Best of Liverpool Magazine - August 2012 by Liverpool Post & Echo

SUPPLEMENT

WINNERS

COLDSET COLOUR SUPPLEMENT OF THE YEAR!

GOING FOR GOLD Merseyside Paralympians set for success

HOT WHEELS Liverpool Roller Birds are on a roll

FESTIVAL FASHION

OF LIVERPOOL AUGUST ISSUE 2012

NAUTICAL BUT NICE Liverpool Pride sets sail

Showstopping styles for him and her

HEY MR PRODUCER! Merseyside songwriter Michael Emmerson on landing a recording contract and his dream job as a music producer

FEET TREATS//BACK TO SCHOOL//BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS//GAY QUARTER MARCUS COLLINS//TRAVEL REVIEWS//LOVELY LOLLIES//PERFECT PICNICS

WIN

OD OOL FO LIVERP IVAL T K FES IN R D AND MEAL S AND A TICKET O AT FOR TW AYA R CHAOP

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Contents

BEST

AUGUST 12

AUGUST 12 19 NEWS

O F L IVERP O O L

04-05 TALK OF THE TOWN City news and gossip

FASHION

06-07 SHOPPING FOR HER Festival fashion for women 08 SHOPPING FOR HIM Festival fashion for men

THE 2012 NEWSPAPER AWARD

WINNERS: COLDSET COLOUR SUPPLEMENT OF THE YEAR!

HEALTH & BEAUTY 10-11 SALON SPOTLIGHT Put your best foot forward

GET IN TOUCH STORIES 0151 330 5035 EMAIL magazine@liverpool.com ADVERTISING 0151 330 5039 WEBSITE www.bestofliverpool.com FOLLOW US twitter@BestofLpool

LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton DEPUTY EDITOR Katie McLoughlin WRITERS Paul Baker, Sarah Hooley, Richard Lackey, Claire Lewis and Katie McLoughlin PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers COVER PHOTO Andrew Teebay DESIGN Vicky Andrews and Colin Harrison COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR Sally Jones SALES MANAGER Ros McGuire

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.

FITNESS

Welcome... WELL, finally the monsoon has ended and we’re getting the summer we deserve – or at least we were at the time of going to press! Best of Liverpool is finally giving our summer wardrobe an airing – although we will no doubt be donning our wellies at the many festivals this month. Read Katie’s guide to unmissable events on page 18 and Sarah’s guide on how to rock the mudfields in style on pages 6-7. It’s time to get some use out of your summer sandals too, but how will your feet stand up to exposure? We bring you some tips on getting your tootsies in top condition on page 10. The kids have broken up from school and boy, do they need entertaining. Stop the boredom from setting in with our great ideas of what to do and where to go this summer on pages 20 and 21. And before you know it, the new term will begin. Send them back to school with a smile, with our pick of stylish stationery and educational essentials on page 22. Eating al fresco is one of summer’s pleasures. Read our guide to creating the perfect picnic on pages 24-25 and we have some cool ice lolly recipes on page 23. As much as we enjoy being outdoors, no doubt we will be glued to our tellies this month with the Olympics in full swing. Go Team GB! We’re also looking forward to the Paralympic Games and hope our

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sporting heroes will bring lots of medals back. Read Paul’s round-up of local competitors on page 12. Plus, we find out how the women-only contact sport, roller derby, has been taking the UK by storm – meet the Liverpool Roller Birds on page 13. Liverpool Pride sets sail this weekend with a nautical theme and promises to be the best ever. Read Richard’s guide to the city’s flourishing gay quarter around Stanley Street on page 19. The lovely Marcus Collins will be performing at Pride this year. He tells us all about it on page 16, plus we speak to another talented son of the city, Michael Emmerson, on page 17. The most house proud among you will be spending the August Bank Holiday sprucing up your homes. We have some splashing ideas for bathrooms on pages 14-15. Personally, I fancy being wined and dined after hearing about the culinary delights at Lunya and Buffalo Jacks (pages 26-28). And no doubt some of you will be whisked away for a weekend break or holiday – read our travel section on pages 29 and 30 for inspiration. Happy summer!

12 PARALYMPICS Merseyside’s medal hopefuls 13 ROLLER DERBY Liverpool Roller Birds flying high

HOMES & GARDENS

14 MAKE A SPLASH Beautify your bathroom 15 GORGEOUS GARDENS Top gardening tips and great gazebos

ENTERTAINMENT

16-17 HOMEGROWN TALENT Marcus Collins and Michael Emmerson 18 FESTIVAL FEVER The line-up for summer 19 GAY PRIDE Liverpool’s LGBT community 20 THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE Your ‘to do’ list for August

CHILDREN

21 SCHOOL’S OUT Fun ideas for the family 22 BACK TO SCHOOL New term must-haves 23 LOVELY LOLLIES Fabulous and fruity

FOOD & DRINK

24-25 PERFECT PICNICS Al fresco feast hits the spot 26-28 RESTAURANT REVIEW Lunya and Buffalo Jacks

TRAVEL

29 BLACKPOOL ROCKS Vegas on our doorstep 30 LONDON CALLING Captivated by our capital

Michelle Rushton, Best of Liverpool Editor

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Talk of the town Photos: Mark McNulty

WHAT IS NORMAL? A MAJOR international contemporary art exhibition, Niet Normaal: Difference on Display, is now open to the public. This landmark exhibition, a highlight of leading international disability and deaf arts festival DaDaFest, is on show at Liverpool’s Bluecoat until September 2. The exhibition also forms part of the London 2012 Festival, a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration which began in June and runs until September 9, bringing together leading artists from

across the world with the very best from the UK. Niet Normaal: Difference on Display features the work of over 20 internationally renowned artists including new commissions from North West artists, each addressing a definitive question of our time: ‘what is normal and who decides?’, specifically focussing on language as freedom and language as imprisonment. This question is being examined through art that aims to celebrate difference in the year of London’s hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in the context of a disability and deaf arts festival.

ROYAL BLUE SEAL OF APPROVAL EVERTON in the Community has been named a winner at the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Community Sport and Recreation Awards backed by the Royal family. The Blues’ official charity was named ‘Professional Club Community Programme of the Year 2012’ at the Alliance’s Annual General Meeting at St James’s Palace in July, where charity chief executive, Dr Denise Barrett-Baxendale, was presented with the award by HRH The Earl of Wessex. The leading sports charity has also been given £1,000 of funding for winning the award. Dr Denise Barrett-Baxendale says: “The judges were impressed with the wealth of programmes we have designed and delivered in particular to combat racism and improve the lives of people living with mental health issues and disabilities.” Everton in the Community helps people across Merseyside, the North West and abroad to better their life chances, through innovative educational, employment, disability and social inclusion programmes. For more information visit evertonfc.com/community

DaDaFest founder and CEO Ruth Gould and Lord Mayor Sharon Sullivan raise the Flag of Compassion in the Bluecoat Courtyard

OutANDabout Katie McLoughlin and Michelle Rushton bring you the latest city gossip

SAMBA SPECTACULAR

BEATLES BEVERAGES... TO help you get into the festival spirit this month, Bar Four, in the city’s Hard Days Night Hotel, has launched four limited edition cocktails to celebrate Liverpool’s International Beatle Festival. Inspired by The Beatles’ Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album, the four limited edition cocktails – the ‘John’, the ‘Paul’, the ‘George’ and the ‘Ringo’ – are a twist on the traditional Long Island Ice Tea and will be priced £9.50 each. Each cocktail contains gin, vodka, rum and tequila and a different liqueur to suit each one. The Beatles-inspired beverages will be available from August 1 in time for the city’s International Beatle Week Festival. The festival, which takes place on August 22-28, will see live gigs, exhibitions, memorabilia sales and more take place in venues including the Cavern Club and Cavern Pub on Mathew Street, the Adelphi Hotel and the Philharmonic Hall. Bar supervisor Jonothon Corser, who devised the delicious drinks, says: “It felt only right to create four

special limited edition cocktails to mark what’s such a big weekend in the city’s calendar. Each drink is very individual and it will be interesting to see which one is the most popular.” Bar Four is in the Hard Days Night Hotel on North John Street, call 0151 236 1964.

We’re loving... SPEED OF LIFE THE first brand new studio album in nearly a decade from Liverpool’s pop/soul legends The Christians. The band is celebrating 25 years since it released its debut album The Christians which was a massive hit in the 1980s. It has released Speed Of Life, a mixture of classic Christians anthems, on Cherry Red Records. We can’t stop listening to the title track which has been stripped down to raw ballads and a storming cover of Marvin Gaye’s Inner City Blues. They certainly haven’t lost it. Visit www.thechristianslive.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

BRAZILICA Festival brought sunshine and thousands of people onto the Liverpool streets last month. Organisers Liverpool Carnival Company and Orb Events are delighted with the success of what has become the UK’s largest Brazilian carnival event. Almost 100,000 people witnessed this glittering spectacle across Liverpool city centre. Maeve Morris of Liverpool Carnival Company said: “We promised Brazilica would be back bigger and better for 2012 after last year’s success and I’m delighted to say the weekend exceeded all our expectations.” Williamson Square played host to a Main Stage with bands and singers from as far away as Singapore and Brazil who entertained a packed crowd with stalls serving Brazilian and world food and a street market doing a roaring trade. There was also a carnival parade, colourful floats and a Brazilian Soccer Zone. Maeve said: “The people of Liverpool and visitors from around the globe showed they can party Rio style, the city has taken samba to its heart and given performers from far and wide a great welcome. Roll on Brazilica 2013!”

NOT A GUIDE TO LIVERPOOL

THE FOOD OF CHAMPIONS

THIS book on Liverpool which breaks the mould of the traditional town guide but celebrates everything from Scouse stew to Liver birds. This is not your traditional guidebook on the port and gives you all the fun and quirky facts that you didn’t know about Liverpool. From strange statistics to crimes and mysteries, author Dan Longman encompasses a wealth of local knowledge to create a volume that is entertaining and informative in equal measure. Published by The History Press, priced £5.99. Visit www.thehistorypress.co.uk

AS the country prepares for an epic season of sport, The Living Room has been quick off the mark to whip up an Olympic menu, perfect for giving us a running start. With the focus on super ingredients that are great for the body, they have designed a menu to ensure everyone is at the top of their game. We love the nutritious PowerPacked Salad packed with chicken, lentils, chick peas and soya beans. Wash it down with the ‘Get-set-go’ mocktail - a refreshing and revitalising blend of fresh mint, lime, cranberry and apple. Visit www.thelivingroom.co.uk

AUGUST 12 VOODOU SHORTLISTED FOR TWO PRESTIGIOUS HAIRDRESSING

A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME... THE Hair Spa team at Wirral’s Thornton Hall Hotel is celebrating the salon’s 10th birthday this August. Over the past 10 years, the salon has built up a loyal clientele including some well known faces such as Liverpool model, Jade Ainsworth. The salon has grown rapidly now employing 16 full and part-time staff – all highly trained and experienced in both ladies’ and gents’ hairdressing. The Hair Spa runs a highly accredited training school every Monday which has recently been awarded a Centre of Excellence certificate from training provider ‘Go Smart’, which commended the Hair Spa on its high standard of staff training. On Thursday, August 30, The Hair Spa is hosting a birthday event from 6pm to 8.30pm, where guests can enjoy a free make up taster, Champagne and the chance to get a complimentary head massage relaxation treatment. Each guest will also receive a free goody bag on arrival. Hair Spa manager, Laura Boote, says: “We have built an amazing, loyal customer base over the 10 years and we would like to give our enormous thanks for their continued support. To celebrate our 10th birthday we are also offering 10% off all treatments in August.” For further information call Thornton Hall Hotel Hair Spa on 0151 353 0088 or visit the website at www.thorntonhallhotel.com

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LIVERPOOL’S premier nightclub, PlayGround, hosted a networking event last week to showcase the stunning facility and corporate packages which are available for private hire, including the VIP PlayRoom. Guests were treated to PlayGround-inspired food including stunning mini-burgers and fish and chips, whilst their highly trained mixologists served a selection of sumptuous cocktails. A DJ, bongo player and saxophonist entertained the guests in true PlayGround style.

WINING AND DINING INTERNATIONAL award-winning wine maker, Giorgio Flessati, brought a ray of Chilean sunshine to Liverpool during a special wine tasting event organised by The Monro Group. The celebrated wine producer shared his knowledge and passion for the wine created by the family-run vineyard, Vina Falernia in Northern Chile, over a skilfully designed fourcourse dinner at The Monro on Duke Street. The specially created menu, designed by The Monro’s Head Chef Leigh Harvey, was developed in partnership with Giorgio to match each course with the wines that had been selected and brought together the very best of British seasonal produce with fine Chilean wine. The menu included Slow Poached Grouper with Asparagus and Spring Baby Leeks and Short Beef Ribs served with Braised Rice and South American Style Beans. William Lyons, Director of The Monro Group says: “Everyone really got into the spirit of the evening, celebrating a shared passion and genuine interest in food and wine. We look forward to hosting more evenings like this in the near future.” For more information about forthcoming events at The Monro visit www.themonro.com

YOU know what happens when you plan a summer soiree in this country? Well, true to form, the weather was something of a damp squib on the night that trendy hair and beauty salon, Hooka, held its summer showcase event. Rain didn’t stop play though and, despite the fact it was a rather wet and dreary Monday night, over 60 guests headed to Hooka’s Wood Street salon on July 2 for the event.

SHIP SHAPE LAUNCH FOR CITY FESTIVAL LIVERPOOL Pride takes place this weekend and, ahead of the August 4 event, a nautical-butnice launch event was held on July 5. Over 200 guests attended the launch, which, in keeping with Pride’s nautical theme for 2012, was held aboard the Royal Iris Mersey Ferry. After setting sail from the Pier Head, the ferry cruised along the Mersey while guests enjoyed drinks and an introduction to this year’s festival. Those on board were also treated to a performance from Katrina Heenan and headline act Liz McClarnon, who’ll both take to the Waterfront Stage when the festival takes place this weekend. As well as performing at the ship-shape soiree, the former Atomic Kitten was on-hand to mingle with her fellow sea-farers. Speaking of her hopes for Liverpool Pride, Liz said: “There will be lots of fabulous artists on stage for your entertainment – we’re going to have a great day! Let’s make Liverpool Pride 2012 the biggest-and-best Pride in the country, celebrating our fabulous city.” Speeches also came from representatives of Mersey Travel, Liverpool’s gay community and Zoran Blackie, chair of Liverpool Pride.

TICKETS TO REDS AND BLUES – THE MUSICAL

WE certainly love our football in this fair city, and so the success of Reds and Blues – The Musical shouldn’t be too surprising. The drama and comedy in football, and the rivalries it throws up in every street, every pub, and every family across Merseyside, is always going to make for a great play. Writer Dave Kirby has already had success with his plays Lost Soul, Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels and Council Depot Blues and his current show is

Photo: Event Photography

LIVERPOOL salon chain Voodou has been shortlisted for two prestigious hairdressing awards. If successful, the salon chain of five ladies and gents hairdressing salons and a training academy all based in Liverpool, will win two national awards in two weeks. The awards Creative Head’s Most Wanted and Hairdressers Journal’s British Hairdressing Business Awards will take place in September 2012 within two weeks of one another. The categories Voodou have been shortlisted for are Best Online Salon and Website of the Year. Rob Webb Voodou’s managing director says: “All of the hard work we have put in to the new website has really paid off.” Both competitions will judge Voodou’s website as well as taking into account the other social media platforms they use, to communicate with their clients. “We are all very proud of the number of fans Voodou hold on Facebook”, says Rob. “We currently stands at over 14,000 likes, which is more than any other salon in the world I’m told. “Our next step is to launch our brand new mobile phone app which will be ready at the end of this month.”

COCKTAILS AND COIFFEURS

PLAYGROUND FOR GROWN UPS

a rewritten version of the hit DVD The Ballad of Kenny and Dixie. The tale begins when Dixie (Paul Duckworth), a dyed in the wool Blue, arrives to stay at his fanatical Evertonian sister’s house which just happens to be next door to a family of rampant Reds headed by Kenny (Andrew Schofield) who is planning a European Cup celebration garden party – but Dixie has other ideas! The show has been extended until August 11, due to demand and tickets are available from £13 from

The weather didn’t dampen the mood either, as guests enjoyed a taste of sunnier climes thanks to frozen margaritas and canapes provided by new Mexican eatery, Lucha Libre. As well as snaffling delectable canapes, cocktails and wine, guests at the soiree watched as Hooka MD, Dion Padan and his team of talented stylists demonstrated the key trends for summer and gave guests advice on how to recreate the looks on their own locks. With their heads full of inspiring hair ideas, guests left the gathering armed with goody bags packed with hair essentials.

www.royalcourtliverpool.com or on 0870 787 1866. To be in with a chance of winning four tickets to the show on Wednesday, August 8, including a meal inside the theatre before the show starts, just answer the following question:

Which actor plays the character of Kenny? Send your answer, full name, daytime telephone number and address to Reds and Blues Competition, Best of Liverpool, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Closing date for entries is Monday, August 6.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05

Shopping for her

Festival fashion

ARM CANDY CLOTHES may maketh the man (or in this case the woman), but a smattering of gorgeous accessories can undoubtedly make them even better! And in particular, these covetable bracelets from Wongs Jewellers on Whitechapel, are an absolute must have... Amazon bracelets, from £250 each

Sarah Hooley discovers how to stand out from the crowd at this summer’s festivals...

Bastian Inverun silver satin carved cuff bangle, £330

Black base Chakra bracelet, 925 sterling silver, £58

Ficelle bracelets, £260 each

Quilted jacket and red dress, from Paul’s Boutique

Lucet Mundi Power Beads pink and white crystal bracelet, £99

Red beanie hat from Littlewoods.com

FROM Jameela Jamil at T4 On The Beach to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Coachella, festivals are fast becoming synonymous with fashion. So if you haven’t picked your outfit for this month’s Creamfields – it’s time to hit the shops. This summer key trends include tie-dye vests, cropped tees, over-sized old band T-shirts, crochet cardis, and 80s-style denim gillets teamed with denim cut offs, dip dye shorts, bright skinny jeans and Aztec-print leggings à la Jessie J. There’s no reason why you can’t inject a little glamour into your festival outfit though. A pretty vintage dress or floral maxi can easily be made field-friendly with a chunky pair of boots or wellies. Or simply throw a silky floral print kimono over the top of your denim

shorts and vest top for an instant injection of glamour. As for accessories, festivals are one of the only times you can get away with wearing everything from the slightly unusual to the damn right outrageous. Be it a feather headdress, pair of bohemian-inspired earrings, quirky necklace or daisy headband, revel in the freedom of being able to waft around without attracting any weird looks! Last but not least, no festival-goer should be without a trusty pac-a-mac, parka and pair of wellies. Unlike the sunny climes of Benicassim, the ‘changeable’ British weather can take a sudden turn for the worse, and you’ll be glad you came prepared. Here are a few of our festival must-haves, sure to look good – mud or no mud.... Heart Burn Out lens sunglasses, £15, from ASOS.com

Mercurial disk bracelets, £160 each

Feather print vest, £19, from Apricot Scarf, £6, from F&F at Tesco

Yellow Solar Plexus chakra bracelet, 24ct gold vermeil, £86

Floret silver bangle, £435

Outfit from Miss Selfridge

Crafted dip dye hotpant, £30, from Republic

Ankle boots, from Littlewoods.com

Feather Headband, £3.99, from Internacionale

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

AUGUST 12 Outfit from Internacionale

Check shirt, £23, from Littlewoods.com

Outfit from Topshop

OPI Swiss Guard antiseptic handwash gel, £2.35, from John Lewis

Pink and grey sporty multi-fabric jacket, £39, from La Redoute

Stars and stripes hotpant, £18.99, from Internacionale

Jacket from Zara

Blue Superdry festival Wellingtons, £60, from Very.co.uk

Fudge dry shampoo, £6.97, from lookfantastic.com

Carla Monaco Earrings, £2.50, from George at ASDA

Pink floral belted pleated dress, £28, from Apricot

Black shoes, £49, from Dorothy Perkins

Gold waterfall waistcoat, £18.99, from Internacionale Sunglasses, £5, from Dorothy Perkins

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Sunglasses, £5, drawstring utility blouse, £16, crochet trim short, £14, statement bead necklace, £8, Aztec fringe saddle bag, £8, short leather buckle boot, £35, all from Matalan

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 07

Shopping for him

AUGUST 12 BOOTY CALL

Black retro sunglasses, £14, from Topman

WELLIES and waterproofs may Blue have connotations wellington of farmers and trainboots, £25, spotters the world from Topman over. But, to avoid falling foul of ‘festival feet’ – an affliction for which the symptoms include squelchy toes that look like you’ve inadvertently contracted trench foot, ruing the day you bought your shoes and slipping in the mud – wellies are the only way to go. Put your best foot forward by donning a pair of these beauties...

Amplified Changes Bowie T-shirt, £30, from Topman

Slouch fit vest, £7; ethnic print shorts, £28; retro sunglasses, £12; pattern weave trilby, £12; from Burton

Burnt orange gun patch jumper, £25, from Burton

Hat, £7.99, from H&M

Hunter Original men's wellington boots (dark olive), £85, fromJohn Lewis

FESTIVAL FIX With festival season well and truly upon us, Katie McLoughlin takes a look at what stylesavvy men should have in their rucksacks... SARTORIAL success is not easy when you’ve got dressed in a tent. Nor is it easily achieved when you’re knee-deep in mud. So, if you’re heading to one of the glut of festivals happening this month – be it Green Man, SW4, Creamfields, V or Reading – here's some sartorial inspiration...

Green wellies, £25, from Topman

K Way Jaques Plus waterproof jacket, £80, from ASOS.com

Casio F-91WC-3AEF digital green watch, £20, from Asos.com

Hunter Original tall wellington boots, £75, from ASOS.com

Music icon crew t-shirt, £22, from Topman

Plaited belt, £21, from ASOS.com

Hunter Original tall wellington boots (red), £75, from ASOS.com

Green over-dyed denim shorts, £32, from Topman

T-shirt, £22, from Urban Outfitters

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AUGUST 12

Advertising feature

Celebration time at Costco Champagne corks are popping at Costco Liverpool which is celebrating its 17th birthday this month! THE membership warehouse club first opened its doors in the city in August 1995 and has offered its members thousands of amazing discounts over the years. For those who have yet to discover the delights of Costco, then now is an ideal time to get acquainted. Once you have sampled the brilliant bargains within, you will never look back! The cavernous warehouse on Waterloo Road is an Aladdin’s cave of top brand name merchandise from high end watches and jewellery by Breitling, Tag and Cartier, to designer clothing by Ralph Lauren, Boss, North Face etc. You will also find confectionery, catering and cleaning products, an automotive and tyre bay, hardware, chilled and frozen food, health and beauty items, sporting goods, garden essentials, cookware, electronics, home and office furniture, cameras, books and much more. There is even an optical department and you can get your photos printed too

with some great offers on canvas prints, photobooks, banners and cards. Costco is an American company whose philosophy is to provide the highest quality goods at the lowest possible prices. You have to be a member to shop at Costco which has branches all over the world, but membership is not exclusive to businesses. Members of the public can also join and the annual joining fee is quickly offset by the great savings to be made on everyday items and special treats and gifts. Costco can offer prices consistently lower than other wholesale and retail outlets, this is achieved through driving down overheads and using global buying power. General manager at Costco Liverpool, Andrew Westwood, explains: “Most

retailers will do their best to sell for the highest possible price but our mission is completely the opposite. We strive to drive the cost of goods down to the absolute minimum for our members but without sacrificing the quality.” A trip to Costco with the family is always a fun and pleasurable shopping experience. Children love the colourful toys from giant paddling pools to bouncy castles and they are guaranteed to fall in love with the giant teddy bears which are great value at just £19.99 plus VAT. You get a lot of teddy for your money, and Costco has sold nearly 40,000 teddies throughout the UK in the last five months! It’s very hard to resist walking past the bakery without indulging in a fresh chocolate fudge cake, carrot cake, muffin or apple pie. And if you are planning a party or event, then look no further than Costco which has a fantastic selection of party platters, not to mention beers, wines and spirits. You can even order a huge personalised celebration cake for just £12.99. The meat counter offers fresh, high quality meat from roasts and chops to tender steaks and fish and there is also a rotisserie where you can pick up a roast chicken or delicious BBQ spare ribs.

As you are browsing, you’ll meet lots of friendly staff offering free samples for you to try and members receive additional coupon booklets, with even more savings. Costco warehouses are open seven days per week for all members. To qualify for membership you must be either self-employed, an owner/director of a business or belong to specific employment groups. For a small additional fee, the Executive Membership gives members the opportunity to earn an extra 2% back on all of their purchases.

To find out how you can join visit the website www.costco.co.uk or call 0151 224 7670.

Join the Millions who are already saving! Costco is a membership warehouse club that sells a wide selection of top quality brand name merchandise at low warehouse prices.

Trade Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

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Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership

Come and join our celebration on

For further information, please contact our Membership Team at Costco Liverpool on

Saturday 1st September 2012 0151 224 7681 Present this slip if you qualify to join and receive a FREE gift *

Membership Criteria applies. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.

Costco Liverpool, 30 Waterloo Road, Liverpool, L3 7HY T: 0151 224 7681 E: marketing104@costco.co.uk Central Membership: 01923 830 477 www.costco.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Health & beauty

Happy feet NOW we are finally blessed with sunshine, it’s time to dig out those summer sandals, wedges and flip flops and give your feet an airing. But are your feet ready to be exposed? After months of being hidden away in winter shoes and wellies, thanks to the appalling weather we have had, coupled with being crammed into skyscraper heels on those nights out, your tootsies may be a little neglected. Ingrowing toenails, corns, calluses and dry cracked heels are not very attractive but all common problems thanks to today’s stylish, yet not always sensible, footwear. Pedicures are a fabulous way to keep your feet in tip-top condition, but if you have any medical problems, then it is time to call in the experts. Suspecting I might have an ingrowing toenail, I visited Les Davies at Island Therapies in Garston. Les, from Halewood, is a qualified podiatrist, having graduated with a BSc Hons in Podiatry from the University of Salford. Podiatrists diagnose and treat a vast array of foot and lower limb problems from verucas and bunions to athlete’s foot and can give advice on footcare, as well as performing minor foot surgery. Les explains: “Podiatry covers from the foot to the hip. As well as common

Michelle Rushton treats her tootsies to a little TLC from the foot doctor problems and sports injuries, we specialise in biomechanics, which looks at the way the joints are aligned.” Les promised to give my feet a full MOT. He started by filling out a health assessment to find out if I had any medical problems before giving my feet a thorough healthcheck. After removing my shoes and socks, I was asked to sit down on a special bed while Les took a close look at my feet, examining my toes, heels, and the shape of feet, checking joint mobility and a cursory check

on my leg length. Les reveals: “You may have a slight leg length difference which can affect your posture.” This might explain why I always wear one heel out quicker than the other! Otherwise, I was relieved to hear that my feet were given a clean bill of health. “Your pulses, temperature and colour of skin is fine and you have no corns or athlete’s foot,” Les observes. As for my toenails, he

WHERE IS HE BASED?

Les is based at Bubble 4 hair salon in Gateacre on Thursdays and at Island Therapies in Garston, Liverpool on Fridays. He also carries out home visits during the week.

WHAT DOES HE DO?

As a fully trained and qualified HPC Registered Podiatrist, Les specialises in examining, diagnosing, and treating problems and conditions of the feet and lower limbs and giving advice on footcare.

CONTACT:

Les Davies can be contacted on 0151 498 4529/ 07931 427907. Clinics: Bubble 4, Belle Vale Road, Gateacre, Liverpool, L25 2PE or Island Therapies, Island Road, Garston, Liverpool, L19 6PE.

FEET TREATS IF those little piggies are going to the beach this summer, then make sure they are in tip top condition. These pampering feet treats will have you flip flop ready in no time! Polish and smooth your feet with this classic double-sided Foot File, £3, from M&S

This heavy-duty foot cream hydrates and softens rough, dry feet and conditions nails. Hemp Foot Protector, £10, from The Body Shop

Intensely hydrating Smoothing Manicure/Pedicure Treatment, £19, from Estee Lauder

Spa Collection Intensive Foot Treatment, includes Ultra Smooth Foot Mousse and Ultra Smooth Cracked Heel Balm, £5, from M&S

informed me that they were very slightly involuted (over curvature) but could be managed with proper cutting and gave me a lesson in how to cut and file my nails. “Try not to leave sharp edges in the corners,” Les advised. “These can dig into the other toes or catch on shoes. And invest in a good pair of nail clippers and a foot file.” Like most people, I have patches of calloused skin on my little toes and the balls of my feet and feels where my shoes have been rubbing. But it was time to say goodbye to the hard skin as Les removed it with a scalpel and a Dremel until they were baby soft. He admitts he is always busy in the summer when people start to show off their feet. “You see a lot of people coming in with hard skin and cracked heels,” he divulges. “Heel fissures can cause severe problems and may become infected if not acted upon. You can prevent it by exfoliating the skin with a file when the feet are dry and moisturise regularly to keep the skin supple.” But Les stresses that it is important to take care of our feet all year round. “As well as detecting any common problems, your feet can reveal health problems elsewhere in the body,” reveals Les. “For example, when we podiatrists take your pulses, it may highlight problems with the circulation in the arteries and veins. And ridges in nails show there’s been a change in the body which may indicate

previous health problems.” Contrary to popular belief, it is not just the elderly who visit a podiatrist. Les says: “I treat people of all ages – from a young boy who was getting corns from his football boots to a 100-year-old. “With increasing cases of diabetes, sensory checks are important. Patients with diabetes may lose nerve sensation in their feet. They potentially can tread on something sharp and it may remain there because they can’t feel it which would lead to severe problems and infection. “Those with arthritis, neurological or vascular conditions tend to have ‘high risk’ feet too and should see a podiatrist regularly.” Les is interested in biomechanics. He says: “Problems with your feet can trigger pain in your knees, hips and back. “We can make special insoles for shoes, as well as padding and arch support to help reduce the symptoms resulting from biomechanical problems.” And he predicts lots of women will be coming to see him in 20 years time with bunions/ foot problems caused by the towering heels that have been in vogue. At the end of our session, Les smothered my feet in moisturiser. They felt so soft and smooth that I couldn’t wait to show them off in my new summery wedges!

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AUGUST 12 PUT YOUR FEET UP AT THE HOUSE BEAUTY SPA IF you are wondering how you will ever be able to reveal your feet in summer footwear we have checked out some of the most luxurious feet treats at The House Beauty Spa for you. The Mather Avenue spa is home to the most relaxing of pedicures, complete with a spa massage chair for added luxury in your pre-holiday pedicure. The House Beauty Spa boasts three versions of OPI Spa pedicures to suit everyone (from £15) stocking over 100 shades of nail polish, plus Minx Nails, CND’s Shellac and a Swarovski Crystal

Pedicure, so you have lots of choice in nail colour and preferred finish. I opted for the OPI Luxury Pedicure (£50) as I really wanted to put a fresh foot forward. The lovely Becky took me into the pedicure room, with ample magazines to allow me to relax, while Becky applied OPI products leaving them looking and feeling fabulous. With so many colours to choose from, I opted for a vibrant OPI pink polish, perfect for summer. I was so impressed with Becky’s attention to detail, I have been guilty of sometimes going home and doing my toes again as I am a perfectionist when it comes to a pedicure. Not here, I have to add. The House Beauty scored a perfect 10! If you want to rid yourself of hard skin, try the House’s Callus treatment, £15, which contains fruit acids and shea butter to soften hard skin. For more information call 0151 724 4999, or follow on twitter @TheHouseBeauty, or visit www.thehousebeautyspa.co.uk

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Fitness

August 12

Going for gold

Event: Judo 81kg DOB:04/05/91 ENCOURAGED to start training by his family, Liverpool fan Dan started competing at judo, aged 10. His breakthrough came at the 2009 World Youth Games in Hungary where he won a silver medal and has since won the bronze medal at the 2011 German Open in the men’s 81kg category. His father, Terry, represented Great Britain in Judo at three Paralympic Games, while his brother Marc is also representing ParalympicsGB this year. “It’s brilliant to be selected for ParalympicsGB, it is a dream that has become reality. I am really looking forward to the buzz of the Games and having the support of the home crowd,” says Dan.

Paul Baker checks out our local sporting heroes heading to London for this summer’s Paralympics

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Photo: onEdition

Lora Turnham

Jon Pollock

Dan Highcock

Event: Judo 73kg DOB: 24/08/89 BROTHER of Dan Powell, Marc is competing in the judo 73kg category. Marc describes his dad Terry, who appeared at three Paralympic Games, as being a huge inspiration. Marc enjoys the competitive element of Judo and the sport has become an important part of his life. He is relishing the opportunity to represent his country competing in the sport he loves. “I am over the moon to be selected to ParalympicsGB and a home Games will be unforgettable,” says Marc.

Event: Wheelchair basketball DOB: 11/05/77 JON was hooked on wheelchair basketball from his first game, when he was introduced to the sport by local club Wigan Warlords. He has now been competing for over 20 years. He has won numerous domestic competitions both in the UK and Europe as well as representing ParalympicsGB at three Games, winning two bronze medals. Originally from Liverpool, one of Jon’s greatest achievements was in the 2002 World Championships in Japan where he was voted in the World Allstar 5. When Jon has retired from playing Wheelchair Basketball he intends to turn his attention to coaching.

Event: Cycling DOB: 04/09/88 LORA was first introduced to cycling in 2009 whilst she was studying at Birmingham University and she immediately took to the sport. She won her first World Championship medal that same year, having been on the bike for just six weeks – quite an achievement! Lora recently won silver in the Pursuit at the 2011 World Championships. Lora has a visual impairment. She is the sister of fellow Paralympian Roy Turnham and her partner is ParalympicsGB tandem rider Neil Fachie. In 2010, she graduated with a degree in physiotherapy from the University of Birmingham and hopes to become a paediatric physiotherapist.

Photo: onEdition

Event: Archery – Men’s Individual Compound (Open) DOB: 02/01/81 RICHARD hails from Great Sutton and has been competing in the sport for 19 years, training with the Bowmen of Bruntwood, in Stockport. Richard, a senior information officer for Cheshire East Council, cannot wait to test himself against the best. “I’d like to get into contention for a medal,” he says. “That’s an ambition for me – a target. But just getting there has been a huge achievement and I’m determined to enjoy it.” He says his greatest achievement to date was competing at the 2011 World Championships in Turin, Italy, where he won gold in the team event. He also enjoys cycling, rowing and athletics.

Event: Wheelchair basketball DOB: 05/12/81 DAN started playing wheelchair basketball at 13 and immediately loved this fast, exciting and skilful game. Joining local club, Liverpool Meteors, where he played for five years, he has subsequently travelled the world, representing clubs in Italy, Spain

Marc Powell

Photo: onEdition

Event: Wheelchair basketball DOB:11/05/78 HAVING been competing for 11 years Ade has played for a number of clubs including Liverpool Greenbank, Tameside Owls, Wolverhampton Rhinos and spent the last two seasons abroad with Spanish side Toledo. Ade competed at his fifth Paralympic World Cup in 2011 and is a very experienced member of the team after being part of the bronze medal-winning team from Beijing and also winning gold at the 2011 European Championships.

Photo: onEdition

Photo: Action Images/Lee Smith

Photo: onEdition

Event: Wheelchair tennis DOB: 10/12/79 JAMIE started playing wheelchair tennis at a tennis camp in 2003. In 2004 he made his Great Britain debut at the World Team Cup in New Zealand. A former Royal Marine, Jamie was injured in a car accident in Liverpool in 2000 when he was 21. He trains at South Ribble Tennis Centre near Preston, is a keen Everton FC supporter and is devoted to his son Charlie and fiancée Kelly. Jamie made his Paralympic Games debut in Beijing, where he partnered Peter Norfolk to the quad doubles bronze medal. He achieved his career high quad singles ranking of fifth in the world in May 2009 and has since established himself inside the world’s top 10.

Event: Wheelchair basketball DOB: 01/11/82 ABDI started playing wheelchair basketball after being introduced to the sport by his now fellow GB teammate Ade Orogbemi, who went into his school to run a taster session. He joined Liverpool Vikings shortly after and, ever since, his sport has allowed him to travel the world and represent his country, playing for clubs in Italy and Australia. Abdi won bronze at his first Paralympic Games in Beijing and added European gold in 2011.

Ade Orogbemi

Richard Hennahane

Jamie Burdekin

Event: Football seven-a-side DOB: 29/10/94 EVERTON supporter George says his proudest moment in the sport to date was scoring his first goal for England. He also believes his team-mate and fellow Scouser, Michael Barker, to be the most influential player in the sport. After a recent match at the Manchester Regional Arena, GB head coach Lyndon Lynch said of George: “Playing in front of a big crowd at a stadium like this doesn’t faze him. Despite his age, he is a very confident young man.” George is listed as a defender but roams the entire pitch and carries plenty of attacking threat, recently scoring a hat-trick against USA.

Photo: John Walton

Photo: PA Images

Event: Football seven-a-side DOB: 28/07/87 MICHAEL is a very experienced international who, before playing Paralympic football had played at Everton FC’s Academy alongside Wayne Rooney. An accident curtailed his career, but he has since enjoyed success playing for the Great Britain Paralympic seven-a-side team. He once scored five goals in a final in Australia and was also the top scorer at the 2011 CPISRA World Cup in the Netherlands. London will be his second Paralympic Games. Despite having a difficult opening game against Brazil, 24-year-old Michael reckons ParalympicsGB can have a successful Games, saying: “It’s a tough group but if you want to do anything you have to beat everyone.”

Events: T12 800m/1500m DOB: 13/03/92 INSPIRED by other athletes he’d watched, David first got involved in athletics at the DSE Championships in Blackpool, three years ago.

Abdi Jama

George Fletcher

Michael Barker

David Devine

and Great Britain. Abroad, his successes include winning the Spanish League with BSR Valladolid in the 2010/2011 season. Dan earned his first senior honours at the age of 16. Since then, he has gone on to represent GB at two World Championships and three European Championships, winning bronze, silver and, most recently, gold.

Roy Turnham

Event: Football fivea-side DOB: 06/02/85 ROY started competing as an 800m runner in the UK athletics development squad, but has always loved football and began to play competitively with Everton in the National Blind League in 2008. He made his debut at the 2011 IBSA World Games in Turkey, playing against Thailand. Roy is currently studying for a degree in Sports Development from John Moores University and he runs a multisport club for the visually impaired at the Greenbank Academy.

Photo: Andrew Teebay

Sport runs in David’s family. His brothers are keen footballers and athletes, while his father was a professional boxer. David is also a keen footballer and closely follows Liverpool FC. David is visually impaired and his greatest achievement to date was winning bronze in the T12 800m at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in New Zealand.

Photo: John Walton

THE 2012 Paralympic Games opens in London on Wednesday, August 29 and athletes from all over Great Britain will be heading to London to compete for glory. As an area renowned for its sporting achievements, Merseyside is well represented at this year’s Games. Here’s our round-up of the local talent going for gold this year.

Photo: onEdition

Dan Powell

Fitness

AUGUST 12 Photos: Sakura http://rockphotographer.net

GET YOUR SKATES ON! Michelle Rushton finds out why everyone’s getting in a flap about the Liverpool Roller Birds – photos by Sakura (rockphotographer.net) FAST, fun and furious, the Liverpool Roller Birds have certainly been ruffling a few feathers on the roller derby circuit. Hailing from America, roller derby is a women-only, fast-paced contact sport played on quad roller skates. It is taking the UK by storm and last year was announced as an official sport in Great Britain by The British Roller Sports Federation (BRSF). Roller derby flew to Liverpool in 2009 when five local skaters hatched a plan to launch the city’s first ever roller derby league. Since then women of varying ages, sizes and skating experience have flocked to join the Liverpool Roller Birds (LRB), which now has over 70 members.

It is a predominantly female sport with women whizzing round in hotpants and retro roller-skates but it ain’t always pretty. It is fast, feisty and full of adrenaline, not to mention hitting and shoving. The aim of the game is that two teams of women skaters battle it out to score points on a flat elliptical indoor track. (See the rules panel for more details). LRB trains hard for forthcoming bouts at Garston Urban Village Hall and David Lloyd in Speke and are required to wear knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, a mouth guard and a helmet to protect them from hard knocks and falls, of which there are many!

S E L U R E TH

President of LRB, Kelly Robinson, explains: “It can get fairly aggressive if the strategy calls for it, so before you can play full contact, we have a very comprehensive training course which takes skaters right through the basics of skating, from how to fall safely, blocking drills and strategy before you are even allowed to start scrimmaging with the birds. “So skaters are prepared for it before they hit the track in a full public bout.” It is a fantastic way to get fit. Kelly adds: “You need to have good core strength and endurance. We work on these from day one of training and build it up from there, it is a great way of getting fit and its definitely an addictive sport!” At LRB the trainees are called hatchlings and have to pass the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) minimum skills test before being allowing to bout. Once qualified, they are then allowed to bout publicly and are eligible to be selected for the B team (Liverpool Roller Chicks) or the A team (Liverpool Roller Birds). They also get christened with their roller derby name. Some of the menacing monikers have included Disco Carnage, Atomic Hittin’, Tinkerhell, Dolly Dreadful and Mint-Collision! “Derby names allow the skater to take on a different persona when they hit the track!” laughs Kelly. “When the league gets bigger we hope

ROLLER derby is a full-contact women’s sport played on quad roller skates, by players skating around an elliptical track. The game consists of a series of two-minute countdown jams. At the start of each jam, each team sends five players onto the track: one jammer (point scorer), three blockers (defensive/offensive players) and one pivot (last line of defence and lead blocker). The players are identified by

to set up an intra-league system, we already have two intra-league teams which are called the Yellow Shovemarines and the Thrilla Blacks.” Anyone can have a go at the roller derby and The Roller Birds welcome women from all walks of life. Says Kelly: “Roller derby has something to offer everyone. It helps build confidence, develops teamwork skills, offers a chance to travel for bouts and is a unique way of making lots of new friends. “Our training suits skaters of all abilities and we encourage those who have never skated before to give it a go. “Many of our players have busy careers including teachers, nurses and doctors and many are also mothers.” LRBs have been training full throttle as they have a very exciting few months ahead. Kelly says: “Our next home bout is on August 18 against Newcastle Roller Girls. It will be a double header (both

former Liverpool Roller Bird, Angua Wheeltoofar, is bringing over her new team – the Munich Rolling Rebels. “We are also playing our first European match in Copenhagen in November which we are all really excited about and are working hard to fundraise for.” Tickets are now on sale for Summer Shovin’ on Saturday, August 18 at 1pm at Greenbank Sports Academy. Expect high-octane excitement, fabulous ‘boutfits’ and superb skating skills! Will you dare to sit in ‘Suicide Row’? Sitting on the floor next to the track is the best place to watch the action but it’s at your own risk as you may end up with a Bird in your lap!

GET INVOLVED

A and B teams playing) called Summer Shovin’. This will be really exciting to watch as Newcastle is a great team on and off the track, but we have been training hard in preparation! “Later in the year we have home bouts against Sheffield Steel Roller Girls, Central City Rollergirls (Birmingham) and all the way from Germany, a

their helmet covers – a stripe for the pivots and two stars for the jammers. The pivots and blockers form a pack at the start line and the two jammers line up 20 feet behind the pack. The pack starts rolling on the referee’s first whistle, and the jammers sprint on the second whistle. The jammers’ aim is to make it through the pack of skaters and skate a full lap to enter the pack again. Once they re-enter the pack,

LIVERPOOL Roller Birds (LRB) has intakes for new skaters throughout the year. You don’t need to be an experienced skater or terribly athletic but you must be female and over 18 to join as a skater. Men are also welcome as valuable members of the league – they can join as non-skating officials (NSOs) or referees. A free open evening will be held on Wednesday, August 22, from 7.30pm to 10pm at Garston Urban Village Hall on Banks Road, Garston, so you can see what roller derby is all about, try on equipment and meet some of the birds. This is in preparation for the new intake which starts in September, so if you want attend the open evening, email liverpoolrollerbirds@hotmail.co.uk For more details on LRB visit www.liverpoolrollerbirds.co.uk or follow them on Facebook.

they score a point for each opposing skater they pass legally. Now for the fun bit: the skaters in the pack are doing their utmost to stop the opposing jammer passing them and scoring points, while at the same time trying to help their own jammer to pass opposing players. They do this by landing heavy shoulder or hip checks on opposing players, shoving them

out of the way or knocking them to the ground. Any part of the front of a skater’s body between shoulder and mid-thigh is a target zone, and any part of the body between shoulder and mid-thigh (excluding hands, elbows, and forearms) is legal to hit with. Illegal hits result in time served in the penalty box, legal hits often result in skaters flying off the track and landing in the crowd!

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 13

Home & Gardens

Splash out

Pure one-piece basin and pedestal, £499, Atlas 1100 off-set quadrant shower enclosure, £599, Pure back to wall pan, £209, Pure back to wall bidet, £209, Watertec 500 mirror, £29, and Space dual lever basin mixer, £499, from Bathstore

It’s well worth getting steamed up over the latest bathroom chic, says Sarah Hooley

Watermark close coupled WC (including seat), £355, Watermark 600 basin, £159, Watermark pedestal, £60, Hotel square double light, £65, Pool 1800 freestanding Thermaform bath, £599, and Barcelona bath filler, £299, from Bathstore

GLASS of wine in one hand and book in the other, I don’t mind admitting that there’s not much more I love than slipping into a candlelit bubble bath after a long day in the office. And it seems I’m not alone, with the average Brit estimated to spend one year and six months of their life in the bathroom. With this in mind, it’s well worth splashing out on a new suite if your bathroom’s seen better days. This year, key trends include natural materials, soothing lines, modular furniture and eco-friendly gadgets with suites favouring vintage or classic designs with a contemporary nod. No longer just about functionality, today’s bathrooms are required to fulfil a variety of roles. Be it a quick shower before work, bathtime with the kids or a long soak in a relaxing sanctuary, versatility is key and you’ll find a selection of designs to float every metaphorical boat. Luxury is also becoming an increasingly important factor for many home-owners, according to recent buying trends.

From elegant free-standing roll top baths and twin basins to monsoon showers and sunken Jacuzzis with massage jets, the popularity of boutique hotel breaks have seen many of us looking to recreate the experience at home. In addition, lighting should be a top consideration. A dimmer switch, for instance, is a must to instill a relaxing spalike ambience, plus task lights are essential for things like shaving. As for tiles, white or neutral shades offer an air of quality and will stand the test of time. Alternatively, grey and coloured ceramics are set to burst onto the scene later this year complementing period-inspired bathrooms. Add to this little extras like stylish mixer taps, a fluffy bale of towels, chrome heated towel rail or a built in television to give your bathroom a designer finish. Looking for inspiration? Here are a few of our best bathroom buys...

Spotty bathroom accessories from ASDA

Bathroom beauties GIVE your bathroom a splash of colour with these funky accessories...

Wave activated LED bathroom cabinet double, £479, from BC Designs

‘Grassy’ Bathroom Organiser, £10.80, from Stylish Life

Royal Flush grenadier guard toilet brush, £21.99, from The Gifted Penguin

Wine glass holder for bath, £7.99, from hirst & hirst living

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Cooke & Lewis sea scene toilet seat,£24.98 from B&Q

Helen Supercast bath, £650, front panel £149, fullped basin, £209, close-soup toilet, £349, Eclipse quadrant shower enclosure 800x800x2000mm, £799, from B&Q

Red and white scandinavian toilet roll, £2.95, from Dotcomgiftshop

ALESSI Otto dental floss dispenser, £9.50, Utility in Liverpool ONE and Bold Street

AUGUST 12 PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW

Aluminium Boat bath, £3,594, from BC Designs

AS summer moves into full swing and we start to make the most of our gardens, it’s important to keep maintaining them. Check out Southport Flower Show’s gardening expert, Michele Martin’s top 10 tips for keeping your gardens glorious – whatever their size.

Violet bath towels, from ASDA

Pharo Showerpanel Skyline, £2,297, from Hansgrohe Freestanding Red Excelsior bath, from BC Designs

Circular roundell freestanding bath, £4,794, from BC Designs

Excelsior Cast Stone freestanding bath, £999.95, from Better Bathrooms

GOING UNDERCOVER

Claire Lewis extols the virtues of going undercover this summer

LET’S face it - the Great Outdoors has not been so great this summer, thanks to a pesky little jet stream that decided to overstay its welcome in Blighty. The good news is, it’s finally clearing off – leaving us with blue skies and, you’ve guessed it – sunshine! Come rain or shine, the gazebo is an invaluable piece of kit for gardens, large and small. What’s more, the latest designs add a stylish edge to your outdoor space that will turn the neighbours green with envy. Now we’re talking! So, cast your peepers over our fave gazebos for summer 2012. Which one will you choose?

Deluxe hexagonal gazebo, £89, from B&Q

Sumba gazebo, £99, from B&Q Jarvis gazebo, £29, from B&Q

Basic Gazebo, £19.99, from www.homebase.co.uk

1) WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE WATER your hanging baskets at least once a day (twice when it’s hot). Completely dried out? Immerse them in a bucket of water until the bubbles stop and sink below the surface. Once drained off, the plants will be as right as rain. 2) FEED ME THE compost you used in April and May will be running short of nutrients by now, so add some when you water. For flowering and fruiting plants, use a high potash feed, such as tomato fertiliser, mixed in with the water, according to instructions. 3) FOOL ME ENCOURAGE more flowers to grow by dead heading. If you leave them to seed, the plants think they’ve done their job by producing the next generation. With annuals like sweet peas, the more flowers you pick, the more the plant produces. 4) PEST CONTROL LOOK out for diseases and pests, and get rid – quick! 5) SALAD DAYS THIS is the perfect time to sow any quick maturing salad crops, like lettuce, rocket or peas, for a late crop before autumn sets in. 6) BE INSPIRED VISIT other gardens for ideas. The National Gardens scheme and the National Trust offer the chance to combine garden visiting with opportunities for tea and a cake. 7) SMILE PLEASE! TAKE photos of your garden in full bloom, so you have a record of what’s growing, where. Come autumn and spring, you can remind yourself what needs moving, dividing, digging up or recycling. 8) THE HERB GARDEN PROPAGATE delicious herbs like sage, rosemary and thyme, from cuttings. It’s a great way to save money. 9) VEGGIES NEED WATER, TOO WATER yours daily, especially courgettes, marrows, and pumpkins, which need plenty of water to grow. Early evening or early morning is best, as you lose less through evaporation. Water the soil, not the plants; this avoids soggy foliage which promotes fungal diseases, like mildew. 10) BE SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW SAVVY ORDER your tickets in advance, and use the savings to treat yourself to a new plant or three. Make a date in your diary for August 16 – 19. See you there! General ticket prices for the show have been frozen for the third year running, with advance tickets costing just £16 per person. For more up to date info on the show, celebrity announcements, details on how to enter the many competitions, and ticket bookings, visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

The BIG interview Katie McLoughlin catches up with Marcus Collins ahead of his appearance at Liverpool Pride this weekend... LAST year saw an unknown lad from Crosby catapulted to fame thanks to a little show called The X Factor. Since then, Marcus Collins has gone from singing karaoke at The Lisbon to having a Top 10 hit single and releasing his debut album. Now, the 24-year-old is preparing for a very proud moment in his fledgling singing career – headlining Liverpool Pride. The singer, who has always talked openly about his sexuality, will perform on the festival’s main stage, on the Pier Head, this Saturday (August 4). Catching up with Best of Liverpool, the former hairdresser spoke of his honour to be asked to headline Pride in his home-city, saying: “I’m really excited – I can’t wait to get out there and perform for the gay community.” The singer, who came out when he was 18, continues: “Being out and everyone knowing that I’m gay and it not being an issue was a really, really big thing to me and really made me feel accepted and proud to be a part of the community. So, coming home to Liverpool and headlining gay Pride is something that means a lot to me.” Photos: Chuff Media

Now the biggest, free gay Pride festival outside of London, in the UK, Liverpool Pride was established in 2010 following a number of high profile, homophobic attacks in the city. The event, which is timed to coincide with the anniversary of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer’s death, aims to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bi and transgender (LGBT) communities and make the city a safer place for everyone. Marcus feels that Liverpool Pride has had a positive impact on attitudes in the city, saying: “I believe that it really has

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Loud and proud [had a positive impact]. The fact that it’s in it’s third year this year means a lot to me. It’s people who are standing up for who they are and that means a lot to the city I think – it’s bringing the city together.” Taking place this Saturday, Liverpool Pride will feature a march from William Brown Street through the city centre, culminating in front of the main stage at the Pier Head, where Marcus will perform his new single ‘Mercy’ amongst other songs. “I’m going to be doing some of the songs from X Factor and my singles,” reveals the star. “I’m also going to do some of the songs that I love which remind me of the gay scene in Liverpool, so hopefully people will really be able to relate to it.” The singer remains closed lipped about which particular songs will feature, but adds: “Well, nothing’s confirmed yet, but I’ll be doing three or four songs that I’ve grown up listening to on the scene, and I know that a lot of the Scouse gays will know.” To celebrate Liverpool’s maritime history and give a nod to the city’s commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, Liverpool Pride will have a ‘Nautical

but Nice’ theme for 2012. So, will Marcus be dressing for the occasion and donning a nauticalinspired ensemble? “I’ve been searching everywhere for like a tiny little sailor’s hat that I could wear, but I’m having no luck,” chuckles the singer. “I’m going to keep searching for one, but I may make one.” As it turns out, Marcus is something of a dab hand on a sewing machine, as he explains: “When I was really struggling for cash I used to borrow my mum’s sewing machine and, like, make my clothes – or I’d buy something from Primark and alter it and tailor it to fit me. Everyone would be like: ‘Where did you get that?’ So I used to say: ‘It’s Emporio Primarni!’”

So, he could well be wearing a ‘Collins’ Original’ then I joke? “I love it!” laughs Marcus. “I love making things, I’m very creative.” Alongside the march and main stage at the Pier Head, Pride will take place in the Stanley Street Quarter for the first time since the area was officially recognised as the city’s gay quarter in October 2011. With a Stanley Street Stage, some roads closed to traffic for daytime festival-goers and bars to be open from 1pm for the event, it’s sure to be a popular move. Festival-goers may even spot Marcus around there later on, as the singer is a fan of the area, saying: “I’m often down Victoria Street having a few drinks and just showing my face. I love being a part of the gay community. I’ve been on the scene since about 2004. “I’ve kind of grown up there, so I feel safe there. “I love the Navy Bar, I think it’s a great bar and I’m always in the Lisbon – I love the atmosphere, it reminds me of being in the Rover’s Return. It’s been there for years and years, and years, the place just vibrates with history,” enthuses the singer. “I’ve had sing offs with lesbians on the karaoke in there, I’ve being doing shots at the bar with trannies, you name it, we’ve done it all, it’s such a fantastic place.”

“Coming home to Liverpool and headlining gay Pride is something that means a lot to me” As well as appearing at Pride, Marcus is currently working on his second album. “The album is still a work in progress,” he reveals. “I’m in writing sessions for my next single at the minute. I’m really excited to see how people are going to react to the next single because I’m changing my sound up a little bit. “It’s still a little bit retro, but I’m going to make it a bit more commercial. What I was doing may have been a little bit too ‘Motowny’ for people – and I don’t know whether I can bring Motown back from the 60s single-handedly.” Marcus will headline Liverpool Pride’s waterfront stage, on the Pier Head, this Saturday, August 4. Visit www.liverpoolpride.co.uk

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Photos: Andrew Teebay

Hitting all the right notes Katie McLoughlin meets Merseyside singer, Michael Emmerson...

GETTING a job when you first graduate from university is tough. Especially in the current climate. So, imagine how Merseyside singer and songwriter, Michael Emmerson felt when he landed not one, but two jobs fresh from graduating. And we’re not talking about flipping burgers, because Michael, 23, has managed to bag himself both a record contract and his dream job as a music producer fresh from graduating from Liverpool University. Having always been musical, Michael has played the keyboard since he was five, began playing the guitar at 12 and started songwriting at the tender age of 15, so a career in music has always beckoned. He was in a band at university, then

Dune FM in Southport. The video for his single was also chosen to play on Topman’s in-store screens and for the summer in flight music channel on Cathay Pacific flights. “It’s all happened quite quickly,” says Michael. “I was signed a few months ago and it’s all sort of kicking off at the minute because we’ve started touring and we’re doing the next single, which is out in September.”

“ My experiences in the city and at uni here have definitely had an influence on my music, so it was amazing to record in Parr Street Studios. The amount of bands that I know have played there, it’s phenomenal.”

Street Studios, which meant a lot to Michael, who adds: “My experiences in the city and at uni here have definitely had an influence on my music, so it was amazing to record in Parr Street Studios. The amount of bands that I know that have played there, it’s phenomenal. Coldplay are one of my favourite bands as well, so it was a bit special to work on this piano – to use the same piano as Chris Martin did.” Throughout summer, Michael has been busy promoting his debut single as well as working on new material. His second single, Beautiful, is released on September 17 and you can see Michael perform it live at 2.30pm this Saturday (August 4) in Republic, Liverpool ONE. To find out more about Michael, visit www.michaelemmerson.com Photo: Discipline Music

when everyone went their separate ways at the end of university and the band was no more, he decided to start working on his own music, as he explains: “It was at that point when I thought, I’m not doing much music any more, so I started to write my own stuff. And that was when I got involved in mixing and producing as well.” Having found he had a flair for producing, Michael applied for a producer’s job at Discipline Music when he graduated from university a few months ago and began working as a producer. However, when the record company heard his own material, they quickly signed him. “I applied for a job as a mixer and producer, I got the job – but they also liked my songs as well, so they signed me to the label,” says Michael. So how did he feel when he was offered a record contract? “It was great obviously, I was a bit shocked and when they sent the contract through, I was like: ‘Oh this is actually real! They’re not joking!” The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity for the Merseyside singer/songwriter, which have seen him record in the city’s hallowed Parr Street Studios, release his debut single and embark on a promotional tour around the country. So far this year, Michael has appeared live on a string of radio shows, including BBC Cambridge, BBC Merseyside and

Michael’s debut single, Back to You, was released in June on Discipline Music, following a launch event in Liverpool’s Hannah’s Bar. Co-written with his friend and star of BBC show, Being Human, Andrew Gower, the song was recorded in Parr

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Festivals

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Festival fever MATHEW STREET FESTIVAL Liverpool city centre, August 26-27

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Sefton Park, September 1-2 NOW in its fifth year, the festival showcases the best of the region’s food and drink scene, with visitors able to sample culinary delights from over 100 restaurants, bars and producers, and pick up tips from experts in a series of seminars and demonstrations. Celebrity culinary stars taking part in the 2012 event include Paul Hollywood, judge of The Great British Bake Off; top Malaysian chef Norman Musa and Lisa Faulkner, who’ll be demonstrating recipes from her cookery book. The Fabulous Baker Brothers, Tom and Henry Herbert, will also be rising to the challenge of creating delectable dishes

using ingredients from food suppliers and local producers taking part in the festival, alongside Michelin-starred chefs Tom Kitchin and Aiden Byrne – who are both regulars on the likes of Saturday Kitchen and The Great British Menu. Other highlights include a chocolate garden; a beer festival hosted by the Ship & Mitre; and wine tasting sessions ran by Cono Sur vineyards and winery. Following the launch event in Sefton Park, there are a week of offers to enjoy at participating city eateries. To buy tickets or for more details, visit www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

SW4 FESTIVAL COMPETITION

MAKING a pilgrimage down to South London for SW4 is something of an annual event for Best of Liverpool and, if you like the sounds of Sasha, John Digweed, Carl Cox (UK festival exclusive), Âme, Joris Voorn, Seth Troxler, Green Velvet, Steve Angello and Chase & Status playing on Clapham Common for your aural pleasure, this cracker of a city festival is not to be missed. Smack bang in the centre of South London, in the oh-so-trendy Clapham area, this August Bank Holiday festival

LIVERPOOL FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

Photo: Colin Lane

THE city’s annual celebration of its musical roots – now in its 20th year – will see 80 hours of live music performed on five stages across the city centre over two days. And all for free. Sunday, August 26 will feature a chill out stage; a 70s stage including a tribute to iconic city club Eric’s; and stages dedicated to both the 80s and 90s. Plus, there will be a Made in Liverpool stage where you can catch performances from 10 of the best up-and-coming young bands in the city. Monday, August 27 meanwhile has been named Merseybeat Monday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Beatles. A selection of tracks from every Beatles’ album will be performed. Alongside the outdoor stages, there will be more than 40 indoor live music venues including the Cavern Pub and the Cavern Club. Visit www.mathewstreetfestival.com for more information.

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is one of the best. This year’s line-up also includes the likes of 2 Many DJs, Eric Prydz, Benny Benassi, Gareth Emery, Simian Mobile Disco, Erol Alkan, Funkagenda, Skrillex, Erick Morillo, Skream & Benga, Robert Babicz, Zane Lowe, Flux Pavilion, Pete Tong, Guy Gerber, Eats Everything and Maya Jane Coles to name just a few. Check out www.southwestfour.com for more details or visit www.ticketmaster. co.uk/sw4 for tickets. Best of Liverpool has a pair of tickets

to give away to SW4 on Sunday, August 26. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the question below: Q. Where is SW4 held? Email your answer, along with your name and daytime telephone number, to magazine@liverpool.com. Closing date for entries: August 9, 2012. Entrants must be aged 18 and over. Maximum one entry per person. Prize does not include travel or accommodation.

CREAMFIELDS Daresbury, August 24-25 A THREE day extravaganza of dance music, Creamfields takes place in Daresbury over the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 24-26). The award-winning dance festival is predicted to sell out again for the fourth consecutive year, with around 55,000 dance fans expected to flock to Daresbury for the electronic music event. And, having looked at the line-up, it’s not hard to see why. To warm up proceedings, there will be three silent disco arenas on Friday, August 24 featuring performances from Kissy Sell Out, Riva Starr and The Japanese Popstars to name just a few. The festival gets into full swing on Saturday, August 25, when highlights include The Chemical Brothers, Erol Alkan, Eric Prydz, John Digweed, Joris Voorn, Maya Jane Coles, Pete Tong, Skrillex, Avicii and Sebastian Ingrosso. Highlights of Sunday, August 26, meanwhile, include Richie Hawtin, Groove Armada, Calvin Harris, Jacques Lu Cont, Loco Dice, Seth Troxler, Fake Blood, James Zabiela, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Curly and, the mighty Paul Woolford, to name just a few. For the latest ticket information, call 0151 707 1309 or visit the website www.creamfields.com

Photo: Anthony Mooney

There are a glut of festivals happening in the next few weeks, says Katie McLoughlin, as she takes a look at some of the best, both near and far...

Liverpool Pride

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Rainbow bright THIS Saturday will see a nautical-themed Liverpool Pride transform the city into one big giant outdoor party – a spectacle that has proved so popular, it’s now in its third year. Flash back a couple of years, and such an event seemed only a dream for many in the gay community – the city’s gay scene struggling to find its feet and having the unfair comparison with neighbouring Manchester’s much larger gay village continually thrown in its face. Well not any more. In recent times Liverpool’s gay quarter has risen like a phoenix from the ashes and now stands on its own – proud and unique. And it can boast a few firsts as well. In November last year, Liverpool became the first city in Britain to have rainbow street signs installed in what is now Britain’s first and only official Gay Quarter (taking in Stanley Street, Cumberland Street, Temple Lane, Eberle Street and Temple Street). Liverpool Pride is also said to be the largest free gay pride festival in the UK after London, while Homotopia has become one of the most established and celebrated gay arts festivals in the world. The Gay Quarter in Liverpool centres

Liverpool’s gay community is looking to the future

The Masquerade BOASTING itself as “Liverpool’s friendliest gay bar”, “The Masc” – as it is known among punters – is situated on Cumberland Street within the Gay Quarter. It is one of the scene’s most popular venues, boasting some of the city’s finest drag artists.

The Poste House ALSO on Cumberland Street, this place is small in size, but big in atmosphere! It’s the perfect place to start a night out, thanks to the cheap shots and spirits.

Navy Bar POPULAR with the younger crowd, this trendy bar on Stanley Street boasts top DJs and podiums to shake your booty on – and is one of Marcus Collins’ regular haunts.

around Stanley Street, where many of the gay bars and clubs can be found, including Superstar Boudoir, with its cocktail of outrageous drag queens and up-for-it clubbers (not to mention the odd local celebrity or two!). Neighbouring Victoria Street boasts the faithful Lisbon, a scene stalwart for decades, likewise The Masquerade and The Poste House on Cumberland Street, the latter being locally renowned for its incredibly well-priced spirits. Nearby on Eberle Street, you’ll find Photo: Andrew Teebay

This year’s Liverpool Pride is set to be bigger and better than ever

HERE’S a mini guide to six staples of Liverpool’s gay scene...

Photo: Paul Heaps

As Liverpool Pride sails into town this month, Richard Lackey takes a look at the city’s growing gay community...

SIX APPEAL

G-Bar and Garlands, two firm favourites with partygoers both gay and straight, G-Bar being home to the infamous Lavinia who is well known for serving up pop anthems, camp classics and a double dose of verbal abuse for good measure. Away from the strobing lights, thumping beats and knock-your-socksoff shots, Liverpool’s gay scene has also made a serious attempt towards making the Quarter family-friendly and somewhere that people – both locals and tourists – can visit during the day. Part of this effort has been the creation of the Stanley Street Market – a monthly event with entertainment, stalls selling foods and gifts, and pavement cafes. There are also a number of plans currently being debated including the creation of a new public square and street furniture. It’s safe to say that Liverpool’s gay community really does have a fair bit to be proud of this coming weekend. Stanley Street Market Photo: Gavin Trafford

GBar ONE of the pillars of the community, GBar on Eberle Street has been going for over a decade and is renowned for its drag DJs and afterhours breakfast bar.

Heaven A NEWBIE to the scene, Heaven (Victoria Street) is slowly becoming a favourite for those who love the funky house and party anthems.

News from Nowhere NOT in the Gay Quarter, but a firm favourite with the gay community, this shop on Bold Street stocks a huge selection of LGBT books, gift cards, magazines, films and publications.

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Things to do, places to see

AUGUST 12

Paul Baker has some hot dates for your diary this August...

BY NIGHT

INTERNATIONAL BEATLE WEEK FESTIVAL

CELEBRATING all that’s wonderful about the iconic Beatles, Cavern City Tours hosts the annual International Beatle Week Festival from August 22-28, 2012. Perhaps the most famous pop group the world has ever seen, Liverpool is proud to host this tribute to its most famous sons in the year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ formation. Even if you’re not a die hard Beatles fan, there’s much to enjoy. But let’s be honest, it’s mainly aimed at bona fide Beatlemaniacs! It all takes places around the Cavern Club and Cavern Pub in Mathew Street, the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool Cathedral and the Philharmonic Hall. A truly international event, it features bands from over 20 countries and fans from over 40 enjoying live gigs, exhibitions, memorabilia sales, guest speakers, video shows, sightseeing tours and a convention. www.beatlesfestival.co.uk

ADOLF IN TOXTETH

URBAN myth and rumour says that Hitler, prior to his rise to power, spent some time in Liverpool. This play from The Liverpool Actors Studio imagines what his

LIVERPOOL PRIDE 2012

DAMIEN JURADO /MEGAFAUN

DON’T miss this musical double-header at Leaf on Bold Street, Saturday, August 18, which sees US indie-rock singer/songwriter Damien Jurado paired up with US psych-folk act Megafaun. Megafaun were previously bandmates with Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon and, like him, are steeped in rustic Americana like Gram Parsons and Grateful Dead. The experienced Damien Jurado, meanwhile, is touring his 10th studio LP, Maraqopa. An excellent singer-songwriter, Jurado pushes the sonic envelope using found sounds and field recordings to create his own niche. Should be a great night! www.thisisleaf.co.uk

MUST DO MUST DO...

WATCH the Olympics from the comfort of your home town, with front row seats at Liverpool’s BBC Screen for the duration of the competition. It’s great to gather and watch sport together so, during this summer’s Olympic Games, why not take advantage of the huge screen at Clayton Square. All that’s left to do is keep fingers and toes crossed for GB medal successes (and that the weather stays fine!) www.citycentralbid.com

COME one and all to Williamson Square and experience the city centre’s first summer bandstand event. The bandstand itself will play host to all manner of performers over its four week residence in Liverpool as part of the ‘Summer of Love’ event. Experience it now and up until August 22. With performances from noon ‘til 5pm every day, check out the weekly programme to see who’s playing on the Open Culture website. www.culture.org.uk/liverpoolbandstand

MUST TRY...

MUST REMEMBER...

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THE Southport Flower Show is just around the corner. It’s about more than just flowers though with book signings, talks, cookery presentations and a variety of music from The Bandstand. Entertainment is provided by jousting medieval knights, and much more while this year’s show patron is celebrity chef Simon Rimmer. www.southportflowershow.co.uk

IT’S the UK’s biggest free Pride event outside London, and this year the theme is nautical – quite fitting for Liverpool you’ll agree. A celebration of all things LGBT the event, held on Saturday, August 4, will take place at the Pier Head and throughout the Stanley Street gay quarter of the city. There will also be other cultural events taking place at some of Liverpool’s most influential arts and cultural establishments over the weekend. In just two years, Liverpool Pride has established itself as one of the major highlights of the city’s social diary. In 2010 Liverpool Pride attracted over 20,000 people, while last year it was 44,000. This year should be the best yet. X Factor’s Marcus Collins headlines the It’s Liverpool Pride Waterfront Stage, with support from Jess Wright, 2Shoes, Future Kicks, The Bon Bonz, Jnay and more. Plus there’s more fun with Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClarnon, Superstar Boudoir Cabaret and DJ sets from Danny Latimer and Ste Cocky. www.liverpoolpride.co.uk

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Photo: Southport Flower Show

MUST SEE...

RUNNING daily throughout August, the Teddylympics marks the return of Croxteth Hall’s annual summer teddy bear hunt. Just count the teddies you find in each room of the hall, then add up the total number and submit your answer for a chance to win a prize from Build-a-bear in Liverpool ONE. Marking this year’s Olympic Games, look out for those bears playing their favourite sports! www.croxteth.co.uk

IRISH SEA TALL SHIPS REGATTA

stay might have been like. See how half-brother Alois, his wife Bridget and their young son cope with the visit of the 23-year-old would be dictator as Alois looks to set up his own restaurant in Liverpool. It promises to be a very interesting night’s entertainment. The show runs from Tuesday to Saturday, August 7-11, at 1.30pm and 8pm each day. Tickets are £10 for Saturday matinee and evening performances, and £5 for weekday matinees. www.theliverpoolactorsstudio.com

Photo: Sarah Jurado

Photo: Beatleweek

BY DAY

THE Tall Ships are returning to the River Mersey just before the kids go back to school! They haven’t been here since 2008 for Capital of Culture and will be making a muchanticipated and very welcome return. The multi-national fleet will race from Dublin across the Irish Sea and dock in Liverpool from Thursday, August 30 for the four-day event which runs until Sunday, September 2. Visitors will be able to board some of the Tall Ships which will be moored at Canning Dock and the Liverpool Cruise Terminal. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the superb 320ft-long Russian Class-A fullyrigged Mir. www.sailtraininginternational.org

PORT SUNLIGHT SUMMER FESTIVAL

TRADITIONALLY taking place in July, this year’s summer spectacular in Port Sunlight Village is on Saturday, August 25. It’s moved due to its partnership with International Beatle Week in Liverpool. Why not combine the two events for a super day out? After a fantastic turnout of 18,000 visitors in 2011, this year’s festival will bring the historic village alive once more with a collection of exhibitors, producers, a fun dog show, children’s rides and bags of entertainment throughout the day. Taking place within the centre of Port Sunlight Village from 11am-5pm, entry into the festival is free! www.portsunlightvillage.com

LIVERPOOL FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL COMPETITION

BEST of Liverpool has teamed up with the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival to give away two VIP tickets to this year’s launch weekend in Sefton Park, which is set to take place from September 1-2. The lucky winner will gain free entry into the festival and the VIP area on Saturday, September 1, where they will have the chance to hang out with celebrity chefs including Paul Hollywood, the Fabulous Baker Brothers, Norman Musa and Aiden Byrne. Chaopraya, an associate sponsor of the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival, is also offering the lucky winner a meal for two at its stunning Thai restaurant in Liverpool ONE. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question: Where is this year’s Liverpool Food & Drink Festival being held? Send your answer, full name, daytime telephone number and address to Food & Drink Competition, Best of Liverpool, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Closing date: Friday, August 10, 2012.

School’s out

AUGUST 12

Fun in the sun

LUGGAGE FOR LITTLE ONES

Cabin fever starting to set in? Michelle Rushton has some ideas on how to keep your troops entertained during the holidays SCHOOL’S well and truly out for summer and if your little darlings are climbing the walls, fear not, as there is plenty to keep your family entertained in Merseyside this month. Here’s a small taster of what’s out there. National Museums Liverpool has a fantastic programme of free events and exhibitions lined up. Get close to archaeology at the Museum of Liverpool, brave knights and fair maidens should head to Lady Lever Art Gallery, while the annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic takes place at Sudley House in August.

Sudley House invites your furry friends to a Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Merseyside Maritime Museum has a whole hold full of Titanic activities for families which run alongside the major free exhibition, Titanic and Liverpool: the untold story. Throughout August people can also visit the largest object in National Museums Liverpool’s collections – the Edmund Gardner, a former pilot cutter that can now be found in dry dock opposite the Maritime Museum. Tours last one hour and take place at 11am, 12.30am, 2.30pm – booking is essential on 0151 478 4788. The Walker Art Gallery will be showing its amazing free exhibition, Rolf Harris: Can you tell what it is yet, until August 12. Alongside this exhibition, families

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Can you tell what it is yet? Catch the Rolf Harris exhibition at The Walker Art Gallery

can learn how to paint like the great man himself. This summer of sport also sees Olympicthemed exhibitions and activities at several venues. For more details on events go to www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk Over at Knowsley Safari Park, families are invited to spend an Elephantastic Evening in the park on August 25. The event has been organised to support Space for Giants, the African Elephant Conservation project. Elephant keepers will be on-hand to explain their job and talk about how to identify each elephant, discussing their different personalities. A delicious BBQ will follow at the Karamoja Restaurant, where children will be able to try on costume elephant

Trunk call at Knowsley Safari Park

ears, feet and trunks and also see a model of elephant foot bones. The elephants are all set to meet guests and each family will receive an exclusive up close and personal opportunity to feed the elephants. The evening takes place from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Tickets are £15 adults and £12 for children (minimum age seven). To reserve your tickets please e-mail r.saunders@knowsley.com or N.burton@knowsley.com Meanwhile, Underwater Street Children’s Discovery Centre has some fantastic special offers this summer.

Paint the town red, white and blue, with Olympic crafts at Underwater Street

Adults go free, three for two admission and free kids’ meals, are just some of the great offers to be had at the centre, which is celebrating the best of British this month. Underwater Street is getting behind Team GB at the Olympics by making flags, capes, hats and torches. Why not dress up as a knight in shining armour or princess, while you make patriotic fridge magnets in red, white and blue? There will also be a range of traditional British games and themed workshops such as the wellington toss, hula hoop challenge, British bingo and James Bond spy trail. For more details visit www.underwaterstreet.com

IF you are whisking your family away to sunnier climes this month then you’ll know that kids don’t travel light. Luckily, TrendyKid has brought out a range of functional yet funky luggage which children will, for once, volunteer to carry themselves. Travel Buddies were designed by kids for kids and offer a functional travel solution for holidays, school trips and sleepovers. With a choice of four funky characters, the set of two matching pieces comprises a 17” wheelie suitcase and a 13” backpack, both with a lightweight ABS hard shell. The suitcase has a polyester lining with a dividing pocket, zip compartment and garment straps. Easy roll wheels and an adjustable handle make it a doddle to pull and manoeuvre.The backpack features an internal pocket and plenty of room for all those kids’ essentials. Travel Buddies are available from TrendyKid, RRP £59.99, visit www.trendykid.co.uk or telephone 01753 202330.

DISNEY LIVE! MICKEY’S MAGIC SHOW COMPETITION JUST before the kids go back to school, treat them to a little Mickey Mouse magic, courtesy of Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show comes to the Echo Arena on August 29 and sticks around until September 2. The show itself sees your favourite Disney characters join a professional illusionist live on stage in a performance to excite and delight children of all ages. In Mickey’s Magic Show you’ll see Master Magician Mickey Mouse perform the special magic from legendary Disney films right in front

of your eyes. Marvel as Cinderella’s rags turn into a beautiful ball gown; gasp as Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine levitates into the air; and applaud as the enchanted dancing brooms in Fantasia help sweep Mickey’s girlfriend Minnie Mouse off her feet. Tickets are priced from £19 for adults and £16.50 for children. You can book tickets at www.echoarena.com or through the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400. Best of Liverpool is offering a family the chance to attend the opening show on

Wednesday, August 29, at 4.30pm. The prize covers one family ticket, for two adults plus two children. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question:

Who is Mickey’s girlfriend? Send your answer, full name, daytime telephone number and address to Mickey’s Magic Show Competition, Best of Liverpool, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Closing date for entries is Thursday, August 9.

NEW COLLECTIONS NOW IN STORE

75% SALE ENDS THIS WEEKEND Miss Grant www.kidscavern.co.uk 62 St Chads Parade, Kirkby 0151 548 1587 16 Cavern Walks, Liverpool 0151 236 5378 BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Children

Teacher’s Pet

With animal and nature designs getting popular, Paul Baker does his homework and gives top marks to these back to school essentials...

Animal backpacks, £17, from minene.co.uk

KIT your kids out for the new school term with everything they’ll need to tackle another year of brain training. We’re talking school bags, lunch boxes, pencil cases, notebooks and some cool clobber to keep them warm and dry this autumn.

Jacket, from £59, wellies, from £19, from polyarnopyret.co.uk

Personalisable lunch boxes, from £9.99 from Becky & Lolo

Moomintroll notebook, £12.99, from nordickids.co.uk Notebook with deer embroidery, £24.12, from roomseven.com

Grey hoody, from £62.69, from Oilily

Waterproof coats, available in pink, green and blue, from £59, from polarnopyret.co.uk

Horse backpack, £66, from roomseven.com

Personalisable jungle nursery backpack, £16.49, from Becky & Lolo

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Ulrikke Owl backpack by Franck & Fischer, £38.99, from nordickids.co.uk

Polo shirt, from £2, trousers, from £3, shoes, from £8, all from F&F at Tesco Big red bus bag, £15, from Lily & Lime

AUGUST 12

Ice, ice baby Fancy making your own lollipops? Michelle Rushton has it licked... KIDS are suckers for lollipops – they can’t get enough of them! But, if you’re worried about what’s in them, why not have a go at making your own? There are some fabulously fruity recipes out there, which not only taste fantastic, but are

good for your little ones. All you need to do is invest in some lolly moulds which are available in most supermarkets. Here are some cool lollipop recipes for you to try at home...

STRAWBERRY AND WATERMELON ICE LOLLIES ICE lollies are very refreshing for toddlers as they can help soothe teething gums. Try this recipe from Annabelle Karmel’s Top 100 Meals in Minutes, published by Ebury Press, priced £9.99. As well as the ingredients below, you can use a variety of different fruits including mango and pear. Prep time: 15 minutes plus freezing Makes: 6 small lollies

to get rid of the seeds. l Puree the watermelon and mix with the pureed strawberries and cooled syrup. l Pour the mixture into ice lolly moulds and freeze.

Ingredients: l 50g (2oz) caster sugar l 60ml water l 250g (8oz) strawberries l 250g (8oz) watermelon, cubed and deseeded Method: l Put the sugar and water into a small saucepan and boil until syrupy (about three minutes). Allow to cool. l Puree the strawberries and sieve

RASPBERRY AND CHOCOLATE ICE LOLLIES RASPBERRY lollies drizzled with chocolate make a summer’s day in the garden truly special. Try these irresistible lollies from Annabelle Karmel’s Complete Family Meal Planner, published by Ebury Press, priced £12.99. Prep time: 15 minutes plus freezing Makes: 8 small lollies

Ingredients: l 225g (8oz) fresh raspberries l 100g (4oz) caster sugar l 275ml water l 1 tbsp lemon juice l 200g (7oz) Bourneville chocolate, melted, for the topping l Sprinkles to decorate Method: l Put the raspberries, sugar, 75ml of the water and lemon juice into a small saucepan.

Bring up to the boil and simmer for two to three minutes until the raspberries have softened. l Whiz in a food processor until smooth, then sieve removing the seeds. Add the remaining water and pour into lolly moulds. l Place in the freezer for eight hours or freeze overnight. l Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of just simmering water until runny. l

Dip the lolly moulds in hot water to release the lollies from the moulds and place on a plate. l Drizzle the chocolate over the lollies using a fork and decorate with sprinkles. l Turn the lollies over and repeat, then quickly return to the freezer (on a baking sheet) to chill and set the chocolate. l

TOP OF THE POPS

PINK MOJITO (Zoku® Quick Pop Maker) ICE pops are great for kids but adults will feel sophisticated while savouring this cocktail-inspired, but alcohol-free pop. Surprisingly even grapefruit sceptics are won over by this recipe! Makes six lollies. Ingredients: l 2/3 cup (5.5oz) water l 2 tbsp sugar l 7 fresh mint leaves l 1 cup and 2 tbsp (9oz) pure pink grapefruit juice (shop bought or about 2 grapefruits, juiced) Method: l Make the mint syrup in a small sauce-pan over medium-low heat by combining the water, sugar and fresh mint leaves. l Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and continue to simmer for about five minutes. l Remove from heat. l Using a fine mesh sieve, strain

the mixture into a medium bowl. Refrigerate until cool. l To make the pop base, stir together the cooled mint syrup and grapefruit juice. l Assemble the pops - insert sticks into the pop maker moulds and pour the pop base until you reach the fill line. l Let freeze completely, then remove pops with the Super Tool and enjoy. Repeat with remaining pops.

FOR a real taste of frozen fun, invest in a Zoku® Quick Pop Maker. Available from Lakeland.co.uk, these super fast lolly makers can freeze lollies in less than 10 minutes and you can buy all kinds of tools with it to create special effects. It was invented by icepop-crazy duo Jackie Zorovich and Kristina Sacci who have also kindly put together a book of their amazing lolly recipes. To the left is one of our favourites, a delicious Pink Mojito...

Pop tip: When juicing grapefruit, remove as much of the rind and the inner white pith as possible to prevent bitter tasting juice.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 23

Food & drink

Hot hampers IF, like me, the word ‘picnic’ summons up childhood memories of foil wrapped sarnies and mini Cornish pasties stashed in a supermarket carrier bag – fear not, there are more stylish ways to pack your edible goodies, says Sarah Hooley... Summerhouse polka dot coolbag, £19.99, from The Gifted Penguin

‘Swinging Orange’ Riverside Shapes picnic hamper, £220, from From the Wilde

Pearson wicker hamper, £75, from Debenhams

PackIt freezable and reusable gel lined food and drink storage bag, £14.99, from Amazon and direct at www.trendykid.co.uk

COINTREAU, MASCARPONE AND ORANGE SWISS ROLL, WITH BOOZY RASPBERRIES AND PISTACHIO PRALINE (From Ben Hough, head chef at The James Monro) A HIGHLIGHT of any picnic is the dessert – and this indulgent, light and creamy Swiss roll is perfect for lazy al fresco lunches. A firm favourite with kids and grownups alike, the heavenly recipe from Ben Hough, head chef at The James Monro on Tithebarn Street, can be adapted for children by leaving out the alcohol... Ingredients: Swiss roll l 255g (9oz) caster sugar l 225g (9oz) whole eggs l 225g (9oz) self-raising flour l 115g (4oz) mascarpone cheese l 88ml whipped double cream l 1 vanilla pod l 3 shots (75ml) of Cointreau (this can be substituted for the same amount of freshly squeezed orange juice) l The zest of 1 orange Boozy raspberries l 2 punnets raspberries l 400ml raspberry puree l 2 tsp arrow root l 1 tsp water l 5 shots (125ml) Chambord or brandy (again, this is optional) l 150-200g (5oz-7oz) caster sugar to taste Pistachio praline l 150g (5oz) peeled pistachio nuts, lightly toasted l 250g (9oz) caster sugar l 50ml water Method: l First make the praline. Mix the sugar and water in a sauce pan, bring to the boil and take to a light caramel colour. Place toasted nuts into a silicone lined

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

White wicker (four person) picnic basket, £75, from Dobbies

tray, pour over the caramel and leave to cool for 1 hour. Once the praline has fully cooled and hardened, blitz it to a fine powder. l To make the Swiss roll; whip the eggs and sugar for 10 minutes to a sabayon (or the thickness of double cream). Once you have the consistency right, gently fold in the sifted flour. It is important you don’t knock out the air or the sponge will be too hard to roll. Now pour the mix onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes on gas mark 4. l For the filling, mix the mascarpone with the Cointreau, orange zest and sugar until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream. (If you don’t want to use Cointreau, use the juice and zest of the orange instead). l To construct the Swiss roll, when it’s cooled to room temperature, spread the cream mix over two thirds of the sponge and roll using a tea towel. Once rolled, spread the remaining cream over the outside of the roll and coat in the praline. l For the compote, bring the puree, sugar and brandy (optional) up to the boil and thicken to a coating consistency. Let it cool slightly, but make sure it is still hot enough to cook the raspberries.

Retro red metal coolbox, £85, from Dobbies

Kissing Rabbits cool bag, £39.99, urbancuckoo.co.uk

Lunch pot, £15.99, from Utility at Liverpool ONE and Bold Street

AUGUST 12

The perfect pairing No picnic hamper is complete without a top quality bottle of vino to accompany it. But what to buy? We catch up with Dan Harwood, wine buff and business development manager at Vinea in the Albert Dock, to get his top tips... DAN explains: “We recently held a tasting event which specifically looked at wines for al fresco dining, and the group’s favourite bottle was Hatzidakis Aidani, £18.99, a Greek wine which works beautifully when paired with feta cheese or Mediterranean salads.

James McGrory (owner) left, of Vinea, Albert Dock and Daniel Harwood (business development manager). Photo: Andrew Teebay

The acidity of the cheese really brought out the fruity character of the wine, and it would be an excellent choice for finger foods like this. “A great red,” he continues, “would be something light and fruity like a New Zealand Pinot Noir. We stock a fabulous one from Delta Vineyards, Marlborough for £16.99. It generally goes well with things like chargrilled pork chops. Pinot Noir is a tricky grape to grow, and costs more money to produce it well so be wary of cheap ones. “Alternatively, for a good summery white we have Lager de Bouza Albarino, £12, from Rias Biaxas in Spain. This tastes best with dishes like king prawns or scallops.” If you’re in charge of the BBQ, however, you might fancy a glass of something lighter. In which case, Dan advises: “For wines lower in alcohol, it’s good to look for cooler climates like Germany. My pick would be Louis Guntrum Riesling from Reinhessen in Germany. It costs £10.49 and is just 9.5% alcohol. “We also have a pink Moscato called Mrs Wigley from Australian producer Wirra Wirra. It’s light, at 4.5%, spritzy and slightly sweet with bags of fruitiness. It costs £8.99 and we have a bit in stock at the moment but it’s tough to get because Heston Blumenthal keeps buying it all!” So, what’s the best way to store and transport your

Vinea, Albert Dock

bottle if you’re out and about? “We serve our white wines at 12 degrees. Any colder and you can’t taste the more subtle flavours. “Therefore for transporting wines I’d recommend chilling them at home, and don’t worry if they warm up on the way to the park. You can even use the cold bottle as a make-shift ice pack.”

BACON, CHEESE AND TOMATO QUICHE (From Mark Jones, head chef at Merchants Bar & Restaurant) THERE are a few staple dishes that everyone should be able to rustle up in the summer, and a delicious quiche is one of them. This recipe, created by Mark Jones, head chef at Merchants Bar & Restaurant in 62 Castle Street, is the perfect accompaniment to any picnic.... Ingredients: For the pastry l 175g (6oz) plain flour, plus extra for dusting l salt l 75g (3oz) butter, plus extra for greasing (alternatively use ready-made pastry)

Mark Jones, head chef at Merchants Bar & Restaurant in 62 Castle Street, with his bacon, cheese and tomato quiche

A True Italian Experience

Francos

THE BEST IN ITALIAN FOOD 0151 236 3375 bookings@francosliverpool.com www.francosliverpool.com

For the filling l 250g (9oz) English cheddar, grated l 4 tomatoes, sliced l 200g (7oz) bacon, chopped l 5 eggs, beaten l 100ml (3.5fl oz) milk l 200ml (7fl oz) double cream l salt l freshly ground black pepper l 2 sprigs of fresh thyme

Early Doors Menu Tuesday-Friday 5.30pm - 7pm only

Express Lunch Menu

Special Reduced Priced Lunch Options - Mon-Fri Only

Method: l To make the pastry, sift the flour together with a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Rub in the butter until you have a soft breadcrumb texture. Add enough cold water to make the crumb mixture come together to form a firm dough, and then rest it in the fridge for 30 minutes. l Roll out the pastry on a lighty floured surface and line a 22cm/8.5inch wellbuttered flan dish. Don’t cut off the edges of the pastry yet. Chill again. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. l Remove the pastry case from the fridge and line the base of the pastry with baking parchment, and then fill it with baking beans. Place on a baking tray and bake blind for 20 minutes. Remove the beans and parchment and return to the oven for another five minutes to cook the base. Reduce the temperature of the oven to 160C/325F/Gas 3. l Sprinkle the cheese into the pastry base and add the sliced tomatoes if you are using them. Fry the bacon pieces until crisp and sprinkle them over the top.

Combine the eggs with the milk and cream in a bowl and season well. Pour over the bacon and cheese. Sprinkle the thyme over the top and trim the edges of the pastry. l Bake for 30-40 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool and set further. Trim the pastry edges to get a perfect edge and then serve in wedges. l

MARK’S TIP: you can add virtually anything to the quiche to flavour it, such as tuna, ham, prawns or feta.

Evening Menu

Special Menu available every evening £19.95 inc Half Bottle of House Wine per couple

Francos Restaurant is situated at 48a Castle Street in the heart of Liverpool. Open daily for lunch and dinner - until 11pm on Saturdays

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25

Food & drink

AUGUST 12

Meat-free matador Katie McLoughlin gets her five a day, Spanish-style, at Lunya

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Photos: Andrew Teebay

VEGETARIANS often get a raw deal when dining out. All too often veggie options seem to be an afterthought and an incongruous addition to an otherwise well-planned menu. And, as someone who was vegetarian for over a decade, I know from experience that vegetarian meals can often be, at best, unimaginative and predictable, at worst, insipidly bland and poorly executed. As a veggie child in the 90s, the ubiquitous vegetarian option would undoubtedly be ricotta and spinach cannelloni or an uninspiring veggie lasagne that lacked both flavour and excitement. These days, it’s likely to be something containing butternut squash, which seems to be the en vogue ingredient for chefs attempting to be all inclusive. Thankfully, things have moved on a bit of late as many British eateries have cottoned on to the fact that there’s a growing appetite for vegetarian cuisine (at last count, the meat-free food market was worth a whopping £739m according to figures from the Vegetarian Society) and vegetarian options are no longer as lamentably limited as they used to be. Though the same cannot always be said for veggies on the Continent. As a child, I once ate nothing but crudités, Niçoise salads sans tuna, brie and baguettes for the duration of a family holiday to France. Not because I wouldn’t eat anything else or was exceptionally fussy, but because vegetarians simply weren’t catered for there at the time. Vegetarians often don’t fare much better in Spain, as Peter Kinsella, owner of Catalonian restaurant, Lunya, says: “Anyone who has ever eaten vegetarian food in Spain will know that it’s often a case of the meat being picked out.” Peter, who was speaking at a recent vegetarian night at his Liverpool ONE restaurant, was keen to show that veggies can enjoy a taste of Spain at the gourmet evening. Intrigued to see what a veggie Spanish evening would entail, I went along to the July 4 event. Lunya hosts several gourmet evenings a year, which explore different elements of Spanish cuisine through specially designed menus. Held in Lunya’s upstairs dining area, the vegetarian gourmet night offered six meat-free courses matched with six sublime wines, for £49.95 per person. Designed to reflect the best of modern Spanish and English fusion food, the specially created menu made the most of seasonal ingredients – many of which were locally sourced, alongside stunning wines from small Spanish wineries. The evening began with a delectable chilled broad bean gazpacho, prettily served in a Martini glass with a swirl of black olive sauce and a chunk of Monte Enebro goats’ cheese – which has won

the World Cheese of the Year award twice. Made from Empeltre olives, which are indigenous to Catalonia, the olive sauce added a delicious salty contrast to balance the slightly sweet flavour of the gazpacho and creamy goats’ cheese in this appetising entrée. The gazpacho was accompanied by a chilled glass of Huella de Adaras, DO Almansa. Produced by a small winery in the Almansa region which has only recently began producing whites (this being their third year), the wine is a blend of three grapes – one of which is a fruity French sauvignon blanc. The result is a light, fruity and fresh tasting wine, which when paired with the creamy goats’ cheese and gazpacho, which had an intense and slightly sweet taste of fresh summer broad beans, was delectable. Our palates suitably fired up by the fiesta of flavours in the gazpacho, the second course – a Wirral watercress and rocket panna cotta with a Moscotel wine vinegar reduction – was served with a

glass of Vallemayor Blanco, DOCa Rioja. A white rioja, the wine had a fresh, clean flavour with a balance of acidity, which our sommelier explained, was down to its blend of French as well as Spanish grapes. Fresh, summery and oh-so-quaffable, the wine went well with the flavours of the panna cotta, with fiery rocket, peppery watercress and a touch of garlic, combined into another beautifully presented dish. However, this was the only dish of the evening that didn’t do it for either myself or my dining companion. Not that it wasn’t delicious and innovative – which it certainly was – but neither of us could quite wrap our heads around the concept of a savoury panna cotta. Our fellow diners didn’t seem to share our reservations and we appeared to be the only people on the large shared table not to devour every last morsel. What was stunning about this dish though was the Moscatel wine vinegar reduction that was artfully swirled around the plate, made with a vinegar which Peter said was so sweet and tasty he would drink it if he could. Now, I wouldn’t recommend drinking

the stuff, but the vinegar was divine – so much so, that I made our waiter bring the bottle out, so I could make a note of what it looked like and procure some for myself. The next course – a summer vegetable terrine with basil coulis and toasted pine nuts – was accompanied by a rosé which, our sommelier declared, was a man’s rosé. And how right he was. The Loxarel Petit Arnau Rosada, DO Penedés, packed quite a punch on the flavour front and even my dining companion – a man not known for drinking pink wine – heartily enjoyed this fresh, but punchy rosé. The final two savoury courses – a wild mushroom and Catalan roi tros de sort cheese ‘toastie’ paired with a stunning Crash Tinto, DO Ribera del Guadiana wine; and roasted Piquillo pepper stuffed with artichoke paella on a bed of spinach puree and broad beans, matched with a beautiful Loxarel Ops DO Penedes vino – were exquisite and by far our favourite courses of the evening. In fact, I would go as far as to say that Lunya’s playful naming of the mushroom dish as a ‘toastie’ belies the beauty of the artful presentation and the sublime fusion of flavours on the plate; with rich creamy cheese, crisp sesame seed tuille and intense mushrooms beautifully balanced. To end our gastronomic journey to Spain, the evening’s vegetarian feast concluded with an Alemany rosemary honey parfait made with local gooseberries and elderflower. Another triumph, the dessert featured gooseberries from Peter’s own garden and the tang of the fruit gave a refreshing contrast to the parfait and oh-so-sweet dessert wine (Alex Moscatel, DO Navarra). This was Lunya’s first foray into gourmet vegetarian cuisine and what a success it was. Even my dining companion, who is as committed a carnivore as they come, is now a convert to the joys of vegetarian cuisine. Olé! Lunya’s next gourmet night, which will feature a five-course menu of modern Spanish fusion food, is on Wednesday, August 27. Visit Lunya at 18-20 College Lane, Liverpool, L1 3DS, visit www.lunya.co.uk or call 0151 706 9770 to find out more.

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 27

Food

AUGUST 12

Havin’ a nice day!

Love me tender – the steak at Buffalo Jacks is a cut above the rest

For an all-round American diner experience, you can’t go wrong with Buffalo Jacks, says Richard Lackey... AS a lover of all things Stateside, a trip to the new Buffalo Jacks American Bar and Grill in Queens Square was always an exciting prospect. From the moment I stepped through the door into the bright and airy Western-style saloon I was instantly in my element; the floor and walls adorned with various stars and striped paraphernalia and statues of Elvis and The Blues Brothers, and the classic sounds of American 80s rock filling the space (somehow a burger always tastes better with Starship’s We Built This City reverberating around you). With the venue receiving a huge thumbs up, it was now the food that was going to have to do all the talking. American cuisine is well known for its no-holds-barred approach and humongous portion sizes and Buffalo

Jacks succeeded on both counts. Ironically, our choice of starters was not what you would normally expect to find on the menu at this type of restaurant. I opted for homemade feta and bean spring rolls, served with a delicious chipotle mayonnaise (£4.95), while my hungry pal, Sarah, chose homemade crab cakes with balsamic dressing served on a bed of garlic tossed greens (£5.50). Both dishes were light yet flavoursome and not too big to spoil the main course, which was the moment we firmly headed back into the arms of Uncle Sam. It would have been a crime not to opt for the classic hamburger. All the burgers – and there’s a good selection to choose from – are 6oz, made from 100% Angus beef, and chargrilled on

Saturday 18th August 2012

‘A Vision of Elvis’

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Book early to avoid disappointment

Celebration of the Swinging Sixties Sunday 28th October 2012 • £15 per person Price includes: Special Sunday Lunch followed

by live entertainment and dancing. Come and Jitterbug the afternoon away A £2 per person deposit secures your booking SHERRY ON ARRIVAL

Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Ranelagh Place, Liverpool L3 5UL Contact Marilyn on 0151 709 7200 www.britanniahotels.com 28

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

excellent for the price. Her meat came with a jacket potato, salad, hickory beans and coleslaw, and was given a resounding approval. We were way too stuffed to even attempt a dessert, but did manage to slip down a classic thick American milkshake made from Oreo and authentic Reese’s chocolate (£3.50 each). ET would not have bothered to phone home had he tasted the latter! And with that off we trot, our stomachs full while humming a bit of ZZ Top. To make a booking call 0151 709 1070, email bookings@buffalojacks.co.uk or visit www.buffalojacks.co.uk Photos: Jason Roberts

ROB KINGSLEY Live at the

the barbecue before being encased in a toasted bun with mustard mayonnaise, lettuce, sliced tomato, crunchy dill pickle and red onion. My pimped up black and blue burger (£11.50) also came with house red sauce, blue cheese, bacon and onion rings, with a side of relish and fries. Now I’ve eaten plenty of burgers in my time – many a patty sampled in the States, even – and I can honestly say that this one ranks up there with the very best. Simply put, it was so, so tasty (despite a struggle to get my mouth around it without making a mess!). Sarah went for the 10oz sirloin steak (£13.95), matured for 28 days, and

Travel The Big Blue Hotel, Blackpool

AUGUST 12 Skate expectations – the Hot Ice Show, Entice, at Blackpool Pleasure beach

Taking the plunge on The Big One

Michelle Rushton takes a trip down memory lane to the Las Vegas of the North BLACKPOOL really is the Marmite of tourist destinations – you either love it or hate it. And whilst I appreciate it is loud, brash and tacky and might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I have a real fondness for this popular seaside resort. As a child, I would beg my parents to take me there for my birthday every year which coincided with the infamous Illuminations. The thrill of the rollercoaster rides, bright lights, carousel music and scent of hot donuts and candyfloss, was so exciting – and still is! But, this summer, I was lured by the prospect of the new Hot Ice Show, Entice which was opening at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. A big fan of ITV’s Dancing on Ice, I have never actually seen a live ice skating show so decided to give it a whirl. My partner Mike and I booked a room at the Big Blue, a contemporary four-star hotel conveniently located on the edge of the Pleasure Beach. The reception staff were lovely and friendly and showed us to our Superior Family Room (catering for two adults and children). For one second I felt a bit guilty for leaving our two children behind with their grandparents, as they would have loved the bunk beds, each of which had its own flat screen TV, so no arguing over Peppa Pig or Fireman Sam! But, on this occasion, it was just the two of us, and the king size bed looked invitingly comfy. We were looking forward to a good night’s sleep without any toddlers climbing in at 3am (although the big kid in me would have secretly preferred sleeping in the bunk beds!) Our room was modern and sumptuously stylish with a flat-screen TV, DVD player, wifi connection and luxurious bathroom. We had a quick cuppa and shower before heading to the hotel bar for a pre-show aperitif in the Blues Bar and Brasserie. As it was raining, the hotel manager thoughtfully provided us with umbrellas as we took a short walk through the hotel’s private entrance to the Pleasure Beach where the ice skating arena is situated. Then we took our seats at the arena and waited for Entice to start. I have to say, I’ve never seen anything like it. The show features over 30 internationally-renowned ice skating stars including Dancing On Ice’s Katie Stainsby, alongside Russian ice star, Ruslan Novoseltsev and the UK’s international gold medallist, David Walsingham. I was mesmerised by the amazing choreography and the jaw-droppingly dangerous stunts. I also loved the spectacular lighting effects featuring lasers and explosive pyrotechnics. But it was the costumes which really dazzled – over 400 to be exact – adorned with everything from huge feathers to glittering rhinestones. The show really was a feast for the senses and we really enjoyed it, our only slight criticism being that the seats were a little on the small side and, as Mike is six foot three, he was a little bit squashed. But we both agreed it was a truly fabulous show. Afterwards we headed to The Big Pizza Kitchen for an all you can eat pizza and pasta buffet and a bottle of wine before heading into town. Our waitress advised us that Revolution was the coolest place to go, so there we headed for yummy summer cocktails and shots.

Blackpool rocks! We finished off with a nightcap in the hotel bar before retiring to our room for the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time. We woke to the sound of clanging and screams so we peered out of the window just as The Big One (the UK’s tallest and fastest roller coaster) was passing at breakneck speed. As it was 9.30am anyway, a lie-in by our standards, we made our way to the Brasserie where we enjoyed a hearty full English breakfast and croissants. Then it was off to the Pleasure Beach for some white knuckle fun. The hotel staff kindly issued us with free wristbands allowing us unlimited access to the rides. Feeling a tad delicate, I started to feel like this might not be a good idea but Mike assured me we wouldn’t go on anything too stomach churning and suggested we try Infusion. Warning bells chimed as we were strapped into the ride by an overhead harness and the floor disappeared beneath our feet. But there was no turning back as the rollercoaster set off at alarming speed, flinging us around the track, which is suspended over water. There were five terrifying and twisting loops. I closed my eyes and screamed all the way round, and at one moment felt I might be reunited with my full English breakfast. I couldn’t wait for it to end. I could have killed Mike who couldn’t contain his laughter.

The Hot Ice Show

Thrills and spills on the Infusion ride

He eventually persuaded me to go on one more ride but I insisted on heading to the children’s Nickelodeon Land which I thought would be much tamer. “This children’s ride doesn’t look too bad,” said Mike so I decided to brave the Nickelodeon Streak – and soon we were flying around the track on a wooden coaster at top speed. Although it didn’t go upside down, it went up and down and there were times when I thought we would be flung out! My hangover was too severe to stomach any more rides so we took a stroll down Ocean Boulevard and stocked up on some souvenirs. Armed with kiss me quick hats and sticks of rock (when in Blackpool) we made our way back to the hotel having come to the conclusion that although we are getting a bit too old for the rides, it still hasn’t lost its charm. There’s so much to do here – from the Pleasure Beach with its 125 amusements, the Golden Mile, Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Zoo and you can take in the three piers, catch a show or take a ride on one of the famous trams. Being just over an hour away from Liverpool by car, it has all the ingredients you need for a fun family day out and we can’t wait to come back with our kids – although we’ll be fighting over the bunk beds! For more details, visit www.hoticeshow.com, www.bigbluehotel.com, www.visitblackpool.com, or www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 29

Travel

AUGUST 12

Photos: Richard Lackey

LONDON

St James’ Church grounds

calling

Richard Lackey heads to the ‘Big Smoke’ for a whistle stop weekend of wicked witches and a splash of Hollywood razzmatazz... IT’S very easy to forget just how close we are to the capital. No longer is London this illusive and out of reach metropolis. Instead, it’s a short hop, skip and a jump away, via a swift two hour train journey, making London a playground in our backyard. I travelled with a friend in tow for

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a weekend away to take in the sights, as well as a West End show. London is certainly a place I always look forward to visiting. I love the hustle and bustle and, like New York, the fact that there’s a well known landmark on every corner. Getting around the city is also a joy in itself. Now you might think that that is

the statement of a mad man, but I have a pure love affair with the Underground. Yes, it’s hot, stuffy and packed, but in my experience, it’s cheap, always on time, and practically every destination is serviced by a tube station. After an aborted plan to visit Madame Tussauds (the queue was ridiculous) we headed to the tourist trap that is Piccadilly Circus, for what ironically turned out to be a chilled out afternoon. Away from the bright lights and hoards of crowds, we found ourselves in Caffé Concerto on Haymarket, a delightful eatery whose window displays of handmade pastries and cakes constantly get snapped by the tourists. In a peaceful setting akin to somewhere off the Continent, we tucked into a classic slice of delicious black forest gateau, washed down with a cool, refreshing iced tea. Then it was over to the pretty gardens of St James’ Church, which are a hidden gem just off Piccadilly. Despite being in the centre of London, these small grounds are quiet and home to a number of park benches to rest your weary feet, and the quaint Piccadilly Market which sells all sorts of interesting stuff from antiques to arts and crafts. In total contrast, our evening meal could not have been more different. Planet Hollywood on Haymarket is loud, brash and neon bright, with walls adorned with movie memorabilia and tables packed with pushed-for-time customers devouring good quality, unpretentious and hearty grub. I tucked into crispy potato skins filled with bacon and cheese (£7.50) for starters, followed by sizzling chicken fajitas

(£15.95), while my mate enjoyed crunchy chicken strips with creole mustard sauce (£7.95) and the classic spaghetti carbonara (£12.50). A double chocolate chip brownie, with creamy vanilla ice cream smothered in a swiss chocolate fudge sauce and whipped cream (£6.75), to share, sealed the deal, with two appropriately movie named cocktails, The Dark Knight and Titanic (£7.50 each), sending us on our way with a smile. It was then off to the Apollo Victoria Theatre (close to Victoria station) to watch an evening performance of the hit musical Wicked. Not usually a musical fan, this worldwide monster smash completely surprised me – great performances (particularly from lead Rachel Tucker), dazzling costumes, magical set-pieces and some cracking songs (notably the act one closer, Defying Gravity, and the heartwrenching duet, For Good).

Planet Hollywood

However, it’s the story which really sets this musical apart from the others lining the brightly-lit West End pavements. Servicing as a part prequel/part parallel to The Wizard of Oz, Wicked tells the tale of Elphaba – the Wicked Witch of the West – and in the process turns the 1939 classic movie totally on its head. Trust me, you’ll never watch Judy Garland skipping down that yellow brick road in the same way again. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum hotel. For two nights, including two tickets for Wicked, it cost us £354 in total, via www.lastminute.com. We travelled First Class with Virgin Trains from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston. Visit www.virgintrains.com for details. To book at Planet Hollywood, call 020 7287 1000 or visit www.planethollywoodlondon.com

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FRESH FOR SUMMER Embrace a colour palette of ice-cream parlour pastels this summer, reminiscent of languorous sunny days and one of the season’s key trends.

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