Best of Liverpool October 2010

FASHION

PLACES

FACES

FOOD

BEAUTY

HOMES

TRAVEL

Supplement

OF LIVERPOOL OCTOBER ISSUE 2010

VAMP IT UP Sink your teeth into Gothic style

JUST DESSERTS Cup cakes are a sweet success

PARTY PLANNING Cracking Christmas venues

DRAMA QUEEN

MERSEYSIDE’S MOST HAUNTED

Tricks and treats for Halloween

o le C y la p o t e m o h es Kim Cattrall com

MEN’S MOVIE STYLE // THINK PINK // RETRO HOMESTYLE HEADING TO AINTREE // CYCLE SAFETY // WHAT’S ON //

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Contents

OCTOBER 10

BEST

17

20

OF LIVERPOOL

OCTOBER 2010 NEWS

27

04 TALK OF TOWN Local news, events and all-important gossip

FASHION 06 SHOPPING FOR HER Bags of arm candy

08 SHOPPING FOR HER Gothic glam

10 SHOPPING FOR HIM

28

How to look the part

HEALTH & BEAUTY 12 SALON SPOTLIGHT Beauty supports breast cancer

14 FITNESS

Editor’s Letter

Safe cycling

HOME & GARDENS 15 GO RETRO Cool kitsch

ENTERTAINMENT 16 HOMEGROWN TALENT The big interview and ones to watch

18 ASP-IRATIONAL Kim Cattrall’s starring role as Cleopatra

19 THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE The line-up for October

CHILDREN 20 HALLOWEEN Fright night frolics

FOOD AND DRINK 22 LITTLE CHEF

IT’S my favourite time of year. I just love kicking the leaves round Sefton Park on a crisp, autumnal day and as the nights draw in, just snuggling on the sofa and enjoying the televisual feast that is the X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing.

October is also the month of eerie events, with Halloween fast approaching. We bring you the line up of hauntings and spooky happenings in the city.

Ladies, if you’re feeling vampy, we have conjured up the latest in Gothic glam, and if you fancy yourself as Bella from Twilight, we have some hot tips on how to steal her style.

And gentleman, never fear, we haven’t forgotten you. You can get in on the act with our advice on how to dress like your favourite male movie icon.

For the home, we have rummaged around some of the best retro shops in Liverpool so we can pay homage to the interior trends of yesteryear, as well as chatting to auctioneer, Nick Bray, on how to pick up some great pieces at auction.

Plus, we celebrate some of the city’s greatest talents

from radio DJ Billy Butler to boxer Paul Smith, not to mention the fabulous Kim Cattrall who is coming home to Liverpool to play Cleopatra at the Playhouse Theatre.

There really is an amazing agenda of entertainment this month from the Liverpool Biennial to the MOBO Awards – the city is certainly in the spotlight.

And before we know it, Christmas will be upon us, so we’ve started to plan our festive shindig and share our plans with you on how to organise the perfect party.

As this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have trawled the beauty counters for pink products so we can treat ourselves while donating to charity.

Also, as it is National Baking Month, we come over all Mr Kipling and indulge our sweet tooth by creating some lovely cakes.

We hope you enjoy our latest Best of Liverpool.

Keep warm!

Michelle

Give home baking a whirl

GET IN TOUCH

CHRISTMAS 27 FESTIVE EVENTS Time to plan your Christmas party

OUT AND ABOUT 28 HEADING OVER TO Aintree and Fazakerley

LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray

FRONT COVER SHOT Courtesy of the BBC

STORIES 0151 330 5035

MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton

DESIGNERS Colin Harrison, Mathew Barnes

FAX 0151 330 4924

SALES MANAGER Frank Notton WRITERS Paul Baker, Katie McLoughlin,

30 TRAVEL

Emma Thompson, Sarah Hooley, Sue Kelbrick

Sunny Salford

PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers

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.

EMAIL magazine@liverpool.com ADVERTISING 0151 330 5039 WEBSITE www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

/liverpool-entertainment /best-of-liverpool/

Dining Sets, Leather & Fabric Sofas, Beds, Accessories SPECIAL OFFERS INSTORE EXTENDED SALE DUE TO DEMAND! Beds from £69! Coffee tables from £49 . . . plus lots, lots more – some ex-displays to clear www.relax-in-style.co.uk

213-217 Walton Road (next to Argos, opp McDonalds) Open: Sat 10-5pm • Sun 12-4pm • Mon-Fri 10-5pm

Tel: 0151 207 7288 BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03

Talk of town FUNDRAISING

WARM WELCOME FOR HOTEL THE cream of Liverpool’s business and social scene were out in force as the city’s newest boutique hotel, base2stay, held its official launch party.

Over 70 of the city’s leading figures celebrated the opening of the £14m hotel on Seel Street. Peach bellinis and tapas canapés were provided by Catalan restaurant, Lunya, as guests explored the former 1850s print works, which has been lovingly restored to showcase its period features.

Robert Nadler, CEO of base2stay, said: “I am delighted that we chose Liverpool as our first hotel outside London. We have been welcomed with open arms by the city.”

SHEREE APPEALS TO STYLISH SHOPPERS HOLLYOAKS actress Sheree Murphy visited Cavern Walks shopping centre to appeal to stylish shoppers to donate their unwanted designer clothes in aid of charity.

The ex-Emmerdale actress, who recently joined the cast of hit soap, Hollyoaks, joined forces with Cavern Walks retailers to help encourage donations for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital second Clothes Throw event.

Cavern Walks, home to some of the city’s leading independent brands including Cricket, Lola Loves, Boudoir Boutique and Cello, is showing its support to this year’s appeal by becoming the latest drop off point for the public to donate their unwanted designer clothes.

The donations will culminate in a public sale and pop-up designer shop at Liverpool’s Racquet Club on the October 8.

Sheree Murphy, 34, said: “Winter is approaching so there has never been a better time to have a good clear out.”

Fundraising for the event is also being boosted with a Clothes Throw raffle, with prizes including London Fashion Week tickets, a £750 shopping spree with mywardrobe.com, a worldwide hotel break and much more.

For tickets contact the Imagine Appeal on 0151 252 5716.

CHARITY FASHION SHOW SET TO DAZZLE LIVERPOOL law firm EAD Solicitors is putting on the glitz with a charity fashion show in support of the BBC’s Children in Need appeal.

Showcasing the best of Liverpool fashion, the event will take place at award-winning Albert Dock venue CIRCO on Thursday, October 28 at 7.30pm.

Models will be sashaying down the catwalk in autumn/winter collections from the cream of Liverpool’s fashion designers, including KU Spendlove, Liquorish Boutique, She Shea Liverpool, Beau Butterfly, Love Frocks, Dresses by Nikki, Dress Up by Lisa, Trash Denim and Begin Couture.

There will be entertainment from dance group MD Productions from Britain’s Got Talent and girl band Estrella from the X-Factor.

Tickets cost £7.50, email Hannah.Robinson@eadsolicitors.co.uk

or call 0151 735 1000.

04

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Caught on camera Michelle Rushton gets behind the lens to capture the city’s social scene

CHRIS’ CITY BREAK KITTEN GETS THE CREAM OF SKINCARE ADVICE ATOMIC Kitten’s Liz McClarnon recently extended her perfectly manicured claws to cut the ribbon at the official launch of the new sk:n clinic on Bold Street.

Liz is a big fan of the leading specialists in dermatology, laser hair removal and injectables so she jumped at the chance to attend the launch, taking the chance to talk to sk:n clinic advisers.

She also discussed the importance of looking and feeling good and why Liverpudlians pride themselves so much on their appearance.

The launch was also timely as a new survey by sk:n found that almost a quarter of women in Liverpool said they spend more time and work harder than any other region to look good!

For more information visit www.sknclinics.co.uk

DISABLED ultra-distance athlete Chris Moon MBE received a warm welcome from Hollyoaks’ actress Alex Fletcher when he stopped off in Liverpool during his 1,000 mile charity run around the UK. To mark the first month-long Barnardo’s Believe in Children Month Appeal, Chris is running an average of 36 miles a day for 30 days – over 1,000 miles.

Chris made a brief pit-stop at Barnardo’s Action for Young Carers Project on Colquitt Street where he met local children and staff and volunteers from the project which supports local young carers and their families.

To find out more, visit www.barnardos.org.uk

MOOSE COFFEE SUGAR RUSH WE’VE quite litterally been like kids in a candy shop since sugarcane opened on Bold Street This traditional sweet shop is an Aladdin’s cave of goodies from toffees and jelly beans, wine gums and eclairs, served in old fashioned jars.

We love the SugaLikkers, hand made lollies, SugaShake milkshakes and homemade fudge.

You can also feast on pic ‘n’ mix, candy canes, liquorice, sherbet and chocolates until your teeth rot!!

EVER since the sign sprang up on Dale Street, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the opening of Moose Coffee.

Now that it’s open there’s no getting the Best of Liverpool team away!

Specialising in American and Canadian breakfasts and brunches, Moose’s menu is packed with mouth-watering treats like American pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, and an impressive selection of brunch dishes like New York Moose (eggs Benedict).

There’s a good coffee menu and take our word for it — the Moose Hot Chocolate is divine!

NEAT BROWS WE at Best of Liverpool no longer have an excuse for sporting a Liam Gallagher monobrow since Cavern Walks launched its new brow bar service. hi-Brow offers shoppers a range of beauty treatments including eyebrow threading, an ancient Asian art or eyebrow, shaping which is fast becoming the celebrities’ preferred method for flawless brows.

OCTOBER 10 CREATIVE FLAIR AT ELAINE CUNNINGHAM SPECIALIST home-interiors retailer, Elaine Cunningham Home Store, was launched with a night of creativity.

Celebrations saw the unveiling of a fabulous one off creation by Philip Armstrong.

The amazing gown, now a centre piece for the window display, was made using Andrew Martin home fabrics in stunning black and gold.

Bespoke handbag designers, Nook and Willow, created a one off handbag. Meanwhile, Cup of Love Bakery provided lessons in cake decorating.

The expansion to the city centre store, combined with the Aigburth Road showroom will allow Elaine Cunningham Home Store to offer the widest possible range of wallpaper, floor coverings, fabrics, soft furnishing and accessories, as well as launching a much larger interior design service.

CELEBRITY CHEF JAMES Martin was the star guest at the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival held at Sefton Park last month.

The TV chef took a tour of the festival site which was home to over 80 of the city’s top bars and restaurants, stopping to take a look at The Liverpool Cookbook.

Published by Trinity Mirror Media, The Liverpool Cookbook features recipes from Merseyside’s most talented chefs and is the perfect foodie gift.

The book can be purchased by visiting www.merseyshop.com or telephoning 0845 143 001 and is priced £14.99 (free P&P UK only).

HOLLYOAKS CAST’S SUPPORTING ROLE SOME of Hollyoaks’ most popular characters took to the stage to entertain over 350 people at the Hollyoaks Ball at Chester Racecourse.

The glitzy event was organised by programme makers, Lime Pictures, and supported by many of Hollyoaks’ cast, joined by Corrie actress Kym Marsh.

The Ball, now in its third year, has established itself as one of the city’s most star studded events.

Sponsored by Boodles Chester, Eve, Cruise Nightclub and Merseysound, it raised over £35,000 for the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal and Claire House Children’s Hospice.

LIVING ROOM REVAMP THE Living Room on Victoria Street, Liverpool recently re-opened its doors after receiving an exciting makeover.

Over 300 people visited the venue for the official Living Room relaunch party giving the refurbishment a massive thumbs up!

Known for being one of the city's most sought after venues for drinking and dining, a substantial investment of £200K has brought the three storey building up-to-date whilst retaining its essential character of The Living Room, with different areas for different customer needs and occasions.

The exciting new look features influences from the sophisticated New York and Miami bar scene including metallic, gold and bronze tones with ultra chic marble and mirror finishes, reminiscent of the Art Deco period.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED 40 YOUNG deaf and disabled people in Merseyside are being offered the chance to take part in the London 2012 Olympics.

DaDa – Disability and Deaf Arts is working in partnership with mygames (powered by v) to recruit young volunteers to get involved with DaDaFest International 2010.

The programme calls on young people to undertake exciting volunteering projects in the community that promote and celebrate the values of the 2012 Olympic Games – friendship, respect, excellence, equality and determination.

DaDa is now looking to recruit young volunteers aged 16-25 for the project. To volunteer contact Alison Jones by email: youthvolunteer@dadahello.com tel: 0151 707 1733, fax: 0151 708 9355, minicom: 0151 706 0365 or visit www.vinspired.com

IT’S FOR CHARITY

SPECS GOD IN THE CITY OLIVER Goldsmith, one of the most famous names in optics who supplied many famous people with their frames including John Lennon, Michael Caine, Princess Grace, Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn, came to Liverpool to give a talk recently.

He was a guest of Blankstone Opticians which has just landed an exclusive deal as the North's only stockists and held a VIP reception for Oliver, customers and guests at Sakura.

MOVIE MAGIC IN support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Clatterbridge Cancer Research is urging the women of Liverpool to get dressed up for a glamorous trip to the cinema.

On Saturday, October 23 at 3.45pm, the exclusive Woolton Picture House on Mason Street, Liverpool, will hold a special screening of the beloved musical Moulin Rouge.

Tickets cost £15 and can be booked by calling 0151 343 4300 or emailing laura.mcmullin@ccrmail.org.

The price of the ticket includes a free cocktail, scrumptious cake and discounts on refreshments.

A raffle will also be held on the night and all money raised during the evening will go towards helping Clatterbridge Cancer Research.

Meanwhile, volunteers are invited to fire walk across hot coals at the charity’s HQ in Riverside Park, Bromborough on Saturday, October 16.

Brave participants will be asked to arrive at 7pm for training and a peptalk to psyche them up before walks commence at 9pm.

For more information visit www.clatterbridge.org.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05

Shopping for her

OCTOBER 10

Beckie has bags of style

‘Ellie' bag from Beckie-L

Sarah Hooley catches up with Crosby handbag designer, Beckie Eustace Beckie Eustace who launched Beckie-L handbags.

FOLLOWING in the footsteps of Kirsty Doyle and Ally Mac – Beckie Eustace is the latest Liverpool-based designer to make her mark.

The brains behind exclusive handbag range, Beckie-L, 19-yearold Beckie from Crosby launched the luxury label last year and her stunning bags have quickly become one of the city's most coveted accessories.

The gorgeous collection has been specifically created to offer designer quality at affordable prices and boasts both classic and cutting-edge fashion. From smart work bags and oh-sotrendy clutches to handbags for the evenings and daytime, Beckie has ensured that each bag is made from 100% of the finest leather and has been inspired by the catwalks and timeless designs.

Having left school at 16, Beckie says she always loved design and it wasn't long before the budding designer was snapped up by a leading fashion house. It was there that Beckie met mentor and fashion expert, Jean-Pierre Hall, and Beckie-L was born.

Beckie explains: “It's always been my dream to start a fashion line and the past 12 months have been a whirlwind! I absolutely love fashion and like most girls have been completely obsessed with handbags since I can remember but felt that there was a gap in market for affordable designer-quality bags.

“I've specifically designed the Beckie-L collection to appeal to all ages of women and in addition to the bags, we've also recently launched a wonderful range of handcrafted jewellery.”

The Beckie-L collection is currently available to buy online at www.beckie-l.co.uk, or you can keep up-to-date with the latest Beckie-L information on twitter.com/BeckieLBoutique or call 0151 924 4448.

'Leeza' handbag from Beckie-L

'Naomi' bag from Beckie-L

Red clutch bag from Beckie-L Absolute pearl Tbar necklace

Pictures courtesy of Raymond Farley Photography

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Blonde bombshell to open Liverpool Fashion Week Kerry Katona will be coming home to open Liverpool Fashion Week, taking place on Tuesday, October 19.

THE performer from Warrington with her stylish new bob will be modelling Glam Boutique’s key autumn pieces.

Also performing will be Liverpool girl band, Estralla, who are currently storming through boot camp in this year’s X Factor and BGT finalists, Nemesis, who will perform their debut single during the week long fashion festival.

Taking place from October 19-23, this is Liverpool’s biggest ever Fashion Week with high street brands such as John Lewis, Next, Matalan, New Look, Wallis,

06

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Evans showcasing their A/W 10/11 collections alongside independent design boutiques and online stores.

Liverpool Fashion Week is sponsored

by Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa which will be offering spa treatments during the week, alongside the Moroccan themed boutique fair. This is where guests can shop ‘till they drop at a selection of stalls including jewellery, hair accessories, hair extensions, cup cakes, designer sunglasses and vintage couture.

Fashion Week in Liverpool is organised by Lifestyle Monthly magazine, one of the region’s longest running free glossy magazine, and is media partners with Radio City 96.7FM. Hair is being styled by Avant Garde, one of the region’s premier hair salons.

Fashion Week takes place at Bambooo

Amanda Moss, Lifestyle monthly editor

in Duke Street, the city’s only seven star club which has played host to international performers such as Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, 50 Cent and Kelis.

For more information or to book tickets call 0151 280 0059, email editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk, or visit the website at www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk

Tuesday 19 October Tu October

Fashion Week comes to

Opening night party

Liverpool K

KERRY KATONA OPENS FASHION WEE 19-23 Octo October oberr 2010

BOOK YOUR TICKETS AT

in association with

o.uk www.lifestylemonthly.c

Tickets:

On sale NOW Tuesday - Friday £1

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Weekly tickets - £5 0 to include entry into celebrity after show parties

7.30pm

Glam Boutique e featuring Kerry y Katona

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X Factor Factor’ss Estre Estrella ella

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Wednesday 20 octo We october ober 7pm

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Thursday 21 Octobe October er 7pm

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7 30 7.30pm

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Friday 22 October Fr 7pm

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Next

7.30pm

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Saturday 23 Octobe October er

SPONSORED BY

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MARK MELIA

Bridal 9.30pm m Opulence Brid dal Closing C g party with top celebrities c

by Radio City’s R Rick Vaughn hosted b ho h Va

PLEASEE CONTACT CO ONTACT TA US VIA EMAIL: editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk em monthly.co.uk PHONE: 01 151 280 0059 0151

Boutique Fair:

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vintage clothing

Doors open 6pm, Boutique Fair closes at 10pm every night VENUE: Bambooo o 7 Star Clubbing C 64 Duke Street Liverpool, l, L1 5AA A Tel: 0151 259 020 0202 2

MEDIA MEDI IA PARTNER PA

Shopping for her

Sarah Hooley gets vamped up with this autumn's gothic glam fashions CALL us crazy, but ever since we caught sight of a pasty-faced R-Pattz we've been itching to vamp up our wardrobes. Thankfully, the autumn/winter fashion gods have spoken and with gothic glam one of the key looks for the up-coming season all our vampire-filled fantasies are about to come true. From lashings of black lace (and we don't mean of the Agadoo variety) to sensuous velvets and seductive leather, it's enough to make even the coldest blood sun hot...

Gun metal black Swarovski crystal earrings, £20, from Hope & Winkle

Mongolian Gilet, £75, from ASOS.com

Outfit from Dorothy Perkins

Black studded bra-top from H&M

Papaya all over lace body, £8, from Matalan

Embroidered tulle dress, £175, from Topshop

Black gloves from H&M

Detailed black clamp bangle, £18, from Wallis Dress from Miss Selfridge

Corsage belt, £10, from Lipsy Lace ruffle dress, £45, by Rare

08

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

OCTOBER 10 'Samantha sequins' dress, £160, from French Connection

Bella-isimo STEAL Bella Swan's style with these slouchy tees, classic fitted jeans, comfy cheque shirts and trainers. If it's good enough for the Twilight heroine, it's more than good enough for us!

Angelina leather jacket, £124.99, from Superdry

Satin skirt from BHS Grace dress, £49.99, from River Island

Indigo check shirt, £29.50, from Marks & Spencer

Sasa, £95, from Dune

Grandad top, £22, from Next

Indigo Straight Martha Jeans, £40, from Topshop Hunter welly, £60 at John Lewis, Liverpool

F&F tan double buckle belt, £5, from Tesco Clothing

Spot lace basque, £30, from Marks & Spencer

Leather leggings

by Boutique, £250, from Topshop

Camille lace shirt and Napoleon bloomers from River Island

Converse Chuck Taylor Slim Back, £36.99, from Office

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 09

Shopping for him

OCTOBER 10

The camera never lies from the big Men’s fashion takes inspiration pcorn in hand, screen for this autumn/winter. Po Sue Kelbrick finds out more.

COOL is the byword for men’s fashion this season and nothing epitomises cool more than movie star hipsters like James Bond, John Wayne and Steve McQueen.

So, using the world of cinema as its backdrop, fashion takes a classical turn and embraces muted colours, tailored fabrics and defined shapes, to create a collection of clothes any movie star would be proud of.

According to Hugo Boss, which recently launched its fall collection for 2010, the look is "intensely masculine" and focuses on "classic tailoring and the finest fabrics."

Double-breasted jackets paired with slim trousers are a key theme either as a dressed up evening look with a tuxedo a la James Bond, or for daytime, a classic 1950s business suit in the style of Michael Caine.

For the more casual look, Hugo Boss predicts that luxurious lambskin coats and cool biker jackets in the style of cult film, The Motorcycle Diaries, will be on trend and teamed with bulky scarves and cashmere pullovers, they combine to create an air of casual elegance.

Colours are understated extending from beige and brown tones through shades of grey to the everpopular black.

OMAR SHARIF AS DR ZHIVAGO Textured wool funnel neck sweater, £120 and sum mit trousers, £65, from French Connection

PHIL DANIELS AS JIMMY COOPER IN QUADROPHENIA Bombhead parka, military smart shirt, overdye skinny jeans, Cambridge shopper and black leather stud boots, all from River r Island’s autumn/winte collection

ND IN AMES BO ORE AS J O M R .

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L AS GAEL GARCIA BERNA CHE GUEVERA IN RIES THE MOTORCYCLE DIA and , £110 ket jac , £70 rs use Tro Firetrap shoulder bag, £40 from rter Qua Met the in

JOHNNY DEPP AS THE JACK SPARROW IN RIBBEAN PIRATES OF THE CA top, £75, Jacket, £300, hooded £115, all scarf, £35 and jeans, Quarter from Firetrap in the Met

10

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

LEONARDO DICAPRIO AS FRANK ABAGNALE IN CATCH ME IF YOU CA N Grey suit, dress shirt, dickie bow and weeken d bag, all from the Hug o Boss autumn/winter collect ion

MICHAEL CAINE AS HARRY PALMER IN THE IPCRESS FILE Tweed suit, polo neck jumper and leather weekend bag, all from the Hugo Boss autumn/winter collection

menswear

CHRISTOPHER REEVE AS CLARK KENT IN SUPERMAN 50, Check short sleeved shirt, £22. flat print t-shirt, £18.50, Fairtrade twill chinos, £30 and geeky spectacles, £16, all available from Debenhams

59 Allerton Road L18 • www.mazeclothing.uk.com

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TUE 12 - SAT 30 OCT Although the producers of The Sound of Music cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, Connie Fisher is expected to perform at all performances excluding Mon eves, Wed 13 Oct mat, Wed 20 & 27 Oct eves, subject always to illness and holidays.

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11

Health & beauty

OCTOBER 10

THINK PINK IN celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, why not treat yourself and help charity at the same time with these brilliant beauty buys?

The Alexandra Burke Jessica nail polish from the Inspire Collection, £8.95

Mavala nail varnish trio, £9.95, from Debenhams

Limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness long last glosswear SPF 15 'Pink Ribbon' key chain, £15, from Clinique

Clinique Breast Cancer Awareness 'Special Edition' dramatically different moisturizing lotion, £35 for 200ml

Palmer's cocoa butter formula lotion, £3.59 for 250ml

Halo eye make-up remover wipes, £1.99, for a pack of 30

Pink limited edition ghd, £135

•

•

•

Perfectly pampered Sarah Hooley takes a trip across the water and discovers a fantastic new facial AFTER a stressful week moving house, an afternoon of pampering was just what the doctor ordered.

So, together with my rather tired and disgruntled other half we headed across the water to check out the luxurious Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa. On arrival I'm instantly charmed by the spa's picturesque surroundings in the chocolate box village of Thornton Hough and walking into the uber-glam reception, beauty therapist, Sophie, greets us with a friendly smile.

I quickly explain our reason for visiting and noting the bags under my eyes, Sophie recommends that I try the new ESPA Super Active Facial. An advanced new treatment, the exclusive facial features a hot stone head and shoulder massage together with a conditioning hair treatment and has been specifically designed to calm, soothe, tone and firm skin. In short, it's one and a half hours of sheer bliss, and I'm sold.

Within a few minutes, I find myself cocooned in one of the spa's stylish treatment rooms and with soft twinkling music, fluffy towels and mood lighting, it's evident that Thornton Hall Hotel has spared no expense to create the ultimate retreat.

To begin the treatment, Sophie gently places three hot stones along the 'chakras' of my chest, before applying a creamy hydrating cleansing milk to my face and massaging away with soothing hot towels.

A refining skin polish buffs away any dead skin cells and to make my hair baby soft, Sophie works an intensive conditioning mud mask into my scalp.

While that's left to soak in, a revitalising eye mask is delicately applied around my eyes to reduce the appearance of any fine lines and Sophie explains that due to the specialist training needed for the advanced facial, Thornton Hall Hotel is one of the only spas in the area to offer the treatment.

Next, Sophie selects a sweet-scented 'regenerating' oil infused with neroli, jasmine and frankincense, renowned for their age defying properties, and expertly massages my face, neck, decolletage and shoulders with firm but relaxing strokes.

By now my skin already feels like a million dollars but Sophie finishes the one and a half hour facial with a gentle head massage followed by a skin brightening enzyme face and eye mask leaving me feeling thoroughly relaxed and pampered indeed.

Once dressed, I head to the spa's superstylish relaxation suite for a tad more lounging before joining my other half who's been busy making the most of the spa's luxurious leisure facilities.

Boasting an indoor pool, steam room, sauna and whirlpools, as well as two outdoor hot tubs, the spa is the perfect way to end the day. And as I catch a glimpse of my glowing skin in the mirror, I know it won't be long before we’re back.

Set in the beautiful village of Thornton Hough, the spa is part of the four-star Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa.

What does it do?

With an extensive list of indulgent spa treatments, the contemporary spa is home to a stylish relaxation suite, hair salon and clinical spa, plus a wonderful health club comprising a swimming pool, fitness suite, aerobics studio, sauna, steam room, whirpools and two outdoor hot tubs.

Contact: Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa, Neston Road, Thornton Hough, Wirral, CH63 1JF. Tel: 0151 353 0116 or visit www.thorntonhallhotel.com

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Fitness

OCTOBER 10

Cycle safe With the dark nights drawing in and the weather growing wintry, Paul Baker looks into how to prepare for cycling on our roads this autumn IF you are planning to get on your bike and take to the roads this autumn, whether as part of a fitness regime, doing your bit for the planet or just a convenient route from A to B, you need to get to grips with cycling safely.

Particularly as the weather worsens and the chance of you travelling when it is dark increases, cyclists need to pay more attention to a variety of potential hazards on the roads.

Firstly you’ll need to make sure you have the right gear to navigate busy autumn roads. Fit a bell to your bike and make sure you wear clothing that is appropriate for the colder and wetter weather.

You should also make sure you are visible to other road users. Daylight may be poor at this time of year so wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing.

When riding in the dark, wear reflective clothing and/or accessories such as reflective arm and ankle bands.

A bell should be fitted to your bike so that you can signal to other road users.

Lights and reflectors are compulsory when riding during hours of darkness.

You need a white front light, red rear light, red rear reflector, plus amber/yellow pedal reflectors. They will aid your vision and make you more visible too.

Of course, a helmet is another essential item and can help prevent serious head injuries should you have an accident.

Make sure your helmet meets British Standards and replace it every five years.

Cyclists should also take extra care during autumn and winter in terms of general road safety. So stay alert and don’t listen to music or use a mobile phone while riding.

Also, make it clear what you are planning to do next and give motorists ample time to react. Ride positively and decisively, look and signal clearly before you begin any manoeuvre.

If, unfortunately, you are involved in an accident, you should tell the police if

there’s been a collision where someone was injured. Make sure anyone who is hurt gets medical attention.

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to get insurance for yourself and your bike. Without insurance you may be liable for any damage caused to a person or their property because of an accident with your bike.

Some cycling organisations and clubs even offer free third-party insurance to members so look out for offers like this.

Remember, if you do not feel confident on busy roads get some cycle training before tackling them – and don’t forget to consult The Highway Code.

Merseysider completes coast to coast challenge for Alzheimer’s research ECSTATIC but exhausted, St Helens builder Phill Cowley (right) has completed a coast to coast challenge by kayak and raised over £1,500 to boost funds for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

Phill set off from Cleethorpes, at the mouth of the Humber estuary, on September 4 and completed the 206 mile journey to Bootle docks on Sunday, September 19.

During his 15 days on the water, Phill encountered more than 100 locks and ever changing views as estuaries lead to rivers and canals and the route meandered through cities, towns and picturesque countryside.

Phill, 50, talked about the challenge and explained his motivation for supporting the Alzheimer’s Research Trust: “It was really tough at times but it was a fantastic experience. I am so pleased I’ve been able to use my kayaking skills positively to raise money for the charity in this way. I must say I’m pleased to be back on dry land and sleeping in a comfortable bed again but I’m sure I’ll soon be getting ideas for my next challenge!”

Miranda Mays, community fundraising manager for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said: “This is a fantastic result and we are really grateful to Phill for taking on this gruelling adventure to help us beat Alzheimer’s disease. The money raised will pay for 150 hours of cutting-edge research, bringing us ever nearer to finding preventions, new treatments and an eventual cure.

“Nearly 2,000 people in St Helens alone

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live with the daily reality of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and 820,000 people throughout the UK. Dementia research is hugely underfunded and the Alzheimer’s Research Trust relies entirely on its wonderful supporters like Phill.”

Anyone wishing to add to Phill’s fundraising efforts to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust can still do so by telephoning Sharon Manison at the charity on 01223 843899 or online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/coasttocoast

Home

OCTOBER 10 UNDER THE HAMMER

Digging the past Fancy kitting your home out in cool kitsch furniture from the 50s, 60s or 70s? Paul Baker shows you how WHEN you’re looking for a style fix for your home, you don’t have to look to the future.

After all, the past has really got it going on!

If you haven’t noticed, retro is king, retro is cool and retro need not cost you a packet. It’s not about designer Art Deco pieces which will seriously dent your wallet. Furniture which is considered retro today was actually mass produced in the 50s and 60s and became widely available. For that reason, you can still pick it up all over the place.

Of course, the best cared for examples will be more expensive but you pay for quality.

Many people choose to shop online and

there’s certainly lots of choice there, but nothing beats seeing the item up close before you buy.

That’s why it’s worth checking out local vintage stores, retro shops and the auction houses. You can inspect the pieces carefully and you’ll know if it’s really right for your home.

Also you can ask the experts selling the furniture any questions you might have, getting the inside scoop and hopefully putting your mind to rest over any nagging doubts.

Whether this vision is rock n’ roll diner, Austin Powers mojo party, flower power chic or Mad Men cool – retro is the only way to go.

Retro/Vintage Shops retro. Its core business is through the showroom, as the store carries a lot more stock than its website.

Smithdown Road, Liverpool, L15 5AH, Tel 0151 733 3355, www.retrolovedeluxe.co.uk.

● Retro Interiors

● Retro Love Deluxe

BASED on Smithdown Road, this is one of the best places if you’re looking for retro items for your home.

The shop itself describes its wares as midcentury modern, vintage/retro designs from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s, specialising in furniture, lighting, ceramics, glass, plastics, rugs, fabrics, objects, gadgets, metalware and miscellaneous items.

Inside you’ll see design classics, along with high quality stylish pieces from lesser-known designers. But rest assured—if it’s here, it’s

A fantastic little shop in Waterloo, Retro Interiors specialises in retro design from the 1950s-70s plus lots more.

Along with retro furniture you’ll find post-modernist pieces, modern art, period paintings, sculptures, maps, antiques and ceramics. There’s loads of interesting objects and collectible items too, to give your home a quirky look.

Oxford Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 7RE, Tel 07932 581281, www.retro-interiors.com

● 69A Intandane

A long established vintage shop in the city centre, 69A Intandane stocks a huge range of antiques and curios, perfect for decorating your home.

You’ll certainly find vintage and retro items scattered about the store, and there’s a special focus on Asian, African and 20th century decorative arts. If you’re interested in the Global Traveller interior style that’s popular this season, look no further.

75 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, L1 2SJ, Tel 0151 708 8873 Also try: ● Vertu Antiques and Interiors, 7 The Quadrant, Hoylake, Wirral, Tel 07967 431184 ● Quiggins’ Attique, 325 Aigburth Rd, Aigburth Vale, Liverpool, tel 0151 727 3925 ● Remains to be Seen, 49 Lark Lane, Aigburth, Liverpool, L17 8UW ● Victoria Antiques, 155 Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral, Tel: 0151 639 0800

AUCTIONEER and valuer Nick Bray has always been interested in antiques so it was almost pre-destined that he would come to make his living from them.

“My parents were forever taking me along to antiques fairs and car boot sales at weekends and I was always a bit of a wheeler-dealer at school. I just came to know about the world of antiques and auctioneers from going to sales. You look at the auctions and see what sells.”

Nick joined the auction trade straight from school and has racked up 14 years worth of experience.

Having worked for a respected local auction house in Liverpool, Nick has recently begun working at Auction World in Ellesmere Port.

It’s quite a different experience to the smaller more traditional auction house atmosphere people might expect. Indeed, from the outside Auction World looks more like an out of town retail outlet than an auction house. But, sure enough, step inside and you can view hundreds of lots, before the weekly sale.

“Auction World is around 45,000 sq ft – it’s the same size as a football pitch! We have one auction day every week through four auction rooms — there’s loads of furniture and household goods sold.”

Nick handles the antiques side of Auction World’s lots and often comes across some rather interesting pieces.

“I recently got in a turtleshell which had a reserve of £800 placed on it, and also there was an autograph book full of Liverpool players from the Shankly and Paisley era with a £300 reserve. The turtleshell sold for £1,700.”

Other interesting lots Nick has sold in the past include a gunbelt signed by Elvis Presley, an Ivor Novello award with a Beatles connection, and an old garden bench from John Lennon’s house.

The good thing about visiting an auction house like Auction World, particularly to those hunting vintage or retro items for the home is that there are always items available at good prices.

Many of the lots are the result of house clearances and so there’s always the chance you’ll find the exact piece you’ve been looking for come to the market. It pays to keep checking and if there is a style or specific piece of furniture you’re after, you could ask the auction house to let you know if the right piece becomes available.

Auction World is on Cromwell Road, Ellesmere Port (off jct 9 of the M53).

For more information call 0151 356 5153, or go online: www.auctionworld.info. And if you want to speak to Nick, call him on 07711 386 989.

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The BIG interview

Billy holds down a plum job Katie McLoughlin meets Mrs Butler’s eldest...

HE’S DJed in the Cavern, given thousands of Merseysiders clues and even had a book written about his DIY disasters.

Now after 50 years in showbiz and 40 years in radio, Billy Butler has brought out his first book – Billy Butler MBE – My Memories Are Made Of This.

Dedicated to his ‘mam’, the book gives an insight into Billy’s life over the years from growing up on Grey Rock Street in the 50s to amusing anecdotes about avoiding dancing with girls in the Grafton and the Locarno, scoffing HP sauce butties as a kid, watching westerns at The Palladium, appearing on Thank Your Lucky Stars and, of course, creating the legendary Hold Your Plums phone-in quiz.

Hold Your Plums ran for more than a decade until the mid 1990s and such is its level of success that even those who’ve never listened to Billy’s radio show know of the caller who famously couldn’t name the ship in Mutiny on The Bounty!

Catching up with Best of Liverpool at BBC Radio Merseyside on Hanover Street, Billy recalls some of his favourite Hold Your Plums callers from over the years, saying: “There’s the classic potatoes woman, the Mutiny on The Bounty and my favourite callers – Eileen and Geoffrey from St Helens. They were genuinely, very funny but they didn’t mean to be – they just gave answers that made sense to them!

"I remember we asked Geoffrey once what kind of sign would you see on a gent’s toilet door? Thinking you know, a sign with the word 'gents' on it, and he said ‘wet paint!’”

The broadcaster adds: “It’s the simplest questions sometimes that make them panic – they say the first thing that comes into their head. Like we asked one lady ‘who was the first person to sail the world single handedly?’ She said ‘Captain Hook!’ We asked another lady ‘who was the first woman on Earth?’ She fluttered about for a bit, saying she should know, she learnt it at school. As a clue, I told her to think of an apple and she said ‘it wasn’t Granny Smith was it?!’” chuckles Billy: “These are genuine and luckily we’ve still got a lot of them on CD and cassette to prove that we’re not making them up!”

It’s often been said that one of the reasons why Hold Your Plums works so well is because it’s in Liverpool, but does Mr B agree? “A lot of people say that about Hold Your Plums,” says Billy. “I think that listening wise it works all over the country – it works all over the world – but participation wise it probably would work

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Picture: Andy Teebay

in Liverpool better than anywhere else.”

Liverpudlians are famed for their quick wit and, as well as giving a peek into Billy’s life, the book is packed with hilarious lists which stem from asking listeners for answers to silly questions or themes.

“I’ve always been a fan of lists” admits Billy. “I like to see what order things come in and the more bizarre the list, the better!

“My lists come from our listeners – you can have the most bizarre theme and they’d still come up with answers for it! You know, like six records that have whistling on them. I love things like that and if you’ve got the imagination, you can make something out of that on radio.

“The whole list thing started one day when Wally and I were looking at a picture of Yorik and Hamlet and I said to Wally: ‘I wonder what Yorik’s saying to him?’

We’ve had lots of themes like the advantages of being a galley slave, who would break wind in a crowd and funny things like that.

“We’re lucky because Liverpool as an audience will respond to something like that. You might try it somewhere else and you wouldn’t get the same reaction.”

As well as comic call-ins, the Yorik and Hamlet theme led to Billy and producer Wally Scott being approached about a cartoon strip on ‘The Adventures of Yorik’.

Billy explains: “It became so popular that two local guys asked us if they could put out a cartoon book called ‘The Adventures of Yorik.’ I said ‘well you don’t have to ask us, it’s William Shakespeare you have to ask!’ You know, but they went ahead with it and they sold thousands of the books.”

Never short of opinions, Billy is known for saying what he thinks and this, together with his natural approach, is part and parcel of his popularity over the years. “I think one of the reasons I’ve been on radio for so long is that people believe me that I’m not being big headed, you know? Because I will have a go, I hate the ordinary man being conned and feeling like he can do nothing about it. So at least I’ll shout about it on the radio and I think there’s a lot of people who’ll say ‘that’s it Billy, that’s what I think,’” says the life-long

Evertonian.

A champion of local talent, Billy believes that local radio should help local performers, saying: “The difference is that in the 60s, there wasn’t local radio but groups today can look to their local radio to help them get exposure – that’s the way I feel anyway. I think it’s local radio’s duty to help give local bands and not just the bands, but the comedians and solo singers, a platform for people to hear them.”

Billy’s entertained generations of Merseysiders over the years and a lot’s changed in showbusiness since he first started out as a DJ in The Cavern, The Downbeat and The Mardi Gras. “It’s changed a great deal,” says Billy. “But what hasn’t changed is the enthusiasm of the young people involved. When I was in my group The Tuxedos in the 60s and when I was on national television every week of a Saturday in the early 60s, the thing that drove you was going around and being recognised. You never thought of making money out of it, it was just the thrill of going around and people saying ‘there’s that fella off the telly.’ I think that still comes first for a lot of bands today, it’s the acknowledgment of what they’re doing.”

So after half a century in showbiz what’s next for the affable Mr B? “I don’t know, it could be death!” jokes Billy. “I’ll keep on doing radio for as long as they want me, it’s the only thing I can do! It’s a matter of having the right outlook and making sure you keep up with what’s happening in the area. There’s so much happening in Liverpool at the moment and it’s great.”

Billy Butler MBE - My Memories Are Made Of This, Trinity Mirror Media, £14.99. Available in local shops and online at www.merseyshop.com or call 0845 143 0001.

OCTOBER 10

Lord of the ring Katie McLoughlin talks to Liverpool boxer, Paul Smith, ahead of his championship fight later on this month

Pictures: 20ten Entertainment Ltd, Paul Heaps

IT’S been a fantastic few months for Team Smith, the Liverpool brothers who are fast becoming known as the city’s fab four of boxing.

Despite breaking his hand early on in the title fight, 25-year-old Stephen has recently become Commonwealth Featherweight champion; 20-yearold Callum is competing at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi later this month and, on October 23, the eldest of the brothers, Paul, will defend his British super-middleweight champion title at the Echo Arena. Younger brother Liam will also fight at the Echo Arena on the same night.

Together as Team Smith, the brothers are one of the most successful families in the history of British boxing, with an unprecedented run of achievements. Even Paul’s four-year-old son, Paul junior, has shown an interest in the sport.

Asked whether or not his son will follow in his footsteps, Paul says: “I hope not but I don’t think he’ll want to do anything else. He’s already running around punching me!”

Kirkdale-born Paul has happy memories of the Echo Arena after defeating Tony Quigley there last October to clinch the British super-middleweight title and defending the title from Tony Dodson there in March.

The stakes are high for Paul’s upcoming fight, as a win against Darren McDermott will not only preserve his title as British super-middleweight champion, it will also leave Paul just one step away from owning a prestigious Lonsdale belt outright.

Paul says: “I have a lot of respect for Darren, but there’s no way he’s getting his hands on my title.

Not only is he standing between me and a Lonsdale belt, but if I lose to him I can kiss goodbye to any chance of fighting for a world title. The next 12 months could potentially be huge for me. There’s no way I will slip up.”

In the run-up to this month’s title bout, Paul trains Monday to Friday, getting up at 5.30am to run up Everton brow and Netherfield Road for 45 minutes. After running, Paul goes home to have breakfast with his son before he goes to school, then sleeps until 10am before hitting the gym from 11.15am until 1.30pm.

Paul Smith with his son Paul

“I train like that for the 10 weeks before a fight and four weeks before a fight I do a lot of strength and core work,” adds Paul.

This month’s title fight will be top of the bill, live on Sky Sports and, for Paul, it means a lot to defend his title in front of a home crowd.

Paul says: “It doesn’t bother me fighting elsewhere but it’s a lot better when I’m fighting in the Echo Arena in my home city. It’s great to see the support I get there, even when I’m fighting against another Scouser, the way the crowd get behind me is great.”

Boxing is obviously in Paul’s blood and if the 27year-old retains his title on October 23, boxing promoter, Frank Warren, is lining him up for a world title fight which could potentially make the local lad a global sports star.

To book tickets for Frank Warren presents Championship Boxing at the Echo Arena on October 23, visit www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400.

Pictures: Colin Lane, Peter Hallward

ONES TO WATCH DAVID LYDIATE

EMMA DEARS

Colin Dunne

INSPIRED by Liverpool’s architectural beauty, photographer, David Lydiate, from Rainhill, has held a number of Liverpool-themed photographic exhibitions.

David, who has multiple sclerosis and has fought a rare and potentially deadly form of leukaemia twice in the space of three years, has received a lot of recognition for his work including support from then Lord Mayor, Mike Storey, who opened David’s ‘Liverpool and Beyond’ exhibition in 2009.

Now, David has organised a new exhibition, ‘This is Liverpool,’ to raise awareness and funds for Leukaemia Research.

The photographic exhibition is being held in the Liverpool Echo & Daily Post’s atrium space on Old Hall Street on October 11-25. Miss Liverpool 2010, Amy Jackson, will officially open ‘This is Liverpool’ on October 12.

LIVERPOOL born actress, Emma Dears, has created the concept, written and will star in a brand new musical experience – Judy & Liza.

With Judy & Liza previewing around the North West in November before touring nationally next year, the show is a dream come true for local girl, Emma, who first had the idea for the show almost a decade ago.

Now her vision is coming to fruition.

Emma says: “I had always been compared to Liza as a performer and so I started to look into her life. When you look deeper into the songs which they’ve both made famous over the years, the parallels with their own life experiences are uncanny – that’s why Judy & Liza works.”

A LEADING figure in the world of traditional Irish dance, Colin Dunne has made the cross over into contemporary dance and theatre.

Best known internationally for his performances and choreography in Riverdance and Dancing on Dangerous Ground, the talented dancer was nominated for a UK Critics’ Circle National Dance Award (best male: modern dance) in 2007.

Working with the Merseyside Dance Initiative, Colin is bringing his solo production, Out of Time, to Liverpool’s Contemporary Urban Centre on October 20 as part of the LEAP 2010 year of dance, in association with the Liverpool Irish Festival.

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Cleopatra

AUGUST 10 Picture courtesy: Jerwood Space / Georgia Oetker

Femme fatale From a Manhattan man-eater to Shakespeare’s Cleopatra, powerful female roles are Kim Cattrall’s speciality. Katie McLoughlin finds out more...

NLESS you have been in hibernation these last months, you can’t have failed to notice that Sex and the City star, Kim Cattrall is coming back to her roots for what promises to be an unforgettable performance.

The Liverpool-born actress will be treading the boards at the Liverpool Playhouse this month in an eagerlyanticipated production of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra.

U

Picture courtesy: PA/Craig Blankenhorn/MMX New Line Productions

Directed by Janet Suzman, Antony and Cleopatra will run from tomorrow (Friday, October 8) to Saturday, November 13 at the Williamson Square theatre.

The Sex and the City star, best known for her role as Samantha Jones, will star in Shakespeare’s epic tragedy of passion and empire alongside esteemed stage actor, Jeffery Kissoon as Antony. Kissoon, who has worked with legendary theatre directors such as Peter Brook, Trevor Nunn and Sir Peter Hall, previously played Antony at the Liverpool Everyman in 1990.

Fresh from her critically acclaimed performance in Noel Coward’s comedy, Private Lives, in London’s West End, Kim has returned to her birth city to play Cleopatra – who is arguably Shakespeare’s strongest female character.

Directed by Sir Richard Eyre, Kim received rave reviews for her role as Amanda in Private Lives. And, having previously worked

with director Janet Suzman in a highly regarded West End production in 2005, great things are expected of the 54-yearold actress in Antony and Cleopatra.

Commenting on her upcoming role at the Williamson Square theatre, Kim says: “I am thrilled to be coming home to Liverpool and making my debut at the Playhouse. I went to see many shows there as a young girl with my aunt. This homecoming means a tremendous amount to me and my family.”

Kim was born in Mossley Hill before her family emigrated to Canada when she was three months old. The

Kim Cattrall in rehearsals for Antony & Cleopatra at the Liverpool Playhouse

actress, who became an honorary fellow of Liverpool John Moores University earlier this year, traced her Mersey roots as part of the BBC’s popular Who Do You Think You Are? TV programme.

During her early career, Kim starred in cult 80s films like Big Trouble in Little China, Mannequin, Porky’s and Police Academy. The role of PR mogul and maneater, Samantha Jones, in Sex and The City brought the actress international fame and earned her a prestigious Golden Globe award. As well as her recent role in Private Lives, Kim also treaded the boards in David Mamet’s The Cryptogram at the Donmar Warehouse in 2006.

Antony and Cleopatra is at the Liverpool Playhouse from Friday, October 8 to Saturday, November 13. For tickets call the Everyman Playhouse box office on 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com

Kim in a scene from from Sex And The City 2.

Left: Kim Cattrall arrives for the Laurence Olivier Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London in March 2010.

Photo courtesy: Yui Mok/PA Wire

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Above: Kim Cattrall who is appearing as Cleopatra at the Liverpool Playhouse

Things to do, places to see

OCTOBER 10

Reasons to be cheerful, a calendar of events throughout October, says Sue Kelbrick

BY DAY

BY NIGHT between two warehouses, as if dropped from the sky.

There is also plenty to see from the Independents strand of the Biennial too, working as a catalyst for the development of local artists. Open your eyes and touch a world of art on Merseyside.

Full festival maps are available to download from www.biennial.com and www.independentsbiennial.org

Liverpool Biennial IT may not be the arachnid invasion witnessed in 2008, but this year’s Liverpool Biennial is already weaving a web of intrigue around the city streets.

Scattered around arts centres, galleries, iconic and disused buildings, you will find the weird and wonderful work of sculptors, installation artists and painters from all over the world.

Hundreds of artists and dozens of venues are involved in the sixth Biennial, which runs until November 28. And, best of all, it’s free.

The title of this year’s festival of contemporary visual art is ‘Touched’. Can art touch a city? The artists have certainly engaged in a fascinating and madcap variety of interpretations on the theme.

Brazilian artist Laura Belém has filled the rafters of Anglican Cathedral’s Oratory with one thousand glass bells, while in FACT, dozens of donated pieces of clothing have been turned into a cascading spectacle by Finnish artist Kaarina Kaikkonen.

Keith Coventry’s captivating blue monochromatic image ‘Spectrum Jesus’ – which triumphed over 3,000 other entries in the John Moores’ Painting Prize – can now be seen on display at the Walker Art Gallery.

But it’s often the artworks that take you by surprise which are most cherished – a wander up Duke Street and you’ll discover a Korean house - Bridging Home - by Do Ho Suh, wedged

WIN

MOBO Awards

Black History Month OCTOBER is Black History Month. This annual national celebration aims to spread awareness of black contributions to British society and to foster a greater understanding of black history in general.

There is a packed programme of events throughout the city including Tales from Africa, a series of interactive story-telling workshops, an evening with the award winning presenter, writer and broadcaster, Henry Bonsu, Black Film Club screenings every Tuesday throughout October and Stop the Traffic, a powerful exhibition highlighting the ongoing struggle to combat human trafficking.

All these events are happening at the International Slavery Museum but a number of other venues in the city are also holding events.

For more information visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/events/blackhistory-month_events.aspx

Tickets for The Sound of Music LEDERHOSEN at the ready as the world’s best-loved musical, The Sound of Music comes to the Liverpool Empire, from October 12 to 30.

Starring Connie Fisher as Maria, this lavish and critically acclaimed production, direct from the London Palladium, tells the story of the Von Trapp family's flight across the Austrian Alps.

Including songs from the stage musical such as My Favourite Things, DoRe-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, it really is the perfect family treat.

We’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away for the opening night on October 12.

Simply answer the following question: Who is playing Maria in the Empire’s production of The Sound of Music?

Email answers to magazine@liverpool.com stating Sound of Music in the subject box and include your name and daytime telephone number.

A REAL coup for the city, is the 15th annual MOBO awards being held at Liverpool Echo Arena on October 20, with superstar songstress, Leona Lewis presenting the awards.

Over the last 15 years MOBO has showcased and honoured some of the music industry’s finest talent with performances from diverse UK and international artists including Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Tina Turner, Jay Z, Destiny's Child and Sade.

Launched in 1996, by founder and CEO Kanya King, the MOBO Awards were the first awards show in Europe to celebrate urban music and since then, the awards have taken the world by storm helping to catapult a number of urban artists to international stardom.

This year’s event promises to be no exception with a glittering line-up of acts shortlisted for awards. Tinie Tempah, NDubz, Dizzee Rascal, Plan B lead with the most nominations closely followed by artists such as Alexandra Burke, Alicia Keys, Alesha Dixon and Beyonce.

For more details check out www.echoarena.com.

SIMPLY BIG BAND SIMPLY Big Band, featuring the very best in American big band music, comes to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Monday, October 18.

From the raging razzmatazz of Harlem's Cotton Club in the 20s, to the halcyon post-war days of swing and Sinatra’s bobby-sox girls, Simply Big Band will take you back to when music meant magical songs, larger-than-life performers, fabulous dancing and legendary venues.

The evening will be hosted by ‘Perfectly Frank’ star; Liverpool’s very own David Knopov.

For tickets call 0151 709 3789 or visit www.liverpoolphil.com

Liverpool Irish Festival THIS month sees the launch of the eighth annual Liverpool Irish Festival.

Being held from October 15 until October 31, this year’s event looks set to be bigger and better than ever with a truly stellar line-up of artists and events.

Highlights are set to include The Irish Sea Sessions at the Philharmonic Hall, ‘Irish Shorts’ nights, curated by the Cork Film Festival at Picturehouse at FACT, Damien Dempsey (right) and Amsterdam at the Stanley Theatre, The London Lasses and Pete Quinn at The Palm House and Patrick McCabe speaking at the University, to name just a few.

Further information can be found at www.liverpoolirishfestival.com.

Deadline: Sunday, October 10

MUST DO MUST TRY...

SALSA dancing at the Palm House in Sefton Park. Get your dancing shoes on and join professional salsa teacher, Karen from 7.30pm for the ultimate salsa experience which promises to be great fun whether you are an expert or a complete novice.

Tickets are £7. For more details go to www.palmhouse.org.uk or call the information line on 0151 726 2415.

MUST HAVE...

TICKETS for the Martini Lounge’s evening of burlesque at St George’s Hall on Sunday, October 31.

World renowned burlesque performers Kitten de Ville and Dirty Martini will fly in from the US to join local vixen, Millie Dollar and a raft of the UK’s finest burlesque stars in a fabulous night of glamour in one of Liverpool’s most beautiful buildings.

Guests can enjoy a two course meal and an exclusive early evening performance as well as entrance to the evening performance.

For information go to www.martini-lounge.net or to book tickets, telephone 0844 888 9991 or visit www.ticketline.co.uk .

MUST REMEMBER...

RUNWAY at the Justice Vogue Ball, Nation, on Friday, October 29. Forget X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing, this is the competition everyone is talking about. Simply put on your best couture and take to the runway before the distinguished panel of judges and strut your stuff.

To register your interest and to receive a performer’s pack, email runwayvogueball@googlemail.com or visit www.houseofsuarez.co.uk for more information. Tickets are £15 and available from the Liverpool Echo Arena on 0844 8000 400.

MUST SEE....

HITCHED at Sudley House in Mossley Hill, a lovely exhibition of wedding clothes and costumes with photographic montages exploring the changing world of weddings from Victorian times to the present day.

The exhibition runs until February 27, 2011 and is free.

Further information can be found at www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/sudleyhouse.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19

Children

Emma Thompson is spellbound by the array of Halloween highlights on offer this October DANCING skeletons, glowing pumpkins and little witches whizzing through the air, there's lots of spooky goings on in the city this month.

We've discovered some unearthly gatherings to ensure your Halloween is as spinechilling as possible!

SPOOK-TASTIC KNOWSLEY

SEFTON PARK SHIVERS THE Halloween Lantern Carnival will once again light up the skies in Sefton Park with hundreds of local people carrying their handmade lanterns, accompanied by spooky carnival bands, costumed dancers and performers.

Produced and directed by Liverpool Lantern Company – who run lantern and costume making workshops around the city beforehand – the spectacular event on October 31 tells an enchanting tale using extraordinary visual imagery, giant illuminated puppets and fire sculpture all brought to life by over 150 performers.

Also on October 31 in the Palm House between 5pm and 7pm will be the Halloween children’s fancy dress party. There’s a disco, scary face painters, a fancy dress competition and creepy crawlies galore with Tropical Inc. Tickets £5.

HAUNTED CROXTETH HALL LISTEN to Fireside Ghostly Tales in the ‘Old Dining Room’ at Croxteth Hall on October 22 at 7pm. Suitable for for ages eight and over, tickets are £5.

Also at the Hall, from October 23 to 31, there’s the Children’s Fun Ghost Hunt, 10.30am – 4pm. Find all the ghosts hiding around the rooms of the Hall. Normal admission £2.75 adults, £2 child/concession.

On October 28 and 29, for ages four to 11, enjoy Tales of Myths and Monsters from 10.30am to 11.45am and Creepy Tales at 1.30pm and 3pm. Booking is essential, £3 child, £1 adult, call 0151 233 6930 weekends or daily during half term.

For those aged 10 and over there is also ‘What Stalks the Night?’ on October 25 and 26 at 7pm and 8.30pm. Ullaloom Theatre Company presents tales inspired by the paranormal activity of the Hall weaving fact and fiction to create terrifying entertainment!

A ticket only event, £10 and £8 concessions, call Unity Theatre box office 0844 873 2888.

Learn how to perform illusions from Shiverschool’s headmaster Albert Dumbledock

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

EXPLORE Stadt Moers Park in Whiston by torchlight on October 31 from 5pm to 7pm.

Beware of the ghostly swamp and haunted tunnel while following the clues to get around the scary trail. If you survive the ghosts and ghouls visit the hut to claim your treat. Call 0151 489 1239.

Halloween Horrors and crafts will create a spooky afternoon of family fun making ghostly ghouls and wicked witches. All between 1pm and 3pm for free. On October 28 at Halewood Park, Environment Centre, Okell Drive; October 29 at Sawpit Park, Hall Lane, Huyton; and October 30 at Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Huyton.

Bring your little monsters along to Acorn Farm, Depot Road, Kirkby, on October 29 from 7pm to 9pm. You can follow the spooky walk, do the ‘monster mash’ with music and games in the arena and enjoy the fancy dress competition.

Tickets £3.50, call 0151 548 1524.

DEATHLY DOCKS AT the Albert Dock there’s a magically entertaining line up of events that will enchant and entertain all of your little witches and warlocks.

The Yellow Ghost Boat will lure aboard spooky shipmates to take you on a ghostly heritage tour along the waterfront, with onboard Halloween themed stories and tales of spirits that inhabit the dock from October 25 to 31, departing between 11am – 4.30pm.

Tickets available at the Yellow Duckmarine office.

Enjoy spooky storytelling by Cathy Roberts aboard a tug boat with tales of the Black Rock Mermaid and the Liverpool Water Witch from October 28 to 31 at 2pm and 4pm.

Explore a ghoulish trail around the dock with activities, challenges plus tricks and treats along the way, between October 25 and 31, visit the Tourist Information Centre in

Anchor Courtyard.

The BugWorld Experience will create the eerie ‘Boo! at the Zoo’ featuring forensic workshops, scary stories and terrifying talks with spooky surprises and creepy crawlies, from October 23 to 31.

Anchor Courtyard on Halloween night will be alive with spooky delights. The Shiverpool team and macabre makeup artists will transform your little angels into demons at Shiverpool’s Chamber of Secrets between 3pm and 5pm.

Don’t be late for Dockwarts Shiverschool of Witches and Wizards with a series of activities, initiations and prizes. Harry Potter inspired fun lets new students learn how to perform illusions from Shiverschool’s headmaster Albert Dumbledock. Competition prizes are available for Dock Apple Bobbing and best costume.

The Dockwarts Shiverschool will consist of two, one-hour sessions beginning at 3pm and 4.30pm on October 31.

SPACE WORLD LOCATED on Sinclair Way in Prescot, Space World will be transformed on October 30 into ‘Spooks World’ for the evening from 6pm 8pm, so parents and their little ones are in for a fiendishly good night. Tickets cost £14.95 each and include a magic show, face painting, monster food and drink mix box, Halloween craft, amazing play frame and a competition prize for the best fancy dress.

OCTOBER 10 PARTY ACCESSORIES

Pirate girl outfit, £10, and pirate bag, £4, from Marks and Spencer

Mini skull bucket, £2, from Matalan Talking hanging skull, £5, from Asda Boy skeleton costume, £6, from Tesco Clothing

Vampire all-in-one toddler costume, £9.50, from Marks and Spencer

Darken the party mood with this 'prisoner', £15, from Asda

Fiendishly good fun Emma Thompson dusts off her broomstick and finds out how to create the perfect fright night party...

IT’S the one time of year your little monsters can be devils, witches, vampires or even turn in to pumpkins! It’s Halloween of course.

Filled with spooky stories, haunting ghouls, not to mention old favourite games such as duck apple, it’s a great time for families to have a little fun as the darker nights draw in.

But long gone are the simple days of cutting holes in bin bags, sticking on foil stars and painting your face green with any paint.

These days, the shops are full of fabulously fiendish Halloween costumes and if you’re hosting a Halloween party, you can buy ghostly punch bowls with frightful drinking goblets, blood-red jelly and fun chocolate eyeballs to create a really spooky effect. We’ve conjured up some supernatural Halloween goodies to get you started!

Boys werewolf outfit, £10, from Marks and Spencer

Wooden ghost sign, £4.99, from The Contemporary Home

Halloween Frankenstein cup filled with sweets, £2, Matalan

Tasty chocolate treats, 69p each, from Thorntons

Halloween punch bowl and eight cups, £8, from Matalan

Pumpkin £18, witch £20 and skeleton £14, from Mamas & Papas

GHOULS FOR GROWN UPS ● THE HAUNTED TRUTH (Croxteth Hall, October 28, 9pm - 3am) IT’S been rumoured for many years that Croxteth Hall is haunted by several ghosts! So become a paranormal investigator for the night alongside the UK Haunted Team.

Take part in seances and ouija boards (if you dare) and various experiments, and visit paranormal hotspots within the building.

A bubbly reception, lavish buffet and full hands-on use of paranormal gadgetry is included.

Tickets £79, email Trevor@ukhaunted.co.uk or call 07505 958 853.

Meanwhile, parents will be scared witless with these spooky events for the adults... ● SHIVERPOOL UK LTD LIVERPOOL’S most famous and reputable ghost tours, exploring the city’s famous locations and hidden histories.

Shiverpool present their historical findings in a series of stunning theatrical performances and offer a number of tours including Hope Street Shivers, Auld City Shivers, St George’s Hall and Ghouls and Gourmet meal deals. Prices: £13 adult, £10 concessions, £8.50 children.

For Halloween, Shiverpool will run tours up to and including a midnight spook! Call 0151 709 2030. ● TALES FROM HAUNTED LIVERPOOL (St George’s Hall, October 15 to 17, 8pm) IN the run up to Halloween, Liverpool’s popular bone-tingling tales return for the final instalment.

Director Jen Heyes, and the brilliantly versatile Liverpool cast of Brian Dodd, Roy Carruthers and Eithne Browne, will again bring to life the most thrilling stories from volumes 7-9, the final three volumes in the No.1 chart-topping Tom Slemen series of books.

Taking place in the Concert Room of St George’s Hall, the production is sure to end with a very scary bump in the night!

Tickets £13 and £11.50 (balcony) book at Echo Arena box office, call 0844 8000 400 or log on to www.echoarena.com

● FARMAGGEDON, (Farmer Ted’s, October 8 to 31) THE North West’s premier haunted attraction returns for 2010 bigger and badder than ever before.

This year the team behind Farmaggedon is taking things to a whole new level by adding yet another attraction ‘Psychosis’ taking the total up to three interactive horror houses. Farmaggedon is a “Scream Park”, an interactive horror experience themed with roaming zombies and creatures of the night.

If you dare visit Farmaggedon, Flatmans Lane, Ormskirk, L39 7HW, 0844 8000 400, log on to www.farmaggedon.co.uk. Tickets £13.50 to £16.50.

WIN

Tickets for Tales of Haunted Liverpool

WE'VE got three pairs of tickets to give away to the chilling Tales of Haunted Liverpool on Friday, October 15. For a chance to win answer the following question: Q. Who wrote these unsettling paranormal tales?

Send your answer and your name, telephone number and address on a postcard, to Best Of Liverpool, Commercial Editorial Unit, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Deadline: October 12, 2010

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 21

Food & drink

Sweet success Emma Thompson discovers how Liverpool's Cup of Love Bakery has all the right ingredients WITH plenty of passion, a spoonful of hard work and a lot of love, Jemma Volp-Fletcher has cooked up a treat with her Cup of Love Bakery.

“I’ve been perfecting my cupcakes for about three years, but it was only last year I decided to take the plunge and set up Cup of Love Bakery,” says Jemma.

After a disappointing cupcake encounter Jemma began her mission to bake mouthwatering cupcakes that look and taste great. “I was in New York and excited about visiting The Magnolia Bakery which featured in Sex and the City but I was really disappointed with them. So when I came home I thought 'I’m going to bake my own.'

“I’ll admit, they looked awful to begin with. They tasted ok, but my decoration skills needed much more attention!” laughs Jemma.

“After a lot of practice I began to master the art of making beautiful looking cupcakes that taste great too, all hand made with real love. It wasn’t until last year that I thought I could really make this my job,” she adds.

Jemma’s first order came in the size of 200 cupcakes! Her friend, from handbag designers Nook and Willow, was holding a launch party and asked her to bake some cakes for the occasion: “After a bit of panic, they ended up going down really well on the night so it was a good start to my new venture.”

In September Jemma had a stall at the Bold Street Festival and ran a competition to design your own cupcake. With everyone wanting to give it a go, all the cakes sold out in under two hours!

“People eat with their eyes at first so I aim to make them visually appealing, edible glitter always looks fab,” says Jemma.

“The classics such as vanilla sponge with a vanilla frosting are always popular, but people also ask for all different combinations so I’m happy to give them a go, too."

When asked to reveal her favourite, it didn’t take her long to confess to her fetish for sumptuous chocolate and orange cupcakes. “It’s a dark chocolate sponge with a truffle centre and orange frosting, it’s really rich and indulgent, but I love chocolate cakes,” she beams.

Jemma also bakes traditional American-style muffins with blueberries, loaf cakes, marble cakes and many more little bundles of goodness. And with rising ambitions she aims to open

LITTLE CHEF With National Baking Week taking place from October 18 to 24, why not get your little Nigellas and Jamies to help you in the kitchen? Best of Liverpool has discovered some great little children's baking kits to help you make that perfect cake.

Children’s 14-piece chefs baking set, £10.95, from Toysandinteriors.co.uk

Mechanical Measure Scale Set with a timer and MeasureMan spoons, £19.99, from www.SalterKids.co.uk Creative Tops kids baking set, £14.99, stockists 01536 207 710

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Super baking set, £25, from Aspace.co.uk

OCTOBER 10 RECIPES

INTERGALACTIC LEMON DRIZZLE CAKE THIS recipe comes from Spaceworld Play Centre in Prescot and gives parents a fun and delicious way to ensure the children are getting one of their five-a-day.

The easy-cook method also means children can have an active role in helping create and decorate the cake.

Ingredients: ● 225g butter or margarine ● 225g caster sugar ● 4 eggs ● 225g plain flour ● 10g baking powder ● Zest of 1 lemon For the drizzle sauce: ● 2 lemons ● 170g caster sugar

her own premises. She reveals: “I’m baking at home at the moment but looking for my own premises with a small cafe area where you can enjoy delicious cake and coffee. I love the idea of having my own little cake emporium where you can just enjoy a little ‘you’ time while relaxing with a cake at Cup of Love Bakery.”

Jemma also offers Treat Parcels, you can ‘pick and mix’ from a selection of delicious cakes to make up the perfect parcel and it’ll come all ready for you to dish out for your guests. “I don’t even mind if you say you made them yourself !” laughs Jemma.

“I’ve also planned some spook-tastic Halloween cakes that are great and ghoulish for a Halloween party. And I can’t wait to have creative fun at Christmas.”

Jemma's Cup of Love BIY workshops (Bake it Yourself) are going down a storm. “They’re really fun and girly in a group or perfect if you want to learn how to bake. I give you the list of ingredients you’ll need before the workshop (so you’re already learning what to buy). I show you all the steps and how to make and decorate the cakes then you get to enjoy them and try again at home yourself.

“I recently hosted a hen party and it was really good fun, of

Method: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix the eggs in a separate container and slowly add to the sugar and butter mixture.

Sieve the flour and the baking powder together in a separate bowl. Then zest the lemon and add to the butter and sugar mixture then slowly stir in the flour and baking powder.

Line two cake tins with greaseproof paper and pour in the mixture. Cook at 180°C (gas mark 4) for approximately 25 mins.

Juice and zest the two lemons and heat in a pan, stirring the sugar until dissolved.

Once the cakes are cooked, place on a cooling rack.

With a skewer, make small holes in the top of one of cakes and place this on top of the other cake.

Using a pastry brush, glaze the top layer of sponge with the lemon mixture but make sure you do this while the cake is still hot.

course Champagne was involved but they all enjoyed themselves – I’m just glad I wasn’t doing the dishes!” laughed Jemma.

Until Jemma’s new cupcake shop opens you can order the little delicacies online at www.cupoflovebakery.co.uk and she will deliver them to your door.

Big Top Cupcake, £19.99, from JMLdirect.com

Cookery set, £15, from Monsoon.co.uk Baking Kit, £14.99, from Beautifulthings.co.uk

Kids in the Kitchen baking set, £14.99, from www.SalterKids.co.uk

SPICED PUMPKIN TEA BREAD Recipe from National Baking Week Ingredients: ● 60g chopped walnuts ● 225g strong bread flour ● 225g dark brown sugar ● 70g caster sugar ● 3/4 tsp of bicarbonate soda ● 1/2 tsp salt ● 1 tsp ground nutmeg ● 1 tsp ground cinnamon ● 250g pumpkin flesh, cooked until tender, then pureed ● 100g unsalted butter, melted ● 75mls coconut milk ● 50g flaked coconut Method: Preheat oven to 350°F /175 °C/Gas Mark 4.

Spread walnuts in a single layer on a baking tray. Toast in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, caster sugar, bicarbonate of soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add the pumpkin puree, butter, and coconut milk, and mix until all of the flour is absorbed. Fold in the flaked coconut and toasted walnuts. Turn into a Pyrex loaf pan.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove from oven, and cover loaf tightly with foil. Allow to steam for 10 minutes. Remove foil, and turn out onto a cooling rack. Tent loosely with the foil, and allow to cool completely. Cut into slices and serve on its own or buttered.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 23

Food & drink Liverpool Naval Club (RNA)) EVERYONE WELCOME! DISCO EVERY FRIDAY, 2AM BAR GREAT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY SATURDAY Y Top Tribute Acts Every Month, Playing all the Classics! s!!

22nd Oct: Abba, 19th Nov: Freddie Mercury Kids Halloween Party Sunday 31st October, 2pm - 5pm Tickets £2. Disco, Entertainer, Lucky Bags etc

Free Function Room Hire with Kitchen facilities Christmas Party bookings with free buffet now being taken n (T&C’s Apply) www.liverpoolnavalclub.co.uk • 0151 280 5051 or 07766 190194 4 Sales@liverpoolnavalclub.co.uk 38 Bowring Park Road (Nr Rocket Flyover), Broadgreen, Liverpool L14 3NN

Oriental Buffet Party Nights Join us for a Christmas celebration with your friends and colleagues.

Available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from the 3rd December to the 23rd December

BOOK NOW Also booking now for Christmas Day Lunch and New Years Eve 2010

Where Italians love to eat

Serving the best Italian cuisine for 25 years

SPECIAL EVENING MENU 3 Course

£17.95 per person includes half a bottle of House Wine per couple - Tues-Sat all evening

BOOK NOW

for your

Graduation & Summer Pops 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

ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET WITH OVER 70 DISHES

(2 adults & 2 children under 4 yrs)

A free bottle of bubbly for all Hen & Stag parties

OUTSIDE CATERING AVAILABLE from £4.50pp 24

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Chinese C hinese B Buffet ufffett R Restaurant e

( 2 m i n s w a l k f ro m C h i n a t o w n )

Franco’s Ristorante

TREAT YOUR FAMILY ON A SUNDAY FOR £21

11.30am-5.30pm

0151 707 2929

info.liverpool@radissonblu.com

We do not accept cheques Children under 4.5ft eat for HALF PRICE OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR

Lunch Buffet £5.99

7 7 B o l d S t re e t , L i v e r p o o l L 1 4 E Z

0151 966 1500

IDEAL FOR SMALL WEDDINGS

Dinner Grand Buffet £7.49 5.30pm-11.30pm

BES VALUET I TOWN N

TSO’s is ideally located on Queens Square, next to The Marriott Hotel TSO’s Restaurant is The Best Choice For Christmas, Family Parties, Work Do’s, New Year Celebrations Or Even Just A Quick Bite Most Popular Chinese Oriental Buffet Restaurant in Liverpool

FREE BOTTLE OF BUBBLY WITH EVERY HEN & STAG PARTY

Children under 4.5ft eat half price

10% OFF for Students & OAPs 4 Queens Square, Liverpool L1 1HF T: 0151 709 2811 situated near the main stage at the Birkenhead Tunnel

OCTOBER 10 ...Where the rhythm never stops!

Half price (from 4pm - 9pm) 1/2 price tapas; 1/2 price Bottles of wine; 1/2 price cocktails Tuesdays: Girls Night Out Including Mojito Cocktail; 3 tapas and Salsa Dance Lesson, all only £15pp (Booking required) Wednesdays: Paella & Punch+Live Music Enjoy Homemade Paella and glass of rum punch/sangria with live music - only £115pp (booking required) Thursdays: 15% Discount from our new a la carte menu when you mention this advert Fridays: Why go straight home? 2 course meal (from our set menu) + bottle of house wine per couple only £14.95 (4 - 9.30pm) then dance the night away - live music from our Cuban Band Saturdays: Free Glass of House Wine on arrival when dining from our a la carte menu

Mondays:

To qualify for these special October prices - reservations must be confimed by deposit before 30th October. Book Now!! Filling up Quickly!!

John

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

Vibrant Atmosphere • Live Music • Great Latin Food

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SPECIAL OFFERS OCTOBER ONLY! * Half Price Mondays

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Christmas Lunch throughout December only £15 (normally £19.95) Christmas Dinner throughout December only £25 (normally £29.95) New Years Eve Banquet only £45 (Normally £59) +NO SERVICE CHARGE ON GROUP BOOKINGS SAVING YOU A FURTHER 10%

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SUPER SPECIAL OCTOBER OFFER ON CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR DINING

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4 LIVERPOOL ROAD, MAGHULL, MERSEYSIDE, L31 2PN TEL: 0151 531 8640 45 SOUTH ROAD, WATERLOO, LIVERPOOL, L22 5PE TEL: 0151 293 3229

ASK ABOUT OUR GREEK NIGHTS EARLY EVENING MENU

£12.95 PER PERSON FOR STARTER & MAIN COURSE Early Evening Menu is available ALL NIGHT MON/TUES/WEDS and 5 till 7pm on THURS/FRI/SUN Not available on Saturdays/Bank Holidays or throughout December

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25

Advertising promotion

OCTOBER 10

The ultimate Christmas party!

JD parties will make your Christmas and New Year party go with a schwing HAVING entertained over half a million guests with party extravaganzas in its grand marquees, JD Parties has learnt a thing or two about how to create the most successful Christmas and New Year parties.

For 2010, the company's theme party, ‘Puttin on the Ritz,’ at Knowsley Safari Park promises to be the most spectacular yet, full of sparkle.

Arrive in your tiaras, top hat and tails and soak up the glamorous atmosphere as you are entertained with enchanting sounds from the baby grand piano. Enjoy dinner under the stars, then fabulous singers and dancers will enthrall and excite you with a spectacular performance as the 1930s truly comes to life – from tap to tango, swing to ballroom it will be a show like no other!

JD Parties is also delighted to be supporting Claire House Hospice with profits from its charity fun casino – so

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

there’s a good reason to have a flutter!

Parties run from November 26 until December 23, along with a special New Year’s Eve Ball and prices start from £57.50 per head.

New for 2010, in addition to its fantastic party nights, JD Parties is delighted to be able to announce some new and exciting live bands: Sunday, December 5 welcomes The Overtures presenting a faithful and dynamic tribute to pop’s greatest decade, they have rapidly built their reputation as the finest 60s tribute band in the country. Elton John loved them so much he booked them to play at his wedding and quotes: “They’re just the best band of their kind in the world.”

Tickets only £49.50.

Or if you fancy a night of sensational swing jazz & jive, classic pop and soul – Schwing on Sunday, November 28 is the night for you.

This six–piece band is led by the captivating pianist and vocalist Anthony Kinsey, who has the contemporary style and sophistication of Harry Connick Jr, the charisma of Jamie Cullum and the vocal talents of Michael Buble. You’re guaranteed a truly unforgettable night

and tickets are only £39.50!

So whatever you are celebrating this Christmas and New Year, get your friends, family and colleagues together and join the best party in town.

Call now on 0845 757 3043 or visit www.jdparties.co.uk

Christmas parties

OCTOBER 10

Get the party started!

says Katie McLoughlin For a cracker of a Christmas party, it's wise to book early,

A view of Liverpool One

WE all enjoy a good Christmas party when the festive fizz flows freely and everyone’s filled with the spirit of the season, but spare a thought for who-ever has been tasked with planning the event, as keeping everyone happy is no easy feat.

From choosing a venue and menu that everyone from your Great Aunt Nora to your party-loving friends and conservative colleagues will like, to ensuring the party has the right atmosphere and sticking to a budget, planning a Christmas night out – be it your family’s festive knees-up or your office Yuletide party – can be a difficult task.

So if you’ve drawn the short straw this year and been tasked with planning a festive celebration, here’s a few venue ideas to inspire your party planning... Just remember, whatever type of Christmas party you’re arranging, it’s wise to book early to avoid disappointment.

Rawhide Comedy Club

A YULETIDE party at Alma de Cuba is sure to please everyone from glamorous friends to party-loving colleagues and foodies.

The stylish Seel Street restaurant and bar’s Christmas menu features traditional dishes with an Alma twist like smoked paprika and butter roast Cheshire turkey with Havana rum jus, and baked American cheesecake with black cherry and mulled spice compote all served up in Alma’s stylish two tier restaurant. Finger buffet and canape packages are also available to tailor-make your party to your requirements.

To book call 0151 702 7394 or visit www.alma-de-cuba.com

Lunya IF you’re tired of turkey at every Christmas do you go to, why not ditch the traditional stodge in favour of a Catalonian option?

At Lunya in Liverpool ONE, three special festive menus will be available every lunchtime and evening from November 22.

Plus during evenings there’s live entertainment from a Latin guitar duo or Spanish singer. Bespoke Christmas dinners are also offered for large or private parties.

To book call 0151 706 9770 or email info@lunya.co.uk

FAMILY-FRIENDLY and also great for adults, this Albert Dock restaurant is the ideal choice for family festive get-togethers.

The Britannia Pavilion eatery has three festive menus to consider – a canape finger food option featuring the likes of cheeseburger crostinis and lobster bisque shots, a buffet fork food option and a three-course festive lunch and dinner option featuring festive favourites like roast turkey and Christmas pud, plus gourmet delights such as chicken liver pate with caramalised onion.

To make your festive soiree sparkle, entertainment packages including live music, a DJ and a table magician are also available upon request (prices on application).

To book call 0151 707 2023 or visit www.whats-cooking.co.uk

The Italian Club Fish THIS Bold Street fish caffe is known for its fresh, flavoursome food with menus typically fusing British and Italian styles to reflecting the owners’ Scottish-Italian backgrounds.

With something to please meat-eaters and fish-lovers alike, the Christmas menu does not disappoint. The festive menu includes starters like mixed seafood and seasonal vegetable chowder; and ricotta and spinach ravioli with butter, sage, parmesan and grilled asparagus. Mains feature slow braised beef in spices and red wine or oven-baked fillet of pollock with delectable desserts including home-made tiramisu to finish off your festive feast.

To book call 0151 707 2110 or visit the website at www.theitalianclubfish.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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Picture: Gareth Jones

Alma de Cuba

Picture: Andy Teebay

THIS Victoria Street bar and restaurant has long been frequented by the city’s stylish elite so if you’re looking for a venue that can’t fail to impress this Christmas, the newly refurbished Living Room is ideal. As well as traditional turkey, the Christmas menus include gourmet options like roast butternut squash, carrot and ginger soup, and fillet of beef medallions with a porcini mushroom, port and thyme sauce.

To make your Christmas celebration a touch more special, there’s also a selection of festive canapé and buffet packages available, or you can create a bespoke package for your Christmas party.

To book call 0151 236 1999 or visit www.thelivingroom.co.uk

Pictures courtesy: Dave Evans

The Living Room

What’s Cooking

Picture: James Maloney

‘TIS the season to be merry at Rawhide Comedy Club in the Royal Court, where the Christmas package includes dinner followed by three topnotch comedians like Sam Avery and Brendan Riley, with a compere from the national circuit to keep your party-goers ho ho ho-ing all the way through the event.

Rawhide’s festive party nights are on December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18.

For tickets call the ticket hotline on 0870 787 1866 or visit www.rawhidecomedy.co.uk

Heading over to…

OCTOBER 10

HIDDEN GEMS

Photo courtesy of Aintree Racecoures

Old Roan pub, Aintree

DollyMix OFFERING fabulous make-up for Mersey girls, Dollymix is a team of qualified professional make-up artists who can give you an amazing look to suit any occasion.

Dollymix offers a range of makeovers, whether you plan to hit the town in style or look stunning on your wedding day.

Natalie and Helen look after the makeup and after four years working freelance they have a great reputation across the North West, having worked with a number of top photographers, makeover studios, models, dancers, actors and fashion shows.

Emma is the third member of the Dollymix team, and one of the most sought after beauty therapists in Liverpool — she’s there for all your beauty needs.

Longmoor Lane, Fazakerley, Tel: 0784 357 7523, www.dollymix.me

Aintree Golf Centre and Driving Range AINTREE is an unusual racecourse because a road runs right through the middle of it.

It’s called Melling Road and horses running the Grand National have to cross it four times before reaching the finish line.

What you may not have known is that if you drive down Melling Road you’ll come to one of the most unique locations for a golf course in the UK. Aintree Golf Centre is situated right slap bang in the middle of the Grand National course. It’s only a nine-hole course but it’s one of the longest in the country. There’s also a 30-bay floodlit driving range.

There’s a resident PGA professional offering golf lessons for adults and juniors.

There is also an outdoor short game teaching area with a practice bunker and chipping green. All this makes Aintree a great place to learn, practice and play.

Aintree Golf Centre, Melling Road, Aintree, L9 5AS, Tel: 0151 523 5157

Utopia Retreat A LEADING hair and beauty salon in North Liverpool, Utopia Retreat is a spa that offers a range of body treatments including ones for your skin and hair.

Situated opposite Old Roan station, you can get facials, manicures, waxing, styling and more. It makes for a great pampering treat.

The friendly staff and calming atmosphere all helps to relax and refresh their male and female clientele. Utopia Retreat uses products from TIGI, Dermalogica and Lash Out! Lashes.

Utopia Retreat, 136 Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Tel: 0151 526 4080

A Grand day out

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

University Hospital, Aintree in Fazakerley

Paul Baker jumps at the joys of Aintree and Fazakerley THE Scouse suburbs of Fazakerley and Aintree are certainly well known to people across Merseyside.

Fazakerley stands on the edges of Liverpool, where it meets Knowsley and Sefton, and is known for its hospital.

Aintree’s fame is a little more widespread, with this Sefton suburb familiar to those around the world who love their horse racing.

Of course, the hospital and racecourse are the standout landmarks of the areas but, as with any place, scratch the surface and a wealth of history and interest appears.

Both place names have Anglo-Saxon origins with Fazakerley’s name coming from its one time rural landscape joining the words ‘faes’ meaning border, ‘aecer’ meaning field and ‘lea’ which relates to a wood – altogether ‘Faesaecerlea.’

The name Aintree or ‘Ayntre’ suggests it was once quite a sparse area, as it means one tree. An old tree on Bull Bridge Lane was thought locally to be the eponymous ‘ain tree’ but that natural little bit of history was lost to disease in 2004.

The racecourse is itself an important part of the history of the area. First opened in 1829, the home of steeplechasing was originally a flat racing course, with early Grand Nationals thought perhaps to have taken

place in nearby Maghull. But since 1839 it has staged the great race with a horse called Lottery taking the prize that year.

Nowadays, racegoers from across the country descend on Aintree each April to see the race which is watched worldwide by an estimated televised audience of over 600 million viewers.

The course also sometimes hosts motor racing and has a nine-hole golf course and a driving range within its boundaries.

Two famous creative sons of Aintree are the potters John Sadler and Richard Abbey. John, born in 1720, is thought to have discovered a method of printing onto pottery, rather than hand-painting designs.

Richard was his apprentice and opened his own pottery business in the late 16th century. Examples of John and Richard’s pottery can be seen at the World Museum Liverpool.

Aintree is served by two railway stations, Aintree, opposite the racecourse itself, and Old Roan, near to the Switch Island motorway junction.

The stations serve each end of Aintree with Old Roan serving the areas off Copy Lane and Altway. Aintree Station serves the Warbreck Moor area and the areas that edge onto the racecourse.

There are local shops both at Warbreck Moor and Old Roan, but in between the

Grand National Retail Park

28

Old Roan shops

Racecourse Retail Park, Aintree

two stations is the Racecourse Retail Park. Filled with large out-of-town retail units it’s a great place to while away the afternoon browsing for homewares, electronics, clothes and more. There’s loads of parking and you can grab some food while you’re there. There’s also a Leisure Park right by the racecourse with a gym, pub/restaurant and a hotel.

Fazakerley borders Aintree and also parts of the racecourse. Unlike Aintree, which is in Sefton, Fazakerley is classed as part of Liverpool. Unusually, part of Fazakerley is in Knowsley – often called the Field Lane Estate.

Fazakerley, or Fazak as it is locally known, houses some Grade II listed buildings which are found in Everton Cemetery on Long Lane in Fazakerley.

Its hospital, easily reached by bus or train, is known as Aintree University Hospital. A teaching hospital for the University of Liverpool, it provides healthcare for the residents of South Sefton, North Liverpool and Kirkby. The hospital houses the Walton Centre which is the UK’s only NHS Trust for neuroscience and neurosurgery.

Then there’s a new business village at Stonebridge Park in Gillmoss that boasts an impressive landscaped environment with water features.

Also there are plans for the creation of a sports and nature park, with football pitches, changing rooms, a fishing lake, reed bed and winter garden at Fazakerley Playing Fields on Longmoor Lane.

Aintree and Fazakerley are two historic suburbs of Liverpool with bright futures assured. Certainly worth heading over to.

Best of Aintree

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

29

Travel Lowry Bridge

The Lowry Centre

Imperial War Museum

The Snowdrop

A great escape Michelle Rushton discovers the Quay to a successful break UGGLING the demands of work and a lively toddler, my partner Mike and I decided a little break was in order.

After enlisting grandparents for babysitting duties, we started to plot our escape – but where could we go which was not too far away but far away enough for us to feel like we were away – if you get my drift?!

Leafing through a magazine, I spied an advert for Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables, my favourite musical of all time, which was on at The Lowry Arts & Entertainment Centre at Salford Quays.

J

The Ramada Hotel, Manchester Salford Quays

As Mike is a Les Mis novice, I persuaded him that he just had to see it and so, before he could change his mind, tickets and hotel were booked and by the Saturday afternoon we were hurtling down the M62.

Our first mission was to book into our hotel, the Ramada Manchester Salford Quays. Naively, I didn’t bother to get directions, as I hadn’t realised the area

30

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

has been totally redeveloped since my last visit many moons ago.

In fact, the Salford Quays is one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the UK following the closure of the dockyards in 1982.

There are now so many hotels and attractions there, it took us a while to track down our hotel, but driving around lost gave us chance to see its impressive transformation into a stunning waterfront location.

Soon we had checked in to our stylish room at the Ramada and had a couple of hours to spare before the show, so we decided to explore.

A lovely day, we took a relaxing stroll along the Manchester Ship Canal, basking in the warm sunlight which danced on water and highlighted how well the Quays has scrubbed up.

A number of canoeists and sailing boats floated past, as the area is home to the Salford Watersports Centre, joined by a bevy of graceful swans.

We marvelled at the iconic architecture, from the Millennium footbridge to the MediaCityUK building, the new home of the BBC in the north, as we made our way to the Lowry Plaza for a bite to eat.

Lime Restaurant looked appealing with its vibrant decor, so we took a seat and perused the menu. More of a pudding fan, I decided to skip the starter, but Mike opted for the mushroom soup which was so delicious, I just had to help him to eat it!

For the main, I chose the 8oz sirloin steak cooked just how I like it, medium rare, with peppercorn sauce and the best chunky homemade chips I’ve ever tasted.

Meanwhile, Mike opted for the fish and chips which again were excellent.

For dessert, we plumped for the vanilla cheesecake with berry compote and Manchester Tart, well when in Rome!

The Mariners Canal at Salford Quays, looking towards the Victoria Harbour building

Afterwards, we sat outside on the terrace and sipped pear cider in the sunshine before it was time to take our seats in the Lowry Lyric Theatre.

I could feel my adrenaline rushing as I watched the curtains open onto the spectacular set and the rousing music pounded as the chaos of post French Revolution era France came alive on the stage and the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean unfolded.

I had seen the musical before in the West End but somehow it seemed so much more tragic and the songs more emotional – I found myself fighting back the tears all the way through!

Lowry Plaza

The scenery and special effects were amazing, not to mention the performers’ powerful voices, including that of Gareth Gates who played student Marius. The dramatic ending received a well deserved standing ovation.

Mascara re-applied, Mike and I made our way back to the hotel alongside the canal which was dramatically lit up in all different colours when we bumped into a familiar friend – The Snowdrop!

The Mersey Ferries ship was moored up at The Quays ready to take passengers on the Manchester Ship Canal Cruise back to Liverpool the following morning.

With the view of the ferry and the water looking so enchanting, we decided to stop at a canalside pub where we got

chatting to some fellow Scousers - the crew of The Snowdrop!

After a fantastic evening, we walked back to our hotel where we enjoyed a restful night. We awoke refreshed, and after enjoying a hearty breakfast, we set off for further exploration of the Quays.

Our first port of call was the Imperial War Museum North with its striking building. The award-winning venue was designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to represent a globe shattered by conflict.

The Museum gives a fascinating insight into how war has shaped people’s lives from 1900 to now with powerful stories from men, women and children who relive their experience in the Big Picture Show. It’s a really family friendly museum with lots of interactive exhibits for children who can handle objects and sniff items such as sailors’ socks!

Then it was back to the Lowry to view its displays of paintings and drawings by the intriguing Manchester artist. LS Lowry was famed for his industrial landscapes and naive figures, nicknamed ‘matchstick men.’

We also took a look at the Spencer Tunick Everyday People Exhibition, commissioned by The Lowry to celebrate its 10th birthday. The American artist photographed around 1,000 naked people of all shapes and sizes in secret locations across the region.

After a hearty dose of culture, we felt the need for a little retail therapy and spent our last hour in the Lowry Outlet Mall buying bargain thank you gifts for the grandparents.

Then it was time to head back to Liverpool. Within half an hour we were back home, reliving our fabulous break.

The Quays is an ideal destination for a day out or weekend away.

For more details visit www.thequays.org.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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