Best of Liverpool August 2011 by Liverpool Post & Echo

FASHION

PLACES

FACES

FOOD

BEAUTY

HOMES

TRAVEL

Supplement

OF LIVERPOOL AUGUST ISSUE 2011

FESTIVAL FASHION BANK HOLIDAY PUB CRAWL

For him and her

Our guide to city boozers

ADRENALINE JUNKIES Activities to get your pulse racing

SIMON RIMMER Talks football, food and city festival WHAT’S ON//SIZZLING SUMMER RECIPES//TIME FOR TEA//SALON SPOTLIGHT//SUZANNE COLLINS’ MARATHON DIARY//ONES TO WATCH

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Contents

AUGUST 2011

BEST

AUGUST 11

OF LIVERPOOL

NEWS

04-05 TALK OF TOWN Snippets of city news and gossip

FASHION

06-07 SHOPPING FOR HER Everything you need to look chic at Creamfields Steal her style Coleen Rooney 08-09 SHOPPING FOR HIM Rock the retro look Festival fashion

HEALTH & BEAUTY 10 SALON SPOTLIGHT Colourful coiffeurs 12 SUMMER BEAUTY Essential products for the season 13 FITNESS Activities for adrenaline junkies Suzanne’s on the run

ENTERTAINMENT 15 WHAT’S ON Our shortlist of August’s events 16-17 HOMEGROWN TALENT Wirral chef Simon Rimmer Ones to watch - Rachel Rae & Charlotte Barry 18-20 FOOD & DRINK Marco Pierre White on the virtues of salad cream Sizzling seasonal recipes There’s more than pukka pasta at Jamie’s Italian We put The Quarter to the test 23 HOMES Afternoon tea anyone?

CHILDREN 24 BACK TO SCHOOL Term time essentials 25 BOOKWORMS Liverpool’s literary talents 27 STORY TIME

Editor’s letter

AHEAD of the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival next month, we’ve come over all foodie in this issue and speak to Wirralborn chef, Simon Rimmer as he prepares for appearances at the Southport Flower Show, from August 18-21, and the launch of the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival on September 3-4. With two restaurants to his name, a series of cookery books and a resident chef position on Something for the Weekend, it’s hard to believe that Simon has had an accidental rise to culinary greatness. But, in Sue Kelbrick’s interview on page 16, the talented chef reveals how he and a friend opened their first restaurant as a way to chat up girls and, why the North West is fast becoming a foodie destination. On page 18, Richard Lackey catches up with Hell’s Kitchen star, Marco Pierre White, as he launches his latest venture in the region – Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Grill in Hotel Indigo. As well as interviewing the Michelin-starred chef, Best of Liverpool was lucky enough to go to the official launch party for the glitzy Chapel Street venue, and together with a bit of celeb spotting, we extensively sampled the cocktail menu (all in the name of research – honest!) and can report that the peach bellinis are some of the best to quaff in the city. Keeping with the culinary theme, on page 20 Sarah Hooley discovers that there’s more to Jamie’s Italian than just pukka pasta and Emma Thompson puts Falkner Street deli-turnedrestaurant, The Quarter to the test. For those who prefer pints to peach bellinis, Paul Baker brings you a step-by-step pub crawl through some of the city’s LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray

Storytelling sessions

MAGAZINE EDITOR Katie McLoughlin

OUT & ABOUT 29 TRAVEL Bank holiday pub crawls 30 HEADING OVER TO The beautiful south Hidden gems

WRITERS Sarah Hooley, Emma Thompson, Paul Baker, Sue Kelbrick and Richard Lackey

PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers DESIGNER Zoe Bevan FRONT COVER Simon Warburton COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR Sally Jones

best boozers on page 29. Your ears are also in for a feast this August, as there are an abundance of festivals happening, including Creamfields, Mathew Street Music Festival, Liverpool Pride and Above The Beaten Track: Honky Tonk festival at The Bluecoat – check out Emma Thompson’s guide to what’s on this month on page 15. There’s plenty going on in the theatre world this month too, as the Royal Court has just announced plans for a multi-million pound refurbishment to begin next year. Fresh from Legally Blonde the Musical launching its first UK tour at the Liverpool Empire in July, the Lime Street theatre is preparing to stage Queen musical, We Will Rock You next month. Before work begins on the new Everyman, on July 2 the iconic Hope Street theatre held a finale to say farewell to its current building and the Playhouse has announced an exciting new season, which kicks off next month with Roger McGough’s brilliantly funny, Tartuffe. Plus, after a year’s hiatus – the Liverpool Shakespeare Festival returns on August 25 with a fantastic array of productions – including Romeo and Juliet starring local actress, Rachel Rae, who we catch up with on page 17. To ensure you stay stylish in the city this August, we’ve also got a whole host of fashion, beauty and fitness features for you to enjoy. Plus don’t miss our thrill-seekers guide to the city on page 13. With so much to see, do and try, it’s a good job we’ve got a bank holiday this month to fit it all in! See you next month!

Katie McLoughlin

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. SALES MANAGER Ros McGuire

GET IN TOUCH STORIES 0151 330 4964 FAX 0151 330 4924 EMAIL magazine@liverpool.com WEBSITE www.bestofliverpool.com

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Talk of town

THE first-ever Chester Rocks was held on July 2-3 and, with over 20,000 people attending, the two-day music festival was a huge success. The weather was glorious on both days and Stephen Langstaff, The Christians, The Lightning Seeds, Feeder, Sugababes, The Saturdays, I Am Kloot, The Wanted and Taio Cruz to name just a few, all performed with the sun blazing down. Iggy and the Stooges was the headline act that everyone had been waiting for and the 64-year-old did not disappoint. Iggy delivered an

energetic performance and festival-goers were enthralled as he jumped and twisted his tiny frame across the stage, pulling faces and mocking the VIPs in true rock and roll fashion. Rob March, head of marketing and communication for Chester Race Company, says: “The first year of the Chester Rocks festival has been a phenomenal success. We have been lucky enough to have some of the best national and international artists visit the racecourse over the weekend and the response from people who have attended the event has been amazing.”

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES SMALL in stature but big on fun, Rumours has been a cult hit with city clubbers since it was started in 2007. Now the miniature 80s-themed portable disco – which has appeared at festivals and clubs such as Circus, Chibuku, Cocoon, Space in Ibiza, Snowbombing and V Festival – has recently been named as the World’s Smallest Nightclub by Guinness World Records. The record-breaking Rumours – which is just 6ft 8in high, 4ft 10in wide and 5ft 10in deep – was presented at last year’s

OutANDabout

Katie McLoughlin brings you all the news from the city’s social scene... Photo: Patrick Clarke

IF you’re running out of ways to entertain your little ones this summer, pay a visit to The Chocolate Cellar as the Hanover Street chocolatier will be running Mad Hatter themed tea parties and chocolate making workshops throughout the summer holidays. The Chocolate Cellar is also doing its own version of a high tea, Chocoholic’s Delight for both adults and children – guaranteed to keep them quiet for a while! Visit www.thechocolatecellar.co.uk or call 0151 709 5197 for details.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

AFTER a year’s hiatus The Liverpool Shakespeare Festival 2011 is back and better than ever. The festival, which is the brainchild of Liverpool-based Lodestar Theatre Company, held a launch event at the Novas Contemporary Urban Centre on July 5. During the event, Lodestar’s director and founder, Max Rubin revealed: “We started in 2006 and this year feels like a tremendous vindication for everything we’ve tried to do for the past five years. “Last year we couldn’t get funding to do the festival, so we thought long and hard about why this had happened and, for this year, we spent a good year researching what’s being funded locally and nationally and created the festival accordingly. We’ve managed to secure a lot of funding this year so now, after five years, we can produce the type of festival that we’ve always wanted to.” Running from August 25 until Sep-

THE JAMES MONRO Photo: Paul Heaps

THE CHOCOLATE CELLAR

NO HOLDS BARD

POST-WORK drinks just got a whole lot cooler thanks to the launch of a new After Work Tapas & Latin Jazz Club at the new-look James Monro. Running every Friday from 5pm, the event features jazz music for the soul and an authentic tapas menu featuring tasty treats like Anglesey Clam & Mussel Chowder, Chicken Madrileno and Crisp Calamari. If the weather’s nice, you can even make the most of the new outside seating area at the trendy Tithebarn Street gastropub. Visit www.thejamesmonro.com/tapaslatinjazz for more details.

Bold Street Festival. Promoter and owner of the miniscule city ‘club’, Deborah Borrett says: “I’m delighted, we smashed the previous world record by thirty four centimetres squared – in the world of miniature clubs, that’s a whole person on the dancefloor!” Following its record-breaking success, Rumours will appear at Creamfields later this month and plans to take part in this year’s Bold Street Festival on September 24 and 25. tember 11, this year’s festival offers Shakespeare with ‘no holds Bard.’ There will be a production of Romeo & Juliet at St George’s Hall; three youth arts projects entitled Breathe, Wake and Belong, which explore gang culture in 19th century Liverpool. Plus a performance of Richard III featuring 25 theatre companies, who will each prepare a randomly selected scene in the style of their choice. Visit www.liverpoolshakespearefestival. com for full details of this year’s festival.

OUTDOOR SUMMER GIGS SUMMER’S made for outdoor music and Harvest Sun Promotions has a very special alfresco gig lined up for St Luke’s (the bombed out church) on August 14. Starting at 2pm, the Acoustic Air Raid event will feature local two-piece acoustic band, The Springtime Anchorage, with 86 DJs playing laid back psychedelic sunshine grooves before, between and after the bands. More acts are still to be announced. Entry is £5 on the door, children get in for free. This is the third Acoustic Air Raid event, with previous headliners including Deltasonic’s Sand Band and Shack’s John Head.

Photo: Rob Lovett

We’re loving

Photo: Tom Lox

Photo: Stuart Bogg Photos: Stuart Bogg

CHESTER ROCKED!

AUGUST11 CITY VENUE LOOKS BACK IN TIME Photo: Martin Birchall

SUCCESSFUL INDEPENDENTS’ DAY

as Matta’s, Utility and Red Lotus make it an exciting place to be an independent store, however, we need the support of Merseyside shoppers – visit us and see what we can offer.”

Photo credit: Mills Media Limited

ON July 4 Merseyside shoppers were urged to buy at least one item from their local independent shops as part of the first Independents’ Day event. Designed to boost high street retailing, the event was organised by Skillsmart Retail and supported by Academy ONE – the retail training alliance between Liverpool ONE, the National Skills Academy for Retail and North West training provider Scientiam. Resurrection on Bold Street was one of the city stores to take part in the campaign. Owner of the independent fashion store, Lisa Pritchard says: “There are so many excellent independent retailers in Merseyside and particularly on Bold Street. Places such

ON Thursday, June 30, The Picket celebrated its contribution to the city’s music scene over the years, with an event looking back at the Jordan Street venue’s opening, events and influence on local musicians. Venue director, Phil Hayes spoke about his personal highlights and guests were invited to share their memories and stories about The Picket for the forthcoming book: On Music’s Front Line: 25 Years of The Picket, Liverpool. Guests at the event enjoyed performances from Luke Fenlon and new Liverpool band, Freq, as well as a first showing of a new short film made by A Sense of Place to promote the upcoming book. The film, which contains unseen footage of Pete Townshend, Elvis Costello and the late John Peel, explores the history of The Picket since its opening in 1986 to its present day location in the Baltic creative district.

DAZZLING LAUNCH FOR NEW HOTEL

LIFE’S A BEACH FOR LIVING VENTURES STAFF STAFF from local Gusto, Red Door, Blackhouse Grill and Olive Press bars and restaurants were treated to a beach themed party by operators Living Ventures last month.

Held in a field in Smallwood, the fantastic party featured reggae and soul bands, exotic dancers and a beach hut-style bar and restaurant, with overnight accommodation provided by a campsite complete with stylish tepees and classic camper vans.

THOUSANDS ATTEND CITY SAMBA FESTIVAL

Photo: Cliff James

ON THE BEACH USING 240 tonnes of sand, Liverpool ONE has turned Chavasse Park into a beach-side paradise complete with clear blue ‘sea’ for kids to paddle in, a beach bar, a bandstand for live entertainment and music, plus family rides and attractions. Liverpool ONE estate director, Chris Bliss says: “With so many people planning to holiday at

home this year we wanted to do something for summer which really made the most of the park. From building sand castles and riding rollercoasters to playing volleyball and sipping tropical cocktails, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.” The Beach will run from July 21 until September 11. For opening hours and a full event schedule visit www.liverpool-one.com

CANARY CAGE

Photo credit: Nicola Leigh/Reven Design

OVER 60,000 turned out to enjoy Brazilica – the UK’s biggest Brazilian samba carnival – in Liverpool last month. Tens of thousands of visitors lined the city’s streets on Saturday, July 16 to see 500 samba dancers, drummers and floats, from 14 UK and Brazilian samba schools, make their way through the city for a carnival parade. The colourful parade procession ended at a sun-drenched Williamson Square, where revellers partied until midnight. Numerous events took place throughout the weekend-long event, including the UK’s first Samba Carnival Queen Competition at Bem Brasil on Friday, July 15; a spectacular after party at Nation on Saturday, July 16 and a charity zumbathon on Sunday, July 17 which raised over £1,000.

THE latest addition to the city’s dining scene opened in a blaze of colour on Thursday, July 7 as an orange carpet event was held to mark the launch of Marco Pierre White’s third North West venture – Hotel Indigo and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill. Reflecting the four star, boutique hotel’s vibrant décor, guests were asked to dress in their most colourful finery and an orange, rather than red, carpet adorned the entrance. Around 250 party-goers – including model Amanda Harrington, actress Jennifer Ellison, gymnast Beth Tweddle and Hollyoaks stars – enjoyed canapés prepared by Marco’s team and a complimentary bar, with drink options including the hotel’s signature cotton candy martini. As well as fabulous food and drink, guests at the swanky launch enjoyed performances from saxophonist Rosemary Quaye and DJ Samantha Ellis. General manager, David Hughes says: “We were pleased that so many people were able to join us at our official launch party and Liverpool certainly lived up to its reputation as a glamorous city – the ladies and gents pulled out all the stops. No doubt there were a few heavy heads afterwards, particularly thanks to our cotton candy martinis which everyone enjoyed, but I’m sure they’ll agree it was well worth it.”

TO celebrate its new programme of events at Baby Blue, The Canary Cage recently held a VIP event at the Albert Dock venue featuring music, dance, comedy, magic, burlesque, boudoir makeovers, henna tattooing, stilt walkers, a fortune teller and much, much more. One of the highlights of the VIP evening was a cabaret show hosted by Mr Frisk, which included performances from a socially inept clown, burlesque performer Penny Farthing and magician Dave Alnwick among others. Kurt Fox & The Cubs provided the music for the evening as guests sampled cupcakes and sweets served on vintage China plates and sipped on special Canary cocktails and Frisky shots. Following the VIP launch event, The Canary Cage held a masquerade themed event on July 31 and plans are well underway for an August event. For more information and tickets visit www.thecanarycage.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05

Shopping for her STEAL HER STYLE COLEEN Rooney is famed for her shopping habits and love of designer labels, but you don’t have to have a WAG’s money to recreate Coleen’s festival look. The WAG worked a classic festival style at Glastonbury – Hunter wellies, shorts, shades and waterproof jacket – here’s how to steal her style... Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire

A festival of style With Creamfields just a few short weeks away, Katie McLoughlin takes a look at this year’s festival fashion... HAVING to be both practical and stylish, festival fashion can be notoriously hard to get right. So if you’re struggling to decide what to wear to Creamfields at the end of the month, take your style cues from Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Sadie Frost, Fearne Cotton et al who are famed for their fashion-forward festival looks. During her hen do at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, the supermodel wore statement tribal prints. At Glasto, Alexa Chung rocked distressed denim shorts, a fedora hat, boyfriend T-shirt, leopard print coat and riding boots ensemble. While at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Fearne Cotton opted for a leather jacket and floral dress worn with animal print accessories.

Whatever your personal style, festival fashion is about mixing it up and fusing practicality with style-savvy pieces. So try something new and eclectic, like paisley prints, plaited hair and fringed boots for a retro vibe. Or toughen up a floaty floral print summer dress with a leather biker jacket for a festival look that’s both pretty yet edgy. And, to ensure you don’t get soaked should the heavens open – invest in a pack-a-mac that can be stashed away in your bag. Here are some of our favourite festival fashion pieces to ensure you look chic at Creamfields...

White hat, £6.99, from TK Maxx

F&F floral Peter Pan collar playsuit, £16, from Tesco Mini padlock chain bag, £8.99, from Internacionale

Chanel sunglasses, style 5159-H, £284, from Blankstone Opticians, Derby Square, Liverpool

Chunky knot stud earrings, £8, from ASOS.com

Original black wellies by Hunter, £70, from Topshop

Coat, £25, playsuit, £20, and boots, £35, from Boohoo.com

Festival bag, £70, from Accessorize

Hunter fleece welly socks in charcoal, £16, from Topshop Rayban Aviator sunglasses, £115, from Blankstone Opticians, Derby Square, Liverpool

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

AUGUST 11 F&F cream butterfly sunglasses, £7, from Tesco

FESTIVAL FOOTWEAR JUDGING by this year’s Glastonbury, wellies, riding boots and ankle boots are a prerequisite for any festival-goer this summer. So if you’re heading to Creamfields at the end of the month, put your best foot forward with our selection of stylish-yet-practical festival footwear:

Long necklace with geometric engraved pendant, £8, from ASOS.com

Lace-up ankle boots, £35, from La Redoute

White festival tents crop top, £18, from Topshop

Hobbs Unlimited leather riding jacket, £599, from Hobbs

F&F ripped pocket shorts, £14, from Tesco

Hunter original tall glitter wellies, £85, from Schuh

Bright feather drop earrings with hammered disc detail, £18, from ASOS.com

Tasselled moccasin boot, £24.99, from Internacionale

Aztec tassel scarf orange, £8.99, from Internacionale

Aztec long length dress, £28, from Miss Selfridge Riding boots, £78, from Next

Lipsy feather festival head band, £10, from ASOS.com

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 07

Shopping for him

Pay tribute to National Lampoon’s Vacation with this fab Walley World T-shirt, £14.99, from 8ball.co.uk

Pacman tee, £14.99, from 8ball.co.uk

Grey Transformers T-shirt, £20, from www.truffleshuffle.com

BACK TO THE FUTURE Richard Lackey pays homage to the rock gods and 80s icons of yesteryear with these thoroughly modern and on-trend tees... BYPASS the racks of plain, boring, samey T-shirts that litter the high street and go for something a little bit different! The humble tee can often be overlooked as just another throwaway wardrobe staple. So why not give it the respect it deserves by investing in one that says something about you, whether it’s your favourite band or your number one movie? If you’re a kid of the 80s and a music

Iconic Atari T-shirt, £6, from Primark Feel the power with this white Masters of the Universe T-shirt, £20, from www.truffleshuffle.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

lover like myself, then there are plenty to choose from out there without having to go on a Goonies-style treasure hunt to find one. And your new tee doesn’t even have to be gaudy! In recent years there has been a growing trend for T-shirts that make subtle nods to classic movies that only a fan will pick up on. Team your funky new tee with quality denims, a pair of Converse and you’re good to go.

Blockbusters tee, £14.99, from 8ball.co.uk

AUGUST 11 THE LAST BEAT OF SUMMER CREAMFIELDS marks the end of the festival season – and summer – so why not go out with a bang with these simple and stylish fashion tips. The Cheshire extravaganza (August 26-28) attracts some of the biggest names in music as well as thousands of revellers, so it’s even more important to avoid blending into the crowd. To reflect the changing seasons go for a mix of denims, whites and rustic beiges and browns. Why not team a cool denim shirt and crisp white T-shirt with a pair of camel cords or beige chinos? Casual brown sandals, a straw trilby and bohemian bracelets will only add to the look. Don’t be afraid to inject a splash of colour if you so wish – maybe a bit of orange or golden yellow. And whatever you do, never do denim on denim! That’s a big fashion no-no – unless you’re stuck in the 80s!

The Beatles tee, £11.99, from HMV

Dip-dye tee, £14, from asos.com

Crafted marble roll denim short, £24.99, from Republic Metallica tee, £11.99, from HMV

Denim shirt, £35, from Next

Beige cord, £38, from Next AC/DC T-shirt, £11.99, from HMV

Flip flops, £12.99, from TK Maxx

Pay homage to The Lost Boys with this subtle tribute tee, £18, from lastexittonowhere.com

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Health & beauty SIZZLING sun, sea and humidity can play havoc with your locks, so for a beautiful barnet on the beach it’s essential to use the right products...

Shades of summer Colour novice Katie McLoughlin transforms her tresses with the latest colouring techniques at Voodou

Achieve tousled, textured tresses with Lee Stafford’s Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray, £6.89 for 150ml

Detangling Spray for coloured hair from The Body Shop

Strengthen, condition and revive your locks with Moroccan Oil, £30, from Cavern Hair Boutique in Cavern Walks

Make locks smooth and glossy with this label.m Frizz Control Serum, available from Toni & Guy salons or www.labelm.co.uk

Give limp, fine tresses some oomph with Ojon’s Volume Advance range, including shampoo, conditioner and thickening spray, available from John Lewis

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

YOU know what it’s like when you’re growing your hair – it takes ages to grow, then you get bored and fancy trying something new but don’t want to lose any of the length. Having been growing my hair now for what seems like forever, it’s a predicament I have found myself in. A quick glance through the celeb rags and, it seems that colour could be the answer. Indeed Cheryl Cole has had no fewer than three different hair colours this year alone – having gone from a rich red to brunette and honey blonde all in just a few short months. So, keen to see if colour could breathe new life into my locks, I headed to Voodou’s Katie afterward Colour Centre on Bold s Street. It’s been more years than I care to remember since I last had a permanent colour and I wasn’t sure what I wanted, or even what would suit me, but I needn’t have worried as director, Tammy O’Shaughnessy, who has been with Voodou for 10 years, carried out a thorough consultation. Tammy, who

achieved a Master Colour Award three years ago, talked me through the latest colouring techniques, including the “ombreeffect” as seen on Alexa Chung and Rachel Bilson. With just the ends coloured, the ombreeffect is a high-fashion look and perhaps a tad too bold for a colour novice like myself, so I opt for another of the latest trends – “the veil.” The veil is a good introduction to colour as just the underneath layers are coloured, so that the colour is only seen when the hair swishes. We discuss shades and I plump for a caramel colour, just a shade or two lighter than my natural hue. Using Wella professional products, Tammy begins by lightening my locks with bleach in small foiled sections, as my hair has a temporary colour on. To ensure that the finished look is low-maintenance and natural, she carefully puts the foils through just the middle layers of my hair, leaving the top layer uncoloured. After sitting under a heat lamp for 20 minutes, my hair’s washed and caramel coloured toner is applied. Once the toner has developed, my barnet is treated to a ‘polish to go’ conditioning

treatment and head massage. Tammy uses Moroccan Oil to detangle my tresses, add shine and improve manageability. When it comes to the cut, she adds texture to my layers and cuts in a switch fringe – a new technique which allows the fringe to be worn either to the side or centrally parted – before finishing with a curly blow dry. I’m delighted with the finished result – the natural caramel colour has added a new dimension to my hair and the cut has subtly updated my style.

Where is it? Voodou has five salons in the city, including the Colour Centre at 98 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4HY, which is the company’s largest unisex salon.

What does it do? Voodou specialises in creative cutting, trend-led styling and advanced colouring techniques.

Contact: Voodou’s Bold Street Colour Centre is open seven days a week, log onto www.voodou. co.uk for more information or call 0844 445 7889 (option 1) to make an appointment.

Photos: Gavin Trafford

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AUGUST 11

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Beauty

AUGUST 11 This Molton Brown Women’s Traveller Skin Care Gift Set, £36 from John Lewis, has everything a girl could need to look glam on her travels

This Bobbi Brown Pretty Face Palette, £42, from John Lewis, is packed with wearable shades for cheeks, eyes and lips

STAY SAFE IN THE SUN WHETHER you’re staying at home or jetting off somewhere exotic this August, it’s essential to look after your skin. To help you stay safe in the sun, Dr Abba Alkali, consultant dermatologist at University Hospital Aintree, shares some top tips:

This multi-purpose stick blends effortlessly to provide sheer colour and shimmer. NARS The Multiple, RRP £29, from John Lewis

Beauty and the beach

Combat redness and soothe holiday skin with Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Face Lotion, from John Lewis

Ojon Full Detox Rub Out Powder cleanses locks and adds oomph to your roots, available from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE

Looking good is not easy when you’re knee-deep in mud at a festival or baking in sweltering temperatures on your jollies. So, to help you look your best this summer, Katie McLoughlin has trawled the beauty counters to bring you a selection of essential summer products... Fragrances don’t get more summery than this DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom, RRP £42, which is a blend of grapefruit, apricot and petal rose

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15, gives a lightweight, sheer finish that’s perfect for summer

Clinique Face and Body Cream SPF15, £19.70 for 150ml, from John Lewis

St Tropez instant glow face lotion, £10 for 50ml, from Superdrug

This travel-sized Batiste dry shampoo, £1.50, from Superdrug, is perfect for reviving lacklustre locks between washes on holiday or at a festival This cult beauty product brightens, tightens and adds radiance to tired (or hungover!) skin in an instant. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, £27.50 for 50ml, from Debenhams

Kent AS10 Anti-Static Folding Hairbrush, £6.50, from John Lewis

No festival survival kit would be complete without the ubiquitous cleansing wipes. Four-in-One Facial Wipes with Cucumber, 79p, from Superdrug

1. Avoid the sun between 11am-3pm. “This

isn’t always possible if you’re out and about, so if you’re outdoors, wear light coloured clothing to reflect the light and a wide brimmed hat to protect your face,” says Dr Alkali. 2. Don’t use expired sun cream. “Bottles of sun protection can sit in bathroom cabinets for years on end, but if they’re past their expiry date, the active ingredients will no longer be offering you the best protection possible,” adds Dr Alkali. 3. Your sun cream should be SPF 15 at the very least: “Anything less is only acting as an anti-wrinkle cream and isn’t protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays,” says Dr Alkali. 4. It’s important to reapply sun cream regularly. Dr Alkali explains: “Even if it claims to last all day on the bottle, you should reapply every two to four hours and after you’ve been swimming. Make sure you cover every bit of exposed skin including feet, neck and backs of ears, which can sometimes be left out.” 5. Don’t confuse cosmetics with sun protection. “Fake tan offers no protection from the sun,” says Dr Alkali. “Similarly, make-up with an SPF isn’t a substitute for sun cream. The most important advice I can offer, is to speak to your GP if you have any concerns whatsoever. The earlier we catch things, the better the chance of successful treatment.”

TWINKLE TOES Katie McLoughlin tries out the latest nail craze... SHELLAC nails were big beauty news when they launched last year. A cross between a nail polish and a gel, the Shellac system requires multiple coats, which are cured under a special UV lamp. The results are long-lasting nails that don’t chip, smudge, scratch or lose shine. Now, Liverpool’s Nail Nation in Cavern Walks has introduced a sparkly twist on Shellac manicures and pedicures. Ideal for festivals or holidays, the sparkly Shellac nails last on average for five to six weeks on toes,

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

or two to three weeks on hands. Keen to find out more, I headed to the city centre nail bar to put the glittery Shellac pedicure to the test. A choice of coloured glitters are available and, after selecting my preferred shade, my toenails were prepped and a base coat applied, then my feet were popped under a special UV light, to cure the gel. Next, a neutral shade of Shellac varnish goes on and glitter’s carefully shaken over each toenail. The glitter is gently patted down to ensure it has adhered to the polish, before my feet are again placed

under the UV light for two minutes each. Excess glitter is brushed off and two more coats of Shellac varnish are applied, with my tootsies going under the UV light after each coat. Cuticle oil is rubbed in to complete the pedicure and my glittery toes are finished. The result is fantastic – shiny, sparkly and long-lasting, the Shellac glitter pedicure lasted for weeks and saw me through two weddings, a surfing holiday and more. The pedicure is a sure-fire way to put your best foot forward at a summer festival or on your jollies, and at just £28, it’s well worth shelling out for. Visit Nail Nation in Cavern Walks or call 0151 255 0885 for an appointment.

Fitness

ADRENALINEJUNKIES We thrill-seekers no longer have to climb the Swiss Alps or jump out of an aeroplane to attain daredevil status. There’s more than enough excitement to be had close to home, as Paul Baker finds out... AWESOME. It’s a word which reached its peak in the early 90s thanks to film characters like Bill and Ted, and cartoon characters like the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles. It’s a word used by crazy surfer types, skydivers, snowboarders and generally those of us whose idea of a fun day out involves heart-pounding, adrenaline-fuelled action. In those simpler times, we mere mortals could only stand and watch as these superheroes flew by, but now it’s us

Photo: Colin Lane

selection of ramps, with loads of minis and some pretty big ones too. There’s also a large bowl and a couple of street sections to try out. No need to worry about the British weather literally raining on your parade, because Rampworx is all indoors, in fact it’s the UK’s largest indoor skatepark.

THE treetops of Derwent Forest in Cheshire are no longer the sole domain of the birds and squirrels. Thanks to Go Ape, we humans can join them in the woodland canopy, astride high ropes clambering along the leaf line. Unleash your inner Tarzan! It’s amazing fun and it’s suitable for most ages (though height and weight restrictions apply). So just clip yourself to the safety line and start monkeying around, enjoying superb views and long zip wires at Go Ape’s most spread out course. Combine with an afternoon’s mountain biking around the forest for a perfect day of heart-pounding fun. Visit Go Ape! Delamere, off the B5152, Delamere Forest, CW8 2HZ.

And if you’re a total wheel addict, you’ll be pleased to know you can feed your habit throughout August with the Rampworx Summer Pass. Valid until September 4, 2011 and costing just £99, the pass will allow you entry into the skatepark all day, every day. Visit Rampworx Skatepark on Leckwith Road, Netherton, L30 6UE, 0151 530 1500, www.rampworx.com

AQUA SPHERING YOU may have heard of zorbing, where perfectly sane people decide to throw themselves down the side of a hill in an inflatable hamster ball for people? Travel out towards SphereMania in Macclesfield and you can certainly have a go. But in Liverpool, its water-based cousin is proving just as popular. Imagine the conversation around the dinner table: “So there’s these huge inflatable balls, and then you climb inside them and you can walk-on water!” Sounds miraculous, but you can try it for yourself at Dukes Dock in Liverpool. It’s an entertaining new craze allowing you to bob, bounce and bash into your friends. From the shore it might look like a naval battle between giant hamsters but these two metre high balls promise fun and frolics galore! Visit Wowballs UK, Dukes Dock, Liverpool, 07999 788 605, wowballs.co.uk

RAMPWORX SKATEPARK WHETHER you travel by Inline, BMX, or the trusty skateboard, if you favour wheels over walking, this is the place for you. The skatepark in Netherton offers a sick

CITYWAVE GO KARTING IF pedal to the metal karting action is more your cup of Bovril, you’re in luck. Ellesmere Port Karting at Hooton Park circuit offers racing thrills without the high costs associated with track days. The Wirral circuit is built to RAC Motor Sports Association standards and is used by professionals to develop young drivers. Ellesmere Port Karting offers group events (minimum of six people), where you take to the 865m track inside snazzy Biz Prokart vehicles fitted with twin-engine Honda GX160 engines. Visit Ellesmere Port Karting at Hooton Airfield, West Road, Ellesmere Port, 0151 355 7513, www.hootonparkcircuit.co.uk

READERS, I have a confession to make. I’d love my August diary to be all about how well training for the RunLiverpool Marathon is going, but I’ve been so, so busy I’ve hardly done anything at all! I’ve really struggled to fit in training, as I’ve been exhausted from my run in Brick Up the Mersey Tunnels, with a show every night and two on Saturdays. My role as Maggie was physically demanding, with lots of dancing, playing to packed houses – the curtain wasn’t coming down until 11pm on some nights! In the daytime I’ve been delivering a number of drama workshops and I’ve also started cheerleading classes in Wirral and Liverpool to cheer on marathon runners. The classes are for boys and girls aged six to 16 – so if you’d like to book a place, please contact me through RunLiverpool.

GO APE

Photo: Gavin Trafford

HANGING from the high walls of an old church is behaviour perhaps more familiar to bats. But it’s actively encouraged at Awesome Walls. The specialist climbing centre is based at St Alban’s Church in Liverpool, off Great Howard Street, next door to W H Lung Chinese supermarket and Tai Pan Chinese restaurant. Since opening inside the old church in 1999, Awesome Walls has grown to become one of the largest indoor climbing centres in England. It strives to cater for all abilities, whether a first time clamberer or a skilled scaler. So climb high and don’t forget to check out the 150 year old rafters in this unique adrenaline-pumping location. Visit Awesome Walls, Athol Street, off Great Howard Street, Liverpool, 0151 298 2422, www.awesomewalls.co.uk

SUZANNE COLLINS’ MARATHON JOURNEY...

Photo: Lee Ashun

AWESOME WALLS

donning our capes and walking through the air. These days thrill-seeking is much safer and easier than ever. Whether you want to roll down a hill in a huge ball or dangle from the tops of high forest branches, the North West allows you to indulge in your fair share of excitement right on your doorstep, with minimal risk to life and limb. So, if you’re looking to bring out your inner Keanu Reeves, read on dude...

AUGUST 11

NO need to head to Australia’s Bondi beach or even Fistral beach in Cornwall to catch the best surf this year because the perfect wave is heading for Liverpool’s shores. CityWave attempts to recreate the motion of the ocean allowing us Scouse punters to try our hand at surfing and wakeboarding in the city centre, without even getting wet (well depending on the weather)! An innovative ‘brushboarding’ simulator, CityWave is suitable for both adults and kids alike. Intrigued? Well, you can give it a try at Williamson Square, where it will be a summer resident for 2011, complete with beach, café and DJ. Visit CityWave in Williamson Square this summer, £3.50 to ride, www.citywave. co.uk

You know, there are loads of opportunities for people who aren’t running to be part of the event – from volunteers to entertainers, such as musicians and dancers to brass and steel bands! I’d encourage everyone to get involved as it’s going to be amazing, a real spectacle – again, you can contact the team at RunLiverpool for more information. In the midst of my guilt about falling off the training wagon, my old youth worker Jim Walsh called me up and we managed to snatch a few half-hour runs over Bidston Hill. Jim helped me train for the London Marathon in 2002. He’s recently turned 65 and is such an inspiration! I had a lovely surprise the other morning too, with the delivery of a large parcel from Mizuno who are the RunLiverpool Marathon’s foot and sportswear sponsors. Packed full of goodies like Mizuno running tops and shorts, there was also a personal invitation for me to visit their pop-up store at the event, where they will give me a running shoe assessment using biomechanics – it all sounds very scientific! It was lovely of the Mizuno guys to think of me and I can’t wait to try out my new kit. I usually run in old sweat-tops and T-shirts, so it will be good to get out and about in some great looking gear! I’m starting to get quite excited now that October 9 is approaching. The buzz about the marathon seems to be spreading far afield too – I’ve got a mate in Sydney who emailed me with some coverage he saw about the race in his local paper. There seems to be lots of ex-pat Scousers spread across the globe who are using the race as a good reason to come back to the city and see family and friends. I’ve heard that over 9,000 runners are signed up now. I can’t imagine what that will look like when they are packing the city’s streets, however, I’m sure it’ll be quite an emotionally-charged experience – a moment of pure Liverpool pride.

Suzanne x

Suzanne Collins is an ambassador for the RunLiverpool Marathon, which takes place in the city on October 9. To register your place in the marathon, please visit www.runliverpoolmarathon.co.uk. For information on volunteering or performing at the race, call 0151 236 8432.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 13

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4 Moor Lane, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 7JY - formerly The Queen’s Arms -

Things to do, places to see

AUGUST 11

Emma Thompson finds some sizzlers for this summer’s schedule

BY DAY LIVERPOOL PRIDE

BY NIGHT hosting a Fab Four Family stage, in association with the award-winning Beatles Story. The Fab Four Family Stage will be a family friendly, alcohol-free zone where families can relax and enjoy fantastic Beatlesinspired music.

CREAMFIELDS

WATERFRONT

ISLA GLADSTONE CONSERVATORY JOIN in the bank holiday spirit on Monday, August 29 at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory Family Fun Day in Stanley Park. From 11am to 3pm, there will be bungee trampolines, donkey rides, a bouncy castle, face painting, various stalls, cup and saucer rides, a BBQ and plenty more!

MATHEW STREET FESTIVAL ON August 28 and 29, Mathew Street Music Festival will celebrate Liverpool’s Fab Four in a two-day music extravaganza featuring bands from around the world and the Merseyside region. The festival enjoys a strong Beatles and Merseybeat presence on each of the six outdoor stages and the Albert Dock is

BATTLE your way to something wonderfully wicked at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton on Sunday, August 7. From 11am to 5pm you can join the pirates as they battle for the Fort and search for the Mermaid’s Purse. Look out for the mermaids! This free family fun day will capture your imagination with a pirate parade, from Vale Park to Floral Pavillion, including scouts, guides and sea cadets all accompanied by a marching band. A staged re-enactment battle at Fort Perch Rock is sure to make an impact with cannons, muskets and sword fighting. There will also be themed sailing displays in the marine lake, plus a mermaid-themed family treasure trail.

GET ready to party in Daresbury, Cheshire as a fabulous range of acts and DJs take to the stage at Creamfields on August 26-28. Nearly sold out, this dance fest has an amazing lineup for all three days, including Mark Ronson, who after a four year hiatus returns to Creamfields behind the decks, performing a very special DJ set in the Annie Mac Presents Arena. There’s a huge host of others set to take to the stage such as Mark Knight, The Chemical Brothers, Sasha, James Zabiela, Eric Prydz, Tiesto, Joris Voorn, Sebastien Leger and Chicane amongst others. Call 0151 707 1309 or check out www.creamfields.com for a full line-up and ticket details.

WE WILL ROCK YOU THIS amazing production is sure to have Liverpool rocking, as Queen and Ben Elton’s musical We Will Rock You comes to the Empire Theatre. From September 6 to October 9 this rock extravaganza starring former Brookside actor, Leon Lopez, will delight audiences. Writer Ben Elton has fashioned a hilarious futurist comedy around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hit songs. Queen’s Brian May

WIN

THE BEATLES: LET IT BE STRINGS LIVERPOOL Cathedral is to play host to musicians from around the world at a unique unplugged Beatles event. The Beatles: Let it Be Strings will take place at 7.30pm on August 27, in the spectacular setting of the Well of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Presented by Liverpool’s own Victoria Sharpe, Let It Be Strings will feature classical musicians and critically acclaimed artists from Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK, playing Beatles favourites with a classical, lounge music and contemporary twist. Performers include Alexandra Hill, Penny Ladies, Marco Zappa, Dario Sorano and Swedish string quartet Qvartiett. Call 0151 702 7255 or visit the website www.cathedralshop.com for details.

Photo: Andy Teebay

MERSEY PIRATE MUSTER Photo: Howard Davies

THEMED ‘Summer of Love’, this year’s Liverpool Pride festival takes place at the Pier Head on Saturday, August 6. Celebrate all things lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) by dusting off those Rainbow Flags and getting ready to party. The Liverpool Pride march will start at St George’s Plateau at noon and lead through the city’s streets, past Lime Street, through Lord Street up to the Town Hall and down Water Street before arriving on the waterfront at around 1.30pm. The new site will be transformed with exciting live acts, side show performances, entertainment, music, market stalls, food outlets and bars. Plus, for revellers, Gbar and Garlands will join forces, producing a dance area near the Eberle Street venues. After the jam-packed line-up of events on Saturday, the festival will host Chill Out Sunday on August 7, with an extensive arts and culture programme featuring events at FACT, the Bluecoat and Tate Liverpool. Visit www.liverpoolpride.co.uk for details.

MATOU, Liverpool’s waterfront pan-Asian restaurant – with its great views and a rooftop terrace –is gearing up for a summer of celebrations at the Pier Head. The docks and Pier Head will host a spectacular season of events with a Sound and Light festival on August 14 (9pm-10pm) and August 15 (8.30pm-10.30pm), as part of Art on the Waterfront. There’ll also be a family-friendly daytime programme of activities throughout the weekend, including interactive animations, street performances and water-themed installations. Plus the Mersey River Festival takes place from September 8 to 16, featuring a Royal Navy visit, historic Tall Ships and Cunard Cruise Liners including the new Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary 2 passing by.

and Roger Taylor are music supervisors and Arlene Phillips oversees the musical staging and choreography. Ben Elton says: “We take the legend of Queen and create our own fantastical story of young kids battling the mighty corporations who want to suppress their individuality and their love of music. “They need a hero who can help them in their struggle, and we have two – the dreamer Galileo and the sassy rock chick Scaramouche. Guess who ends up winning?” Visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk for more information or to buy tickets.

SUMMER SHIVERS COMPETITION

YOU’LL be quaking in your seaboots with Shiverpool’s new family tour, Shiver Me Timbers. This theatrical, nautical experience is frighteningly family friendly, created especially for children. From August 4-25, at 8pm on Thursdays to Sundays, you can follow Long John Shiver exploring local pirate haunts as well as the hauntings of Liverpool, with theatrical performances and stories. Every adult (price £15) can bring two child shipmates for free. Shiverpool also has a new Hidden Histories tour, every Saturday throughout August at 2pm, at the Old Dock

Well outside John Lewis in Liverpool ONE. Tickets cost £5. Log on to www.shiverpool. co.uk or call 0151 709 2030 for details. We have two family tickets to give away for the chilling Shiver Me Timbers Tour, for a chance to win, answer the following question: Q: What’s the name of the pirate joining you on the Shiver Me Timbers Tour? Email your answer, name and daytime phone number to magazine@liverpool.com. Closing date August 8, prize must be taken by August 25. Maximum one entry per person.

MUST DO Must remember...

CLASSIC movies at FACT’s latest cinema programme – Culture Shock. Dedicated to bringing the best in cult films back to the big screen, the programme offers a heady mix of action, fantasy, horror and sci-fi. This Sunday (August 7) sees a double bill dedicated to the late-great John Hughes (The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), and coming soon will be a double helping of King Pin and The Big Lebowski. Visit FACT on Wood Street, www.picturehouses.co.uk or 0871 902 5737.

TO celebrate the creative grass roots scene of Liverpool at Above The Beaten Track: Honky Tonk festival on Saturday, August 27. Free at The Bluecoat, from 1pm – 9pm, the festival features live music and DJs, performance art, poetry and audio-visual spectaculars. In addition to Mellowtone and Beaten Tracks’ offerings, there will be stages hosted by Liverpool Acoustic, Lazy Genius and Draw the Line, and Culturepool will be returning once again. For more details visit www.abovethebeatentrack.co.uk

Photo: Andrew Teebayy

Must see...

Must have...

Must try...

JEWELLERY by Tarina Tarantino who offers a fabulous range of handmade jewellery and accessories, currently worn by A-list celebrities including Pink, Kelly Osbourne, Katy Perry and Cameron Diaz. Liverpool’s Alex Curran even popped into Peaches and Cream on Dale Street, which stocks Tarina’s range, to buy a few pieces from the gorgeous skull bracelet and earrings collection. Pop in to Peaches and Cream at 8b Dale Street in the city centre to see the fab jewellery selection.

THE newly-opened Indian restaurant, Jahan, in Melling. Located at the old Hen & Chickens pub on Prescot Road with a large car park and children’s play area, Jahan Restaurant and Bar brings fantastic tastes of Indian cuisine in a relaxed style. At its recent opening party, 250 guests enjoyed a Champagne reception, Indian buffet and entertainment from a local Bollywood dancer. Visit www.jahangroup.co.uk or call 0151 531 1789.

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The BIG interview Photo: Simon Warburton

always loved their food in Liverpool but I think it’s only recently that people from outside the area have started realising it, thanks to places like The London Carriage Works.” So, just where did it all begin for Simon? Rewind about 20 years and Simon was working part-time in a restaurant to support himself as a design student. He had never worked professionally as a chef and, despite a love of food, says he never had any aspirations towards being a chef. In fact, his journey to becoming the world-respected chef he is today began almost by accident, as Simon explains: “In 1990, me and a mate of mine bought a run-down restaurant in Didsbury and if I’m honest, we bought it so we could chat up girls! I had no intention of cooking but, once we opened, we realised we didn’t have any money to employ anyone so I ended up on the pans in the kitchen!” Twenty years on and Greens Vegetarian Restaurant has won numerous awards and is firmly established on the map as one of the region’s premier eateries, with another restaurant, Earle in Hale, opened by Simon in

“In 1990, me and a mate of mine bought a run-down restaurant in Didsbury and, if I’m honest, we bought it so we could chat up girls! I had no intention of cooking, but once we opened, we realised we didn’t have any money to employ anyone so I ended up on the pans in the kitchen!”

COOKING UP A STORM LIFE is extremely busy for Wirral-born celebrity chef and TV personality Simon Rimmer. Currently resident chef on cult BBC programme, Something for the Weekend, Simon is also gearing up for appearances at both the Southport Flower Show, from August 18-21, and the launch of the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival on September 3-4. Combine this with what he calls his ‘day job’ – working as a chef three or four nights a week in his two restaurants, Greens in Didsbury and Earle in Hale – then it’s no wonder Simon is such a busy man! He took some time out of his hectic schedule for a quick catch-up with Best of Liverpool, saying how excited he is about this summer’s foodie events in the North West. “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Southport Flower Show and the Liverpool Food Festival,” says Simon. “I’ll be doing some cookery demonstrations as well as meeting and greeting my fellow foodies, so what’s not to like? These events are always great fun and I love finding out about all the gorgeous

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

local produce that’s around and trying to integrate it into my cooking. “Every year I am blown away by the quality of the produce and food on offer in the North West. Statistically speaking, we have one of the most agriculturally diverse regions anywhere in Europe, making us naturally very food-focused. “I genuinely believe that, having done cookery demonstrations all over the world, our area is bucking the trend, with food festivals and markets growing in popularity when they are in decline in other places. Having entered the game slightly later than other regions, I believe that we are reaping the rewards now, which makes it all the more exciting.” So what food does Simon himself like? “I think you can’t beat a good, old fashioned Sunday roast or a steak, but if I had to pick what to eat for my last meal then, believe it or not, it would be a curry!” he laughs. “Whenever I’m in Liverpool, I always eat at The London Carriage Works, which I think has done a great deal to help put the city on the culinary map. People have

Photo: Gareth Jones

Sue Kelbrick meets the remarkably down to earth celebrity chef, Simon Rimmer

2006, also thriving. In the meantime, Simon’s television career has taken off, with appearances on the Great British Menu, Celebrity Mastermind and Saturday Kitchen, to name just a few, as well as his current stint as resident chef on Something for the Weekend. In addition, he has somehow found time to write four cookery books; The Accidental Vegetarian; Rebel Cook; Lazy Brunch and the Seasoned Vegetarian. Simon remains remarkably humble about his success, saying: “I consider myself to be very fortunate. Having made a career out of something that I love and being on telly certainly has its perks! In fact, I’ve just had a call from Blondie’s management team inviting me for drinks and canapés at her forthcoming gig at Somerset House – it doesn’t really get any better than that!” And what does the future hold for Simon? He says: “I’m in a great place right now but I haven’t really planned anything that’s happened so far, so I’m looking forward to, maybe, trying to plan things, so I don’t have to work quite as hard. “It would be nice to have some free time to spend with my family and doing things I love, like running and watching football, particularly Liverpool, who I’m a big fan of.” But, with more television work than you can shake a stick at and two ever-popular restaurants to run, as well as the possibility of opening another restaurant and a range of food products in the pipeline, it doesn’t look as if Simon will be getting time off anytime soon...

AUGUST 11

ONES TO WATCH RACHEL RAE Photo: Gareth Jones

HAVING graduated from LIPA in 2007, local actress, Rachel Rae has honed her craft in Merseyside theatres and appeared in cult TV shows Lunch Monkeys, Misfits and Scallywagga. The 26-year-old from Crosby is one of a new generation of acting talent to emerge from the city and this month the talented brunette will take a starring role in the Liverpool Shakespeare Festival. Returning after a year’s break, the festival promises to deliver Shakespeare for the 21st century. Retold with stunning fashion, breathtaking design and an original score by award-winning composer, David Ben Shannon, Romeo & Juliet will be the centrepiece of the 2011 festival presented by Lodestar Theatre Company. Rachel will play the title role of Juliet in the production, which will be staged in St George’s Hall. Speaking to Best of Liverpool at the festival’s launch, she says: “It feels incredible, it’s amazing, exciting and terrifying [to have a starring role in the festival]. I’m just completely overwhelmed to play what is essentially every young girls’ dream role and to do it in my home city and to do it with Lodestar is a massive opportunity.” Lodestar Theatre Company prides itself on showcasing local acting talent, as director and founder, Max Rubin, explains: “We wanted to start up a company that local actors would like to work for and prove that a company that only recruits local actors could produce world class work.” Rachel believes it’s important that Liverpool is home to organisations like LIPA and Lodestar, saying: “It’s most definitely important that establishments like LIPA exist. People in Liverpool are all performers, so to have a place to go to is fantastic and, for Lodestar Theatre Company to give people these opportunities is amazing.”

Having played Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream as part of the 2008 Liverpool Shakespeare Festival, appeared in Stags & Hens at the Royal Court and, more recently, TV sitcoms like Lunch Monkeys – Rachel is no stranger to performing on stage and screen. So how do TV and theatre work compare? “As an actor, TV and theatre are amazing in their own right,” says Rachel. “Working with Lodestar is more experience and it’s great to be home and to work with talented actors – it feels really challenging.” You can see Rachel in Romeo & Juliet at St George’s Hall from August 25 until September 11. For more information visit www.liverpoolshakespearefestival.com or call 0844 800 400 for tickets.

Photo: Chris moore

CHARLOTTE BARRY YOUNG Liverpudlian designer, Charlotte Barry is definitely one to watch. Having graduated from the prestigious London College of Fashion this year, the 22-year-old textiles designer was picked to take part in the London College of Fashion graduate show in June. Charlotte was one of just 25 designers chosen from over 100 Design and Technology graduates, to showcase her work at the exclusive VIP and press event. The show, which took place in central London on Tuesday, June 7 and was broadcast live online, is a fantastic platform for new designers to showcase their collections to the industry and launch their careers. A surface textiles designer, Charlotte did work experience in Philadelphia for six months, where she honed her skills designing prints for Anthropologie. Commenting on her collection for the London College of Fashion showcase, Charlotte says: “I love the colours – the whole collection is in a golden colour palette. I love looking at the detailing because I know how much effort went into creating it – I worked for three weeks on a sleeve seam which isn’t even visible but I know it is there! I love the literal feeling you have with embroidery and textiles, I love creating beautiful surfaces which encourage touch.” Charlotte, who says she gets her inspiration from “anything overly detailed, or too much for your eyes like Bauhaus and geometric shapes,” enjoys the intricacy of designing textiles, saying: “I love detail, when you are designing textiles it is different to the normal designing process, you really need to understand what you are working with. I also love colour, a bad shade can ruin a whole collection.” Charlotte’s attention to detail obviously paid off as she was presented with the Barnett Lawson Award for Best Use of Trimmings during the prestigious London College of Fashion showcase and received praise for the incredible detailing in her collection. Following her success at the prestigious catwalk show, Charlotte has spent her summer interning at a new, UK-based luxury brand whilst considering a number of work opportunities. The talented Liverpudlian designer is also thinking about further study at masters level, in the hope of being able to set up her own label in the future.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Interview

Photo: Colin Lane

ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT

AUGUST 11

Culinary wizard Marco Pierre White talks to Richard Lackey about his fabulous new Liverpool restaurant, childhood memories and the virtues of salad cream...

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Photos: Colin Lane

Childhood food experiences still strike a chord with the cooking genius, which leads us on to our chat about scrambled egg. Marco says: “Our palates are born out of our childhood. One of my favourites as a child was my father and mother’s scrambled egg. They would put some butter in the pan, crack the eggs into it and just puncture the yokes rather than whisk it up like people do. “When it was about two-thirds, three-quarters cooked, they would then put in a teaspoon of English mustard, sprinkle in grated Cheddar cheese, and when the cheese had melted I used to have it on toast and it would be the most delicious supper.” On that note I leave inspired knowing my scrambled egg will be the best yet! To find out more about the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill on Chapel Street, log onto www.mpwsteakhouseliverpool.co.uk or call 0151 559 0555.

Photo: Jason Roberts

HERE I am in Marco Pierre White’s new Liverpool restaurant, with the man himself telling me how to make the perfect scrambled egg. Not everyone can say they’ve had personal cooking tips from a Michelin star chef – even if it is only on how to make humble brekkie grub. But it sums Marco up perfectly. Far from his menacing and moody on-screen persona in ITV’s Hell’s Kitchen, the 49-year-old is a pleasant and chatty fella, happy to talk about “normal” food despite his impressive credentials. Marco is also very excited about his latest baby – the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill – a 130-seater restaurant set in the city’s new Hotel Indigo Liverpool, on Chapel Street. “It is important to create a menu which every sector of society can afford, as well as an environment where people don’t feel intimidated,” explains the chef when asked what he wants to achieve with his new venture. “The most important aspect of any restaurant is the environment you sit in, because if you don’t feel comfortable it doesn’t matter how good the food is, you’re not going back. And service with a smile is far more important than technical service. You go to some restaurants and the waiters are very technical. They are very good at what they do but there is no warmth there. The restaurant in Liverpool has got to tick all those boxes.” Marco has come a long way since his childhood days in Leeds. At just 33, the culinary maestro became the youngest and first chef, at the time, to be awarded three Michelin stars. He then put his spatula down and retired from the kitchen in 1999 to become a successful restaurateur. And last year, Marco Pierre White’s The Swan Inn, in Aughton, became another addition to his growing empire. So why Liverpool this time? “I think Liverpool is one of the great cities of Britain,” he says with confidence. “These big northern cities are fantastic, whether it’s Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool – but I think Liverpool is more impressive than all of them.” And, on the city’s thriving restaurant scene, which has exploded in the wake of the Capital of Culture year, he says: “That’s happened in all the great cities of the world. Restaurants now play a big part of everybody’s life. “We live very busy lives and the last thing you want to do when you’ve worked hard all day is go home and start cooking dinner. The beauty of the restaurant industry today is that you can eat very well at affordable prices, which wasn’t the case 30 years ago when I was a boy starting out. If you wanted to eat well you had to go to a smart restaurant or a posh hotel.” And that’s what Marco wants to create with the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill – affordable glamour! “I like food to be simple,” he adds. “We all like simple food. I don’t get posh. I like comfort food.” It’s Marco’s comfort foods that I really want to know about. Do Michelin star masterchefs ever go home and just make beans on toast like the rest of us? Or, is it gourmet delicacies every night of the week? “I can’t remember the last time I had beans on toast,” admits Marco with a pondering grin. “But I do like beans. If I came downstairs for breakfast tomorrow morning and they offered me baked beans, would I eat them? I suppose I would. “I do like Heinz Salad Cream. It’s one of my favourites. I use ham and cheese purely as a vehicle to have Heinz Salad Cream. I love it. When I was a kiddie on a Sunday night we used to always have whatever roast was left cold and carved with salad in the summer. And we’d have salad cream. In fact, eggs and salad cream is better than eggs and mayonnaise, every single day!”

“I think Liverpool is one of the great cities of Britain. These big northern cities are fantastic, whether it’s Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool – but I think Liverpool is more impressive than all of them.”

Food & drink

SENSATIONAL summer servings Paul Baker asks some of the region’s top eateries to share their recipes for alfresco treats perfect for a hot August afternoon... PICTURE the scene... it’s a baking summer’s day, you’re relaxing in the garden with the family or a few friends and you need some light and simple refreshments to keep everyone’s stamina from wilting in the sun. It’s a scene that will likely play out across

AUGUST 11 ICED GREEN TEA WITH HONEY AND LEMON For a non-alcoholic alternative to a refreshing cocktail, take a leaf out of tea’s book and tempt your friends and family with a cool glass of its namesake. Quick and easy to whip up on a warm summer’s afternoon, this iced green tea with honey and lemon is not only packed with antioxidants but it will keep everyone coming back for more. A perfect summer refresher, this tasty drink is best served alfresco.

Merseyside this month so we thought it wise to ask some local restaurants for recipe ideas, just perfect for alfresco treats. Mouth-watering indeed, so first feast on the photos and then try them out for yourself. Aren’t we good to you?

APPLE, WALNUT AND GORGONZOLA SALAD This yummy summer salad will be perfect for an alfresco lunch when the sun is beaming on your garden. Ingredients (serves two): 1 small bag of baby spinach 1 red apple 8-10 cubes of gorgonzola cheese 1 little gem lettuce Chives Honey 8 walnuts

For the salad dressing: Juice and zest of one lemon Half a teaspoon of English mustard One teaspoon of olive oil Pinch of salt and pepper Method: Dice the apple, removing the seeds. Wash salad leaves and place all of the ingredients into a bowl. Mix together all of the dressing ingredients and add to the salad.

Place all ingredients into a serving bowl, mixing in your salad dressing. Scatter walnuts and diced cheese over your salad. Drizzle with honey and garnish with chives. Recipe courtesy of David Sye, head chef at Gusto, 22 Edward Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool, 0151 708 6969.

Ingredients (to prepare a two-litre jug): 1.5L boiling water 5 bags of green tea 5 tbsp clear honey Juice of 1 lemon (extra to garnish) Handful of fresh mint Plenty of ice cubes Method: Pour the boiling water into a 2L jug over the green teabags and brew for five minutes. Remove teabags and stir in the honey while hot before leaving the mixture to cool in the fridge. Once cool, remove from fridge and add the juice of 1 lemon. Top up the jug with ice and pour into tall glasses. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy in the sunshine! Recipe courtesy of tea at Port Sunlight Museum, 23 King George’s Drive, Port Sunlight, Wirral, 0151 644 6466.

HOSTINI SUMMER COCKTAIL The HOSTini is a mouth-watering summery cocktail made with mandarin vodka, freshly squeezed carrot and lemon juice and a dash of gum syrup to sweeten it up a notch. It’s loved by Gary Manning co-owner of Host, who says: “It’s one of my personal favourites because it’s easy to make, absolutely delicious and so refreshing on a warm summer evening. It’s the perfect tipple to tempt your friends with.” Ingredients: 50ml mandarin flavour vodka

75ml freshly squeezed (or store bought) carrot juice 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice Dash of gum syrup (to sweeten) Method: Combine all of the ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Give it a good shake about. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve with a lemon peel garnish. Recipe courtesy of HOST, 31 Hope Street, Liverpool, 0151 708 5831.

PAN-FRIED SMOKED SALMON AND TARRAGON FISHCAKE Enjoy this sensational smoked salmon fishcake, garnished with a poached egg, for a real tasty treat while the weather’s fine. Ingredients (serves one): 75g smoked salmon 1g chopped tarragon 4 new potatoes Salt and pepper Olive oil Butter 50g spinach 1 egg 65g hollandaise sauce A sprinkling of flour

Method: Slice salmon into strips. Boil potatoes until soft. Allow to cool then crush in mixing bowl, add seasoning, salmon and chopped tarragon. Combine ingredients and shape into fishcake. Flour the fishcake. Heat a pan, add oil and knob of butter, once butter has melted add fishcake. Turn once brown. Heat a separate pan, melt a knob of butter and add spinach to wilt. In a separate pan, boil water and poach an egg.

Once fishcake is cooked, place on a plate/ bowl, add spinach then egg. Top with hollandaise sauce. Recipe courtesy of Russell Croston, head chef at The Living Room, 15 Victoria Street, Liverpool, 0151 236 1999.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19

Food & drink

AUGUST 11 Photos: Jason Roberts

LITTLEItaly Sarah Hooley discovers la dolce vita at Jamie’s Italian...

SUFFERING from a bout of post-holiday blues and a large dose of the-can’t-helpits, it was in search of a pick me up that my husband and I headed to Jamie’s Italian in Liverpool ONE. Opened last year, the stylish citycentre restaurant has quickly become a firm favourite on Liverpool’s dining scene. So, it was with high expectations that we made our way to the restaurant spear-headed by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Inside, industrial lamps, quirky mismatched tables, potted herbs, wooden walls and contemporary over-sized lights give the two-floor restaurant a warm rustic charm. And, there’s a lively ambience filled with chattering families, smiling shoppers and couples all enjoying a lazy lunch. Our table was seated in a lovely spot in front of large, sun-soaked bi-folding doors, and after ordering our drinks (a

fruity glass of the rosé Pinot Grigio and Castello beer, highly recommended by my other half) we got back to the important business of picking our food. The extensive menu is an excellent mix of classic Italian dishes with a chic twist. To start, my husband opted for the seasonal meat antipasti plank, while I chose the chargrilled bruschetta topped with oven-dried tomatoes cooked with basil, garlic and creamy ricotta. The chilled bruschetta and its rich smooth cheese was the perfect starter for a warm sunny day, but it was my husband’s dish that stole the show. A fact confirmed by the admiring glances and enviable stares it gathered whilst being brought to our table. The dish – stacked on top of two tins of Italian plum tomatoes – was laden with a generous selection of Italian meats, including Tuscan fennel salami, pistachio mortadella, San Daniele prosciutto and Schiacciata piccante, as well as mozzarella and pecorino cheese, a chilli jam, olives and a crunchy root salad that tasted as good as it looked. For the mains, we were equally spoilt for choice. Looking down at the list of pastas, risottos, fish dishes and meat options, we were tempted by the Bucatini Carbonara and Burger Italiano, but eventually plumped for the Wild Truffle Risotto and the Lamb Ravioli (from the

special’s board). My husband, a consummate meat-eater, was more than happy tucking into his home-made ravioli in a rich chilli-infused tomato sauce (diners interested can in fact see the pasta being made by one of the talented chefs on the way in). And, as my Nigella-esque hips testify, I’m most definitely a carb-lover so my Wild Truffle Risotto hit all the right spots with it’s creamy rice and aromatic truffle flavours topped with melted parmesan. By this point, it’s fair to say that our hunger had been well and truly satiated, but one look at the dessert menu and all resolve to resist melts away. The puddings on offer include Tuscan ‘Eat & Mess’, Chocolate & Espresso Tart and Creamy Pannacotta, yet after seeing a neighbouring table tuck into their dessert, we opted for The Ultimate Brownie. And we were certainly not disappointed. A soft and sticky delight of chocolate, raspberry and

KUDOS TO THEQuarter Emma Thompson relaxes in her chair to taste the delights at The Quarter HAVING heard many great compliments about The Quarter Restaurant and Deli, I decided it was time I followed in the footsteps of Yoko Ono and sample it myself! And I’m certainly glad I did. Even before we were shown to our table, I spotted the delicious-looking array of cakes behind the counter, and knew at some point it would be necessary to give them a try. Set on Falkner Street, off Hope Street, this deli-turned-restaurant doesn’t feel rushed. You could just as easily relax with a coffee reading the paper in the afternoon sun, as enjoy a three course meal with a bunch of friends. We took a seat in the window, which has a great view of the Anglican Cathedral, and I soon spotted the wine list – cleverly placed on an empty wine bottle. I opted for a delicious, refreshing glass of Blush Pinot Grigio and, as designated driver, my partner chose a Coke. Spoilt for choice looking over the menu, I selected the barbacoa from the special’s board and my other half chose

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

amarreto served with a scoop of vanilla

ice-cream, it all but melts in your mouth. Within 10 minutes, the last of our desserts are polished off and, as we finished our drinks, it was clear by the smiles on our faces and our contented sighs that we’ve had a good time. Just the right balance of stylish and sophisticated with a welcoming ambience and top class food – it won’t be long until we’re back again. the mackerel fillet nicoise salad – I’ll admit I had a touch of starter-envy when the dishes were promptly brought to our tables after being freshly prepared. I needn’t have worried though, my tapasstyle pockets of chorizo, black pudding and pork, cooked in red wine and served with warm bread, was delicious. And the mackerel salad got a big thumbs-up too! Moving on to our mains, I decided to try the pollo pasta, which was chicken and bacon in a rich and creamy mustard sauce, and even though it was delicious, I needed a little help to finish (I had to keep space for pudding after all!) My partner had opted for – from the special’s board – the veal meatball pizza, and what turned out to be a very good choice. After pinching a slice myself, we both thought it tasted fresh and flavoursome with bite-size mouth-watering meatballs on a gorgeous stone-baked thin base. After being enticed by the very friendly waiter, we chose our desserts. I went for the gluten-free chocolate, orange and almond cake, which I thought was gorgeous, with rustic-style sponge with bursts of orange flavour and chocolate chips. My other half picked the Lumpy Bumpy – a rich chocolate cream-style base mixed with dark chocolate and all coated in, you guessed it, chocolate. He thought it was delicious and even made a point of putting a photo of his dessert on Facebook, getting plenty of ‘likes’! With nothing to fault from start to finish – service, food and atmosphere were all top notch – as we headed home my partner was quick to announce: “I’ll be going there again.”

Food & drink

AUGUST 11

A true Italian experience

Christmas bookings g now bein taken

Franco’s

Revamped menu

THE BEST IN ITALIAN FOOD

Franco’s Restaurant is situated at 48a Castle Street in the heart of Liverpool. Open daily for lunch and dinner until 11pm on Saturdays Opening Times Franco’s is open six days of the week: Monday-Friday: 11.30am to 3.00pm Tuesday-Saturday: 5.30pm to 11.00pm Open All Day Friday!

Party Bookings Franco’s also offers the option of booking tables for parties from 10 up to 50 people. If you are interested in booking a party then please contact: bookings@baritalialiverpool.com Telephone: 0151 236 3375

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Homes

AUGUST 11 Folklore enamel tea/coffee pot, £14.99, from Strawberry Fool

High Tea recipe book, £9.99, from Lakeland

Time for Tea cups and saucers, £5 per set, from Tesco

Cupcake recipe book, £12, from Marks & Spencer

Coloured Folklore cake stand, £29.99, from The Contemporary Home

Hand-crafted recipes book, £14.99, from The Gifted Penguin

Time for tea

Boxed Liquid Happiness teapot, £19.99, from The Gifted Penguin

Sarah Hooley dons her pinny and finds the perfect ingredients to make a delicious afternoon tea... IT’S time to crook one’s pinky, dig out your pinny and celebrate the summer with a scrumptious afternoon tea! This loveliest of British traditions is the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth and treat yourself to a culinary mountain of exquisite cakes, pastries, sandwiches and tea. So, from dainty tea-cups and pretty teapots filled with the finest chai to elegant cake stands and cookery books packed with mouth-watering recipes, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite afternoon tea goodies guaranteed to fill your life with cakey-goodness. Who said you can’t have your cake and eat it? Keep Calm and Carry On tea cosy, £5.99, from www.creative-tops.com

Lsa Serve Cake Stand, £36.99, from www.drinkstuff.com

Pink Pip Studio teapot, £32.99, from Utility

Glass dome cake stand, £15.95, from Milk and Honey

Pressed glass cake stands, small £7.50 and large £10.50 or complete stack (as shown) £80, from Berry Red

Regency milk jug pink, £8.95, from Dotcomgiftshop

Golden rose £40, and spring meadow, £40, Royal Albert cup & saucer sets from John Lewis

Flutters & Fancies tea towel, £6.99, cake stand, £22.50, and tea-for-one set (includes tea pot, cup & saucer), £17.50, from John Lewis

Regency cake slice, £11.95, from Dotcomgiftshop

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 23

Back to school

AUGUST 11

Left to right: Girls’ two pack of pinafores, from £7; polo shirt, from £2; and leather heart detail shoes £15; frill blouse, from £4; jersey trousers, from £4; and flower detail shoes, from £6; cardigan, from £3, short sleeve blouse, from £3; flannel zig zag skirt from £7 and leather flower applique shoes, £12, all from Florence and Fred at Tesco

FINE FOOD AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY....

Girls’ polo shirts, £10, from Woolworths.co.uk

NOT two concepts that often go together but at John Lewis’s The Place to Eat, they do. Situated on the fourth floor of this flagship store, The Place to Eat offers a bright and airy eating space, with some stunning views over the Liverpool skyline thrown in free of charge. Photo: James Maloney

White blouse, from £2, from the Back to School range by George at Asda

Back to SCHOOL

Girls’ black school shoes, from £15, from George at Asda

Sue Kelbrick teaches everyone a lesson on the latest back to school fashion for boys and girls NO sooner have the kids broken up for the summer holidays than it’s time to start thinking about getting them kitted out for going back to school. As if you haven’t got enough on your plate just trying to keep them out of mischief...

Pack of five Fresh Feet ribbed short socks, from £5, from M&S

Demo Clyde leather strap boys’ school shoes, from £22, from Woolworths.co.uk

Personalised pencil case and stationery, £24.99, from Getting Personal

Girls’ ultimate non-iron shirt from £10 for three-pack and girls’ knitted bootleg trousers from £7, from M&S Back to School range

Boys’ Fair Trade cotton twopack polo shirt, from £4; and pleat front trousers, from £4. Girls’ Fair Trade cotton twopack polo shirt, from £4; and pleat skirt, from £4, all from Florence and Fred at Tesco

Girls’ bags and rucksacks, from £8, all from M&S

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

When I visited John Lewis in-store with my little family group which spanned no fewer than four generations – my three year old daughter Lauren my partner, his mother and his grandmother – the place was given a unanimous thumbs up, so the restaurant has certainly managed to achieve its aim of pleasing everyone. There is certainly plenty of choice with a number of separate counters offering everything from sandwiches, salads and snacks, hot main courses, fabulous pastries and cakes, and there is even a crêperie. Lauren selected a children’s hamper which was very reasonably priced at £3.75 and included five separate items (varying from sandwiches, healthy fruit and snacks through to crisps and chocolate as treats in order to keep both mother and daughter happy!) and a drink, as well as pencils and a colouring-in book, which kept Lauren entertained whilst we enjoyed our food. For the grown-ups, the hot dishes on offer ranged from a fish of the day through to staples like steak and burgers as well as a couple of delicious-sounding pasta dishes. And with a special offer of two main courses for £10 it was good value for money as well. We had a selection of the dishes between us and all were cooked to perfection and the empty plates at the end said it all! The last word has to go to Lauren who, when asked what the best thing about her meal was, said without a moment’s hesitation, that it was the crusts having been cut off her sandwiches! So, thanks go to John Lewis, for making one three year old girl very happy... Visit The Place to Eat, 4th Floor, John Lewis, Liverpool ONE. Open from 9am until 8pm, Monday to Friday, 9am - 7pm Saturdays and 11am - 5pm Sundays.

Children

TERRIFICTales

AUGUST 11

Get your children’s imagination racing with these wonderful books from Merseyside authors... DAISY DAWES GET AHEAD FRED Photos: Gavin Trafford

SHERYL WEBSTER WHAT THE SMALL RABBIT HEARD THROUGH her teaching and writing, Sheryl Webster, who lives in Mossley Hill, has a drive for encouraging a love of reading in children. Toddlers and parents will enjoy this book as Small Rabbit turns a simple walk into something much more exciting, such as jumping in the mud! You’ll soon realise ‘windy walks are lots of fun’. Also check out Tinysaurus, Noodle’s Knitting and Wee William.

GREGORY HUGHES UNHOOKING THE MOON Photo: PA Ph otos/Quercus

THIS cautionary tale is brought to life with beautiful handmade models and hand-written rhyming text, by Fred’s creator, Daisy Dawes. Daisy, from Wirral, has worked as a model maker on productions such as Harry Potter for Warner Bros, Pingu for Hot Animation and Rex the Runt for Aardman Animations. This children’s story will entertain as Fred has a hat for every occasion but, when the Queen comes to visit, Fred’s hobby lands him in hot water!

AUTHOR Gregory Hughes, who grew up in Upper Parliament Street, Toxteth, was awarded the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2010 for Unhooking the Moon, his first literary effort. This great book tells a story of orphans Rat and Bob on a perilous road trip from Winnipeg to New York. On their adventures, the brother and sister make friends with a hilarious con man and a famous rap star, and escape numerous dangers.

SHIRLEY HUGHES ALFIE GIVES A HAND SHIRLEY Hughes, born in West Kirby, is one of the most highlyrespected children’s authors and illustrators and has written over 70 books, including Dogger and the Alfie series, and illustrated many more by other writers. Celebrating 30 years, the Alfie books are well loved! In this story, Alfie is delighted to be invited to Bernard’s birthday party, although feels a bit nervous, soon he doesn’t even need his special blanket – and he makes a new friend too!

BRIAN JACQUES REDWALL LIVERPOOL’S Brian Jacques, who died earlier this year, is said to have wrote Redwall for the children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool. Due to the nature of his first audience, he made his style of writing as descriptive as possible, painting pictures with words. Redwall was the first in a collection which reached 22 books, the final being The Rogue Crew. In the Redwall story, all is quiet and peaceful for the inhabitants of Redwall Abbey, but the evil one-eyed rat warlord is ‘ell-bent on destroying the tranquility as he prepares to fight a bloody battle. This dazzling story, like the others in the collection, is packed with wit, wisdom, humour and blood-curdling adventure.

JON MAYHEW MORTLOCK CURTIS WATT CHILDREN’S HISTORY OF LIVERPOOL HAVE you ever wondered what it would have been like in Liverpool when the plague struck? How would it have felt arriving at Clarence Dock having escaped the Irish Potato Famine? This book, by Liverpoolborn performer and writer, Curtis Watt will uncover the important and exciting things that happened in your city. With a helpful timeline, fun imaginary accounts, cool old photos and amazing top facts.

Photo: Valerie Hackpil

A WONDERFULLY exciting, dark and gruesomely Gothic, middle-grade chiller, set in Victorian London, this book, by Jon Mayhew, who lives in Wirral, is perfect for entertaining children aged eight and over. For orphan Josie, life is good with Cardamom, the great magician who she performs an astounding knifethrowing act with. Then, three mysterious ‘aunts’ turn up, transforming into vicious, giant crows. Josie and Alfie will need all their courage and skills to save themselves and the world.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25

Great summer reads from

Call 0845 143 0001

visit www.merseyshop.com 26

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Children

AUGUST 11

Story time... Let your little ones get lost in a mystical world as Emma Thompson discovers exciting storytelling sessions around the city... GO KIDS PLAY CENTRE

museum’s Wondrous Place gallery featuring a ‘Tent of Stories’, which contains story boxes filled with books and props. What’s more, a ‘Tales of the Riverbank’ story throne sits in the window. Designed for two people, the story throne contains a book of specially created poems about the buildings, boats and scenery that can be seen though the window and the creatures that might inhabit them. Photo: James Maloney

THIS huge 12,500 sq ft building in Speke is packed with fun and adventurous activities for children, with soft play areas for babies, interactive slides and ball pools for toddlers. Plus, quad bikes, sports area, slides and challenging features for kids up to 12 years old. During term time, the Go Kids team also hosts activities through the week such as GoStorytime, where your little ones can enjoy a literary journey. There’s a wide selection of books for all ages and children are encouraged to choose their favourite story, ask questions, interact and enjoy educational learning. Log on to www.gokidsplaycentres.com or call 0151 486 9374 for details.

ALBERT DOCK IT’S all aboard for some fab family fun for this storytelling workshop at Beatles Story. Auntie Ann will tell a tale of meanies and mischief, and take you on a magical journey to the bottom of the sea in her ‘Yellow Submarine.’ Storytelling will take place on Tuesday, August 9 and Thursday, August 11, in the Chill Out area at 2pm and 3pm.

MERSEYSIDE MARITIME MUSEUM ON August 15, meet Merseyside Maritime Museum’s very own pirate to find out about a life on the ocean wave in an interactive storytelling session – Shiver Me Timbers – which takes place at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. In the Tom the May’s New Hero storytelling sessions, on August 6 at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, little ones can learn about Tom’s adventures on-board the sailing ship The Lady May. Whilst on August 4, 11 and 25, children can hear Emily Broughton Williams’ account of her fateful voyage on board the Titanic, at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

LADY LEVER ART GALLERY FOR something different for under fives, each ‘storysack’ at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, in Port Sunlight, looks at a different theme in the gallery like farm animals, St George and the Dragon, bubbles and picnics. Open 10am to 5pm, choose a bag at the information desk and get exploring!

WORLD MUSEUM

Photo: James Maloney

WITH free entry from 10am to 5pm, the World Museum on William Brown Street has plenty to keep kids entertained. The Treasure House Theatre has Death on the Nile for over fives and Molly the Friendly Blue Whale for under fives. August 13-21 is Wonderful World Week in the museum, with themed activities including the Green Man and Green Woman telling stories of ancient folklore, songs and dances. Photo: Paul Heaps

TALES AT TATE ON the first Saturday of each month, from 1pm to 3pm, your children can join poet and storyteller, John Hughes, in the gallery space at the Tate, Albert Dock. John performs strange tales for all ages, captivating an audience, leaving them with memories, anecdotes and stories to pass on to others. Plus, anytime during gallery hours, children can visit the family room where they can play and learn.

INTERNATIONAL SLAVERY MUSEUM

MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL THE newly-opened museum at the Pier Head already has a packed programme of events in place including regular storytelling sessions with demonstrations. Kids will love the

ON Monday, August 22, from 11am to 4pm children can enjoy Ouma (old mother) Monica’s South African Khoikhoi stories. Taking place at the International Slavery Museum in the Igbo Village room, there will be traditional tales of kindness and respect from South Africa, told through the experiences of a little boy called Nangamso and a host of mythological characters. Entry is free.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 27

GARDEN / FOOD / LEISURE

Entertaining

Vintage

18th-21st

The Th eme

AUGUST

...with Celebrity Gardeners & Chefs

Ticket Hotline

0844 847 1555

Inspiring

Su S urprising

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Out & about

AUGUST 11

THEaleTRAIL Paul Baker plans out some pub crawls through the city and finds the Mersey drinking scene in rude health

Now, I’m not someone who would shirk a long walk, particularly if I’m aware there’s a pint waiting at the end of it, but to walk halfway across the city to reach the next boozer, passing half a dozen perfectly good drinking dens on the way, well where’s the sense in that? And less time hiking equals more time supping. So I limited myself to the city centre – and split it into two crawls to relieve tired legs! That just manages to scratch the surface of the wealth of alehouses, fine hostelries and vibrant bars we can call our own, but it’s a start...

STUDENT ZONE PUB CRAWL

POGUE MAHONE IT’S worth a short walk to experience the obligatory craic at Irish bar, Pogue Mahone. If you don’t know what the pub’s name means then do Google it for a giggle. This is the place to come for a fine pint of Guinness and a cheeky tot of Jameson’s for the road. Aw, go on! 77 Seel Street, L1 4BB, 0151 708 8301.

DALE STREET PUB CRAWL SHIP AND MITRE WITH so many beautifully sculpted buildings housing our city drinking dens, the outside of the Ship & Mitre is a little uninspiring. But step inside and you’re welcomed into a sprawling bar with a nautical feel. Think of it as an old wooden galleon with a huge bar at its core, offering the finest selection of cask beers, draught lagers, fruit beers and bottled beers I’ve encountered in the city. The choice is simply staggering. The only problem in starting your pub crawl here is that you might not want to leave! 133 Dale Street, L2 2JH, 0151 236 0859.

A PROPER drinker’s pub this, with an L-shaped bar, two smallish rooms and bags of atmosphere. It may be the oldest surviving alehouse in the city (The Slaughterhouse competes for the title) and as such has its own ghosties. Friendly within and always with some nice guest ales on. Unusually, the beer here comes down from the room above, rather than up from the cellars. It’s like manna from heaven! 4 Hackins Hey, L2 2AW, 0151 227 3809.

THE LION TAVERN ONE of my favourite city boozers, The Lion is a great place to relax after a hard day’s work, particularly so on a Friday night when the landlord passes around a selection of cheeses and slices of pork pie. They have an excellent selection of ales and spirits and the pub itself is wonderfully designed, from the mosiac tiles and ornate wood and glass that surround the serving hatches at the rear of the island bar, to the amazing stained glass cupola in the rear domed room. Fantastic and a great place to wind up your pub crawl! 67 Moorfields, L2 2BP, 0151 236 1734.

THE VERNON ARMS THE rather fine Reverend James is a regular beer on tap at The Vernon and warmly recommended it is too, but there are five other ales to choose from, along with Fruli and Hoegaarden on draught. Re-opened a few years back, good atmosphere prevails in both the front room and rear lounge and, if you happen by on a Friday night, I can heartily recommend the selection of triangular cut sarnies that are passed around the drinkers. Mmmm, tuna butty. 69 Dale St, Liverpool, L2 2HJ, 0151 236 6132.

Photo: Gareth Jones

BIER KELLER A BIT different to most of the other establishments on Dale Street, the recently opened Bier Keller is well worth a mention and a visit. A basement bar, they’ve got all sorts of different beer here. There’s a massive choice of bottled ales and lagers to choose from, plus draught and cask too. Laid out with German-style benches on one side and friendly booths on the other, this is a great addition to the Scouse drinking scene. 40-46 Dale Street, L2 5SF, 0151 255 0056.

Photo: Martin Birchall

TUCKED away off Hardman Street, the Roscoe Head is a real find. Cosy in every way, from its intimate bar to its little front room with ornate fireplace, where you can happily sup and talk Scouse philosophy until last orders. There’s even a teeny weeny snug to the side of the bar which apparently measures just 12ft by six. Snug is definitely the word for it! 24 Roscoe Street, L1 2SX, 0151 709 4365.

Photo: Howard Davies

ROSCOE HEAD

YE HOLE IN YE WALL

Photo: Howard Davies

THE PHILHARMONIC DINING ROOMS THE Phil pub is a world away from the down to Earth charms of The Caledonia, with its grand lounge, ornate bar and Grade II listed men’s toilets (tours are available). The architect of this place also designed the Liver Building and its lavish interior invokes images of a luxury liner of yesteryear. Indeed, in the foyer is a plaque dedicated to the musicians who played on board the doomed Titanic. It may look imposing from the outside, but you can expect a friendly welcome and a quality pint inside this popular hostelry. 36 Hope Street, L1 9BX, 0151 707 2837.

Year, high praise indeed! 13 Hardman Street, L1 9AS, 0151 708 0817.

Photos: Jason Roberts

THE CALEDONIA IT’S all about atmosphere in this great student pub. You might catch a great live band or get into conversation with one of the many characters who prop up the bar. Expect good service and some decent guest ales, with around four to choose from. This is fast becoming one of Liverpool’s favourite pubs, so if you haven’t been for years, it’s time to return. A great place to start or finish your crawl at. 22 Caledonia Street, L7 7DX, 0151 708 0235.

The Philharmonic Pub

Photo: Eddie Barford

IT’S a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it... When it came to me having to come up with some cool pub crawls around my fair city, I admit I thought: “This’ll be easy – there’s loads of great pubs to mention, and I’ll no doubt have to re-sample a few.” I soon realised that, while this was definitely true, the sheer wealth of choice actually makes it a very difficult task! A recent night out made me realise how blessed we are when it comes to drinking culture. But how to mention all these great establishments in one pub crawl?

FLY IN THE LOAF THE name and the signage adorning the facade of this fine Hardman Street establishment relates to the building’s former life as a bakery. But there’ll be no flies on you if you opt for a pint from its rather lengthy bar, because you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to guest ales (with upwards of five to choose from), and a huge selection of imported bottled beers. What’s more, in 2007 it was named Radio 5 Live’s Pub of the

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 29

Heading over to…

AUGUST 11 Photos: Photo:Andy ColinTeebay Lane

HIDDEN GEMS CALDERSTONES PARK, ALLERTON Photo: Colin Lane

The REAL

ONE of Liverpool’s best kept secrets has to be the stunning Calderstones Park. It may be smaller than its larger neighbour, Sefton Park, but Calderstones makes up in grandeur what it lacks in size. Located in leafy Allerton, this open space is ideal for the family, boasting a number of attractions including a lake, children’s playground and Harthill Botanical Gardens, which houses almost 4,000 different species of plants. The park’s other notable landmark is the ancient Allerton Oak – a huge tree said to be 1,000 years old! Calderstones also plays host to the annual Liverpool International Tennis Tournament every June, attracting the legends of the sport. Calderstones Park, Menlove Avenue, Allerton, L18 3JD.

birthplace of

The Beatles Richard Lackey heads to South Liverpool to sample its unique charm and Fab Four links...

SUDLEY HOUSE, MOSSLEY HILL

Photo: Martin Birchall

EVER wondered what goes on behind the scenes at one of Britain’s busiest airports? Well now is your chance. Liverpool John Lennon Airport now provides tours, allowing visitors access to all the landside facilities from Departures to Arrival and Security Control. The guided tour is ideal for plane-enthusiasts or anyone simply interested in learning about the ins-and-outs of one of Europe’s fastest growing airports. Welcome refreshments are included in the price, and advanced booking is recommended. For further information, call 0151 907 1622, or email receptionist@liverpoolairport.com.

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songs by the Fab Four. But away from 1960’s rock and roll, you’ll soon realise that South Liverpool has so much more to offer. Lark Lane in Aigburth is a shopper’s dream – a bohemian retail experience, famous for its one-of-a-kind boutiques, bistros, cafés

South Liverpool’s jewel in the crown – Sefton Park – is the beating heart of the community, and the place to be. Liverpool’s answer to Central Park, this green oasis in Mossley Hill serves up 200 acres of beautiful Grade II-listed parkland, popular with joggers, walkers and those looking for an escape from city chaos. The park looks stunning, whatever the season, and a visit to the Grade II-listed, three-tier conservatory Palm House is highly recommended. So, whether you’re a dedicated beatles’ fan keen to explore the Fab Four’s former stomping ground, you want to enjoy a boutique shopping experience or soak up a bit of café culture, a visit to the beautiful south won’t disappoint. Photo: James Maloney

AIRPORT TOURS, LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT, SPEKE

SOUTH of the city lies a trail of hidden treasures just waiting to be unearthed. While the centre of town might be the focus for many tourists, the areas of Aigburth, Allerton, Mossley Hill and Woolton, among others, can serve up an alternative and unforgettable Liverpool experience. Not only is it the true birthplace of The Beatles – undoubtedly the single most influential pop group of all time – but the area boasts some of the region’s best open parks, not to mention amazing shops, pubs and restaurants. For the Beatles’ fan, South Liverpool is like what a sweet shop is to a child. In other words, every corner you turn, you are sure to find a place with some sort of a connection to the iconic band. Woolton boasts many Beatles landmarks for the die-hard fan or the discerning rock and roll buff, the highlight being 251 Menlove Avenue (nicknamed Mendips) – John Lennon’s childhood home. Lennon lived in this humble semidetached until his early twenties and it is now a National Trust property. Woolton’s St Peter’s Church is also the place where Paul McCartney and Lennon first met in 1957, and its churchyard is home to the grave of Eleanor Rigby, believed by many to be the inspiration for the 1966 Beatles’ hit. Another National Trust treasure can be found at 20 Forthlin Road in Allerton – McCartney’s childhood abode. While many say the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool’s Mathew Street is the birthplace of the band, others would argue that 20 Forthlin Road deserves that accolade, as it was here that The Beatles wrote their first songs. Other connections to the band can be found at the Strawberry Field children’s home in Woolton and Penny Lane in Allerton, which are both immortalised in

Photo: Colin Lane

ART lovers will be amazed at what they’ll uncover at Sudley House in Mossley Hill. This 19th century property houses a sensational art collection, including masterpieces from the likes of Gainsborough and Turner, Romney, Millais and Rossetti. The collection was that of Victorian ship merchant, George Holt, who moved into the property in 1883, and it remains the only merchant art collection in the UK still in its original setting. Sudley also hosts a program of contemporary exhibitions throughout the year, and its grounds and tea rooms have, in recent years, undergone an extensive refurbishment. Sudley House, Mossley Hill Road, Mossley Hill, call 0151 724 3245.

and bars, and a welcome alternative from the usual high street staples. Likewise, Allerton Road in Allerton is arguably one of the top shopping destinations outside of the city centre. A popular place with locals, the street offers a huge selection of shops, pubs and places to eat, and has recently undergone a major revamp, making it even more of a must-see location. For those seeking a quieter pursuit,

Best of South Liverpool 1st

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23 Woolt St quality et Woolt Village Liverpool. 0151 428 1281 to our valued customers Purveyor of premium free range Scottish meats: Aberdeen Angus Beef • Scottish Pork • Orkney Island Gold Lamb• Free Range Chicken • Wild Balmoral Venison We also make our own gold award winning sausage (including gluten free) and black puddings: dry cure our own bacon and supply our own cooked meats and pies, as well as offering an excellent selection of oven ready meals and stir fries, all of which are prepared freshly on the premises. The Scotch Beef Shop prides itself on stocking all fresh produce on the bone to ensure the meat matures for at least twenty one days under temperature controlled conditions, to maintain the consistent true quality of the produce. email: scotchbeefshop@hotmail.co.uk web: www.thescotchbeefshop.co.uk 23 Woolton Street, Woolton Village, Liverpool. 0151 428 1281

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