicious Blue Christmas menu.

So with acts on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the first three weeks of December, as well as December 22 and 23, it's a great way to start the joys of Christmas.

PANORAMIC

If you're looking to set new heights with your Christmas festivities this year then the fabulous Panoramic restaurant offers amazing views across the city and the Mersey along with fine dining ensuring it's a festive celebration to remember. Set on the 34th floor of the West Tower on Brook Street, this elegant restaurant provides a quality menu, so why not take a different view this season?

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Panoramic, Crowne Plaza, PanAm, Leo Casino, Merseyferries and Radisson Blu

Christmas is coming…

PICTURE the scenario. You and your colleagues or friends are sold on your Christmas party venue, and are looking forward to partying with the best of them.

You all reckon there is loads of time to book, as Christmas is months away.

When you do decide to pick up the phone, however, you learn to your horror that said venue has been fully booked for – erm, months!

Swear words apart, this situation can be avoided by the simple act of booking early. And early means ‘now.’

Christmas is unusual, in that bookings are way off the any-other-time-of-the-year radar. Naturally, everyone – but everyone – wants to join in the Yuletide revelries, and that means demand exceeds supply.

Hence the old adage, ‘the early turkey catches the worm’ comes into its own at Christmas.

Those in the unenviable position of social secretary at the office may well be muttering words along the lines of, ‘well, you try organising 40 gaggling women and hen-pecked husbands into making a decision about where to go, when to go, and what they want to eat, two months down the line!’ True, even organising a foursome can prove a nightmare. Enough said.

However, said social butterflies must flit around the office and pin people down to brass tax, nonetheless. Threats of, ‘if you don’t decide, we’ll lose out completely’ usually concentrate the collective mindset.

If colleagues are out in the field (literally or metaphorically), then email or text them;, whatever it takes to get an answer out of them.

If you haven’t chosen your venue yet, then ring around for Christmas menus (faxing or emailing is quicker), and settle on your choice.

At least you will have booked the venue, reserved the correct number of seats, and paid the deposit.

Next, get your mitts on said menus, and force your fellow partygoers to peruse the delights thereon. Then write down what they want, add it to a list, and prepare to convey its contents to the venue, sooner rather than later.

So, whether you are booking, ordering or choosing, do everyone a favour by doing it right here, right now.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25

Christmas party venues Traditional Superb Quality Food at Old Fashioned Prices

Buca Di Bacco Ristorante Italiano

Warm cosy atmosphere Liverpool’s best kept secret Celebrating our 30th year Early doors Mon-Thurs £9.95 for 2 courses Best Garlic Bread in town Outside catering available WE ARE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS 3 Course Christmas Menu - £21.95 30 North John Street, Liverpool L2 Telephone: 0151 236 7290

Can’t wait till December for a fantastic night out?

Call the Sales Team and ask about the fantastic party nights available in October and November

37 Aigburth Drive, Sefton Park, Aigburth, Liverpool L17 4JE Tel: 0151 727 7380 www,blenheimlakesidehotel.co.uk

Christmas Party Bookings now being taken December 4 & 5 • December 11 & 12 • December 18 & 19 3-Course Menu @ £34.50pp inc Disco & Live Entertainment, Arrive 7-7.30pm, meal at 8pm, Disco till 1am

STARTERS Tomato and Basil Soup served with a warm bread roll, or Freshly shelled Norwegian Prawns in a Marie Rose Sauce served with brown bread and butter, or Duck Spring Rolls served with Sweet Chilli Sauce MAINS Butter basted oven Roast Turkey served with Chipolatas, Pork & Chestnut Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce & Gravy, or Finest Aberdeen Angus Beef served with homemade Yorkshire Pudding, Horse Radish Sauce & Red Wine Gravy, or The Blenheim Nut Roast with a fresh Tomato Sauce, or Butternut Squash in redcurrant and orange sauce DESSERTS Pear & Almond Tart with Fresh Cream, or Luxury Christmas Pudding served with traditional brandy sauce, or Belgian Chocolate Box served with fresh cream Freshly Ground Coffee/Tea served with Mints

Christmas

CELEBRATIONS

2009

person £25.00 per

50th Anniversary of Motown

Fantastic XMAS Night Out PACKAGE INCLUDES: THREE COURSE DINNER, LIVE CABARET ENTERTAINMENT AND DISCO TO FINISH THE EVENING OFF

19th December 2009

Merry Christmas

CHRISTMAS CARVERY

£32.50per person

With LIVE Entertainment throughout December. A traditional Christmas Carvery complete with all the trimmings. Enjoy the company of our DJ who will provide all the ingredients for a fabulous party for all.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCHES

Let us take the stress so you can concentrate on enjoying a spectacular Christmas Day experience. Choose either our FESTIVE CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH or a more formal TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DAY CARVERY LUNCH

Britannia Adelphi - Liverpool

Book Now!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

Ranelagh Place, Liverpool, L3 5UL FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 0151 709 7200 or e-mail: christmas700@britanniahotels.com

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN Visit our website for more details: www.britanniahotels.com/christmas

For your Christmas Party Menu and receive a complimentary glass of house wine* Visit our website for menus and offers! www.leftbankliverpool.com 2 Queen Square (opp. Marriot Hotel) t: 0151 709 0922

Serving the best Italian cuisine for 25 years

*for bookings taken before the 31st of October

Franco’s Ristorante Where Italians love to eat

R YOUR BOOK NOW - FO RTY PA CHRISTMAS

Have you tried our new low price Lunchtime Menu?

Lunch & Evening

Look on our website for further details

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

26

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

OCTOBER 09

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Wednesday Nights: SALSA CLASSES followed by LATIN PARTY NIGHT with DJ Pascual Friday Nights: LIVE SALSA BANDS Saturday Nights: LIVE SALSA BANDS Sunday Afternoons: LIVE LATIN JAZZ BAND Sunday Nights: LATIN PARTY NIGHT with GUEST DJ

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2 Campbell Square, Liverpool, L1 5AX • 0151 709 5335 www.lacubanita.co.uk

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Unlimited Bucks Fizz & canapés on arrival

Fabulous 3 course carvery

FREE BAR ALL NIGHT Great entertainment and disco

Fish and chips to finish

Hosted in superb, fully refurbished function suites

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£34.95 Per person

www.feathers.uk.com

FEATHERS HOTEL ALICIA HOTEL Call now for 115/125 Mount Pleasant, 3 Aigburth Drive, Sefton Park, full showround Liverpool L3 5TF Liverpool L17 3AA and best price T: 0151 709 9655 T: 0151 727 4411

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

27

Heading over to…

Croxteth Country Park

HIDDEN GEMS JANE FULLERTON HAIR AND BEAUTY

HISTORICAL HAVEN Sue Kelbrick takes us on a journey to West Derby, with thankfully not a wild beast in sight!

W

EST Derby might be a little off the beaten track but it is well worth a visit.

Boasting a long and rich history, the area of West Derby pre-dates the city of Liverpool itself and was even mentioned in the Domesday Book.

The name West Derby comes from a Norse word meaning ‘place of the wild beasts’ but these days the only wild animals you are likely to see are in nearby Croxteth Country Park. Home to the Earls of Sefton, Croxteth Country Park is a popular visitor attraction. Here, as well as stunning Croxteth Hall, there are beautiful gardens, the country park itself and Home Farm, where the whole family can get up close and personal with all kinds of fluffy and furry creatures. A great day out for all the family, come rain or shine.

The world famous Alder Hey Children’s hospital is situated in West Derby, and is one of the largest and busiest children’s hospitals in Europe. With a world class reputation for saving the lives of sick children and a proud history of medical achievement and clinical innovation, the hospital is an international centre of excellence, treating more than 200,000 children a year.

The heritage of the area is never far away with historical buildings and relics found throughout West Derby. It once had its own castle and whilst this isn’t around anymore, the courthouse built in 1586 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, still stands. Renovated in 2005, it is the only freestanding post-medieval courthouse in Britain.

Another piece of history enjoying a prominent position in West Derby is a set of Victorian cast iron stocks which were once used for the public punishment of offenders who had rotten fruit and vegetables thrown at them.

Standing proud in the centre of West Derby is The Monument, built in the 1850s and a water fountain, which was commissioned many years ago by Richard Meade so that the villagers could enjoy a drink of water

28

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

whenever they liked.

At the entrance of Croxteth Park is the magnificent St Mary's Church, built in 1853 from red sandstone with Yorkshire stone pillars. Designed

by Sir George Gilbert Scott it has a distinctively Gothic style.

West Derby is also home to the Lowlands Community Centre, a Grade II listed mansion, where lots of local bands played and the Beatles are said to have failed an audition.

Bringing things a little more up to date, the long-running, much-loved Channel 4 soap, Brookside was filmed on a housing development in West Derby.

Famous residents of West Derby include scriptwriter, Carla Lane, the legendary Bill Shankly and the Beatles’ first drummer Pete Best (pictured), who lived in Haymans Green, home of the Casbah Club where the group first practised.

So what makes West Derby such an attractive place to visit? West Derby village has a real community feel to it and is a great place to stop off and stay awhile. Check out the village’s many bars, pubs and restaurants which offer a warm welcome whether it’s for a quick pint or a four course meal.

There are also lots of fantastic shops and boutiques, great for browsing, so there is plenty to keep even the most dedicated shopaholic busy.

HOW TO GET THERE: By bus, Arriva numbers 12 and 13 from Queen’s Square in the city centre, run at least every 10 minutes (Monday to Friday daytime) and at least every 15 minutes (evenings and Sundays). For more travel details call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or log onto Merseytravel.gov.uk

Favourite of Liverpool WAG Alex Curran, Jane Fullerton has been a professional hairdresser for nearly 20 years, having gained experience working with Peter and Andrew Collinge and even managing their flagship salon in Liverpool city centre for 10 years.

Jane and her team offer a comprehensive range of hairdressing services from a basic cut and blow to a full colour and restyle and all staff undergo regular training workshops to ensure they stay one step ahead of the latest trends and styles. The salon also provides a fantastic range of beauty treatments.

Visit the salon at 103 Eaton Road in West Derby or telephone 0151 228 9444.

MAKE DRESSMAKER

Make sure you never commit the fashion faux pas of being seen wearing the same outfit as someone else by paying a visit to Make Dressmaker in West Derby village.

The brainchild of experienced fashion designer and dressmaker, Carolyn Marsden, Make prides itself on producing beautiful bespoke clothing for women of all shapes, sizes and ages.

Whether it’s a special occasion or a day at the races, pop into the lavishly decorated boutique where the atmosphere is relaxed and informal, and a member of the team will personally assist you in finding the outfit of your dreams.

Find Make at 118 Town Road in West Derby or telephone 0151 254 2037.

ALMOND

The inspiration of proprietor, Kate Ravenscroft, Almond restaurant and bar specialises in offering locally sourced seasonal food which not only means diners can enjoy delicious home cooked, local fayre but they are supporting the local market at the same time.

Inside, the decor is cool and contemporary and the menu is tantalising and eclectic with everything from Mediterranean tapas-style starters to burgers, steak and pasta, and there is also a great children’s menu.

Just launched at Almond is a fabulous day time menu available between 12pm and 2pm which is well worth checking out.

Call in to Almond at 16 Mill Lane in the heart of West Derby or telephone 0151 226 0021.

Best of West Derby

OCTOBER 09

THE LEATHER MILL Quality Furniture • • • •

End of line Suites at crazy prices Display models now on sale Next day delivery Order now for guaranteed Christmas delivery

3 & 2 SEATER FROM

£699

43 Mill Lane, West Derby Village, Liverpool. Tel: 0151 256 6939

Opening hours Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 11am-4pm Late night Thursday unitl 7pm

Wood Fire Surrounds from £199 Corgi Registered • Fitting available

Solid Fuel & Wood Burning Stoves, Electric Fires

Superior Marble, Stone & Wood Fireplaces

EXPERT HELP AND ADVICE, 22 YEARS EXPERIENCE

INDIVIDUALLY SELECTED OCCASIONAL FURNITURE

The Old Station House, Mill Lane, Liverpool L12 7JA Tel: 0151 259 4090 • www.the-gas-station.co.uk

What’s on at almond?

Now Open Daily

Sunday Roast

WEST DERBY OSTEOPATHS

Serving Brunch, Light Bites, Sandwiches, Coffee & Cakes

2 Course Lunch £10 or 3 Course Lunch £12.50 Open Sunday from 1 - 6pm

NICHOLAS JASON SMITH & PASCAL O’DRISCOLL

Don’t miss out on Almonds first Christmas

Christmas Day Lunch

DAY, EVENING AND SATURDAYS

Lunch Menu available

Traditional Christmas Party Menu 3 Course Lunch £16.50 & 3 Course Dinner £24.50

Traditional 4 Course Menu Adults £50.00 & Children £25.00 Book Now as availability is limited

Local, simple, honest food. Almond – your local neighbourhood restaurant Opening times: 11am-11pm Tuesday-Saturday, 1-6pm Sunday 16 Mill Lane, (opposite The Sefton Arms), West Derby Village L12 7JB Phone 0151 226 0021 • Email: contact@almondwestderby.co.uk www.almondwestderby.co.uk

WE PAY YOUR RENT

whether your property is vacant or let

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£28 PER SESSION INCLUSIVE OF BOTH CONSULTATION & TREATMENT

MARK POWELL BARBER SHOP 0151 256 0665

Open 7 days late night Thurs 7.30

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Walk in or to book to save waiting. We cater for all age groups and are experts in traditional cuts and all modern styline techniques.

For the best hot towel shave come to Mark Powell, he has been teaching all barbering techniques and traditional shaving techniques for the past 25 years.

Good service reasonable prices. Give us a try.

Est in West Derby 25 Years

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 29

Travel The real Ken Dodd with the statue of Bessie Braddock at Lime Street Station. Picture: Jason Roberts

Grand National mural at Liverpool South Parkway (LSP)

Paul Baker takes a tour of the art commissions gracing our public transport network

RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES...

W

ORKS of public art are everywhere, but often we barely notice them. Taken for granted throughout Merseyside are statues and sculptures, murals and plinths, mosaics and fine architecture. They help make our grey streets less drab and try and lift our journeys to and from work.

Whether we find ourselves staring right at them or subconsciously taking them in, works of public art are important ways to bring life and colour to our streets, amenities and buildings.

So it was on a mild autumn morning that I joined Merseytravel’s public arts officer, Emma Lawrence, to follow a public art trail she’d created to showcase some of the latest and best works of art Merseytravel had commissioned.

Our little tour starts at the Pier Head and the most recently unveiled commission.

The John Newton Sculpture was created by the artist Stephen Broadbent. It’s a huge piece, gracing the wall inside the Pier Head Ferry Terminal building and is dedicated to the memory of the former Tide Surveyor of Liverpool, John Newton. Once a slave

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Lennon Airport and it’s fitting that it has multiple pieces of public art within.

Most obvious and most trumpeted are the giant Grand National Mural and The Beatles Topiary.

The Grand National Mural was unveiled in April 2008 and stretches high up the wall against the station’s elevator shaft. Artist Janet Shearer has used the technique known as Trompe L’oeil to depict every Grand National winner of the previous two decades tackling the Aintree course’s infamous Canal Turn.

The technique she uses literally tricks the eye of the viewer through precise use of perspective to make this amazing scene possible.

The other major work at the station is actually housed on the roundabout of the bus interchange where the buses link to the airport. John, Paul, George and Ringo sit happily enough upon the roundabout, almost camouflaged amongst the flora.

Look closer though and you’ll see these bushes have arms, legs, heads and guitars.

Ringo even sits amongst a topiaried set of drums! It’s a fun piece and was produced

by The Bigger Plant Company as part of Capital of Culture year.

After this big dose of art it’s onto the mainline back into Lime Street where we are welcomed into the open arms of two famous faces of Liverpool. Merseytravel last year unveiled the two rather excellent representations of Liverpool comedian and all round entertainer Ken Dodd, alongside the Liverpool MP and social reformer Bessie Braddock. These life-size bronze statues are full of detail and character, with Ken brandishing his famous ticklestick and Bessie holding an egg marked with the British Lion stamp of quality which was her own brainchild.

And that’s it, easily done within two and half hours and we’ve reached the end of Merseytravel’s public art trail.

Or at least the end of one of them, because so many of our stations are adorned with public art that many more such trails could easily be created. And with many more commissions in the pipeline, keep an eye out for some striking artworks springing up at a station near you soon.

The John Newton sculpture at the Pier Head Ferry Terminal

Pictures: Paul Baker

The Beatles Topiary at LSP

ship captain, Newton reformed after a religious epiphany and campaigned to abolish slavery. He also famously penned the words to the hymn Amazing Grace.

It is the lyrics to this hymn and the musical notes that make it up, which are set upon the artwork’s three huge pieces of burnished steel – representing the continents of Africa, America and Europe.

The words and notes run in ovals around a glass panel which represents the Atlantic and is etched with the patterns of former slave trading routes. It’s certainly a powerful work, all the more once its significance is fully realised.

From here, a quick walk to James Street station and a short hop on the Wirral Line under the Mersey brings us to our next work, adorning the platform at Birkenhead Park Station.

Unveiled in June of this year, the work is made up of three sculptures, standing over five metres tall, each holding three semicircles depicting places from across Wirral and Merseyside.

These laser-cut images are meant to reflect the historical and contemporary character of the local area. Each time you view these sculptures your eyes pick out something new; be it St John’s Beacon, or the Liverpool skyline from across the Mersey, the Cavern Club, the Gormley statues, and even La Princesse – the mechanical spider from last year’s Capital of Culture celebrations. Nearby Birkenhead Park is well represented too, significant for being the first publicly funded park in Britain and the inspiration for New York’s Central Park.

From here, it’s back on the train and we’re off to Moorfields station where we change to the Hunts Cross Line and journey out to Liverpool South Parkway.

This attractive new station provides the city with a vital link to Liverpool John

Detail of sculpture at Birkenhead Park Station

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