FASHION
PLACES
FACES
FOOD
BEAUTY
HOMES
TRAVEL
Supplement
SEASONAL STYLE Autumn/winter wardrobes wrapped up
GOING UNDER COVER
OF LIVERPOOL SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2010
Beautify your boudoir
HOME BREWS Raise a glass to Merseyside’s real ales
FUEL FOR SCHOOL
CLASS ACT Pauline Daniels on a school trip she’ll never forget
Tasty treats for the new-term
FRESHER FUN Students’ guide to the city
WIN
A £50 0V Photo enture gr exper aphy ience
CYCLING NEWS // ONES TO WATCH // SEASONAL FAYRE // HEADING OVER TO KNOWSLEY // WHAT’S ON // SALON SPOTLIGHT
N E P P A H L L I W S T N E D I C C A SUPPORT AND ADVICE FOR YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
0151 227 4545 www.maxwellhodge.co.uk 02
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
Contents
SEPTEMBER 10
BEST
16
06
OF LIVERPOOL
SEPTEMBER 2010 NEWS 04 TALK OF TOWN
14
Local news, events and all-important gossip
FASHION 06 SHOPPING FOR HER Seasonal style for autumn/winter
08 SHOPPING FOR HIM Menswear goes military
10 MALE MAKE-OVER A new look for Paul
HEALTH & BEAUTY 12 SALON SPOTLIGHT
28
Katie tames her mane
Editor’s Letter
13 FITNESS Get back in the saddle
CHILDREN 14 BACK TO SCHOOL Brain food and perfect portraits
ENTERTAINMENT 16 HOMEGROWN TALENT The big interview and ones to watch
18 BY DAY, BY NIGHT The line-up for September
FOOD AND DRINK 20 SEASONAL SPECIALS Hot picks and home brews
STUDENTS 24 FRESHERS’ GUIDE Learn about the best places to go
HOMES & GARDENS
WELL, summer came and went like a brief encounter at a railway station with a handsome stranger. But although we feel cheated by the lack of sunshine, we at Best of Liverpool are putting our flip flops away and soldiering on, embracing the new season with great gusto. And although it seems sacrilegious to talk about autumn and winter just yet, there’s plenty to be excited about. Already we’re being bombarded with brochures from the fashion houses broadcasting their fabulous autumn/winter styles. Check out our take on the trends for him and her. And as we ladies tend to hog all the beauty and fashion features, we decided it was only fair that our only male member of the team got in on the act. We sent Paul for a make-over with style adviser, Charlotte Harper at Cavern Walks and what a transformation! Meanwhile, Katie is waltzing around the office with ultra smooth locks after she sampled ‘the perfect blow dry.’ As the nights draw in, we’re getting that ‘back to school’ feeling. We bring you some tasty brain-food to help give your children a head-start for the new term. And for older
students, we help them get to know Liverpool with our guide to the best student hang-outs. We speak to TV chef Aiden Byrne about the seasonal produce he’ll be using in his dishes this month, and for the dads, we find out where you can enjoy a refreshing pint of real ale in the city. We head over to Knowsley to find out what the region has to offer and get back in the saddle, exploring the city by bike. And we catch up with two of the region’s favourite entertainers, Eithne Browne and Pauline Daniels, who will be treading the boards at Liverpool’s theatres this month. With our ideas of what to do and where to go this month, you’ll be so worn out you’ll be in need of some serious shuteye, so Sue tests one of the local hotels in her quest for the perfect night’s sleep. And we bring you some cool ideas of how to turn your bedroom into a stylish boudoir. Enjoy!
Michelle
26 SLUMBER IN STYLE Beautiful bedrooms
OUT AND ABOUT
GET IN TOUCH
28 HEADING OVER TO
LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray
FRONT COVER SHOT Martin Birchall
STORIES 0151 330 5035
Know about Knowsley
MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton
DESIGNERS Charlie Hearnshaw, Matthew Barnes
FAX 0151 330 4924
30 STAYING LOCAL
COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR Sally Jones
SALES MANAGER Frank Notton
Where to get some shut-eye WRITERS Paul Baker, Sarah Hooley, Sue Kelbrick, Katie McLoughlin, Emma Thompson PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers
The
Greenroom Cabaret Lounge
or a Join Ricky f OUT! Royle Night
Duke Street - Liverpool
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/
Ricky Tomlinson & The Jersey Boys
Ricky Tomlinson & The Driftations
Ricky Tomlinson & Stan Boardman
Frankie Valli Tribute
Motown Special
Comedy Special
Saturday 11th Sept Tickets £15
Saturday 18th Sept Tickets £15
plus guests
plus guests
plus guests
Saturday 25th Sept Tickets £10
Ricky Tomlinson & JOE LONGTHORNE plus guests
Thursday 30th Sept Friday 1st Oct Tickets £25
Book tickets www.thegreenroomliverpool.com TICKETLINE - 0870 787 1866
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03
Talk of town
Summer night city Photo: Paul Fisher Photography
FOOD FESTIVAL
Michelle Rushton takes a look at what's been happening during the hazy days of summer (ahem!)
CATWALK COMBAT
FROM strutting his stuff on the Strictly dance floor to becoming the housewives’ choice on Saturday morning TV, top chef James Martin now has his sights set firmly on Liverpool. James will be guest celebrity chef at this year’s Liverpool Food & Drink Festival launch on Sunday, September 12 in Sefton Park, where over 80 of the city’s top bars and restaurants will be showcasing their culinary delights alongside specialist food and drink producers. Organised for the third year by Liverpool-based event management company, SK Events, the festival has grown to be a jewel in the city’s crown of large-scale events. James will take a tour of the festival site, meeting exhibitors and fans alike, before joining an impressive line-up of national and regional chefs in the festival’s Cookery Theatre, where he will show festival-goers how to prepare original dishes with locally-sourced produce and top quality ingredients — live on stage. Sunday’s launch is followed by a week’s programme of themed days and events taking place in participating bars and restaurants around Liverpool, supporting the message of 2010’s Year of Health and Wellbeing. Find a full calendar of events at www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk
MISS England, Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge, has been putting North West winners through their paces in preparation for the final this month. Nine of the region’s beauty queens, including Miss Southport, Abi Bridgeman, attended basic training with the soldier dubbed '’Combat Barbie’' at Southport’s boutique hotel the Vincent.
TEENAGERS UNITE CROWDS of teenagers flocked to Liverpool’s Isla Gladstone Conservatory to show their support in the fight against teenage cancer. The venue in Stanley Park hosted a summer Topshop Bandstand Picnic for Teenage Cancer Trust, combining a unique outdoor picnic event and musical concert. The event, which was hosted by T4’s Miquita Oliver, featured Liverpool’s most stylish musicians, including The Zuton’s saxophonist Abi Harding and Candie Payne, who donated their time to DJ throughout the event. Pop rockers I Blame Coco, which is headed up by Coco Sumner, the daughter of Sting and Trudie Styler, also wowed crowds with her collection of hits, along with Welsh Indie popsters Los Campesinos, Summer Camp and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, Blue Roses. The local beauty spot, which recently celebrated the first year anniversary of its restoration, will also be enjoying a taste of Italy on September 11 when it hosts its first ever Masquerade Ball. For tickets call: 0151 263 0363.
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GOING TEA TOTAL STUDENTS from Parklands High School in Speke took part in a special ‘Brew Off’ organised by Greater Merseyside Connexions European Social Fund Project and Brew tea bar. The students were challenged to create a new flavour of tea, along with a business plan and marketing strategy, to test their business acumen. The winning tea, which includes mulberry leaves, orange blossom and lemon peel and is called Mulberry Madness, was decided by a panel of representatives from Acorn, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Pinnacle Partitioning and Joinery. It will be available from Brew tea bars on Bold Street and in St Paul’s Square during the coming weeks.
FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS LIVERPOOL’S largest restaurant, Zeligs, will help to showcase the city’s finest culinary offerings when it hosts the public-voted Liverpool Food and Drink Awards this September. The restaurant, situated in Liverpool ONE, will be providing its lavish surroundings to host the official awards which are the culmination of the week-long festival, which celebrates the very best restaurant, bar and food establishments in the city centre.
Before Katrina handed over her crown, she wanted to inspect the platoon of hopefuls, and ensure they were worthy of the role. The recruits were challenged to convey how they would combat the catwalk as well as being offered helpful advice for the interview and talent sections of the competition.
SNOOKY OOKUMS VINTAGE VINTAGE glamour at Snooky Ookums. This little gem of a boutique at Petticoat Lane Arcade is a fabulous place to pick up that something a bit different so you can avoid those cringeworthy fashion
faux pas turning up to parties in the same dress everyone else is wearing! Choose from 70s maxi dresses which are oh so now or pick up some retro pieces for Autumn. Plus, you can see their pieces at the fabulous Handbags & Gladrags Vintage Fashion shows. Snooky Ookums Vintage, 1st floor, Petticoat Lane Arcade, 100 -102 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4HY.
ARM CANDY THE ladylike satchel is the bag of the season and this beautiful Penelope and Parker version hits all the right style notes for the right reasons. You can
get your mitts on this beautiful satchel for £365, from Boudoir Boutique in Cavern Walks. Telephone 0151 236 6001 or visit Boudoir Boutique at 14 Cavern Walks, Liverpool L2 6RE
THE DOODLE BUG THE chance to scribble to our hearts’ content at Draw The Line — the art social event aimed at uniting the artist and everyman under one roof to enjoy a casual doodle together. Draw the Line welcomes you to stretch out those creative fingers at Django's Riff with pens and paper provided, so you can just turn up, grab a drink and leave a doodle on the table. For details of their next session visit www.drawtheonline.com
SEPTEMBER 10 INTERGALACTIC BIRTHDAY BASH ST HELENS funnyman, Johnny Vegas, recently treated his son Michael to an intergalactic birthday party at Spaceworld playcentre in Prescot. The comedian and Benidorm star is a regular visitor, and while the children enjoyed the state-of-the-art
play equipment and electric space buggies, Johnny tucked into a plate full of Thai green curry. Although the dish is no longer available on the menu, the staff are happy to knock it up for him when he visits. It’s become fondly known as his ‘signature dish!’
HOTEL IN LENNON FILM LIVERPOOL’S Hard Days Night Hotel has been commemorating the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s death by taking part in filming for an exclusive ITV1 documentary. The Day John Lennon Died, produced by Finestripe Productions, will be aired this December and includes a host of exclusive interviews with John Lennon’s personal friends, along with major figures in the world of arts, entertainment and politics, who will talk about their memories of the tragic day and what the musician continues to mean to the world of music.
FREEDOM OF THE CITY TATE Liverpool is to be given the Freedom of the City in recognition of its two decades as a major cultural presence in Liverpoool. The high-profile art gallery, which opened at the Albert Dock in 1988, has given Liverpool people some of the very best displays from the national collection. The most visited modern and contemporary art gallery outside London, it has hosted over 150 exhibitions including the work of Gustav Klimt and Picasso: Peace and Freedom. Artist and long-serving Tate Liverpool supporter, Sir Peter Blake, has created a new artwork as a gift to the city in recognition of Tate Liverpool’s Freedom award.
COCKTAIL WORLD CUP LIVERPOOL’S most talented bartenders went head to head at Alma de Cuba recently in a quest to become the nation’s finest mixologists. Chris Edwardes from Aloha in Liverpool and Conor Foley from Alma de Cuba in Liverpool, along with James Hill from Loungebar in Sheffield, mixed, muddled and shook their way to victory with their creative cocktail craftsmanship using weird and wonderful ingredients, such as Absinthe and Chartreuse with herbs, spices and fresh fruit. The winning trio form Team North West UK and will go through to the national final of the 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup in London next month.
SCHOOL DINNERS A MERSEYSIDE celebrity chef will be starring in classrooms across the UK when pupils return to their desks next month. Wallasey-born Simon Rimmer, star of BBC2’s Something for the Weekend, has
received a phenomenal response from teachers to his School Cooks challenge. Over 200 schools have already signed up — including nine in Merseyside and Cheshire. School Cooks is a nationwide
schools’ competition for Year 8 pupils in association with www.eatthechef.com. It culminates in April 2011 with a competition which could win a school £10,000 worth of cooking equipment.
STYLISH STARS SUPPORT ALDER HEY
DANNII Minogue, Sienna Miller, Twiggy and Paloma Faith are just some of the celebrities who have donated an item from their own wardrobe to support Alder Hey Imagine Appeal’s second ‘Clothes Throw’ event being held at The Racquet Club in October. The celebrity items will be auctioned at an exclusive lunch prior to a public sale and the charity is appealing to all stylish women to join the famous names and give a designer item they no longer wear for this unique event. 100% of the funds raised at the Clothes Throw will go directly to the Imagine Appeal to support the hospital’s pioneering work and improve the quality of life for its young patients. The pop-up shop will consist of previously worn designer items donated by the public as well as oneoff samples and brand new labels donated by designers who wanted to support the event. Your designer donations can be dropped off at the Imagine office in Alder Hey, Kirsty Doyle’s shop in Liverpool One or The Racquet Club on Chapel Street. For tickets to attend the exclusive Clothes Throw lunch on Friday, October 8 contact Imagine Appeal on 0151 252 5716.
SPECS APPEAL THE legendary specs designer, Oliver Goldsmith, will be coming to the city this month. The globetrotting don of eyewear, who has supplied many famous Scousers with eyecatching designs, such as John Lennon and Cilla Black, will be giving a talk on his fascinating career at Sakura on Wednesday, September 15. Goldsmith was the first to see glasses as a fashion accessory, the first to create ‘sunspecs’, the first to make ‘winter sunglasses’, one of the first to work alongside fashion houses to create oneoff pieces for the catwalk, the first to appear in Vogue and the first to be endorsed by celebrities and royals. His designs in the 60s were at first considered to be a little outlandish but as fashion comes full circle, we are seeing their re-appearance. One of his most famous customers was Michael Caine. Oliver Goldsmith frames are available from September, exclusively in Liverpool at Blankstone Opticians, 2a, Derby Square. Tel. 0151 236 5392
MAKING MERSEYSIDE PROUD LIVERPOOL’S first ever official Pride Festival, held last month, attracted a whopping crowd of over 21,000 people according to festival organisers and Merseyside Police. On Saturday, August 7, the city was awash with colour as the Rainbow Circus rocked the city centre. Over 3,000 people turned out in colourful costumes to take part in the Pride March. Dale Street, in the heart of the city’s Gay Quarter, hosted a glittering Pride party, with massive performances from a plethora of acts including Natasha Hamilton, Rozalla, Rowetta, Connie Lush, Ian McNabb, Emma Dears and more, plus a large number of venues held special Pride events.
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05
Shopping for her Coat £50, cardigan £25, dress £15 and belt £3, all by F&F from Tesco
Aviator biker jacket, £59.99, from River Island Belted jumper, £30, from Next
T midnight stalk belted dress, £75, from French Connection
Black crepe maxi, £75, from Monsoon
Camel correlli, £80, from Miss Selfridge
Winter warmers From gothic glamour to sophisticated knitwear, Sarah Hooley looks at this season’s latest trends... DON’T get us wrong, summer’s great and we loved our floral chiffon dresses and wedges as much as the next girl. But, after sneaking a peek at this year’s latest autumn /winter trends, we secretly can’t wait to dig out our chunky cardis and pull on our biker boots. So what should be on your shopping list? According to the catwalks, key looks for this season included a diverse mix of gothic glamour, high luxe and hippy chic, with womanly curves, rich fabrics and simple, high-end quality at the heart of many collections. Keep a look out for anything with textured faux fur, jewels, sheepskin and suede as well as cosy knitwear teamed with a skinny leather belt. Skirts – either very long or very short – were a staple
with many designers and a rock-chick black leather jacket is the perfect investment to glam-up this summer's maxi dresses and give them extra life through the colder, autumn months. However, if you can only afford to splash out on one new item make it a statement winter coat. In particular, camel coats are the ‘must have’ item of the season. But if you can’t wear camel, concentrate on investing in a luxury material with beautiful embellishment. In terms of colour, savvy
shoppers should fill their wardrobes with dark petrol blues, navys and warm autumnal browns mixed with flashes of burnt orange and leopard print. And, when it comes to shoes, chunky block heels with square toes, bows and buckles are bang on trend. No autumn/winter wardrobe is complete without a trusty handbag however, and this season is all about quality bags (think gentleman’s briefcase with soft lines) featuring straps. With styles like this we're happy to say goodbye summer and hello autumn/winter!
Red Herring lola satchel, £35, from Debenhams
Boot-iful Keep your tootsies toasty warm in some of this autumn/winter's most stylish boots... Seaton clog stud detail lace up boot, £130, from French Connection
Brown military boots, £70, from Dorothy Perkins
Fortune, £150, from Dune
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Studded strap ankle boot, £20, from Matalan
Mink platform chain boot, £35, from Marks & Spencer
Turn down boots, £70, from Next
Grey cross over studded ankle boot, £16, from George at ASDA
SEPTEMBER 10
Fashion fairy godmother
Hat, £18, from Miss Selfridge
Knitted faux fur trim waistcoat, £45, from Topshop
Jewel gloves, £15, from Next
Thread and stone bangle, £18, from Wallis
IF you’ve got a wardrobe full of clothes that you’re never likely to wear again (or even once!), then MyFashionJunkie.com could be the answer to your fashion prayers. A fantastic new clothes-trade website, MyFashionJunkie.com is the brainchild of Liverpool girls, 26-year-old Samantha Smith and 27-year-old Lauren Casey and offers shoppers an easy way to swap their unwanted, high quality clothes for something ‘new’. Samantha explains: “If you’ve got an outfit you've never worn, or if you’ve grown out or grown bored of your clothes, then it’s time to move on and trade them on MyFashionJunkie.com “Too many women let good clothes go to waste just sat in the back of their wardrobe. And that’s where MyFashionJunkie.com comes in. All shoppers need to do is sign up and submit their unwanted clothes. “Then, once we’ve agreed on a price and the item has arrived at MFJ headquarters to put live on the website, their account is credited. Members can then use their credit for a ‘new’ outfit or save it for when the perfect piece comes along.” The stylish website, which launched in March, has already proved a huge success — with mentions on Radio 1 and in the Guardian — and boasts thousands of women and children's designer, high street and vintage clothes, shoes and accessories. All items are available to buy in both cash or credit, even if you don’t have anything to swap. Lauren, who initially came up with the idea, added: “I first thought of the idea after one of my friends asked to borrow my ‘once worn’ designer dresses and I realised that I’d secretly been admiring something of hers — so we swapped. Like most girls, we don’t want to be seen in outfits we have worn more than a couple of times. And, it was this that prompted us to think just how many people all over the country must have wardrobes stashed full of unwanted clothes.” The two fashion-obsessed friends have also teamed up with a raft of talented up and coming designers including Nook & Willow, Shannon Rose, Hope & Winkle and Natascha Petafi in a dedicated ‘Boutique’ section. And, while Samantha and Lauren both love fashion and proudly know their Temperley from their Topshop, they also know that everyone has a different budget. So, whether your unloved items are high street or haute couture, MyFashionJunkie.com has something for every shopper. Visit www.myfashionjunkie.com and email info@myfashionjunkie.com for more information. Or join the team at The Shipping Forecast on Slater Street for their first ‘Pop Up Swap’ on September 18.
Picture courtesy of H&M
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 07
Shopping for him
SEPTEMBER 10 Alpine cardigan, spirit scoop T, pleat front trousers, ryder holdall and nobu loafer, all from River Island
Parka, £140, from French Connection
Buckley denim fantastic jean, £80, from French Connection
Worker boot brown, £15, from Primark
New designer store arrives in Liverpool ONE
SUITED AND BOOTED
Brushed robertson check shirt, £45, from French Connection
Katie McLoughlin looks at the latest menswear trends… FOLLOWING on from last year, military remains a key trend this season with double-breasted wool coats and militaryesque boots proving to be style staples for autumn/winter. However for a fresh take on the rugged look, pair military influenced pieces with softer items like a crisp, tailored shirt, a vibrant retro-style jumper or the must-have accessory for men in the know – a man bag. Fear not, you’re not about to do a Joey, as
A NEW Hugo Boss store has opened on the prestigious Peter’s Lane in Liverpool ONE. Launched on August 26, the flagship store stocks the Boss Black collection and is the only stockist of the exclusive HUGO men’s wear collection in Liverpool. Inspired by Werner Herzog’s classic ‘Of Walking on Ice’ this season’s HUGO collection features Nordic pattern, bulky knits, quilted jackets and less formal suits with a looser fit, softer shoulders and a focus on texture.
this season’s man bags are far from feminine. Think chunky leather messenger bags, distressed satchels and leather holdalls in huge, almost overnight bag proportions. Other seasonal style notes include checked shirts paired with long parkas, luxurious sharp tailoring (and not just for the office), 60s-style turtle neck jumpers, jeans with turned up hems and chunky retro-style knitwear. Double breasted cardigan, £38, from Next
Finishing touches
J by Jasper Conran boiled wool leather trim holdall, £150, from Debenhams
Holdall, £40, from Next
Desideria messenger bag, £73.99, from www.blokesbags.co.uk
Black leather holdall, £70, from Topman
Tweed satchel bag, £50, from Topman
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75% OFF
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EVERYTHING MUST GO! 41 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4EU Tel: 0151 709 7989
NEW SEASON STOCK ARRIVING WEEKLY AND FURTHER REDUCTIONS IN STORE
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Men’s fashion
SEPTEMBER 10
Cavern cool
Style advisor Charlotte Harper
Leaving his everyday work wear behind, Paul Baker gets a fashion makeover – Cavern Walks style!
Cricket – the casual look
Beatwear – retro Mathew St look
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THE girls at Best of Liverpool are always moaning about how easy it is for the men in the office. While the ladies have to pick out a new outfit everyday for work, the men can just grab a shirt, tie and trousers and leave the house without a second thought. I’d never given it too much consideration until it came to my recent appointment with Charlotte Harper, Cavern Walks’ very own style advisor. Liverpool-born Charlotte is a 22-year-old fashion success story. From Top Shop in London she worked with designers at St Martin’s College, was headhunted by Flannels in Liverpool before landing the style advisor gig. She has worked on photoshoots for some of the UK’s leading fashion magazines including Hello and OK magazine and, after just five years in the industry, she’s already equipped herself with the knowledge and confidence to pick out clothes for the men and women who shop at the exclusive boutiques of Cavern Walks. That means she’s advising the likes of local celebs, WAGs and male models along with all manner of professionals who need to spruce up their wardrobe. So, I guess that professional category was the one I slotted into, but when Charlotte asked what ‘my style’ was, I had to admit I wasn’t really sure. It seems the girls from Best of Liverpool were right, for too long it’s just been a case of grabbing the first thing from the wardrobe! I decided to put myself entirely in Charlotte’s capable hands and give free rein to her styling magic. Charlotte decided we’d hit Beatwear first and create a fun beatnik look for me. I sort of knew what I was letting myself in for as I’d seen some of the wares this shop is famous for. Beatwear specialises in Beatlesinspired fashions and its owner, Mark Astbury, has sold his bespoke Sixties gear to everyone from Blondie to Madame Tussauds. Mark says that he takes existing clothing from the era and makes them better. Even Macca himself has apparently purchased from the store so I was quite looking forward to my Beatles makeover. Between Mark’s expert guidance and Charlotte’s keen sense of style, I was kitted out in a smart black merino roll neck sweater (£95) and black drainpipe trousers (£59). The look was then Sixtified with a Shea tan coloured jacket (£195), inspired by the ones the Beatles famously wore at their legendary 1965 Shea stadium concert in America, and finished off with some fantastically retro low-heeled Cavern black leather calf length boots (£129) with amazing pointed toes. What a great look! A little impractical for most social situations but certainly great for a night out on Mathew Street, for lovers of retro chic or for any musicians wanting a memorable stage outfit. Bidding a fond farewell to Beatwear and feeling quite boring back in my work clothes we headed on down to Cricket. The brainchild of Justine Mills and Gerry Mannix, the Cricket boutique is a well known hang-out for WAGs and the stylecentric of Liverpool, but the business actually started out selling menswear. To this day the store offers an exclusive
collection of the most sought-after, international designer clothes available for men. And it was this cool clobber that I found myself kitted out in as Charlotte transformed my working journo look into designer street casual – pretty much in the blink of an eye! I donned a grey Dior hoodie (£250), D Squared ripped jeans (£215), some smartish Dior trainers (£360) and all topped off with a pretty luxurious black leather jacket from Yves Saint Laurent (£2,600). For pulling off the catwalk casual look, this outfit certainly fits the bill. I wasn’t sure about the look when I was handed the clothes but was pleasantly surprised when I peered into the mirror. This was a cool and comfortable style I could get on with, just a shame I had to hand it all back at the end! Overall, I was very impressed with Charlotte’s styling skills and she certainly gave me some food for thought in terms of what I should opt for in Before the makeover – work look
terms of casual looks. Let’s hope the Best of Liverpool girls give the new style a firm thumbs up! You can visit Beatwear at 24 Cavern Walks, Mathew Street, 0151 236 6930. Or Cricket Menswear at Cavern Walks, 8 Mathew Street, 0151 236 1052. Charlotte is available to dispense her styling advice on the first Saturday of the month from 10am-4pm. You’ll find the Style Advisor service in the central area of Cavern Walks, by The Beatles’ statue. It is free of charge to customers but advance booking is essential. To make an appointment just email: cavernstylist@thinkpublicity.co.uk.
MILLINGTON’S
Performing Arts College 18 Merton Road, Bootle, Liverpool, L20 3BN
Can you Sing, Dance, Act? Enrolling Now for Fully Funded Courses Aged 16 plus years. E.M.A £30 per week Limited Places Available Gain Valuable BTEC Qualifications in PERFORMING ARTS For Further Details Tel 0151 922 3322 www.millingtonsdanceacademy.co.uk
DANCE ACADEMY AUTUMN TIMETABLE
CHILDRENS CLASSES AVAILABLE IN Freestyle Disco, Street Jazz, Hip Hop, Under 6 Baby Bop Class, Boy’s Only Classes TEL 07877 108566 --------------------------------
ADULT BALLROOM CLASSES -----------------------------
Adult ZUMBA Classes Starting SOON Please book your place NOW TEL. 07968 - 178424 BEST OF LIVERPOOL
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Health & beauty
SEPTEMBER 10
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Stylists at work in Brian & Co, Woolton
THIS season, the buzz-word for beauty is retro. And, whether you opt for 90s minimalism with big brows and seamless skin, 70s-style metallic eyes in bronze, copper or gold, or a fresh 50s style with flawless skin and bold wine, red or berry hued lips — it’s time to update your make-up bag with some new takes on old favourites. Some of the must-have shades and products for autumn include:
Katie McLoughlin
Bobbi Brown eye shadow, £14.50, from www.bobbibrown.co.uk
Bobbi Brown burnt red lip colour, £15.50, from www.bobbibrown.co.uk
Autograph Anti-Feathering Lipstick in Blackberry, £9.50, from Marks & Spencer
Brazilian blow-out Katie McLoughlin puts ‘the perfect blow dry’ to the test...
Eye colour, from £6, at The Body Shop
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, £28, from www.bobbibrown.co.uk
Photos: Christian Peterson
Yves Saint Laurent Teint Resist Foundation, £28, from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE
Laura Mercier Brow Definer, £16, from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE
WITH the mere suggestion of rain turning my mid-length, brown barnet into a fluffy, wavy and somewhat frizzy mess within minutes of leaving the house, a professional treatment which promises to make locks resistant to humid, wet weather sounds like the Holy Grail of haircare. Developed in Brazil, the innovative Global Keratin treatment uses the natural protein, keratin, to tame frizzy tresses and make lacklustre locks smooth, shiny and resilient to the effects of wind, rain and humidity – all without damaging it or changing its texture. Based on Hunts Cross Avenue in Woolton, Brian & Co has been offering the cutting-edge treatment, which is known as ‘the perfect blow dry’, for over a year and is believed to be one of the first salons in Liverpool to offer it. The treatment began with a clarifying shampoo to deep cleanse my hair and remove any traces of products. With my locks then 80% dried, stylist Kirsty applied the strawberry-scented Global Keratin solution in sections. After combing the product through my tresses, Kirsty blow dried my hair on a medium heat setting so that the treatment was absorbed. To seal the product into my
Lil Star
Kelly McDonald (nee Upton)
Owner - Head Stylist
Lynsey Mcclelland - Stylist
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locks, Kirsty then straightened each section eight times to trap in moisture, hydrate the hair and create a lustrous, glossy finish. The application process took just under two hours and afterwards my hair was uber shiny and exceptionally straight and sleek. Now comes the hard bit. After the treatment, hair can’t be washed for three days in order for the product to penetrate the hair fully. As someone who usually washes their hair every day, a weekend with unwashed locks that I couldn’t tie back, get wet or even tuck behind my ear wasn’t particularly pleasant but it was worth the hassle. After finally being able to wash my hair with the professional Global Keratin shampoo and conditioner (which are formulated without salt to help prolong results), my tresses are now soft, smooth, shiny and easier to style. Best of all, my hair no longer frizzes up at the first sign of rain or humidity. The treatment fades progressively as hair is washed and results last between three to five months. Prices start from £150 upwards, depending on the length and thickness of hair.
Where is it? Set in the heart of Woolton, Brian & Co has been established for 40 years.
What does it do? A stylish and friendly salon with 10 stylists, Brian & Co specialises in professional treatments such as Global Keratin, advanced colour techniques and contemporary cuts.
Contact: Brian & Co The Hairdressers, 269 Hunts Cross Avenue, Woolton, Liverpool, L25 9ND, tel: 0151 428 3251.
Experienced Experie e City centre Stylists without the City Centre prices! HAIR UPS • HAIR EXTENSIONS H Late Open L a Night Tuesday & Thursday till 8pm Unisex - Gents welcome
Beauty ttherapist & treatments now available 50 Hawthorne Road, Bootle Liverpool - Tel: 0151 933 2021
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every Tu on colours cut & finish Price includes
Fitness
SEPTEMBER 10 CHARITY CYCLE
Photo: Lee Thompson
On yer bike! It’s time to take off those stabilisers and get back in the saddle, says Katie McLoughlin IT’S a cheap way to commute to work, it cuts your carbon emissions, keeps you active and burns a whopping 400 calories in half an hour, so it’s no surprise that cycling is booming in popularity as we all become more aware of the health and environmental benefits. According to research by Mintel, 34% of adults in the UK now own a bike. In the last year alone, some 100,000 people are believed to have taken up cycling. And, with celeb fans including the likes of Agyness Deyn who has an Electra bike; Fearne Cotton and Mark Ronson who was recently spotted on a retro bike complete with a speaker on the front – cycling is officially cool again. Locally, there’s also been a rise in the number of people interested in cycling.
Store manager of Formby Cycles on Altcar Road, Phil Harvey, says: “A lot more people are buying bikes now, we’ve noticed an increase in people buying road bikes as cycling is a fun and enjoyable way to keep fit.” Even commuters are choosing to cycle to work in increasing numbers by taking advantage of cycle to work schemes like Cycle Plus and Bike2Work. Phil adds: “We’ve found the cycle to work schemes are really popular and more people are now choosing to commute to work by bike.” With all things retro being very envogue at the moment, traditional-style ladies’ bikes with wicker baskets, such as the Pashley Princess Sovereign, have also proven to be a bit of a local
trend. Phil adds: “Those sorts of bikes have a very relaxing riding position and they’re great for people who want something different.” Fixed wheel bikes or ‘fixies’ are another local trend, as Phil explains: “Fixed wheel bikes are very popular with young lads from teenagers right up to those in their 20s and 30s, as they have no gears and require less maintenance.” So whether you want to swap four wheels for two to boost your green credentials, pedal around town on a trendy retro-style bike, get fit, take up track cycling or try your hand at riding a BMX or a fixie, why not join the
MEMBERS of a construction team working on a £37m project to build two new schools in Liverpool have raised £2,562.50 for local charity, Zoe’s Place, after harnessing their pedal power for a sponsored bike ride along the Trans Pennine Trail. Project director John Dunn, senior project manager Peter Durkin and assistant site manager Ben Wolstenholme, who all work for Morgan Sindall, along with Ian Shakeshaft and Andrew Kendall from sub-contractor McCrory Brickwork, completed the 38-mile route between Manchester and Liverpool in just over three-and-a-half hours. Peter says: “We’ve previously cycled the Manchester to Blackpool route for charity, which is a reasonably straight-forward route. However, this time we chose to tackle the Trans Pennine Trail. It was tough terrain and mountain biking all the way, but we all really enjoyed the challenge.”
Mongoose fixed gear bike (left) and Pashley Princess Sovereign bike (right) both from Formby cycles
Head for heights IF you’re a bit of an adrenaline junky and think you’ve got what it takes to zip 160m along a high wire across the Pier Head, join Marie Curie Cancer Care for the Big Zip on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26. The Big Zip is the first-ever zipwire challenge to be held at Port of Liverpool building. All money raised by participants will help support people with cancer across the Liverpool area, both in their own homes and at the Marie Curie Hospice in Liverpool. Registration is £10 per person and Marie Curie Cancer Care ask that all participants raise a minimum sponsorship of £150. All entrants need to pre-register and the deadline is Monday, September 20. So if you fancy putting your head for heights to the test whilst making a difference to the lives of people with cancer, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk, call 01254 855 050 or email regionaleventsnorth@mariecurie.org.uk for more details.
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
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Children
Snap happy families Michelle Rushton finds out how to ensure your family portraits are picture perfect CHILDREN don’t stay little for long and as they grow up it’s lovely to capture each stage with photographs that you can cherish forever. But if you’re no David Bailey, it’s wise to enlist the help of a professional photographer. There are lots of different styles of photography to suit all tastes and budgets from the traditional portrait where the child is sat facing the camera and modern, action shots featuring the whole family, to the more atmospheric black and white images. Whichever you choose, it’s important that the photographer captures the
character of the subject. Gemma Roberts is highly trained in the art of photographing children and families. She works for Venture Photography, the UK’s largest contemporary photography company which has revolutionised the traditional family portrait with its modern and fun images which are a world away from formal, stiffly-posed portraiture. Based at the new Venture Photography studio, due to open soon on Rodney Street, Gemma explains: “Before a session, I have a consultation with the family to get to know and develop a real rapport with them.
“We often invite people to bring in personal items – with children, it might be their favourite teddy, or toy, or if I’m taking a picture of the whole family, I find out what they like to do together, if they have any hobbies or pets, they can dress up in their skiing gear or have a foodfight! “The whole experience is so much fun. I like to get natural shots that really capture the moment and children’s characters – that cheeky smile! The best compliment is when people say ‘that is my son/daughter to a tee!’” Gemma has lots of tricks up her sleeve, as well as lots of props and toys for keeping little ones entertained as they can quickly tire of posing. And she’s adept at hiding the inevitable runny noses and bringing shy children out of their shells. “It can be tricky,” admits Gemma. “I find tickling makes them laugh and I use a bean bag and get the kids to pile onto it. “Teenage boys can be hard work but I have three brothers so I’m used to them. I get them to bring in props like a guitar or their snowboard, whatever they’re into. “We’ve done some fun shots with babies covered with paint and we had one whose father was a builder so we had him wearing daddy’s boots! “But we understand if a child comes in feeling poorly or is in a grumpy mood. We all have off days so we invite them to come back another time.” Our furry friends are also getting in on the act. “Pets are members of the family too,” says Gemma. “We’ve already had a request from one family who want to bring their miniature ponies into the studio! “We’ve also seen a rise in pregnant women coming in for bump shots. We did a good one of a woman with a tape measure around her tummy and one with baby names on post-it notes on her bump.” Venture favours the more natural shots, although staff can airbrush images if required and create fun effects, which is Gemma’s speciality as she has a degree in graphic design. “I love the editing side,” reveals Gemma. “I had one boy who loved Spiderman so I got him to dress up in the costume and added a comic book background.” After an hour long photo session at Venture, staff work their magic on the
images ready to preview to the client so they can choose which pictures they want and decide how they want them to be framed. And then the real hard work begins because not only are parents faced with framed prints these days, there are canvasses, glass, wooden surrounds, wall-mounted blocks, frameless, multidimensional mosaics... It’s all about creating memories you will be proud to show off. For more information on the new Venture Photography Studio which opens on Rodney Street on September 14, call 0151 203 1150. READER OFFER Anybody contacting Venture studio before October 10 to buy a £25 Venture Experience voucher (entitling the holder to a free photography session and complimentary 7” x 5” framed photograph) quoting ‘Best of Liverpool’ will receive an upgrade to a 10” x 8” image worth £165.
WIN
£500 to spend in Liverpool’s new Venture Photography Studio! FOR the chance to be one of the first to visit the new state-of-the-art Rodney Street studio for a Venture experience, just answer the following question to win a free photography session and £500 to spend on framed photographs: Q: Where is the new Venture Photography Studio based in Liverpool? Answers on a postcard with your name, address and daytime phone number to Best of Liverpool, Liverpool Daily Post & Echo, Commercial Editorial Unit, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB. Deadline: Friday, September 17.
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
SEPTEMBER 10
Kiddieland
Fuel for school Set your youngsters up for the day with this tasty treat WITH our youngsters heading back to the classroom this week, they’ll need plenty of brain-food to keep them going through all that algebra and glacial abrasion! Here we have a tasty and nutritious dish which is quick and easy to make at home. You could even ask your budding Jamie Olivers and Nigellas to give you a hand to make it! PENNE PASTA WITH TOMATO SAUCE This penne pasta dish with tomato sauce, courtesy of Graham Kirk at Gusto at the Albert Dock, is very quick and simple to make, which means youngsters won’t lose concentration during the preparation. Despite its simplicity, this dish is wholesome and filling and is very popular on the Gusto menu. Ingredients (serves 2) 1 jar tomato sauce for pasta Half an onion
150g dried penne pasta 1 dessertspoon chopped parsley 50g parmesan cheese (finely grated) 2 dessertspoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic Salt and pepper Method
• Finely chop the onion, add to a
saucepan along with one dessert spoon of olive oil and gently sweat, add garlic. • Bring a pan of water to the boil and add rest of olive oil. Place pasta in the water and cook following packet instructions. • Add tomato sauce to the onion and mix together thoroughly. • When pasta is cooked, drain and shake to remove excess water, add the parmesan and parsley to the sauce and mix in the pasta. • Season to taste with salt and pepper and divide between two bowls. Top with more parmesan if desired. * The above recipe is taken from the
fabulous new Liverpool Cookbook. Published by Trinity Mirror Media, The Liverpool Cookbook features recipes from the city’s most talented chefs and explores how readers can get their hands on the delicious homegrown produce that feeds the top restaurants, to use in their own dishes. The Liverpool Cook Book will be officially launched this month and will be on sale at the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival Launch Day on September 12. The book can also be purchased by visiting www.merseyshop.com or telephoning 0845 143001 and is priced at £14.99 (free p&p, UK only).
IF you’re expecting a new addition to your family, then we’re guessing you’ll only want the best for your little bundle of joy. Head to Kiddieland in Kirkdale where you’ll find everything you could possibly need for junior, from prams and parasols to exciting toys to help them learn and develop, not to mention all the furniture and bedding to kit out the new nursery, from cots to wardrobes. Kiddieland is a real family business, started by Betty Blackburn in 1962. The business has since expanded, now occupying five units and has become an Aladdin’s Cave for nursery equipment. Betty’s children have come on board and taken the business to new levels, importing specialist baby cribs, unique baby bags and a varied range in blankets and baby essentials from Europe. The shop offers a unique collection of prams and nursery goods. Silver Cross has sponsored a full show room within the store, supplying Merseyside with its first and largest Silver Cross Heritage and Pram Centre. And there is always new stock and lots of special offers to be had, so mums and dads, make sure you check out Kiddieland at 315 323 Stanley Road, Kirkdale, Liverpool UK, L5 7QF or telephone 0151 922 5075.
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Special Offer available on the Classic Sleepover £565 with half price carseat in all colours throughout September
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 15
Photo: Gavin Trafford
The BIG interview
Queen of the stage Emma Thompson catches up with actress Eithne Browne as she prepares for her new role in Brick Up: The Wirral Strikes Back! IT’S a whole new cast, a new show and in just a few days Eithne Browne will be transformed into Mrs (Cammel) Laird as the Empire Theatre will see Wirral strike back! Meeting Eithne for the first time her passion and enthusiasm for performing really shines through, even though it has been a difficult time for her as her father has just passed away. But she says he couldn’t have had a better ending. “He was 91 and still happy,” smiles Eithne, relaying (in her dad’s charming Irish accent), tales of him telling them to go the pub and stop hanging around. “My dad was so supportive especially at the beginning when I was asked to go to the West End. I’d never acted before and was a stand-in for Mrs Johnstone in
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
Blood Brothers,” she remembers. Eithne’s acting career came about completely by chance in 1982 after she was heard singing at a picnic. The next thing she knew she got a phone call in the Venetian blinds shop where she worked inviting her to London to be the stand-in for Barbara Dickson. Lucky some may say, but Eithne’s natural talent for singing and performing was bound to get noticed. After travelling to London, Eithne soon got her big break. She explains: “The inevitable happened and Barbara couldn’t perform for the rest of the show. Changing into her costume, I remember her clothes were still warm! We had to stuff her size seven shoes with socks so I could walk in them and pin the coat to fit
me. It was an extraordinary experience for the theatre. She confides: “It’s a and a privilege, I ended up doing around wonderful place with a lovely family 50 shows. atmosphere, where everyone is made to “My parents were really supportive, feel welcome. they insisted I went and they looked after “Plus it’s lovely to be able to work here. my son Neil, who was around 10 at the I’ve worked all around the country, and time. Neil is a really good critic now!” it’s rare for an actor to stay at home but With the curtains on playwright Nicky Liverpool is a great base for actors, the Allt’s Brick Up: The Wirral Strikes Back theatres are wonderful and I’ve had soon to rise at the Empire, Eithne says: excellent jobs here, too.” “I’m really raring In between Eithne Browne hosts the performances, Eithne to go, this Summerscape Theatre Quiz has had plenty to keep production is completely new her busy, from with different storytelling for characters, so I’m children to reading playing Mrs plays with older (Cammel) Laird people in sheltered the wife of housing for the Alt William (Cammel) Valley project. She Laird who will be even found herself played by Dean singing ‘Bring me Sullivan. Sunshine’ with an “I feel it’s really elderly lady. “I’m so well cast with a lucky I get asked to do good mixture of other things,” she actors including smiles. Warren Donnelly, Eithne is also Bernie Foley and taking part in the Kris Mochrie who Hope Street Festival I worked with in on September 19, Stags and Hens.” where she will once The comic show again be getting in begins after the character by tunnels have been storytelling. “I love bricked up and the working with Runcorn Bridge children,” she beams. blown up – leaving “Some of them are Wirral stranded so fascinated when and isolated. I’m reading, they’re in “Nicky said he wanted someone their own little worlds. My dad was a completely different for this role than the fantastic storyteller, as a child I loved character Ann Twacky I played in Bricklistening to him read. I feel if you get it up the Mersey Tunnels. I’ve played such right ,it can make a huge impact and it varied roles I knew I could do it. I see Mrs stays with you.” Laird taller and thinner, I like to say I can Eithne is also set to do a fantastic one be anyone with enough distance and woman show at the Blackburne House Lycra!” she laughs. Cafe (off Hope Street) on Thursday, “You get better at what you do as you September 23 from 7pm, with plenty of gain confidence but that doesn’t mean laughter and singing. you should take it for granted. As an “I love getting involved in other forms actress I don’t know what’s ahead so I put of performance. I took part in Four all my effort in everything I do and don’t Corners at the Bluecoat plus Haunted just expect to get given the next role. I Tales last year in St George’s Hall. still get excited going on stage.” Another fantastic event was at Novotel, Over the years, Eithne has played her the Sunflower Cancer Centre held a fair share of different characters, from a fashion show from designers aged 18-60 prostitute and cancer victim in the recent who had never made clothing before, it Night Collar, to parts in Wuthering was great. Heights, Abigail’s Party and Shirley “I really do care about the quality of my Valentine to the challenging Madame performances, I feel it’s so important. Pernelle in an adaptation of the French Give me a wig and a frock and I can be classic Moliere’s Tartuffe. a new character,” she laughs. Eithne’s TV career took off in 1987 as she was cast as Liverpool housewife, See Eithne Browne in Brick Up: The Wirral Chrissy Rogers, in Brookside leading to a Strikes Back from September 7 to 18, at number of other roles in the likes of the Empire Theatre, Lime Street, call Emmerdale, Lilies, Mobile and Waterloo 0844 847 2525 or visit Road. www.liverpoolempire.org.uk She says: “TV and theatre are hard to Eithne with Stephen Fletcher and compare, they’re so different. The money Brian Dodd in Haunted Liverpool is better on screen but the connection you get with an audience feeling the tension building, the happy and sad moments are multiplied by everyone watching and you really feel that on stage. “You really have to trust the crew and director for TV as they have every detail planned, not that theatre directors don’t, but you have a little bit more freedom. “Once, I cut my hand during Brick-Up and went to the Royal hospital after the show and convinced them to operate on the tendon in the morning. That evening in the final show at the Royal Court I turned up as Ann Twacky in a splint! I think the audience just thought she was meant to be like that. The show went on as they say!” Having performed many times at the Royal Court, Eithne has a real affection
SEPTEMBER 10
Voyage of discovery
Pauline prepares for Our Day Out
This is one school trip Pauline Daniels is really looking forward to, she tells Emma Thompson...
Photo: James Maloney
that the likes of John Bishop have really brought the focus back here,” she says. “I’m a Birkenhead girl born and bred and still live there with my great view of the Liverpool skyline – I always feel sorry for the people who’ve bought apartments on the other side just looking over at me!” Pauline, who never trained in acting or singing, has enjoyed plenty of high profile roles. She says: “Rose in Gypsy was fantastic, it was only the second musical I’d done, I enjoyed the character Faye Bogle a parody of Mae West in the smash hit musical A Saint She Ain’t, and being Annie in Misery was a different type of role for me, a good challenge. But playing Shirley Valentine is way out in front for me. “Mrs Kay in Our Day Out is going to be one of my favourites, too.” Alongside treading the boards and entertaining the crowds, not to mention working with Trinity Mirror on an autobiography which will be out in March, Pauline runs The Actors’ Studio. This 80 seat theatre specialises in helping new writers showcase their work in Liverpool. She says: “We’ve had some really good new writers coming here. They don’t have the backing classic playwrights have so The Actors’ Studio gives them a helping hand and it’s very rewarding to see their success.” The theatre has two new plays coming up – Ladies’ Day and Walls and Bridges, which is based on John Lennon and will coincide with his birthday. Pauline adds: “I do everything at the theatre. I’m directing both these shows and I quite like casting people and discovering new talent – plus I answer the phones, too! “I’ve never had the chance to sit down and write a play myself, I’m always too busy; but I’m loving every minute of it.”
Pauline, left, in Dirty Dusting
Photo: Andrew Teebay
AFTER watching Willy Russell’s colourful musical Our Day Out, entertainer Pauline Daniels just knew she had to be part of it. She reveals: “I watched Our Day Out in 2009 and thought ‘we’re all doomed – it was amazing!’ “I joked with Willy afterwards, saying ‘it was brilliant but there’s only one thing wrong… I’m not in it’,” laughs Pauline. So when the auditions started in January for this year’s show, guess who was ready and waiting in the wings? Pauline, one of Britain’s best loved comediennes, who has extended her talents to become an actress and singer on stage and TV, is thrilled to be taking part in the musical which is jam-packed full of big dance numbers and fantastic songs based on a school trip to Alton Towers. And she believes the musical, which opened this month with an all-new cast, will be even bigger and better than ever. “I’m over the moon to be involved and I haven’t been this excited since performing as Shirley Valentine in 1991,” she beams. “I’m thrilled to be Mrs Kay, she’s probably the nicest character I’ve played and she loves the kids! She’s the opposite to the Wicked Snow Queen I played last year in panto, although it was great scaring all the kids in the audience,” jokes Pauline. “If you’d asked me before this if I wanted to perform with 29 kids, I’m not sure I’d have been in a hurry, but they’ve been fantastic,” she adds. Alongside her theatre work, Pauline, who is renowned for her perfect comic timing, still goes back to her stand-up roots. In 2008 she toured the country in the Ricky Tomlinson Laughter Show. She says: “I adore both sides of performing – the stand-up and theatre – creating new material for stand-up keeps me on my toes. I’ll be honest – I’m not a great lover of TV work – the live element on stage and the smell of the crowd is just fantastic for me.” But she loves coming home. “Liverpool has always been the capital of comedy and it’s great
Enjoy Our Day Out until October 9 at the Royal Court, call 0870 787 1866. For shows at The Actors’ Studio call 0151 709 9034.
ONES TO WATCH MISS FRANCESCA COUTURE WITH our very own Amanda Harrington already a fan, we’re sure it won’t be long before people cotton on to designer clothing from Francesca Kearns. Having just opened her own chic boutique in Islington, Miss Francesca Couture offers quality high-end fashion that stands out from the crowd. Last year she hosted her own fashion show in aid of breast cancer charity, The Lily Centre, a move which gave her the confidence to go forward with her own boutique. At just 25, the John Moores graduate from West Derby stocks a ready-to-wear collection aimed at the 17-35 age group but designs for women across the age range. She is certain all her clients have one thing in common. “They all want something a bit different, a bit unusual. In this city there are no boundaries, no limits; the girls in Liverpool are adventurous, very competitive with what they wear and want to look better than anybody else. It makes my job as a designer a brilliant one.”
VICTORIA EVARISTO
PHILLIP DEANE
VICTORIA Evaristo has just received rave reviews for her comedy drama set in Liverpool ‘Ma Joyce’s Tales from the Parlour.’ Victoria’s written piece has captured the audience’s imagination with her Scouse sense of humour. Ma Joyce’s Tales From The Parlour tells the story of a mixed race grandmother of Nigerian and Irish heritage, as she celebrates her birthday and re-visits the people and places from her past. Already on the road to high acclaim, Victoria trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama beginning as a performer then moving into writing. In 2004 she was shortlisted for BBC Radio 4’s new writing scheme Stages of Sound and her monologue entitled ‘A Trifle For Yuletide’ was produced for BBC Radio London. She is also an acting coach at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and Identity Drama School.
A LATE-COMER to the world of acting, Phillip Deane is making up for lost time by quickly building up his performances on stage and screen. Born in Liverpool, Phillip always wanted to act but never quite got the opportunity to showcase his potential. It wasn’t until he moved to Ireland and began working backstage that his acting career took off. He says: “I’ve been a yeoman in The Tudors, a prison officer in Father and Sons, as well as a site foreman in Dreamers and Weepers which was written by Pat Halligan, a paramedic in The Take, a doctor in How’s Nana and an extra for a scene set in Dublin for the film Leap Year which came out early this year. “You have to work hard and put your heart and soul into acting if that’s what you really want to do. I think you need to believe in yourself to be a good actor to make sure people believe in your character,” adds Phillip.
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
17
Things to do, places to see
SEPTEMBER 10
With something for foodies, fashionistas, clubbers and art lovers, September is shaping up to be a busy old month, says Katie McLoughlin
BY DAY
BY NIGHT Dig Deep HAVING began life in the Lemon Lounge in 2005, Freeze has grown to become one of the city’s cult club nights. Since moving to the Williamson Tunnels, Freeze’s ‘Rave in a Cave’ events have become legendary. Now, fresh from the success of their July event, when Swedish DJ/producer Christian Smith played a cracker of a set, the Freeze lads have put together a very special event for their fifth birthday bash on Saturday, September 11. Taking place in the Williamson Tunnels, Freeze Digs Deeper for MacMillan Cancer Research features the illustrious Danny Howells playing a six hour Dig Deeper set. For tickets visit www.skiddle.com or check out the Freeze Facebook page.
All that jazz Foodie heaven
Sartorial swap
KNIVES and forks at the ready as the Hope Street Festival is back. The fifth annual Hope Street Feast on the esteemed Liverpool street, will be held on Sunday, September 19. There will be a huge Farmers' Market running the whole length of Hope Street intermingled with stalls promoting health and well being. You can also enjoy fantastic food from Hope Street's many fine eateries plus live music, theatre performances, an art market and a craft fair. This is just a taste of what’s on the menu, so come down and enjoy a fun family day out! For more details visit www.hopestreetfestival.com
LOCAL fashion website, www.myfashionjunkie.com, is holding a ‘Pop Up Swap’ at The Shipping Forecast on September 18 between 12-6pm. The clothes swapping event will work on the same basis as the website – bring along your unwanted clothing in a clean, saleable condition; each item will be valued and you’ll be given credit which you can use to buy new items in the Pop Up Swap. Every item will also be available to purchase outright. From vintage to high street and designer, you’ll find a range of clothing, accessories, shoes and bags at the event and on the website. Visit www.myfashionjunkie.com
Art gets touchy
THE world-renowned Joel Hall Dancers, last seen in Liverpool over 20 years ago, will play their only European date of 2010 at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton on September 7-8. This spectacular performance from the acclaimed Chicago-based dance ensemble promises to be the highlight of the second half of LEAP 2010 year of dance. Famed for their blend of jazz, ballet, modern and street dance techniques, the Joel Hall Dancers have performed all over the world. The New Brighton performance will feature some of Joel Hall’s most exciting and memorable choreography. For tickets call The Floral Pavilion box office on 0151 666 0000 or visit www.floralpavilion.com
Comic capers DUE to demand, Rhod Gilbert returns to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on September 11 and 12 with his new
WIN
FOLLOWING on from 2008’s hugely successful Liverpool Biennial, the international festival of contemporary art is back and bigger than ever. Running from September 18 to November 28, the 2010 Liverpool Biennial includes six programmes: Bloomberg New Contemporaries; City States; John Moores Painting Prize 2010; S.Q.U.A.T. Liverpool 2010; The Co-operative and Touched. For more information visit www.biennial.com
show – Rhod Gilbert & The Cat That Looked Like Nicholas Lyndhurst. The fantastical Welsh comedian, who has given his show an absurd title just to annoy someone in Canterbury, is famed for his ability to use anecdotes and irritations about seemingly insignificant things, like buying a Hoover and mince pies, into hilarious comedy. For tickets visit www.liverpoolphil.com, or call the box office on 0151 709 3789.
Supper Club Tropicana FANCY combining a night of wining and dining with some top entertainment? Then get busy entering this great competition. Blundell Street Supper Club is offering a fab night out to see the UK’s top George Michael tribute act, Rob Lamberti. The prize is a three-course meal, a bottle of champagne and tickets for the show on Thursday, September 30. Tickets are already selling fast but you can guarantee your own table with dinner and fizz with your winning entry. Rob Lamberti has enjoyed success since winning his heat on Stars in Their Eyes in 1994, with Sony even employing him to help promote George Michael’s ‘Twenty Five’ album. He has performed all over the world as a solo artist and lucky winners will enjoy his performance of crowd pleasers like Faith, Club Tropicana, Wake Me Up and I’m Your Man –
right up to his performance of Outside in an authentic LA Police uniform! To be in with a chance of winning, send your answer to the following question on a postcard, including your name and daytime telephone number to Best of Liverpool, Liverpool Daily Post & Echo, Commercial Editorial Unit, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB.
Q: What was George Michael's original name? Competition is open to all readers aged 18 and over. Closing date: Thursday, September 16. In the event of more than one correct entry, the winner will be drawn out of a hat. For more information on the club call 0151 709 599 or visit www.blundellstreetliverpool.com
MUST DO MUST TRY... If you’ve been inspired to get creative in the kitchen by the Liverpool Food Festival, try expanding your culinary repertoire with a cookery session at Can Cook Studio, Speke. The evening or weekend sessions are the perfect place to pick up tips from professional chefs and master the art of preparing a range of cuisines from Thai to Indian, Italian and more. Visit www.cancook.co.uk or call 0151 650 6444 to book or find out more.
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MUST HAVE... Fashion’s gone retro this season, so for one-of-a-kind vintage finds don’t forget to visit Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair at Liverpool John Moores Student Union on Maryland Street on Saturday, September 18. The vintage fair, which is open from 11am until 4pm, is a great place to pick up vintage clothing, stylish accessories and homewares for a fantastic price. Visit www.vintagefair.co.uk for more information.
MUST REMEMBER... To listen to new music, like the bass driven, melodic grooves of The Soundcarriers, who’re performing in the Williamson Tunnels on September 18 as part of Harvest Sun Promotions’ Tunnel of Love event. The line-up also includes By the Sea, Eva Petersen and DJ Kool Aid Bob from Probe Records. Tickets are available from www.skiddle.com, www.ticketline.co.uk and Probe Records.
MUST SEE.... Following rave reviews in 2009, Willy Russell’s smash hit, Our Day Out - The Musical, is back at the Royal Court Liverpool until October 9. The criticallyacclaimed musical broke box office records when it premiered last year and the 2010 show looks set to prove equally as popular. For tickets visit www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk or call 0870 787 1866.
L I V E R P O O L
AT THE HEART OF GREAT LIVERPOOL THEATRE
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19
Food & drink
Flavour of the month Celebrity chef Aiden Byrne shares his seasonal specialities for September with Paul Baker HE has an outstanding reputation as one of Britain’s top star-chefs. He became the youngest chef ever to be awarded a coveted Michelin star, at the tender age of just 22. He represented the North West in BBC1’s Great British Menu. And, what’s more, he’s one of our very own, hailing from Kirkby! It’s only superchef Aiden Byrne. Aiden began his rise to foodiestardom as Tom Aikens’ protégé, working as his sous chef at Pied a Terre in London. Later, he joined Tom at his world famous restaurant as head chef. It’s been onward and upward for Aiden ever since. Along with running his own restaurants he’s worked at some fantastic venues across the UK and Ireland. Locally Aiden has tasted success with the oh so popular Church Green in Lymm, Cheshire and, more recently, with the boutique hotel Hillbark in Frankby, Wirral. He has taken over the running of the three restaurants within the hotel, including the former Yellow Room, the brand new contemporary Cellar and the relaxed Grill Room. Aiden has a very unique approach to modern British cuisine and, as such, has completely revamped the menus at Hillbark to reflect his inimitable style and to hopefully open the restaurants to a wider audience. As the weather begins to turn that bit cooler, so the food we eat tends to change with the season. There are many seasonal fruits and vegetables that are plentiful in early autumn that will add lots of flavour to your cooking. We at Best of Liverpool asked Aiden for his top picks of the season... BEETROOT “This is a really flavoursome and robust vegetable. Eastern Europeans use it in all kinds of dishes, but we Brits tend to under use it. Although it’s in its element gracing any well put together salad, we should champion the versatility of this elegant little bulb.”
Beetroot forms the key ingredient in one of Aiden’s signature dishes, the award winning ‘Beetroot Gazpacho’ (pictured bottom left). FIGS “Again, this is a totally under used ingredient in British cuisine, but they are at their best from the start of September. Normally associated with Mediterranean and North African dishes, the sweet and succulent fig complements many types of meat and is great in chutneys. Contrary to popular belief, figs love our climate and our home grown British figs are amongst the best in the world.” Aiden uses chickens which have been fed solely on figs for his delicious ‘Chicken, Fig and Lemon Gnocchi’ dish as the figs give the meat added sweetness.
BLACKBERRIES “I love to get out to our hedgerows and pick these myself with my kids! They are so full of flavour and can be used to complement so many dishes. I use an abundance of home-grown fruits in my desserts, but don’t forget to fuse the flavours with some of the more powerful meats around in the autumn, especially venison and game.”
Hyper-local: The James Monro AT first restaurants went organic, then they went locally sourced, but now The James Monro on Liverpool’s Tithebarn Street is going one step further and sourcing ‘hyperlocal’ produce from the garden of its very own sous chef. Paul Guest, 37, owns an allotment in Walton and has recently started supplying the restaurant with organic, fresh herbs and vegetables when they come into season. He says: “I’ve been ‘growing my own’ for nearly four years now and what I love about it is the connection between planting a seed in the ground, and then using it to create a beautiful dish on the menu a month or so later. For me it’s about quality control – all my vegetables are
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organically grown and I tend to them whenever I can in my spare time so I know they’re going to taste fantastic.” Paul grows everything from beetroot, lettuce, sweetcorn, potatoes and tomatoes to all his own herbs, depending on the season. The James Monro Group Manager Ian Price says: “Locavores (those who prefer to eat locally grown and produced goods), demand that produce is obtained within a 100 mile radius but sourcing from Paul means our food travels less than three miles from the garden gate to the plate. We’re cutting down our carbon footprint whilst also maximising on taste.”
SEPTEMBER 10
Fancy a brew? Paul Baker goes in search of that dedicated lot, Merseyside’s very own brewers of real ale AH the glorious taste of a pint of real ale. You can’t beat it, and there are so many different ones to try every glass is a new taste adventure! You can’t hide from real ales anymore. No longer the domain of so-called ‘old man’s pubs’ real ales are finding their way onto the menus of many local bars and pubs, offering customers something more than mass produced, imported lagers. Some of the names might be a bit strange, but that just adds to the magic of trying them. So if you haven’t sampled one yet, what are you waiting for? There’s no shortage of local brewers. Liverpool has a strong brewing tradition, with the Cains brewery probably the first name that springs to mind when thinking of local ales. However, it turns out that Merseyside has cultivated a number of quality breweries, crafting their very own beers – each one a labour of love ready to feature in pubs around the North West and at beer festivals across the UK. What’s more, many of these local brewers are only too happy to show real ale enthusiasts around on a brewery tour, which usually ends with a chance to sample the brewer’s latest creations. We at Best of Liverpool just had to find out more about our local breweries – it’s a hard job but someone’s got to do it... CAINS CAINS is a name that has become synonymous with Scouse brewing. Hardly a microbrewery, Cains has around 150 employees and brews more than 120m pints of beer annually. Its brewery tour is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. See the hops room, fermentation, the brewing room, the canning hall and more. Make sure you grab a pint in The Brewery Tap too. The beers aren’t bad either. Cains Raisin Beer secured the title of World’s Best Fruit Beer in 2007, while its Export Lager won a Gold Medal from the British Bottlers’ Institute. For September, Cains has produced the Voyager craft beer, a rich amber ale combining a dry hop character with a malty and floral finish. www.cains.co.uk LIVERPOOL ONE BREWERY RUN by four local lads who have worked in the licensed trade for many years, Liverpool One Brewery is all about quality local beer at reasonable prices. Head Brewer Gary Rice honed his brewing skills at the Baltic Fleet and the aim of the brewery is to produce hand crafted, high quality ales, beers and lagers. The lads say experimentation is the key and look to push the boundaries in terms of flavours, combinations and beer styles.
WHAT IS REAL ALE?
The finest ingredients are also important. Apart from their flagship beers such as Liverpool Session and Mersey Mist Liverpool One Brewery also specialise in beers, tailored to customer’s needs. liverpoolonebrewery.co.uk LIVERPOOL ORGANIC BREWERY THE motto of Liverpool Organic Brewery, ‘quality over compromise’, gives you some idea of what is most important to these brewers. Their ales went down well at the recent Waterloo Beer Festival and you can sample them for yourself at Mello Mello in the city centre. All the beers are made from the finest organic malts from Warminster Maltings, and the very best hops from Charles Faram. Look out for the likes of Bier Head, Port’er Liverpool, Malt Teaser and the powerful Shipwreck IPA. www.liverpoolorganicbrewery.com
SOUTHPORT BREWERY PAUL Bardsley started Southport Brewery back in April 2004. From a small two barrel operation, the business grew within two years to brew five barrels and has continued to grow ever since. All the beers are named after local land marks, events and topics and are produced using the finest ingredients. In 2009 Southport Brewery’s own Golden Sands beer was named that year’s Champion Best Bitter at the Great British Beer Festival. The brewery’s beers are available from a number of pubs and off licences around Southport. www.southportbrewery.co.uk
steered by head brewer Stan Shaw and his excellent beer continues to enhance its reputation. They recently produced an award winning stout and favourite ales at the pub are the Wapping Bitter and the Summer Ale. www.wappingbeers.co.uk GEORGE WRIGHT BREWERY A FAMILIAR name to the region’s real ale drinkers, George Wright Brewery began life in a former bomb factory on Lord Derby’s estate. But that soon proved too small to hold the dreams of owner Keith Wright and the brewery is currently found on Rainford’s Diamond Business Park. The beers and the brewery have really taken off and with major deals in the bag, like supplying JD Wetherspoon pubs, George Wright is a regular real ale success story. Check out its Dream beer, named after the extraordinary local sculpture of the same name. www.georgewrights.com PEERLESS BREWING COMPANY PEERLESS is an independent microbrewery, just over the water in Birkenhead. Its craft-brewed beers are characterised by a modern tang, but are made using traditional techniques and range from strong ales to fine lagers. If you fancy seeing a microbrewery in action, Peerless offer group tours, but you’ll need to book a few weeks in advance. You’ll get a tour of the brewery, you can sample all the beers and you can even pull your own pint! Beers include Hilbre Gold, a hoppy golden ale named after Wirral’s famous Hilbre Island, and Red Rocks, which is a strong, ruby ale named after the sandstone point of the same name found at Hoylake in Wirral. www.peerlessbrewing.co.uk
REAL ale is a term invented by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in the early 1970s to differentiate between massproduced processed beers and more traditional beers whose existence was under threat. But, just to confuse matters, you may hear it called other things – cask beers, cask-conditioned ales or real beer. The ale is ‘real’ because it is a natural product, brewed traditionally and left to mature in the cask from which it is served. So there you go, if you want to know even more about this real ale stuff then head to CAMRA’s website and wonder no more… www.camra.org.uk
TOP REAL ALE PUBS THERE are a number of fantastic pubs specialising in real ales across Merseyside. To sample a few choice brews head for one of these:
Baltic Fleet, Wapping, Liverpool The Bold Arms, Botanic Road, Churchtown Bootle Arms, Rock Lane, Melling Cains Brewery Tap, Stanhope Street, Toxteth Cross House Inn, Cross Green, Formby Doctor Duncans, Queen’s Square, city centre Fly in the Loaf, Hardman Street, Liverpool The Fulwood Arms, Aigburth Road, Aigburth The Guest House, Union Street, Southport Lion Tavern, Moorfields, city centre Scotch Piper, Southport Road, Lydiate Ship & Mitre, Dale Street, city centre Thomas Rigby’s, Dale Street, city centre Turk’s Head, Morley Street, St Helens Volunteer Canteen, East Street, Waterloo Ye Hole in Ye Wall, Hackins Hey, city centre White Horse, Acrefield Road, Woolton
WAPPING BEERS AT THE BALTIC FLEET THIS brewery is based at the famous Baltic Fleet pub on Wapping, Liverpool's only surviving sailortown pub, just a stone’s throw from the Albert Dock. It’s all the more interesting because it purports to be Liverpool’s only brew pub, meaning that the real ale served there was made on the premises. The award winning Wapping Beers is
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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!! 17th Sept Kylie inc Dancers, 22nd Oct: Abba, 19th Nov: Freddie Mercury Free Function Room Hire with Kitchen facilities Christmas Party bookings with free buffet now being takenn (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),
Oriental Buffet Dinner Grand Buffet £7.49 5.30pm-11.30pm
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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
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CHRISTMAS BROCHURE OUT NOW
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS • CHRISTMAS FAYRE DINNERS • CHRISTMAS FAYRE LUNCHES • CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & DISCO • CARVERY PARTY NIGHTS WITH DISCO • CHRISTMAS DAY • BOXING DAY NIGHT WITH ASA MURPHY • NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY NIGHT Barbacoa, 47-51 Mersey View, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 6QA 0151-924-0445 - www.labarbacoa.co.uk Bring Your Party To Ours At Liverpool’s Premier Live Entertainment Venue
SEPTEMBER 10
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
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Celebrate in Style This Christmas Christmas Fayre Dinners Christmas Fayre Lunches Christmas Party Nights with Live Entertainment & Disco Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Eve Themed Party Night The Royal Hotel, Marine Terrace, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 5PR 0151 928 2332 www.liverpool-royalhotel.co.uk
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Students
SEPTEMBER 10
H S E R F T R A T S
your nd don’t know worry a l o o p er iv L to n’t If you’re new from your Metquarter, do the city t ed ee scour Mathew Str h Hooley has t deals… a r a S . d n a h studen help’s at host of ‘boss’ le o h w a d n to fi
BEST BARS LA’GO YOU’D perhaps be forgiven for walking past LA’GO, but any student worth their salt has graced its dance floor. The bar’s handy location on Colquitt Street means it's within crawling distance of many of the city's best clubs and its cheap drinks, student-friendly atmosphere and good mix of soul, funk, Indie, Motown music and cheesy tunes ensure it's packed throughout the week. LA’GO, 20 Colquitt Street, Liverpool, L1 4DE THE MASQUE QUITE simply one of the best places to go for live music and an awesome night out, The Masque's reputation speaks for itself. Renowned club nights include Chibuku and Circus, but don't miss alternative club night, Shakedown in Ink, The Masque's tattoo-inspired rock and roll bar. And, just in case that wasn’t enough, the club also has a phenomenal line-up of live music with previous acts including Marina & The Diamonds, Bombay Bicycle Club and Daniel Johnston. The Masque, 90 Seel Street, L1 4BH
BAA BAR WITH not one, but two cracking venues in Liverpool – Baa Bar is a must for any student looking for cheap drinks and a good night out. The original venue, Baa Bar Fleet Street, sits in the heart of Liverpool’s nightlife and is the perfect bar and nightclub combo. While its sister venue, Baa Bar Myrtle Street, is fast becoming a student staple with movie afternoons, a gaming area, dance floors and Wokit noodle bar. Drink deals include £1 for shooters at Myrtle Street all night, every night. Plus, Baa Bar also offers free party hire, so if you fancy celebrating the start of term with a bang – Baa Bar’s on hand to help! Baa Bar, 43-45 Fleet Street, Liverpool, L1 4AN and 7 Myrtle Street, Liverpool, L7 7DN HEEBIE JEEBIES RAMMED with beautiful boys and gorgeous girls – not to mention a great soundtrack of music – it’s little wonder that Heebie Jeebies is one of the city's best loved bars. The downstairs basement is effortlessly cool
STUDENT STYLE RESURRECTION HAVING grown from a small vintage clothes shop in Quiggins, Resurrection is now one of the city's best loved clothes stores. Its fab range of quirky accessories, top brands and vintage clothes offer shoppers a cool mix of indie-chic and the latest fashions. Plus, with the likes of Jared Leto, Samuel L Jackson and Paul Weller amongst its celebrity clients you can guarantee you’ll be in good company. Resurrection, 17-19 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4HY VINTAGE RAIDERS IF you love nothing more than rummaging through vintage clothes shops, make a beeline for Vintage Raiders. One of the largest vintage shops in Liverpool, Vintage Raiders is full to the brim with original clothing and accessories with a diverse selection ranging from the flirty 50s right through to the technicolour glory of the 80s. 38, Renshaw Street, Liverpool, L1 4EF
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with exposed brick, arched ceilings and upstairs there is an outdoor courtyard and two more floors filled with ample dancing and drinking space. Music ranges from the Rolling Stones to Blur and Ella Fitzgerald. And throughout the week, Heebie Jeebies plays host to great live music from amazing local bands guaranteed to keep you dancing all night long. Heebie Jeebies, 80-82 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4BH HANNAH’S BAR IF you’re a student in Liverpool, it won’t take you long to gravitate towards Hannah’s Bar on Leece Street. A New York-style bar, Hannah’s Bar is a warm, studentfriendly venue where you can count on good pub grub (served til 9pm) and a superb drinks menu – including the bar's famous ‘Dr Pepper’ – plus great jazz and open mic nights throughout the week. Big sports matches are shown on the four TVs and in the summer the bar’s glass roof and doors slide back to create an al fresco atmosphere. Hannah’s Bar, 2 Leece Street, Liverpool, L1 2TR
DISCOUNT DEALS UTILITY AN Aladdin’s cave of quirky products and cute presents, Utility gift boutique is one of those shops where you immediately want to snaffle everything in sight. From its retro gifts, cards and Liverpool-themed keepsakes to the store's contemporary jewellery and funky watches, Utility is one of the best places to treat yourself or a lucky friend. Utility, 86 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4HY and Liverpool ONE, 8 Paradise Place, Liverpool, L1 8BQ B:U FEELING the pinch of your student loan, but still want the latest trends? Then look no further than B:U in St Johns Shopping Centre. A hot spot with savvy shoppers across the city, B:U is filled with the latest accessories, bags, shoes and fashions all at a fraction of the cost of many high street stores. B:U, 155 Charlotte Way, St Johns Shopping Centre, Liverpool, L1 1NB
VOODOU WITH award-winning stylists, four trendy salons, two barber shops and great discounts, it’s little wonder that Voodou is a student favourite. Throughout the week, students can take advantage of a 20% discount on any hairdressing service, with any stylist on any day. Visit www.voodou.co.uk FACT TUCKED just off Bold Street, FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) is home to a four screen cinema, cafe, bar and more exhibitions than you can shake a stick at. Students can buy an annual membership pass — priced at just £20 — which entitles the holder to three free cinema tickets, £2 off all full priced tickets (except Wednesdays), no booking fees, invitations to exclusive FACT member events and 10% discount in the cafe, bar and shop at FACT. Visit www.fact.co.uk
COMEDY CENTRAL AT BABY BLUE PREPARE to have your funny bone tickled at Comedy Central in Baby Blue at the Albert Dock! Every Thursday the comedy club offers two for one tickets — and with a thirst-quenching 20% off for NUS card holders at the bar, what more could you want? Visit www.jicomedy.co.uk
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25
Homes & gardens
Fresh green shades to lift your mood from Elaine Cunningham Interiors
Somerset hand-made metal bed frame with an ivory finish from Laura Ashley
Find candy-cane pinks to deep raspberry shades at Elaine Cunningham Interiors
The land of nod Emma Thompson goes under the covers to see what dreams are made of…
T’S a place where we spend a big chunk of our lives, and where John Lennon and Yoko Ono more famously spent two-week-long peace-protests – so choosing the right bed is essential. With what would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday coming up this October, – the Bluecoat has launched a unique art installation based on the couple’s legendary ‘bed-in’. The Bluecoat’s celebration will see 62 couples, groups or individuals use the bed in any way they want to express their views on world peace. So in order to ensure you didn’t miss out on the chance to cuddle-up under the covers we’ve found some beautiful beds that you won’t want to get out of. If you like to stay on trend there are chic simplistic styles that give your room that clutter-free feeling or if you like to add a touch of elegance and glamour, French-inspired frames are de rigueur this season. Styles range from elaborate metal frames, and rustic wooden beds giving a charming country feel, to popular upholstered leather-style sleigh beds which create a grand impression in any bedroom. You first need to decide on the style of room you wish to create, choose your bed and furniture to match and already you’ll be on your way to creating that dream room. Built-in wardrobes have come on in leaps and bounds looking much more impressive and sleek than older styles.
I
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Deciding on the right mattress can sometimes seem like a nightmare, with open spring, pocket spring and memory foam, not to mention various degrees of firmness, there’s a mountain to choose from. Then when it comes to the bedding, you’ve got anti-allergy pillows and duvets, goose feather and neck pillows, not to mention quilted mattress protectors! Do your homework before you hit the shops and you may wake up a little clearer, but if you’re not sure, ask! Local bed specialists will have all the information on what’s best for you in your budget. Now it’s time to add a touch of colour with bedspreads and accessories. With over 25 years of retail and design experience, Elaine Cunningham, owner of the successful home interior store in Aigburth offered her advice for autumn’s trends. She advises: “The bedroom should be a
Matthew Hilton's solid wood 'Hepburn bed' from Utility
haven of calm in a home; a space that you can express yourself and enjoy waking up in.” Elaine picked out three perfect colour schemes you can choose from, she says: “Try candy-cane pinks to deep raspberry shades, hot pink is a passionate addition to a fresh white room, creating a warm feeling in a very elegant space. “If you’re looking for a more natural shade then try earth tones lifted with a splash of colour to create a restful space, rich warm autumnal gold combined with shades of rich soft browns, or you can opt for the nude neutrals which create an open soft palette. And for that fresh look, soft greens are calming in the bedroom, and using a mix of tones means that you have an array of beautifully fresh shades to play with. But do be careful as there are tones of green which are less flattering to the skin tone, so choose light fresh shades to lift your mood.” Elaine is opening her new retail space tomorrow, September 3, alongside her BoConcept Design furniture store on Chapel Street in Liverpool city centre. It will allow Elaine to offer the widest possible range of wallpaper, fabrics, soft furnishing and accessories alongside BoConcept Design furniture where interior design consultations will be available to assist you in creating your perfect room.
SEPTEMBER 10
Bedfellows TURN your bedroom into a place where you can relax into a deep slumber with luxury throws and sumptuous pillows. Heart shaped Union Jack trinket box, £12, from Bhs
Love heart fleece hot water bottle, £11.99, from The Gifted Penguin Plum bedding, from £39.99, from Jeff Banks
Frank Hudson Alexandria range from Taskers Taffeta throw, £45, from Next
Jan Constantine Love Cushion, £69, John Lewis
Casa Oxford leather bedframe from www.leekes.co.uk
Frank Hudson Safari smooth leather upholstered bed from Taskers
Love cushion, £16.99, from Dunelm Mill Broughton sleigh bed frame from Laura Ashley
Pink Mia bedspread, from £84, from Laura Ashley Union Jack throw, £35, from Matalan
Little Love Letters, £16.99, from Jonny's Sister
Metal dream plaque, £14, from Next
Liver Bed Warehouse 100’s of beds on display at our showroom, all top names stocked
TEL: 0151 286 7272 4’6 Luxury Demask Divan
9” Deep quilted matt WAS £249.99
NOW ONLY
£129.99
5’ Pocket Sprung Divan
with 2 drawers WAS £599.99
NOW ONLY
£349.99
4’6 Faux Leather Frame with 9” deep
luxury Damask matt WAS £349.99
NOW ONLY
£199.99
3’ Silver Frame with 9” deep matt 3’ quilt & pillow & matt protector WAS £169.99
NOW ONLY
£134.99
4’6 Memory Foam Divan with 4 jumbo
drawers WAS
£599.99
NOW ONLY
£299.99
Unit L2 & L3, Liver Ind Estate, Long Lane, Aintree (Behind Taskers)
www.liverbeds.co.uk Open 7 days a Week
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
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Heading over to…
SEPTEMBER 10
HIDDEN GEMS
Bexleys Butchers THIS award-winning local butcher is confidently building up business around the city, last year opening a shop in Cavendish Walks and recently another, in Tuebrook. All Bexleys’ products are sourced locally and are personally selected to guarantee quality and freshness. With most products being British and Farm Assured, it ensures full traceability from farm to fork giving customers peace of mind that they are buying top quality meat. As well as the excellent selection in store, the butchers also offer a delicious buffet and catering service. Visit Bexleys Butchers, 9 Cavendish Walks, Derby Road, L36 9YG, log on to www.bexleys.co.uk or call 0151 345 0868. The Fireplace Gallery FIND that perfect focal point for your room with a little help from The Fireplace Gallery on Dixon Road in Kirkby. This state-ofthe-art showroom, which is situated on Knowsley Industrial Park, features hundreds of gas, electric and solid fuel fires. From contemporary to traditional, along with a huge range of stone and marble fireplaces, plus wooden surrounds and cast iron inserts, not to mention slate black and granite hearths, there is something to suit every taste and budget. Log on to www.fireplacesliverpool.com or call 0151 547 2975 for details.
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COOKERS •
FREEZERS •
Get in the know about Knowsley Think you know Knowsley? Then think again. Sue Kelbrick goes on a magical mystery tour of this exciting and bustling area. THERE is so much more to Knowsley than meets the eye. As well as the obvious attractions like Knowsley Safari Park and Knowsley Hall, the borough boasts a wealth of places to visit, beautiful parks, gardens and woodlands, activities for children, fascinating exhibitions and a packed calendar of events throughout the year. The picturesque Derby Estate features the sumptuous Grade II listed Knowsley Hall – and Knowsley Safari Park – the borough’s primary tourist attraction which provides the opportunity to get up close and personal to a large variety of wild animals including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, rhinos and meerkats. Nearby is the small town of Prescot which is steeped in history. One of the oldest towns in Merseyside, Prescot’s name is said to mean ‘priest’s cottage’. The town had historic importance in the country, appearing on early maps. King Henry IV had the title of Lord of the Manor for Prescot and weekly markets have been staged in the town since the 14th century. A wander around Prescot reveals some superb pieces of historical architecture built in the Regency and Georgian style. There is even a half-timbered Jacobean
DISHWASHERS •
SPARE PARTS •
building and a conservation area in Stone Street, with a medieval cobbled passageway thought to be the narrowest in the country. Prescot is good for shopping and eating out, with everything from independent boutiques and gift shops to well-known high street stores. Situated in the town centre, to the south of Eccleston Street, the main shopping street in the town, is Prescot Shopping Centre – the perfect place for great value shopping – and there is also a retail park near Prescot called Cables Retail Park where you can browse and grab some bargains. Birthplace to one of football’s most famous sons, Steven Gerrard, Huyton has come a long way in recent years and is a bustling and vibrant town with plenty to offer. Boasting a busy town centre, ‘the village’ has high street chains in Cavendish Walk, an Asda-Walmart supercentre (one of the largest in Europe) and independent shops in abundance, not to mention an indoor market with over 30 traders. Thanks to recent regeneration, Huyton is currently riding high with a new £16m scheme underway, Knowsley
WASHING MACHINES •
DRYERS •
BUILT-IN APPLIANCES •
Knowsley Hall Photo: Andrew Teebay
Leisure and Culture Park, which will bring world class facilities including two swimming pools, a fitness suite, a squash court, spa facilities, dance studios and a six court sports hall. Also in Knowsley, is Kirkby, popular for its outdoor market which has around 150 stalls and opens three days a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Kirkby has had its own market since the early 1960s and nowadays offers a wide selection of items and is great for a browse. Centrally, in the pedestrianised Kirkby town centre, Newtown Gardens, which is commonly and creatively known as ‘the towny,’ is busy throughout the week with plenty of free parking and offers a huge range of independent stores alongside national shops to ensure the town centre caters for everyone. RANGES •
SPARE PARTS & REPAIRS
THIS MORNING WASHING MACHINE MADNESS - FITTED AND OLD MACHINE REMOVED FOR £5 AMICA
Amica 6kg / 1000 spin 8kg / 1200 spin (AWCT10L) White or silver + £20
£199
BOSCH
HOOVER
6kg / 1200 spin (direct drive) (WAA 24171GB) White
7kg / 1400 spin (OPH714DS) White / silver
£289
£299
KNOWSLEY SLEY DOME OMESTIC SUPPLIES 0151 546 7911
COOKERS •
FREEZERS •
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
Opening soon at 128 Warbreck, Aintree 0151 538 9134
DISHWASHERS •
HOTPOINT OTPOINT •
HOOVER
ZANUSSI
7kg / 1600 spin (OPH 716) White
£319 ELECTROLUX ELECT •
LG
6kg / 1200 spin (ZWG1120M) White
White (F1222TD)
£249
THE APPLIANCE WAREHOUSE USE •
MASSIVE SSIVE SAVINGS, SAVINGS H HUGE CHOICE, CE MASSIVE 4500 4500sqft SHOWROOM ROOM
£319
STOVES •
BOSCH •
BELLING
Find us opposite QVC, 2 mins M57. 3 The Web Complex, Admin Road, Knowsley Ind Park, Kirkby L33 7TA
SPARE PARTS •
WASHING MACHINES •
DRYERS •
BUILT-IN APPLIANCES •
RANGES •
SPARE PARTS & REPAIRS
BELLING • HOTPOINT • BOSCH SCH • ELECTROLUX ELECT
BELLING • HOTPOINT • BOSCH • ELECTROLUX
Designer Kidz DESIGNER Kidz is a fabulous boutique where you can kit your little darlings out in the latest designs at reasonable prices. The shop stocks a wide range of labels, many of which are imported from overseas, such as Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Tutto Piccolo, Lelli Kelly, Confetti, Absorba, Taki To Wien, Red Sound, Deux Par Deux, Ciao Bimbi and MC Baby. You’ll also find Fornarina, Toff Togs, DKNY, Timberland, Ted Baker, Catimini, Nolita Pocket and Pampolina among others. The shop is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday. Call 0151 426 8922 for more details.
Kirkby Market Photo: Gareth Jones
Best of Knowsley
SEPTEMBER 10
ATLAS CUT PRICE SHEDS 6 x 4 SHEDS FROM £149 8 x 6 SHEDS FROM £199 SUMMER HOUSES FROM £299 KIDS CABINS FROM £159 PRICE PROMISE BRING ANY QUOTE TO US AND WE WILL BEAT IT*
ERECTED and TREATED FREE
IN STORE @ STOCKPIT ROAD, KNOWSLEY, L33 7TQ ONLINE @ www.atlassheds.co.uk 0151 5467378
KITCHEN SALE £1000
10 CABINET KITCHEN SET WORKTOPS
LANDLORDS, SMALL BUILDERS, TRADE & PUBLIC ALL WELCOME EXPRESS KITCHENS & BEDROOMS 0151 548 3781 42 Randles Road, Knowsley Business Park
FACTORY SHOWROOM. OPEN 7 DAYS 10am-4pm
No1
DISCOUNT Come and see our SHEDS new display of Unit 19a Wilson Road, Huyton, Liverpool L36 6AD email: no1discountsheds@btinternet.com www.no1discountsheds.co.uk
sheds and kennels FREE LOCAL DELIVERY QUALITY SERVICE AND PRODUCTS
All our sheds are built with heavy duty framing, and all full height We specialize in Wendy Houses, Dog Runs, Kennels in any size
Ring for FREE brochure
0151 482 1666
All major credit and debit cards accepted Open: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm, Sat & Sun 10am-4pm
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
29
Staying local
SEPTEMBER 10
And so to bed… Sue Kelbrick takes advantage of a good night’s sleep at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool
FTER months of moaning about sleep deprivation (thanks to my young daughter who has decided that four hours’ sleep a night is quite sufficient for anyone), the team at Best of Liverpool decided enough was enough and sent me off to the nearby Crowne Plaza hotel to test out their new ‘Sleep Advantage’ package. Developed with help from sleep specialist Dr Chris Idzikowski, former chairman of the British Sleep Society, the hotel has set about creating a sleep environment with what it calls ‘advanced bedding features’ with the overall aim of promoting a good night’s sleep. This sounded like manna from heaven for me so I couldn’t wait to get checked in and check out what my room had to offer. And I wasn’t disappointed. As well as nice thick curtains to ensure the room was dark enough to aid sleep, there were also complimentary, sleep-promoting essential oils from This Works, an award winning aromatherapy bath, body and skincare line created by Kathy Phillips. The Crowne Plaza even designated my room a ‘Quiet Zone’ which meant they took ‘exceptional’ care to ensure I had a peaceful night’s sleep. In addition, the hotel has developed a series of podcasts from Dr Idzikowski offering tips and
A
advice to help you get the shut eye you need and ensure you wake up refreshed and revitalised. I was certainly looking forward to feeling refreshed and revitalised, words that haven’t been in my vocabulary for a good two years now! Sinking into my sumptuously comfortable bed, with its luxuriously smooth, 100% cotton sheets, plumping up my incredibly soft pillows and wrapping myself in my gorgeous, body hugging duvet, I wallowed in the peace and quiet and I was in the land of nod in no time. I woke up early and for a moment I really couldn’t work out where I was – what, no small child bouncing on my head demanding Cheerios and CBeebies? Was I dreaming? I relished the opportunity to just languish in bed without having to leap up like I normally do – and it was heavenly. I slipped on my soft, fluffy bathrobe and enjoyed an invigorating shower before heading downstairs for breakfast, marvelling at my newly revitalised state – so this is what normal people feel like! And even better was the fact that the hardest decision I had to make that morning was whether to plump for the healthy continental breakfast option or go for the full English with all the trimmings? I could get used to this...
Liver-cool LIVERPOOL’S newest boutique hotel has opened — with its chief executive saying the city is the coolest destination in the UK. base2stay Liverpool, a 106-room boutique hotel located in Seel Street, opened in the heart of the city’s vibrant RopeWalks district this summer. The hotel’s historic building, dating from the 1850s, has been redeveloped to incorporate many of its heritage features — including original timbers and brickwork — combined with modern fittings and cool contemporary lines. The £14m hotel hopes to attract visitors looking to sample the city’s world-class museums, galleries and night-life as Liverpool’s international reputation as a short-stay destination grows. Robert Nadler, CEO of base2stay, said: “We chose Liverpool for sound business reasons but were also instinctively drawn to the city and its atmosphere. We looked across the UK but it
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
became clear very quickly that Liverpool is the coolest destination by a long way. It has undergone such a dramatic renaissance in recent years and offers a cultural and artistic mix which is unique.” Rather than having a bar or dining facilities on site, each air-conditioned room is equipped with a mini-kitchen and the hotel encourages guests to explore their surroundings by offering exclusive discounts at restaurants, bars and cultural venues across the city. base2stay’s wide variety of rooms, all of which offer free Wi-Fi, free games, 6,000 tracks of music and free internet (for those without laptops!) on HDTVs, as well as movies at only £1.95, vary from Super Singles to spectacular double height Gallery Studios. Book online at www.base2stayliverpool.com or by calling 0151 705 2626.
Above: General manager of the Crowne Plaza, Stephen Roberts testing out the hotel’s beds which are allegedly so comfortable you can get to sleep in the car park...
WIN! SUE stayed at the Crowne Plaza at Princes Dock in Liverpool city centre. The hotel is kindly offering Best of Liverpool readers the opportunity to win a night’s stay in a double room including breakfast. Simply answer the following question — what is the name of the sleep expert Crowne Plaza have worked with to develop their Sleep Advantage package? Put your answer on a postcard including your name and daytime telephone number to: Best of Liverpool, Commercial Editorial Unit, Liverpool Daily Post & Echo, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB. Closing date: Friday, September 17.
Eric G. Milton Jewellers and Pawnbrokers Established 1932
Tel: 0151 525 6066 OPEN: MONDAY-SATURDAY 9.00am-5.00pm
SCRAP GOLD WANTED • NO AMOUNT TOO SMALL •
74-76 County Road, Walton, Liverpool
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
31
bed sale now on only
from
£99
£19
from
09) (RRP £2
100’s of quality mattresses to clear including Orthopaedic, Pocket Sprung & Memory foam
Double deep base divan set with medium firm micro quilted divan set single only £69
£99 Huge Selection of Metal & Wooden bedsteads in all sizes
only
£249
from
£199 Double draw divan
only
£299 99) (RRP £7
Luxury Double Memory Foam divan set with micro quilted ultra soft knitted panel - available in other sizes
Fantastic Cast & Brass bed stead with Ivory Finish available in Double, King & Superking
Bunks, cabin beds & studio bunks in various colours, metal & wood
Great Selection of Quality wooden Bedsteads in various colours
from
Super King & Kingsize Divan Beds & Frames
£299
SHOP ONLINE 24 HOURS A DAY www.bedfactorydirect.co.uk
*
129 London Road, L3 8JA
79-81 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4HN (Opposite Johnsons Toyota)
Long Lane, Aintree L9 9AG (Near Grange and Woodhouse)
Telephone: 0151 207 7002
Telephone: 0151 922 3900
Telephone: 0151 521 2223
*£250 minimum spend applies for free delivery