Best of Liverpool Magazine - January 2013 by Liverpool Post & Echo

SUPPLEMENT

WINNERS

COLDSET COLOUR SUPPLEMENT OF THE YEAR!

LUCKY NUMBER

Merseyside celebrities share their plans for 2013

COMEDY GOLD

OF LIVERPOOL JANUARY ISSUE 2013

Stan Boardman says the oldies are the best

NEW YEAR NEW YOU How to look good and feel great

WINTER WARMERS Look hot in jazzy jumpers

SUPER FOODS

Parkour champions Airborn Academy leap into action with big plans for 2013

HEAD OVER HEELS

Eat yourself healthy

LITERARY LIVERPOOL//FREE FAMILY FUN//RESTAURANT REVIEWS//FASHION HAIR TRENDS//WHAT’S ON GUIDE//HOMEGROWN TALENT//TALK OF THE TOWN

WIN R BUMPE ION T TI COMPE ON! EDITI

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Contents

BEST

JANUARY 13

JANUARY 13 22

O F L IVERP O O L

06-07 SHOPPING FOR HER Spring goes into graphic detail 08 SHOPPING FOR HIM Wondrous winter woollies

WINNERS: COLDSET COLOUR SUPPLEMENT OF THE YEAR!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

10 MEN’S HAIR Top trends for 2013 11 MALE GROOMING Treatments of a manly sort 12 SALON SPOTLIGHT Putting toning treatments to the test

GET IN TOUCH

NEW YEAR

13 RESOLUTIONS What’s in-store for our city stars? 14-15 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Step towards a healthier lifestyle

Welcome... LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton DEPUTY EDITOR Katie McLoughlin WRITERS Paul Baker, Sarah Hooley, Sue Kelbrick, Richard Lackey and Katie McLoughlin PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers FRONT COVER PHOTO Jason Roberts DESIGN Vicky Andrews, Colin Harrison COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR Sally Jones SALES MANAGER Ros McGuire

COPYRIGHT Best of Liverpool is published monthly by Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales/ Liverpool ECHO. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

04-05 TALK OF THE TOWN City news and gossip

FASHION

THE 2012 NEWSPAPER AWARD

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

NEWS

HAPPY New Year dear readers – let’s hope it’s a good one! How was your Christmas? Personally, a few too many Quality Street were consumed and I may have partaken in the odd thimble of Baileys... Realisation hit on the first day back to work when I thought they may have to widen the door frames to let me in... I am now on a mission to get fit and fight the flab. I’ve said it before but this year I am going to do it – oh yes I am! It’s the start of a new year and I am all buoyed up with enthusiasm and vigour – well perhaps we won’t go that far but Richard’s article on health and nutrition on pages 14-15 has given me food for thought, not to mention the yummy yet healthy recipe on page 25. Plus I could always cheat... See how Katie got on when she tried some toning treatments in a bid for a slimmer silhouette on page 12. There’s so many pretty spring fashions to squeeze into – see Sarah’s peek into seasonal styles on pages 6-7. Although it doesn’t feel like spring with this frosty weather... Fellas can wrap up warm with our selection of jazzy patterned jumpers on page 8. Plus for the menfolk, we bring you the latest trends for blokes’ barnets and some washbag essentials – no more slappy slappy chop chops with the old Brut! We all start off the New Year with good intentions and our celebs are the same. Paul finds out their plans and resolutions for 2013 on page 13 and we discover what

ENTERTAINMENT comedian Stan Boardman and panto star Adam Keast are up to on pages 20-21. We hope you like our cover shot courtesy of those daredevils at Airborn Academy. The shot was kindly (and bravely) posed for by parkour world champion and Liverpool lad done good, Ryan Doyle – he reveals his ambitious plans for the Academy on pages 16-17. Meanwhile, the less adventurous amongst us may prefer to curl up with a good book at this time of year. See our review of must-reads with a local flavour on page 18. If you’ve got cabin fever after being cooped up with the family over Christmas, see our guide to what’s on in the region on page 19, plus Sue has some excellent but cheap ways to keep the kids amused on pages 22-23. We at Best of Liverpool love a bit of wining and dining. See our restaurant review on page 26, and we even got to escape over the festive season – for review purposes (well one has to get one’s perks!). Find out where we sneaked off to on pages 27-29. And because we’re such generous sorts, we bring you a selection of cool competitions to fill your boots with! Happy 2013!

16-17 FREE RUNNING Airborn Academy are flying high 18 LITERARY LIVERPOOL Read all about it 19 WHAT’S ON January jaunts 20 MILKING IT Adam Keast has all the white stuff 22 STAN THE MAN Boardman has funny bones

CHILDREN

22-23 FUN FOR FREE Cheap, child-friendly activities

FOOD & DRINK

24-25 FOOD FOR THOUGHT Detox diet must-haves Break the resolutions in style 26 RESTAURANT REVIEW A taste of Moroccan magic

TRAVEL

27 LIVING IT UP City apartments put to the test 28 LUXURY RETREAT Heavenly Hillbark 29 SO NEAR, SO SPA Stylish retreats right on our doorstep

COMPETITIONS Michelle Rushton, Best of Liverpool Editor

30 IN IT TO WIN IT A chance to win some fabulous prizes

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03

Talk of the town

OutANDabout

From swish soirées to festive gatherings, launches and more, Katie McLoughlin takes a look at what the city’s glitterati have been up to...

R NEW ROYAL A GLAMOROUS GATHERING SOME of Liverpool’s most stylish ladies and gentlemen turned out on Friday, December 7 for Carolyn Hughes PR’s annual charity Christmas Lunch. Held in Gusto at the Albert Dock, the event, which is now in its fifth year raised over £3,000 for Wirral WITCHES (Women in Touch with Claire House). Guests at the chic soiree included former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon and footballers’ wives Alex Gerrard, Dani Lawrence, Shauna Muamba, Jude Cisse, Nicola Carragher and Laura Warnock among others. Carolyn Hughes, managing director of Carolyn Hughes PR, says: “Our Christmas lunch is the success it is because it’s supported each year by such a lovely bunch of people. They tell me that our lunch means that Christmas has officially started and everyone that comes along is here for a party.”

THE great and the good of the city helped to raise festive cheer and around £4,000 for the new Royal appeal, as the Royal Liverpool University Hospital hosted its Christmas Carol Concert last month. Guests at the event in St George’s Hall included Deputy Lord Mayor, councillor Gary Millar, and Hollyoaks star Ashley Dawson. The carols were led by the Liverpool Community Choir as well as pupils from Booker Avenue Junior School and the Trust’s very own hospital choir. The sell-out night was held to raise money for ‘R’, a new Royal appeal to help provide the very best facilities at the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital, which is expected to start construction next year.

DELI DELIGHTED AWARD-WINNING deli and restaurant Delifonseca ended the year on a high as owner, Candice Fonseca was crowned Businesswoman of the Year at the prestigious Forward Ladies’ Women in Business Awards 2012. Candice, who started the business more than six years ago, was also crowned Retail Woman of the Year at the annual event, which aims to recognise the achievements of professional business women in the North West of England and the Isle of Man. She says: “We’ve had a fantastic year as a business and to win these two awards is the icing on the cake. The standard of nominees throughout the 12 categories was overwhelming so I honestly couldn’t believe it when I won the coveted final award of Businesswoman of the Year 2012.”

We’re loving... NEW FLAVOURS ‘TIS the season to try new things, so if you’re searching for flavours to tantalise your tastebuds, try this cookbook which explores the lesser-known culinary delights of Burma. Bordered by India, Bangladesh, China and Thailand, Burmese cuisine is exciting, eclectic and influenced by its surrounding countries. Part cookbook, part travelogue, ‘Burma: Rivers of Flavour’ gives an insight into Burma’s culture and features 125 mouth-watering recipes plus travel tales from the author, local customs and cooking techniques. Packed with exciting flavour combinations to awaken your tastebuds, the book features recipes like sweet yet tart pork belly stew and sticky-rice sweet buns with coconut. Published by Artisan, Burma: Rivers of Flavour by Naomi Dugoid, is priced at £25, available from Amazon and good book shops.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

A GEM OF A NEW LOOK AFTER a major refurbishment, 108 Bold Street, which was formerly Ludus Bar, reopened on Friday, December 7 with a new look, a new name and a new theme. The ground floor of the venue is now Sapphire Lounge, an elegant Art Deco styled bar, while downstairs is now Dillinger’s Bar. Hidden away behind a door disguised as

a bookcase, Dillinger’s has a real speakeasy feel and serves signature cocktails along with a house punch, which is served in vintage teapots and teacups. The VIP launch, on December 7, was well attended, with guests – including Best of Liverpool – sampling the bars’ signature cocktails, house wines and a selection of tapas and sharing platters.

CHANNELLING OUR INNER EDIE

THE NEW LUSH SPA

MAKE-UP and art come together as one in NARS’ new Andy Warhol collection. Inspired by the cult pop art figure, the limited edition collection features an array of sets inspired by Warhol’s muses, like an Edie set which has everything you need to recreate the original Factory Girl look. Presented in an authentic 16mm film canister, the set, RRP £54, includes a Film Star Pure Matte Lipstick in 60s nude pink, Edie Eyeshadow, Carpates Eyeliner Studio in black and a Deep Throat/Amour Blush Duo – a shimmering, sheer peach blush and a matte peachy pink blush. We also heart the Warhol Self Portrait Eyeshadow Palettes, RRP £39.50, which feature variations on Andy Warhol’s 1967 painting, Self Portrait. Available from www.narscosmetics.co.uk and in Harvey Nichol’s Beauty Bazaar, Liverpool ONE.

FEELING less than fresh after the festive season? Well, get yourself down to the new LUSH Spa on Whitechapel for some pampering with a difference. Opened on December 14, the new LUSH store and spa is a spa like no other, with a series of mood-altering treatments created in collaboration with a behavioural therapist which are designed to work on all the senses and transport you into a better state, physically and mentally. We heart Lush’s holistic approach and fresh, handmade ingredients and especially love The LUSH Sound Bath treatment – a head and scalp massage and a hot and cold stone facial featuring ear candling, tuning forks and singing bowls – which is designed to help you clear your mind. For shop details and LUSH online contact 01202 668 545 or online at www.lush.co.uk

JANUARY 13 FASHION FUNDRAISER

TASTE OF THE MED

LAST month saw Vivienne Westwood Liverpool host an in-store event at Cavern Walks to raise money for The Marina Dalglish Appeal. A Champagne reception kindly provided by Bar twentyfive, welcomed guests to the event, which was a great success. Loyal customers and VIPs attended the event and 10% of sales during the event were

A NEW Mediterranean restaurant opened on Queen Square last month, with a glitzy launch to mark its arrival on the city’s dining scene. Gecko’s invite-only launch event saw over 150 guests sample the venue’s relaxed ambience and Mediterranean cuisine. The brainchild of Chris Hamblin, who owns nearby Buffalo Jacks and Coffee Crew as well as Savina on Duke Street, Gecko believes in keeping the food simple, so that the quality of the ingredients shines through. The launch saw guests informally explore the two-floor restaurant, café bar and deli to see how owner Chris has transformed the venue, which formerly housed The Italian Kitchen. Guests also enjoyed a taste of the Med, with platters of olives, bruschetta, monkfish and chorizo kebabs, lemon and rosemary chicken skewers and stuffed peppers all washed down with some very quaffable wines. Chris said: “We wanted everyone to appreciate various aspects of Gecko – from the deli and café bar, to the fast-casual style a la carte experience. We were overwhelmed by the feedback from the night.”

donated to the appeal, which raises money to help improve cancer care received by patients in the local area. Guests were also invited to celebrate the store’s recent refurbishment and preview Vivienne Westwood’s Spring Summer 2013 collection. The boutique is a regional destination for Westwood’s collections.

A HAIRY EXHIBITION

JUST THE TONIC

A 15-STONE dress made entirely out of hair is being exhibited in the Walker Art Gallery. Created by Ryan Edwards, an artistic director from Voodou, the dress is worth a staggering £50,000 and took over 300 hours to make. Some 250 metres of hair were hand-styled and dyed by Ryan to create the dress, which includes 1,500 crystals and 12 underskirts. Ryan acquired the help of dressmaker and star of Channel 4’s Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, Thelma Madine and her team to make the dress, which was originally showcased at The Alternative Miss Liverpool pageant in Liverpool as part of Homotopia last year. Ryan says: “When we made the dress in 2011 it was a chance for us to show our creativity and it’s a fantastic feeling to see the finished product on display in Liverpool one year later.”

IN THE GOOD BOOKS THE writer of the Cobra Good Curry Guide books, Pat Chapman, was in Liverpool on December 3 to sign copies of his latest book and present an award to Aigburth Road restaurant, The Gulshan. The Gulshan has once again been noted in the Cobra Good Curry Guide 2013, with Mr Chapman naming the long-established family-run restaurant as ‘Best in Merseyside’. To celebrate, the Gulshan hosted a reception for loyal customers on December 3, which Mr Chapman attended for a book signing and to present the award to the restaurant. Jad Rahman from The Gulshan, whose grandfather opened one of Liverpool’s first Indian restaurants in 1961, says: “Our family are extremely proud of this award and would like to thank Mr Chapman for considering us in the first place.”

LIVERPOOL nurses enjoyed a right royal treat at Urban Calm last month when the inner city spa hosted its first Nurses Christmas Night for staff from the Royal Liverpool Hospital. The nurses were pampered from head-totoe by the therapists at UrbanCalm, in the MetQuarter, then taken to a Champagne reception at The Living Room, on Victoria Street, where X-Factor finalist Chris Maloney surprised them with a visit. The exclusive evening was in recognition for the medical staff’s hard work

throughout the year and especially for giving up time with their families to work on Christmas day. Nicola Byrne, director at Urban Calm, says: “The nurses from The Royal Liverpool Hospital were a delight to have at our MetQuarter salon and we’re thrilled to have brought Christmas early for them by pampering them with manicures, pedicures, massages and facials. “They are so selfless by sacrificing spending time with their families to care for patients and work on Christmas day.”

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 BEERS FANCY going around the world in 80 beers? Well, now you can at a new Bavarian-themed venue in Liverpool ONE, which has a Round the World Bar where you can sample some 80 beers – as well as a Shooters Sports Bar and the main room, The Bierkeller. Set in the old Zelig’s Restaurant, facing the Hilton, The Bierkeller Entertainment Complex opened its doors before Christmas. Guests at the launch event enjoyed draught German beers served in steins by staff in traditional clothing, authentic German food and were given ‘passports’ at the ‘Around the World in 80 Beers Bar’ where exotic beers and delicious food from around the globe is served.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05

Shopping for her

FASHION FORWARD From sherbet lemons to striking graphic prints, Sarah Hooley looks at the latest trends this spring/summer...

Orange handbag, £24.99, from Get The Label

Outfit from Debenhams

F&F Aztec print jacket, £22, and trousers, £16, from Tesco

WET, dark and bitterly cold – here’s not much to like about January. Except, that is, for the eagerly anticipated arrival of this spring/summer’s oh-so-pretty fashions. So, what can we expect to see? Key looks for the season include feminine pastel shades, floral prints, 60s-inspired designs and cropped length trousers/jackets. Keep a look out for sheer fabrics, mesh, iridescent detailing and beading too. Obi belts, kimono tops and exotic cherry blossom prints were also a staple with many designers on the catwalks, plus pencil skirts (time to perfect that wiggle) are big news and offer an easy way to update your work wardrobe. Neon colours and bold graphic prints are also set to be huge for the early part of 2013. Opt for cobalt blues, hot pinks, blazing oranges or acid greens as well as bold monochrome stripes. But be warned, a little goes a long way. A splash of colour on your clutch or a statement necklace is a great way to incorporate the trend without going overboard. Favoured by the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier and Philip Treacy, there’s inspiration from the 80s too. Think strong shoulders, slouchy blazers and oversized knitwear associated with icons like Boy George, Madonna and Michael Jackson. As for footwear, it’s all about low heels, mirror effect materials, chunky heels, and believe it or not, even trainers made a number of appearances on the catwalk. However, if you can only afford to splash out on one new outfit, make it a shorts suit. All over the runway, they’re practical, wearable, and versatile and no spring wardrobe is complete without one. Here are a few of our must-have buys from this season’s collections....

Blazer from H&M

Mood bird ring by Jon Richard, £8, from Debenhams

Adidas Originals trainers, £24.99, from Get The Label

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Aztec sequin clutch, £22, from Very

Monochrome dress and handbag, from Marks and Spencer

JANUARY 13 Sheer maxi dress, from H&M

SURVIVAL OF THE SAVVIEST

Geisha Peony silk scarf, £12, from Accessorize

IF the thought of braving the sales brings you out in a cold sweat, you’re not alone. But love them or loathe them, the January sales are a great way to pick up some bona fide bargains. And Kirsty Tye, fashion advisor at John Lewis, says there’s nothing to fear – it’s all about being a savvy shopper. “Sales shopping needs to be strategic – you need to think about what is going to stand the test of time and enhance your existing wardrobe,” she explains. “We encourage women to approach the sales with a wish list of investment pieces such as a wool blend coat, a tuxedo jacket or a pair of timeless brogues. That way you can immediately take a more focused approach.” Here are her handy top tips to survive the sales: 1. Before you hit the shops, go through your wardrobe to see if you’re missing any key pieces, like a classic tailored blazer or a pair of winter boots. 2. Make a list of things you need, so you won’t splurge on impluse buys in the sales. For example, if you’ve been dreaming of a great leather biker jacket, the sale is the time to buy one. 3. Make sure you only buy things that suit your style and fit properly. In the sales, size and fit is vital. It is pointless buying something simply because it has been reduced. 4. Invest in great accessories. Sales offer the perfect opportunity to buy some really great jewellery or a classic leather tote. 5. Arrive early to get the best sale buys.

South dress, £27, from Littlewoods

Betty Jackson. Black kimono jacket, £45, from Debenhams

Outfit from River Island

Outfit from Debenhams

John Lewis’ expert fashion advisors will host complimentary ‘survive the sale’ appointments until January 10, and be on hand to help customers select the most wearable and desirable sales pieces. To book an appointment, call John Lewis at Liverpool ONE on 0151 709 7070.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 07

Shopping for him

JANUARY 13

WINTER WARMERS As it’s the time of year to wrap up in your woollies, Richard Lackey discovers men don’t have to compromise on style just to stay snug... WE are in the midst of the cold season and it’s essential to protect yourself from the elements. The high street is full of cosy items to keep us fellas warm, from jumpers and cardigans to scarves and gloves. Don’t be afraid to layer up and don’t shy away from bright colours and retro patterns to spice up your winter wardrobe. Cosy Nordic patterns also continue to be popular with blokes of all ages. Be practical and stylish! Red Herring, stripe Fair Isle jumper, £35, from Debenhams Left, graphic jumper, £60, from Urban Outiftters

Reindeer fur trapper, £6, from Primark

Above, navy snowflake crew neck jumper, £24.99, from Blue Inc Navy Nordic beanie, £9.99, from Blue Inc Fair Isle pattern scarf, £18, from Next

Navy toggle shawl neck cardigan, £26.99, from Blue Inc

Grey Aran nep cardigan, £29.99, from Blue Inc

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Polar bear gloves, £12, from Next

WHAT’S ON ft. Dani Harmer, Lisa Riley, Michael Vaughan and Louis Smith

ft. James Arthur, Ella Henderson, Jahmene Douglas, Rylan Clark, Christopher Maloney and groups Union J and District3.

29-30 January

6 February £32.50

£35.00 - £65.00

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

Classical Spectacular ®

MUSIC • LIGHTS • LASERS • FIREWORKS

16 March 2013

©Disney

£27.50 - £34.50 Family Ticket £82.50 - £118.50 27 February - 3 March 2013 £13.00 - £36.00

Harlem Globetrotters

Cirque Du Soleil - Alegria 30 October - 3 November £50.00

28 March £12.50 - £40.00

Olly Murs 13 + 27 March £32.50

Il Divo & Katherine Jenkins 10 April

£35.00 - £85.00

Ronan Keating

Donny & Marie Live

Justin Bieber

2 February 2013 £40.00 - £70.00

The UK Baby & Toddler Show 2 - 3 February 2013

£12.00 (£15.00 on the day, Under 16s free) BT CONVENTION CENTRE

ER TH O

Little Mix

3 February 2013 £19.50 - £29.50

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

SOLD OUT

13 February 2013 £25.00

Mark Knopfler and Band

National Gay Wedding Show

CBeebies Live presents

19 May 2013 £41.00 - £45.00

Justin & Friends

Walking With Dinosaurs

4 April 2013 £13.00 - £29.50 (Family Tickets Available)

22 - 26 May 2013 £25.00 - £45.00

NE-YO

RENT 20th Anniversary Concert

Snooker Legends

8 March 2013 £36.00 - £40.00

27 April 2013 £26.50 - £35.00

3 March 2013

£12.00 (£15.00 on the day)

ER TH O

BT CONVENTION CENTRE

Special Guest Tulisa

The Script

Jesus Christ Superstar

With Benga Live, P Money and DJ Micky Slim

Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics British Championships

(Family and Children’s Tickets Available)

Arenacross

Adult: £19.00 - £39.00 Child: £10.00 - £29.00 Family: £49.00 - £89.00

18 May 2013 £39.50 - £45.00

22-24 March 2013 £10.00 - £30.00

9 March 2013 £29.50

10 February 2013

Alicia Keys

20 March 2013 £42.50

24 February 2013

8 February 2013 £29.50 - £37.50

Example

Girls Aloud

David Price v Tony Thompson 23 February 2013 £40.00 - £95.00

With Special Guest Brian McFadden 1 February 2013 £33.50

15 March 2013 £30.00 - £65.00

One Direction

17 & 31 March 2013

Ft. Kerry Ellis and Rory Taylor

1 June 2013 £15.00 - £20.00

McCoy’s Premier League Darts 2 May 2013

Tiers: £20.00 Floor: £35.00 - £40.00

KUGB Presents The WSKA World Shotokan Karate Championships 28 - 29 September 2013 Day: £20.00 Weekend: £30.00

Eddie Izzard

Jessie J

Force Majeure

5 May 2013 £35.00 SOLD OUT

Leona Lewis 15 May 2013 £35.00 - £55.00

4 November 2013 £25.00 - £32.50

Brit Floyd Presents P-UL-S-E 2013 9 November 2013

£10.00 - £29.50 (Gold Circle £39.50)

Micky Flanagan

Back In The Game Tour

12 November 2013 £24.50 For The Love Of Mrs Brown

Starring Brendan O’Carroll

26 - 30 November 2013 £21.50 - £39.50

Diversity Limitless

4 December 2013 £23.50 - £33.50

JLS

9 December 2013 £25.00 - £33.50

Miranda Hart

My What I Call, Live Show 25 March 2014 £27.50

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW!

echoarena.com/signup

...NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! All ticket purchases are subject to a ‘per ticket’ booking fee and a handling fee. Tickets are subject to availability.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Health & beauty

CUTTING IT Mike Bennell, senior stylist at Zoo Salon, gives Richard Lackey his predictions on what hairstyles are going to be big for men this year...

THE QUIFF Left long on top and cut shorter on the sides, ask your stylist to fade the edges for a tighter finish. To style, spray in a texturising spray, such as Evo Mr Fantastic, blow dry to add volume, then finish with Evo Haze Powder. This will give a dry hold and texture. Think, Union J.

Louis Smith sporting the disconnected top heavy style Photo: PA

Union J Photo: PA

MALE hairstyling is an industry in itself these days thanks partly to celebrity blokes sporting headline-grabbing coiffures. From the quiff to the military, you name it, there are more styles than you can shake a pair of scissors at, but what’s going to be hot in 2013? Best of Liverpool consulted one of the city’s finest scissorhands, Mike Bennell, from Zoo Salon on Hackins Hey (off Dale Street), to find out what will be cutting it in the coming months. Mike has styled Liverpool’s smartest ladies

and lads for years, has worked as a platform artist for L’Oreal as well as artistic director for Liverpool Fashion Week, been nominated at the British Hairdresser of the Year Awards, and groomed a string of celebrities in the process. Summing up the new year trends for gents, he says: “The best example of what is hot at the moment would be Union J from The X-Factor. These boys are rocking the on-trend looks for 2013!” Here are Mike’s predictions...

Mike Bennell of Zoo Salon Photos: Andrew Teebay

THE SWEEP Ideal for curly hair, leave it longer and with your fingers apply a serum to damp hair and just drag the hair into place. Again, think Union J.

DISCONNECTED TOP HEAVY For this look, ask your stylist to take the back and sides to the bone leaving a strong, defined separation between the top and sides. The top should be cut fairly short. Finished with a shiny wax such as Evo Crop Strutters. Think Louis Smith.

GANGSTER This is all in the styling. Apply a strong hold gel then comb the hair straight back to create a side parting and just leave it! Think 1920s gangster.

E L A S now on!

50%

OFF JOINING FEE

FREE Health Check & Personalised Gym Programme FREE Guest Pass Worth £15 GET 12 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 11 WHEN JOINING ANNUALLY Crowne Plaza, St. Nicholas Place, Pierhead, Liverpool L3 1QW

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Expiry 31st March

JANUARY 12 FOR THE ADONIS THE must-have beauty products for every man’s washbag... Modern Friction Face Scrub, RRP £31 for 125ml, from www.origins.co.uk Clarins Men Line Control Balm – an all-round youthboost for the skin; £70 for 50ml, from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE

Fresh faced

The team at Karidis Medispa (from left) Caroline Farr, Natalie Gregson, Deborah Vine, Jenna Erikson and Jan Houghton. Left, Richard enjoys a HydraFacial

Richard Lackey visits the Karidis Medispa at Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar, for a HydraFacial, and discovers, it’s not just a woman's world... AS someone who never dabbles in facials and the like, I have to admit I was somewhat nervous visiting the Karidis Medispa at the new Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar in Liverpool ONE. Like most men, the mere mention of nonsurgical procedures is enough to bring me out in a cold sweat. And my anxiety only grew further when I was introduced to the odd-looking machine that would be used for my 'HydraFacial'. But I need not have worried because the whole experience was surprisingly relaxing, and, dare I say it, enjoyable!

A HydraFacial is said to be suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and combines a number of processes including cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection. The treatment is believed to make your skin look smoother immediately, getting rid of fine lines, wrinkles and blocked pores in the process. The procedure involves a HydraFacial applicator, which look like a big pen, and the practitioner applies over your skin in a scribbling motion. This contraption basically blasts cleansing

fluids – including a mild acid at one point – onto the skin, before vacuuming away any dead skin and other debris into a container. Now that may sound slightly painful, but it isn’t at all. The lovely Jasmine really took good care of me for the hour or so I was at the Medispa, and gently used the apparatus around my face while we chatted away about everything from Christmas to relationships. It was really that informal and not scary at all. The only slightly uncomfortable moment was during the glysal chemical peel (using a blend of salicylic and glycolic acid), which was akin to that tingly feeling on your lips when you suck on a lemon; nothing too unbearable. And don't let the words 'acid' and 'peel' put you off. Jasmine explained that the peel part of the facial uses an acid which comes in different strengths, and as this was my first time, I would be having an extremely mild variant. My face was a little flushed following the treatment, and shinier than a recently polished shoe. But come the next morning I actually did notice a difference in my appearance. I pride myself on not having particularly bad skin – keeping it simple by drinking plenty of water, eating lots of greens, getting as much sleep as I can and using a hot flannel usually does the trick – but I was definitely sporting an even healthier glow on the commute into work the next day and the weeks following. Jasmine told me that plenty of men visit

S AL E

the Medispa and, along with the usual female clients – including a sprinkling of celebrities – come from all walks of life and all ages. One thing they all have in common will be a pocket full of disposable cash; the HydraFacial isn’t cheap, and a recommended three sessions will set you back £289. Having said that, if you fancy treating yourself – and we all deserve a treat every once in a while – then it is worth every penny.

Clinique Dark Spot, RRP £39.50 for 30ml, from cliniqueformen.co.uk

Fire Fighter – takes away the burn after shaving; RRP £16 for 50ml, from www.origins.co.uk

WHERE IS IT?

Karidis Medispa is inside Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols, on the second floor.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

The Karidis Medispa in Liverpool is the first dedicated Karidis Medispa to be opened outside of London. Opened last November, the Medispa offers a range of non-surgical treatments for the face and body, including skin tightening, hair removal and dermal fillers.

Elemis Daily Moisture Boost Cream, £27.60 for 50ml, from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE Murdock London cologne, £70 for 50ml, from John Lewis, Liverpool ONE

CONTACT:

Karidis Medispa, Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols, Liverpool ONE, 16 Manesty’s Lane, Liverpool, L1 3DL. Tel: 0845 606 0342

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Health and beauty

Setting the tone

REJUVENATE WITH late nights a plenty, alcohol and indulgent food, the party season can wreak havoc on your skin. Revitalise it with these skincare saviours...

Katie McLoughlin puts toning treatments to the test, in a bid to get back to her pre-selection box self... LIKE many people, I get a little carried away at Christmas. Buoyed with festive spirit, I usually spend December lurching from one party to the next, gorging myself on none-too-healthy food and embarking on a one-woman campaign to boost the local economy by buying present after present after present. And the odd dress or two. Consequently, I usually spend January ruing my silly season silliness, with a credit card bill almost big enough to rival Greece’s national debt, bloated, tired and a lamentably larger figure. So, with my Christmas calorie intake weighing heavy on my bathroom scales, I booked myself in to Nicola Harris Beauty, in south Liverpool, for not one, but two treatments to tackle my festive overindulges.

The treatments – a Rodial Tummy Tuck (£15) and a Rodial Bum and Leg Shaper (£60) – promise to tone my tummy, tackle bloating, improve the appearance of cellulite and perk up my posterior, without me having to lift a finger. May sound too good to be true, but anything that can help me cheat my way to a better figure is worth a try in my book. The salon, which is housed within a converted former bank, reopened in March last year, and specialises in cutting-edge facials, massages and beauty treatments from prestige brands like Rodial, Guinot, CACI and Crystal Clear. Rodial treatments are a particular area of expertise for the lavishly appointed salon, which offers the brand’s coveted Sculpt,

Freeze and Bright facials, as well as a number of Rodial body treatments. “Rodial treatments are some of our most popular because they give instant results and that’s what many clients want these days,” says Nicola, when I arrived at her Greenbank Road salon. “The Rodial Leg and Bum Shaper is great for removing impurities and toxins which can cause cellulite and for tackling water retention, it’s not a pleasant treatment – but it gets results,” explains Nicola, who has built up a cult following among Liverpool’s beautiful people during her 20 year career. After explaining both treatments, Nicola began by exfoliating my legs and derriere with a dry body brush in a sweeping motion, up from the feet towards the heart to eliminate toxins, get the blood circulating and exfoliate. This, Nicola advised, is something that should be done at home regularly to help improve the appearance of cellulite. Next, she used an invigorating body scrub to remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin, before applying a cold compress. This combination helps to tighten and tone the skin. Rodial’s Crash Diet gel was then massaged in. A cult product, Crash Diet helps to tone the skin and tackle water retention. A slimming oil was then vigorously applied, and this was the part of the treatment that Nicola had warned me about – though not painful, it wasn’t a relaxing, pleasant experience. It began with the oil being rubbed in, then progressed to a pummelling massage to work deep into targeted areas, followed by a lighter massage to encourage lymphatic drainage. Vigorous massage over, and with my legs and bum suitably pink, Rodial Bum Lift was applied, which smoothes the skin and has a temporary firming and toning effect. Next came the Tummy Tuck treatment, which is ideal after over-indulgences, as it helps to alleviate bloating, tone and plump up the skin. The Tummy Tuck featured body brushing and exfoliation, application of the Crash Diet gel, then a massage and a final application of Rodial Tummy Tuck product, which smoothes and tones the skin.

When environmental toxins, dirt and debris get under your skin, pores get clogged and skin loses its lustre. This Clear Improvement™ mask, RRP £20 from Origins, features charcoal to draw out deep dwelling porecloggers, white China clay to absorb environmental toxins and lecithin to dissolve impurities

To complete the treatment, Nicola gave me a Tummy Tuck Stick – a sachet containing a blend of green clay, fennel seeds and a prebiotic fibre – which is mixed with water then drank. The drink, she advised, doesn’t have the nicest of tastes, but it helps to alleviate bloating. From Slendertone belts to toning tables and body wraps, I’ve tried many a lazy girls’ way to a slimmer silhouette and, I must say, these treatments delivered good results – albeit with short term effects. A great way to kick-start a new, healthy eating regime or give yourself a boost for a special occasion, the treatments left me feeling svelte with my skin noticeably smoother and firmer.

Since it launched last March, Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ MegaBright Skin tone correcting serum has garnered quite a following – especially in the Best of Liverpool office. An innovative serum, it’s clinically proven to instantly brighten skin, improve clarity and radiance, while fighting both the cause of skin discolouration and the visible signs. RRP £46 for 30ml A reviving, mineral-rich facemask, this BB Seaweed mask, £5.95, from Lush, contains fresh seaweed, cleansing kaolin, antiseptic honey, calming aloe vera and rose absolute, to cleanse, soften and beautify your skin Clinique’s new Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, RRP £28 for 100ml, has an ultra rich, luxurious cream formula that delivers intense hydration to the skin while you sleep, leaving it soft and supple in the morning

WHERE IS IT?

The sumptuous salon is housed within a converted bank, just off Smithdown Road.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Anti-ageing facials, massages and innovative body treatments are all specialities at this prestige salon, along with waxing, lashes, nails and tanning.

Get your glow back with this Pure Instant Radiance Skin Exfoliator, £6, from Marks & Spencer

CONTACT:

Visit: Nicola Harris Beauty, 2 Greenbank Road, Liverpool, L18 1HN Call: 0151 733 3363 Log onto: www.nicolaharris.co.uk

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HOPES AND DREAMS FOR 2013 As it’s that tricky time when we all make our New Year’s resolutions, Paul Baker looks for inspiration from some Mersey celebs... THE new year is a great time to wipe the slate clean, go back to the drawing board, take aim and change your life for the better. For some, it’s clear what their resolutions need to be, but

JANUARY 13 RESOLUTION REVOLUTION IDEAS to inspire the new you...

STUB IT OUT

Lee Butler, DJ “I’m awful at New Year’s resolutions but I have one this year that drives me mad and that I’m determined to stick to – to stop getting up in the night and eating. I’m the world’s worst for wondering downstairs in my boxies at 4am in the morning and eating rubbish... It’s got to stop!”

Digsy, lead singer of The Sums “To record The Sums’ second album and hope that the ale improves in the Holy Name Club in Fazak!”

others may need inspiration. So Best of Liverpool asked some local personalities to share their hopes, dreams, and their resolutions for 2013. Happy new year!

Suzanne Collins, actress “I’m going to do my best to pack in smoking. “My dad, Richard, died from lung cancer recently and I want to do this with him in mind. “I know the lessons, but it’s hard to quit. But he was like my best friend, and it made me remember that family is most important, and that we should cherish the people we’ve got here on Earth.”

Leanne Best, actress “I’ve been threatening to do it since I was about 16 but this is the year I shall attempt to learn to play the guitar, (all I have to do now is find someone foolish enough to agree to give me lessons!)”

Eric Nixon, Tranmere Rovers FC goalkeeping legend “My resolution is for my family to stay healthy, my autobiography ‘Big Hands, Big Heart’ published by Trinity Mirror to be a best seller, and for my former Merseyside team Tranmere Rovers to keep up the good results and get promoted this season.”

Tommy Scott, lead singer of Space “My New Year’s resolution is to be around to make it to next year’s resolution!”

Stephen Fletcher, actor “After such a great year with my new company, Life In Theatre Productions, 2013 could be even more exciting. My main hope is to be happy, healthy, and doing good work with good people – oh and to get a holiday!”

IF quitting smoking is on your to do list, a starter kit like this is the ideal introduction to switching to electronic cigs. This pack includes the equivalent of 80 cigarettes, a rechargeable battery and USB charger. E-Lites E80 Regular Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit, £23.96, from www.waeplus.co.uk

HIT THE GYM WHEN it comes to getting fit, the gym is one of the best places to do it. Instructors are on hand to structure and supervise your training and gyms have a range of equipment designed for a range of fitness needs. So whether you want to tone, lose weight, or build muscle, it makes sense to hit the gym.

GET FIT AT HOME FOR those who don’t fancy the gym, Wii Fit Plus is great for the winter months when the weather doesn’t allow you to get out and exercise much. If you have a Nintendo Wii, this product can monitor your physique, BMI, centre of gravity, and calories burnt through fun games and exercises. Nintendo Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board, £69.99, from Amazon.co.uk

CLOCK ON

Leanne Campbell, actress and Juice FM presenter

Tina Malone, actress

“So excited about 2013! My threeyear-old son Joseph will meet his new brother or sister so I am hoping for its safe (uncomplicated) arrival! My New Year’s resolution is the same every year – to slow down, but maybe that can be shelved again until 2014!”

“I hope to get pregnant; to stay healthy; for all my family and friends to be safe, happy and healthy. My resolutions are to stop smoking, walk more, and pass my driving test.”

Garry Christian, lead singer of The Christians “To learn all there is to know about social media and its benefits, show more appreciation to my band for all their hard work and commitment and try to be more affectionate to my partner (something I struggle with, but its never too late to compromise!) “

THIS GARMIN Forerunner 10 watch is ideal to help keep track of how you’re doing in the gym or out running. Monitor speed, rhythm, distance covered and calories burned. Virtual Partner allows you to share and analyse your progress online with others. Priced £98.52, from www.waeplus.co.uk

LEARN A NEW SKILL WHY not improve yourself by taking some classes this year? Perhaps choose something you’re already interested in, like dancing or learning a language. Some people choose a course that could help them with a new career, such as hairdressing or creative writing. Or, with the current popularity in taking and sharing photos, why not learn more about the craft and art of the camera?

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 13

Health & fitness SNUFF THOSE SNIFFLES

SAY goodbye to the common cold with a diet of these immunestrengthening fruits and vegetables, suggested by Rebecca Greenberg.

CHICKEN SOUP

Known as nature’s penicillin, not only is homemade chicken soup high in protein and B-vitamins, but it also helps clear clogged airways and gives you energy.

VITAMIN C

Make sure you consume plenty of citrus fruits to increase vitamin C intake. Drink orange juice for breakfast, snack on grapefruit, kiwi and oranges, or add green peppers and potatoes to salads.

GINGER

Ginger root is an excellent healer and can help treat coughing and fever that often accompanies colds and flu.

FLUIDS

Keep well hydrated with plenty of liquids, avoid coffee, fizzy or sweetened drinks and have plenty of water and pure fruit juice.

GARLIC

Garlic acts as a decongestant and also acts as an antioxidant and destroys free-radicals.

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Happy new you! It’s the new year and, as Richard Lackey discovers, looking your best and feeling good in 2013 doesn’t have to be a slog... HERE we go again! January is here and everyone, it seems, wants a complete body overhaul. If that’s you, then Best of Liverpool has contacted a few people in the know, whose simple tips and titbits will have you looking and feeling a million dollars in no time. Liverpool health consultant, Rebecca Greenberg, knows everything there is to know about nutrition and wellbeing and abides by that old mantra, “you are what you eat”. Rebecca’s holistic-based approach to nutrition will help you lose those few extra pounds you put on over Christmas, regain energy levels, manage stress and improve sleep – and that’s without having to succumb to punishing regimes and gruelling diets.

Here she tells us her simple steps to a nutritious lifestyle, as well as advice on fending off those pesky winter colds, and a delicious, healthy recipe that won’t pile on the pounds. We’ve also enlisted the help of Jane Woodhead, a personal trainer and one of Merseyside’s first female boxing coaches who has trained young boxers to national competition level, who gives us her essential exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home. For more nutritional advice or a personal consultation with Rebecca, email her at healthnut@live.co.uk, or follow her on Twitter @BeccaNutrition. Further details about Jane and the exercise programmes she can offer are available from www.smartbootcamp.co.uk

Health consultant Rebecca Greenberg

NUTRITIOUS NEW YEAR REBECCA Greenberg shares her 10 tips on achieving the body you’ve always wanted... l Don’t calorie count; instead, opt for a healthy, balanced diet. l Eat small, regular meals; going hours without food makes your body think you are starving and it starts to store fat for reserve. l Cut down on alcohol. l Drink plenty of bottled water. l Do not overeat; it takes your brain 20 minutes to realise you are full so take your time. l Incorporate fruit, vegetables or salad at every meal. l Avoid all processed foods; most are laden with hidden sugar, fats and additives. l Think like a hunter-gatherer; eat foods our body is designed to eat, for example, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats and wholegrains. l Cut down on the caffeine; too much of it causes stress to your body and too much stress dumps a ring of fat around your middle. l Say no to refined sugar; sugary foods raise insulin levels, which causes fat storage.

JANUARY 13

FIGHTING FIT Photo: James Maloney

Here are Jane Woodhead’s 10 exercises to really kick-start your new year... Jump pushing the legs out in front of you, keeping them straight and aim for a 45-degree angle. Straighten the arms in front of you in-line with the legs.

SQUATS

PRESS UPS

To really work those glutes (bottom) and legs try some squats. Feet hip distance apart, flex through the hips and push the bottom back as you squat – really focus on the glute muscles, weight in the heels and make sure your knees do not push forward in front of your toes. Go as low as you can, try to make at least 90-degrees and think about the movement as if you were about to sit down. Repeat 15 times, take a 60 second rest. Do three sets.

You have alternatives. These can be done on your knees or toes. Knees should be positioned back from the hips. Hips and shoulders remain square to the front. Hands slightly wider than the shoulders. Try to do 15 and then take a 60 second rest. Do three sets.

LUNGES

TRICEP DIPS

Focusing on the legs with lunges; step forward with one leg and take the back knee towards the floor at a 90-degree angle. Ensure the front knee does not push forward over the toes. Keep it at 90 degrees. Do 15 on each leg and take a 60 second rest. Do three sets.

Lying on your back, keeping your lower back tucked into the floor – do this by really bracing your abs and core. Either place your hands behind your ears or across your chest. Slowly come up for three and lower down for three. Keep your shoulders off the floor. You only need to come up as far as it takes so you feel your abs working. Try 15 with a 60 second rest. Repeat three times.

STAR JUMPS

BURPEES

BACK RAISERS

To raise the heart-rate try 10 star jumps. Ensure your heels go down and your hands meet in the middle above your head. Alternate your star jumps with 10 high knees on each leg. Try to raise your knees as high as you can, at least to the level with your waist. After each set take a 60 second rest. Do three sets.

Try 10 with a 60 second rest. Repeat three times. Ensure you drop to the floor in the press-up position and then star jump every time.

Lying on your stomach, hands behind the ears. Lift the chest off the floor slowly and lower back down. Repeat 15 times and take a 60 second rest. Do three sets.

PIKE JUMPS

Note – always ensure you warm up before starting any exercise routine, plus a cool down and finish with stretches.

SIT-UPS

Try 10 with a 60 second rest. Repeat three times.

BUMS & TUMS Lying on the floor with the knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Keeping shoulders on the floor, push up through your glutes and hips so your glutes raise off the floor. Repeat 15 times and take a 60 second rest. Do three sets.

Use a chair, hands at the side of the body, lower the body slowly down and back up. Keep your back close to the chair, legs either bent in front of you or if you want to make the exercise more difficult, straighten the legs. Repeat 15 times and take a 60 second rest. Do three sets.

LENTIL AND SPINACH CURRY DELICIOUS and good for you – try Rebecca’s lentil and spinach curry for a healthy and wholesome meal for four... Ingredients: l 128g / 1 cup dried red lentils l 2 cloves crushed garlic l 1 onion, peeled and chopped l 2 handful mushrooms, washed and chopped l 2 large carrots, chopped l 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped l 1 small bag spinach l 1 tin chopped tomatoes l 1 tin reduced fat coconut milk l 1 tsp turmeric l 2 tsp cumin l 2 tsp garam masala l 142ml vegetable stock

Method: l Place the lentils in a large pan of water and bring to the boil. Leave to cook for about 20-25 minutes or until they have gone soft. l Fry the garlic and onion in a small amount of olive oil for about 2 minutes, then add the mushrooms, sweet potato and carrots. l Leave to cook for about 5 minutes then add the turmeric, cumin and garam masala (chilli powder can be added for an extra kick). l Cook the spices for 1 minute then add the chopped tomatoes, coconut milk and stock. l Leave to simmer and, when the lentils are ready, drain and add to the curry. l Leave to simmer for 15-20 minutes and just before you are about to serve stir in the spinach and mix well leaving to cook for a further 2-3 minutes. l Serve the curry with wholemeal pitta breads or chapatis.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 15

Cover story

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Michelle Rushton meets freerunning champion Ryan Doyle to find out his ambitious plans for Liverpool’s thriving Parkour scene

IF there’s one thing Ryan Doyle doesn’t lack, it is get up and go. The Parkour world champion and Red Bull global celebrity has buckets of the stuff and as we conduct our interview in the atrium of Best of Liverpool towers, he is casing the joint looking for places to perform his amazing acrobatics. I have to admit, after spending half an hour with Ryan and his brother Anthony, I find their enthusiasm infectious and there is nothing these guys can’t achieve – they’re so full of energy and drive. Ryan and Anthony are directors of Airborn Academy, training themselves and others in the art or Parkour and freerunning at their temporary base in Park Road sports centre in Toxteth. And Ryan is a global celebrity. Now in his 10th year of Parkour, he is not only twice world freerunning champion but a Hollywood movie star and pin-up of Extreme Sports media and has travelled the world. He explains how it all began: “I was a crazy kid growing up. I didn’t take to football like all the others. I started getting into gymnastics and martial arts, trying to find something different. Then I got into tricking and won the national tricking champion four times.” For those of you who are unaware (I had to Google it!), tricking is a high energy

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

sport which consists of kicking, flipping, twisting – combining elements of martial arts, gymnastics and breakdancing. At the time, Ryan was at university studying for his degree in media and television production and was fascinated with Jackie Chan. “I used to follow how he used his environment to his advantage in his movement and started making showreels of myself.” Then he discovered Parkour. Basically, Parkour means moving from one place to another, negotiating the obstacles in between. Clarifies Ryan: “Freerunning is about

moving from A to B but when you get to your location, you adapt to it and use movements you know including wall flips, floor tricks, flat land tricks, bar and vault tricks and much more. You can mix and match and be creative. “I started getting into Parkour as it was in demand by commercial brands and music videos. It seemed to be the way forward. It wasn’t too hard for me to adapt to it. I had always been doing Parkour and freerunning. I just didn’t know what it was called. “Basically I’m self taught – mixing martial arts, gymnastics and

breakdancing and have learned a lot hanging round various movement scenes in Liverpool.” Using his media skills, Ryan made a Youtube film of himself which led to his big break. He reveals: “I got an invitation to the Red Bull-Art of Motion in Vienna – the biggest international free running tournament in the world and I won first place.” Unfortunately, Ryan broke his leg at the tournament, snapping his tibia and fibula and had to have metal plates inserted. But that didn’t stop him. “I have a really cool comeback story,” he

JANUARY 13 “Freerunning is about moving from A to B, but when you get to your location, you adapt to it and use movements you know”

grins. “I met an American guy in Vienna and we put together a TV series. We got the green light to film it and went and stayed in LA for four months shooting a full season on MTV’s Ultimate Parkour Challenge. This led to Ryan’s movie debut in Freerunner the movie where he starred alongside Danny Dyer and Sean Faris. Says Ryan: “I was living in Cleveland, Ohio, choreographing all the action scenes, doing stunt coordination and training the actors, then they asked me to play a lead character – Finch the bad guy!” During this time, Ryan gained quite a following and was offered a contract with energy drink company Red Bull to be their first Parkour athlete which has led to him travelling the world. He has just finished filming a Seven Iconic Wonders of the World Tour which saw him soar past the Taj Mahal, leap along the Great Wall of China, and somersault from the ancient arches of the Coliseum and vault past the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. He says: “My travels to date have also taken me through Greece, Jordan, Mexico, and Brazil, where I was able to share my knowledge and experiences with local freerunning communities.”

But now he is back in his home city. He says: “Now that I’ve finished the travelling I am going to be focusing 100% on Airborn Academy. “I didn’t appreciate how great the city is until I started travelling, but now I have finished, I am going to be putting all my effort into it.” His first priority is to find a new home for Parkour. He says: “Our main aim is to secure a building in Liverpool that we can call our permanent home. “We run classes at Park Road sports centre and in New Brighton Gymnastic club but we’ve kind of outgrown it so we need a bigger premises.” Anthony adds: “We have the largest club in the North West – we get on average between 80-100 people on a Thursday night in Toxteth from 12-year-olds plus. We even had a 70-year-old turn up! “We also go into primary and secondary schools doing Parkour and freerunning workshops. Our aim is to have our own base so they can come to us. “We want to provide opportunities for kids who are into any kind of movement – gymnasts, martial arts, trickers, even cheerleaders – so we can unite under one building and train together.” Airborn Academy has six directors and qualified instructors and they have even

COLEEN NOLAN LIZ MccLARNON PETE PRICE PAULINE DANIELS STAR IN

0844 8713017 atgtickets.com/ liverpool

created a syllabus, recognised by UK Gymnastics so youths can work towards levels one, two and three. Says Ryan: “Young people are going to do it anyway, but we teach them the safe way to do it whilst encouraging their creativity. We also teach them to respect people’s property and have been working closely with Merseyside Police Cadets. “We are really proud to be part of the Parkour community. It really unites people from all different backgrounds and Liverpool has a huge Parkour scene now. It is really on the map. “We have two world champions from here – myself and Daniel Ilabaca from Wallasey. The skill level here is really advanced. “Our main goal is to unite movements globally and be able to invite countries from all over the world to Liverpool.” But before they do that, the brothers are on the hunt for the perfect base – preferably in the city centre. “Our vision is to open a unique, purpose built, freerunning, Parkour and urban sports centre in Liverpool which will provide coaching, training and development for all ages in a safe and inspiring environment. “We are looking for donations for money and equipment. We need a 10,000 sq foot

building. It will have a foam pit, sprung floor, trampolines, a media suite and a Parkour playground.” One of the ways Airborn Academy is raising money for the project is through its display team which just won third place in a prestigious contest competing against the world’s best. The team travelled to China for the ‘Liu Zhow International Parkour Open Competition 2012’ which consisted of more than 300 athletes from around the world and 35 competing teams. “It was one of my proudest moments to date this year and it has been a great showcase for us and the city of Liverpool,” admits Ryan. “Our Airborn Academy display team’s achievements have been widely recognised both within China and, have now been picked up by international media.” And the lads are really excited about the future. “As globalisation updates our surroundings, the new geometry gives us new places to play with, says Ryan. “It’s so exciting to see what direction it’s going in. It’s pretty epic!” For more information on Airborn Academy’s classes call 07919 908298 or visit www.airbornacademy.com

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14 DEC 2012- 6 JAN 2013

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Books

Turning over a new leaf Michelle Rushton finds out how storyteller Cathy Roberts is experiencing a new chapter in her life... WE are living in an age of rapid technological advancement, where Kindles and e-readers are in danger of replacing the printed page. But as convenient as they are, you really can’t beat the smell and feel of a real book and there are still plenty of people out there who would much prefer to turn a page than scroll down a screen. This is something Cathy Roberts is really passionate about. Cathy has a personal collection of over 1,000 books and has recently opened her own independent bookshop in Wirral. A brave move, you may think, in this current climate, but despite having only been open a few weeks, she has already had a fantastic response. “We’re bucking the trend,” says Cathy. “People might say we’re mad but we’ve already had loads of interest with lots of people coming through the door. “I love it as everyone has a story behind why they want a particular book – it’s fascinating.” Appropriately named, Literally... a bookshop, is situated opposite New Brighton railway station and is a veritable treasure trove of tomes from

romance and science fiction to history books and children’s favourites. It was opened recently by fellow bookworm and patron of the bookshop, Ken Dodd, who has an incredible collection of 20,000 books. The launch was also attended by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips, actor Dean Sullivan and musician Charlie Landsborough. Opening a new bookshop is an exciting new chapter in Cathy’s career. The wellknown storyteller from Waterloo who now lives on a tugboat down the Albert Dock, and is the organiser of the annual Mersey Pirate Muster in New Brighton, has some great plans for the year ahead. “We’ve got horror writer Ramsey

Campbell coming in to do readings and we’re planning to get more famous authors here including Liverpool poet Brian Patten,” she reveals. “Young people are really into their vampire novels so we will have lots of thriller and horror nights, murder mysteries and will be trying to recreate The Ghost Club. Plus we will host writers’ clubs and a homework club – encouraging kids to look up information in encyclopaedias rather than going on the internet. “We really don’t want their imaginations to shrink and will have lots of storytelling sessions, bringing the characters to life.” Cathy will be profiling the work of local authors, such as Lew Baxter, Spencer Lee and Peter Grant and she has also been putting some of her own creations down on paper, as she is working on a new book based on her tales of Mersey Moggies as heard on BBC Radio Merseyside’s Maureen Walsh show. But her ultimate ambition is for her bookshop to become a focal point of the community. She says: “It is very much a community resource, not just a

bookshop, where people can come in, sit down and have a read over a cuppa. It’s a nice environment.” And it has been a journey of discovery. “People are always coming in saying ‘have you got this?’ I am finding out what people are interested in – it’s quite an adventure!” Plus, she is endeavouring to keep books alive. “I am so pleased people still love books – I don’t want them to become an endangered species,” she admits. “They are so precious. I love the thrill of opening a book, the front cover, the illustrations, turning the page... “They are written to be loved, treasured and passed on. You can’t really treasure a Kindle...” Visit Literally... a bookshop at 9, Atherton Street, New Brighton, CH45 2NY. Website coming soon!

LITERARY LIVERPOOL Paul Baker reads up on the latest books about our favourite subject – the people, places and history of Merseyside... AS Liverpudlians we are endlessly fascinated by this place in which we live, and so are our authors. Whether it’s a look back at Liverpool’s past, collections of local tales and legends, or novels set in and around our fair city, they’re bought and enjoyed every day by locals and tourists alike. So we at Best of Liverpool thought we’d take a look at some of the latest titles hitting our shelves, many from local authors putting Liverpool at the centre of their stories. Along the Mersey JAN Dobrzynski is a keen postcard collector and local history author. Here she charts the Mersey’s 70-mile journey to the Irish Sea, travelling along the Manchester Ship Canal and the coast of Liverpool Bay with many unseen pictures to enjoy. Published by The History Press, £12.99, paperback, www.thehistorypress.co.uk

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Disappearing Home THIS debut novel by exciting local author Deborah Morgan has been hailed by some of the UK’s top writers, including Liverpool dramatists Jimmy McGovern and Alan Bleasdale, who called it “a remarkable first novel.” The book tells the heartbreaking story of 10-year-old Robyn, growing up in a poor and violent home in a Liverpool tenement block in the early 1970s. Published by Tindal Street Press, £12.99, paperback, available in bookshops and online. Liverpool Ghost Signs HAVE you ever noticed the ‘ghost signs’ around our city? They’re the faded remains of hand-painted adverts which once advertised specific businesses or products. They can still be found on many buildings around Liverpool, if you know where to look. This evocative book by Caroline and Phil Bunford investigates these fading messages from the past. Published by The History Press, £12.99, paperback, www.thehistorypress.co.uk

In the Footsteps of Giants HAILED as the most successful event ever to be staged in the city, Sea Odyssey remains one of the most talked about and photographed pieces of street theatre to come to Liverpool. This fullyillustrated book relives the magic and the spectacle of those three unforgettable days in April, 2012. Published by Liverpool University Press, £9.99, www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk Formby Then & Now THIS evocative pictorial record by local historians Reg and Barbara Yorke showcases the changing face of this charming costal town. The nostalgic collection of images highlights how fast the area is changing, and reveals the many sites of historical significance that remain. Published by The History Press, £12.99 hardback, www.thehistorypress.co.uk The Liverpool Book of Days THIS wonderful tome by Steven Horton features hundreds of snippets of information that have been gleaned from the archives of the city. There’s a story for every day of the year, from the opening of the city’s first dock, to the dark days of the Hillsborough Disaster, alongside less well known

and often humorous events from the city’s colourful past. Published by The History Press, £9.99, hardback, www.thehistorypress.co.uk Scouse: A Social and Cultural History TONY Crowley presents a groundbreaking, account of language in Liverpool that challenges much of the received wisdom about Scouse. Published by Liverpool University Press, paperback, £16.99, www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk Liverpool – the story of a city THIS new book from the Museum of Liverpool explores the history of the city and celebrates the lives of the millions who have thrived, fought and worked here. Described by its people and illustrated with the collections of the museum, this is an essential introduction to the place Carl Jung described, ‘the pool of life’. Published by Liverpool University Press, £9.99, paperback, available from www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

What’s on

JANUARY 13

Michelle Rushton checks her diary to find out what’s happening in January...

BY NIGHT

BY DAY

HAVE A BALL IN ST HELENS

FEED THE BIRDS

DON’T neglect our feathered friends this frosty month. Head over to Sefton Park Palm House on Sunday, January 20 and take part in the RSPB Garden Birdwatch Day where you can enjoy the beauty of our natural birdlife. Experts from the RSPB will be there to share their knowledge and set up a variety of feeders to attract the birds. Liverpool Liverbirds Wildlife Explorers Group will also attend for children aged six to 12 years, with lots of fun, prizes and activities. Plus Tropical Inc will come along with their birds for displays and talks – with 30 minute shows beginning at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. Admission is free and there will be refreshments on sale. www.palmhouse.org.uk

BERYL BAINBRIDGE’S ART

THE Museum of Liverpool has opened a special exhibition dedicated to the works of celebrated and award-winning novelist, Dame Beryl Bainbridge. Running until April 28, ‘Beryl Bainbridge, painter’ is a unique collection of 15 paintings by Liverpool-born Bainbridge, displayed together for the first time in her home town. Success and critical acclaim in the world of literature eclipsed Bainbridge’s lifelong passion as an artist. Paintings featured in the exhibition include portraits of her children, Liverpool memories, depictions of the story of the Titanic,

Captain Scott’s journey to the South Pole and of Napoleon, who was a rich source of inspiration for Bainbridge. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol/

A NEW LEAF ONE of Liverpool’s favourite tea shops will be serving up a warming selection of gigs and events this January to spice up the new year. Leaf on Bold Street will be hosting a varied menu of events from electrified yoga to Jelly, Liverpool’s casual work day (a get together for anyone with a project and laptop so they can work from a hub rather than solo at home!). If 2013 is the year to make changes, The Women’s Organisation will also be on hand this January, offering careers advice for any woman with a hobby they would like to turn into a business. So from knitting clubs, to life drawing to acoustic gigs, there is something to inspire everyone this new year at Leaf on Bold Street. www.thisisleaf.co.uk

MUST DO MUST DO...

MUST SEE...

ENJOY some welldeserved R ‘n’ R at the Olympus Health Club & Spa in Hatton Garden after a hectic Christmas. Focusing on all aspects of health and wellbeing, Olympus offers a heavenly spa area featuring baths, a sauna and steam room. It also offers a state-of-the-art fitness suite and classes such as hot yoga, but we’re more interested in the relaxing massage treatments... www.olympushealthandspa.com

ICONIC images of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. The Walker Art Gallery will be hosting the first European display of seven stunning silkscreen prints. In Seven Days… is a study by the artist Nicola Green of this historic and inspiring event – which saw the election of the USA’s first Black president – and goes on display from January 19 to April 14. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker

MUST TRY...

MUST REMEMBER...

BOLD STREET’S newest hang-out ‘House.’ Situated opposite Concert Square at number 25, House offers a well-pulled pint, a perfect coffee, great food, fabulous service and the best new music and comedy seven nights a week. House provides Liverpool’s more discerning socialites with a comfortable and relaxing space whether for a 20 minute breather from the madding crowds or for a full night of entertainment featuring homegrown talent including Chelcee Grimes and The Mersey Belles. www.house-liverpool.com

TO book tickets to see the self-styled floppy-collared loon, Harry Hill. The creator and star of the ITV hit show TV Burp is live on tour for the first time in six years with Harry Hill: Sausage Time, calling in at the Liverpool Empire on February 10. With his surreal and silly humour and pie-in-face clownery, the comedian will be joined by showband ‘The Harry’s’, the legendary Stouffer the Cat and a giant sausage... www.atgtickets.com

PREPARE the pumpkin, dust off your dancing slippers and don’t tell your evil step sisters... Cinderella is on at St Helens Theatre Royal and the whole of Merseyside is invited to the ball – oh yes you are! Coronation Street’s Andy McDonald, alias Nick Cochrane, plays the role of Buttons and will be joined by Shameless and Theatre Royal darling Tina Malone, as the carriage-crafting Fairy Godmother. One of the best-known rags-to-riches fairytales of all time, this panto features canine stars, Schnorbitz and Schnookie, real Shetland ponies, and buckets of panto magic – with a unique St Helens twist! Cinderella is running until January 13. www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

FEISTY, FUN, FABULOUS

DOLLY Parton fans will be delighted to hear that 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is coming to town. This hilarious new musical comedy, based on the hit movie, centres on three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, the show features her original hit title song, ‘9 to 5’ and 18 other original Dolly numbers. The show stars Natalie Casey, Bonnie Langford, Amy Lennox and Ben Richards and will be staged at the Liverpool Empire from January 14 - 19. www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

WIN

LAUGHTER SHOW

THE Liverpool Playhouse will reverberate to the sound of laughter in 2013 when three of the country’s favourite wordsmiths take centre stage for one-night performances. Mark Thomas brings his award-winning show Bravo Figaro! to the Playhouse on Wednesday, January 30. Liverpool’s Roger McGough, ahead of his new adaptation of The Misanthrope, will perform poems from his latest collection As Far As I Know on Friday, February 1, while John Shuttleworth returns the following evening with Out of Our Sheds. www.everymanplayhouse.com

KEEP DANCING!

WEST End star Denise Van Outen and former England Cricketer Phil Tufnell will be showing off their fancy footwork in the Strictly Come Dancing 2013 Live Tour at the ECHO Arena Liverpool. They will join Tracey Beaker star, Dani Harmer, much loved TV presenter, Fern Britton, TV actress, Lisa Riley, GB Olympian, Louis Smith and former England Cricket captain and legend, Michael Vaughan. Alongside the exciting celebrity line-up, formidable judges Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli will be on hand to give their expert feedback and all important scores to the celebrities and their dance partners. Arena audiences will experience Strictly’s glitz, glamour and breathtaking choreography, courtesy of judge Craig Revel Horwood, who is directing the arena tour for the third year running. Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour 2013 takes place on January 29 and 30. www.echoarena.com

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL TICKETS

SOME of the finest names on the national and international jazz scene are set to demonstrate that the spirit of jazz is still swingin’ and jumpin’ in Liverpool. The Capstone Theatre has announced a new International Jazz Festival will be held in the city from February 28 - March 3. For a full four days the Liverpool International Jazz Festival and the Capstone Theatre will come alive to the sounds of Roller Trio, Led Bib, Robert Mitchell, Kit Downes Quintet, Denys Baptiste’s Triumvirate and Courtney Pine to name a few highlights, and all under one roof. No festival in Liverpool would be complete without the very best in native talent, and so, supporting these jazz supremos will also be a series of free performances by Liverpool jazz musicians, including Blind Monk Trio, Martin Smith’s The Weave, Perri and Neil Quartet, White Canvas and GORP. The Liverpool International Jazz Festival is set to become an annual event with the Capstone Theatre at its very heart. Some programmed events are absolutely free.

To book tickets, visit the Capstone website: www.thecapstonetheatre.com In the meantime, Best of Liverpool has a pair of festival passes worth £65 to give away to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning a pair, answer the following question: What is the name of Denys Baptiste’s trio? Send your answers on a postcard to International Jazz Festival competition, Best of Liverpool, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Closing date: Thursday, January 31.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19

Homegrown talent

A lotta bottle!

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

but any of the regulars who come will recognise that it’s the usual character I play.” As always, Adam is pairing up once again with dame, Francis Tucker, who he has forged a successful double act with in recent years. Adam plays Ernie, while Francis plays Jack’s mum, Mary from the Dairy. How will his role work with Francis’ character this year? “We’re love interests again, because last year we were sisters, but we’re back to normal this year, so we’re playing opposite each other, which is great,” says Adam. So, who wears the trousers in the relationship then? “I wear the trousers! Well, I have got a nightie on at one point, and a squirrel suit on at another, but I don’t want to give too much away,” chuckles Adam. The show, which opened on November 30, has received rave reviews thus far, with its comic setting in ‘Liverpudliam’, pace, energy and originality garnering much praise. And, as well as music, mayhem and comic capers, the rock and roll pantos are famous for audience interaction, with plenty of hijinx from Adam and Francis, as Adam explains: “Those who are expecting to see Francis and I do our usual thing won’t be disappointed – they’ll be getting picked on and there’ll be plenty of water being squirted out – no one gets away easy!” The Everyman’s rock and roll panto is something of an institution in the city, and while the Hope Street theatre is being rebuilt, the show has moved to the Playhouse, albeit temporarily. “This is our second year at the Playhouse now,” says Adam. “We learnt a lot from last year because it was a big jump to go from the Everyman to the Playhouse. “We have got a better show this year, for the Playhouse, because we’re more used to the space now, we’ve learnt a few tricks here and there, what we need to do to make sure that everybody is engaged and to make sure that everyone has the best night.”

Photo: Colin Lane

Photos: Andy Teebay

HE first came to Liverpool as a child, to see the stomping ground of his beloved Beatles. Now he’s a mainstay on the city’s stages and an integral part of the Everyman’s rock and roll pantos. “As a child, I used to nag my parents to bring me here because I used to be – and still am – a mad Beatles fan and I really wanted to see where they were from. So, when my working life brought me here, it was great,” says actor Adam Keast, who is currently starring in Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Playhouse, which runs until January 19. “My first show in the city was The Sound of Fury, at the Playhouse, in the days when Bill Kenwright was still in charge – that was the first time that I came to Liverpool as an adult, and I’ve been working here quite solidly for the last 17 years,” adds Adam, who is originally from Hertfordshire but now lives in Hale, Cheshire. Since his first city role at the Playhouse, the actor has gone on to tread the boards at the Everyman, Playhouse and the Royal Court several times. Having starred in shows such as Brick up the Mersey Tunnels, Lennon, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Ferry ‘Cross The Mersey, Adam is well-known to city theatre-goers, but it is for the rock and roll pantos that Liverpool audiences know him best. “The first one I did was Mother Goose, that was at the Everyman 10 years ago,” says Adam. “The Everyman is the forefather of these sorts of shows, so I wanted to do one to have it on my CV. I came here to do one, and I never imagined that 10 years later I’d still be doing it!” Adam has appeared in some 10 pantos for the Everyman and Playhouse, including Aladdin, Cinderella, Dick Whittington and Sleeping Beauty, as well as Jack and the Beanstalk, which is currently at the Playhouse. “This year, I’m playing Ernie who’s the fastest milkman in the west – of Kirkby!” laughs Adam. “So, not a traditional Jack and the Beanstalk character,

Actor Adam Keast teaches Katie McLoughlin how to milkshake, rattle and roll...

You can catch Adam in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Playhouse, Williamson Square until Saturday, January 19. For tickets, call the box office on 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.co.uk

JANUARY 13 Stan Boardman

COMEDY GOLD

Michelle Rushton finds out why the oldies are the best... (no offence Stan!) THERE are some great modern comedians on the comedy circuit, but you can’t beat good old fashioned gags. Merseyside veteran of stand-up, Stan Boardman, agrees: “Jimmy Tarbuck once said you’ve got to be over 50 to be a good comic.” “There are some talented young people out there but they tend to tell stories, not jokes. They couldn’t walk into a Liverpool pub and tell a joke, it’s all scripted.” The 71-year-old from Scotty Road has certainly earned his stripes. Stan’s early ambition was to become a football player, but after failing to make it onto the pitch professionally, he started his own haulage firm. During a holiday at Butlins, his children persuaded him to get up on stage for the first time at the talent contest where he won first prize. He then went on to scoop first prize in the grand final at London Palladium and a star was born.

“There are some talented young people out there, but they tend to tell stories not jokes” He appeared on Opportunity Knocks and Granada Television’s Comedians series which led to him becoming one of the most sought after comedians and a regular on our TV screens. And although there are lots of younger comics taking the limelight, such as Russell Howard, Greg Davies and Rhod Gilbert, his work is still in demand. “I often get young lads saying they’d love to see The Comedians on telly, but they can’t get it,” says Stan. “So this gave us the idea to bring out a DVD.” Stan enlisted the help of his son, Paul, who has his own production company and they set about filming a tribute to the original comedy heavyweights who

Stan Boardman with Roy Walker, Mick Miller, Duggie Brown and Johnnie Hamp

paved the way for stand-up comedy as we know it today. The Original Comedians Live 40th Anniversary Show was recorded at the Grand Theatre Blackpool in the summer of 2012 and features hilarious live routines from Stan himself, as well as Mick Miller, Roy Walker and Duggie Brown. Hosted by the legendary Johnnie Hamp, it also includes archive and never before seen footage of Frank Carson, Bernard Manning, Charlie Williams, Jim Bowen and George Roper plus many more. “It’s doing really well,” says Stan. “It is in the top 20 in the national DVD Comedy Chart up against the likes of Michael Mcintyre, and John Bishop etc.” In the meantime, Stan will be showing off his culinary skills in Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me which will be aired tomorrow night at 7.55pm. Stan was up against three other comedians in the dinner party challenge including Angelos Epithemiou, Olivia Lee and Pete Firman. He reveals: “They sent me down to London where I had to cook in the kitchen of a working man’s club. I cooked garlic prawns and kidded them they were Mediterranean prawns “caught on line”, followed by good old fashioned Liverpool fish and chips and Victoria plum custard.” But he does confess to a bit of cheating: “My mushy peas were out of a tin and the custard came courtesy of Tesco,” grins the mischievous comic. “But it was better than their food. One bloke cooked a chilli which tasted of dog meat – it was so awful, I gave him a kipper in return. “And there was a lot of rice. It was like being on a bushtucker trial in ‘I’m

A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! In fact I would have been fed better in the jungle...I’ve had better school dinners!” Stan had a bit of a rude awakening when he attended the dinner party at Olivia’s house – but we won’t spoil that for you... He seems to have a penchant for reality TV shows, having appeared in BBC1’s Can’t Cook Won’t Cook, Channel 4’s Kings of Comedy, Celebrity Wife Swap, and Celebrity Coach Trip. And he admits, he would love to be

invited to take part in I’m a Celebrity. But in the meantime, he has a DVD to promote and has another one in the pipeline to be released later this summer – ‘An Audience With’ – filmed at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion with over 800 people in the audience. Indeed, 2013 looks set to be a busy year for Stan. He says: “It’s going to be a good year, I’ve got more shows coming up with the lads, lots of corporate gigs and am waiting for my call to go into the jungle...!”

THE ORIGINAL COMEDIANS LIVE DVD

WIN

THE Original Comedians Live 40th Anniversary Show DVD is on sale at ASDA, HMV, Morrisons, and online at Amazon. In the meantime, Best of Liverpool has 10 copies to give away. To be in with a chance of winning one, answer the following question: Where did Stan first do stand up comedy?

Answers on a postcard to: Best of Liverpool, Liverpool Post & Echo, Old Hall Street, PO Box 48, Liverpool L69 3EB. Deadline: Friday, February 1. *Entrants must be aged over 15.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Children

Free family fun January can be a difficult time to keep children entertained, especially if you’re on a tight budget after Christmas. Sue Kelbrick guides you through the best post-festive family fun – and the best bit is, it’s all free! SHIVER ME TIMBERS! WORLD Museum is hosting the pirate ship from hit movie, ‘The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists’, which will be moored at the museum until spring 2013. The ship is over four and a half metres long, has a mast more than four metres high and took over 5,000 hours to create. The Pirate Ship display also features images from the film which contained the voices of Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, Imelda Staunton, David Tenant, Lenny Henry and Brian Blessed. Peter Lord, director of ‘The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists’ says: “I’m delighted that our pirate crew have dropped anchor in the great seafaring city of Liverpool. It’ll give people a chance to get up close to our glorious ship and to admire the amazing craftsmanship that’s gone into building her.”

TOTEM POLES

BUSHTUCKER TRIAL

LITTLE LIVERPOOL

GOAL!

PAY a visit to World Museum on January 20 – if you dare! If you’re a fan of I’m a Celebrity and love watching the bush tucker trials, then check out the bugs on display at the museum and find out which bugs can be eaten. It’s a great trip out for the whole family and educational at the same time.

CHILDREN get the opportunity to take over their own mini version of Liverpool with this fabulous hands-on fantasy world at the Museum of Liverpool. Designed for children under the age of six, the Little Liverpool gallery is a timed exhibition giving up to 20 children at a time 40 minutes of fabulous, interactive fun.

KICKING off at the Museum of Liverpool on January 6 at 10am is the football show, ‘Kicking and Screaming’. Being held at the Wondrous Place gallery on the second floor, this film takes viewers on an emotional and exciting journey through the dramatic history of football in Liverpool. A must for football fans young and old.

TITANIC TALES

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE KNOWSLEY Safari Park is offering kids the opportunity for a really wild educational experience. Schools are being given the chance to exclusively take over the park up until February half term with experiences which include a safari drive time where they can view the park’s animals in the closest habitat to their natural environment, a 30-minute safari school workshop in which they can get up close and personal with Rupert the Python, Pib and Pob – some wriggly milk snakes, Mushu the bearded dragon, and rats Ozzy and Pickle, or feeding time in the sea lion building. Other activities include a walk-through bat experience, an introduction to Flight of the Talons bird of prey experience and a creepy crawly exploration through the Park’s bug house. Schools can enjoy the 550 acre safari park as its sole guests and each school will benefit from a bespoke itinerary created by the park’s education team, designed to match their curriculum needs. Denise Chorley, education manager at Knowsley Safari says: “Last year we ran a pilot of this scheme and it proved so popular that we’re pleased to be opening this up to all schools in the area. “The exclusive access we’re offering means we can dedicate all the park has to offer to meet the learning needs of each school. It’s a very unique opportunity that will enrich the subjects of study for all who attend.” To find out more about the safari takeover or to book direct contact Denise Chorley at D.Chorley@Knowsley.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

COME down to the Merseyside Maritime Museum on January 27 between 1pm and 4pm for a fascinating history of the Titanic and find out more about some of the facts and myths surrounding the sinking of one of the world’s most famous ships. Titanic Tales is part of the ‘Titanic and Liverpool: the Untold Story’ exhibition which is on at the museum until the end of 2013.

IF you’ve ever wanted to know more about the totem pole in the World Museum then go along to the museum on January 23 and 24 between 1pm and 4pm for a truly fascinating insight into the totem pole that came from the Haida people of north west Canada. It’s an event the whole family can enjoy and children can design their own totem pole to take home with them.

YOU’RE NICKED! GET a taste of what it’s like to be a customs officer by searching the ship at the Merseyside Maritime Museum on January 6. Children can come aboard and check for signs of smuggling, as part of the ‘Seized! The Border and Customs Uncovered’ exhibition at the Merseyside Maritime Museum.

TWO BY TWO POP along to Sudley House on January 26 between 1pm and 4pm and help to create a family-friendly animal ark which is to be displayed at the house once completed. Children can make their own artwork and explore the house through story telling and performance.

GO TRIBAL LEARN all about the design of African masks and even make your own individual mask to take home at this workshop being held at the International Slavery Museum on January 13 between 1pm and 4pm. Or if you fancy finding out more about carnivals then come down to the International Slavery Museum on January 26 and 27 between 1pm and 4pm for carnival crafts. You can also design your own headdress, so this is a brilliant thing to do with the children if you fancy getting creative.

Other highlights this month include Sunday Crafternoons at the Museum of Liverpool, Discover and Draw at the Walker Art Gallery, the Planetarium at the World Museum, the family space in Art Dock at the Tate, and Parent and Baby Mornings and Afternoons at the Walker Art Gallery. For more information on any of the events happening in any of Liverpool’s museums and galleries visit www.tate.org.uk or www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

JANUARY 13

Give them a healthy start Sue Kelbrick finds out the best way to encourage healthy eating in children ACCORDING to recent research, over half of parents in Liverpool said that by the age of three, their child was craving sugary snacks on a regular basis. The research, carried out by Vitabiotics Wellkids Baby Drops, fuels the debate about who is to blame for the obesity crisis facing the next generation. The current number of overweight school children in the UK is almost two million, of which about 700,000 are classed obese. Food for thought certainly, but it can be easier said than done getting children to eat healthily, so how can parents make sure their children don’t become another statistic? Healthy eating guru, Annabel Karmel has put together a list of do’s and don’ts to help parents encourage their children to eat and live well.

Arena show is top of the tots LIVERPOOL is playing host to the UK Baby and Toddler Show for the first time, from February 2-3. Around 16,000 visitors are expected to attend the event being held at the Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool. More than 200 national and international exhibitors will provide expert advice, money-saving offers, fun entertainment and an invaluable shopping experience, as well as some fantastic competitions. All visitors can benefit from goody bags upon entrance and samples from key brands. Live seminars and talks will take place throughout the day from guest speakers. Entertainment for toddlers will range from story-telling to soft play and educational fun and, not forgetting the mums, who can enjoy complimentary nail treatments and head or foot massages. Visitors will be able to benefit from invaluable advice from big names such as Liverpool Women’s Hospital, The Private Birth Centre and Birth to Potty to name a few.

The show will feature major brands such as Mothercare, Smyths Toys and Vital Baby, as well as unique independent companies showcasing their services and products. All aspects of parenting from nought to four-years-old are covered to support, guide and benefit parents. Laura Davies, marketing and events manager from the UK Baby and Toddler Show, says: “Whether you are enjoying the pitter patter of tiny feet or are expecting your little one very soon, the UK Baby and Toddler Show is a must-visit for you and your family and will provide every parent with everything they could possibly need under one roof. “This is the first time a show of this scale has been held in the North West; it has been composed to support parents every step of the way at such a wonderful but challenging time.” Tickets for the event can be purchased on telephone 0844 8000 410, website www.ticketquarter.co.uk Offices or in person at TicketQuarter, Queen Square.

START THE DAY WELL

It’s not good for your child to go to school on an empty stomach. Your child needs energy and concentration until lunch and the best way to deliver a steady supply of sugar to the brain is to give complex carbohydrates like porridge, muesli or a delicious granola.

PACK HEALTHY LUNCH BOXES

Have a change from sandwiches by making a chicken Caesar salad or a cous cous salad. In cold weather, a good tomato or a minestrone soup in a thermos flask would be lovely and warming. Always include some easy to eat fruit.

HIDE THE VEG

What children can’t see, they can’t pick out. Create recipes that vegetables can be blended into such as a tomato and vegetable sauce for

pasta or a creamy tomato soup made with carrots, onions and celery, as well as tomatoes.

FUSS FREE

The more you give in to your child, offering only a few favourites like chicken nuggets, chips and pizza, the more fussy your child will become. Make food fun to eat, threading beef, chicken or salmon onto skewers or provide child friendly chopsticks with a vegetable and noodle stir fry.

GET UP AND GO

It is just as important to encourage your child to be active as it is to feed them healthy and tasty meals. Buy a trampoline or climbing frame for the garden or how about investing in some bicycles and go for family bike rides. For more information on healthy and nutritious food for your child, visit www.annabelkarmel.com

Enjoy the perfect Detox at Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa Wirral’s premiere destination Spa has the perfect detox programme to suit you. Whether you choose to stay overnight or just spend the day, we have a choice of Holistic treatments including Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Body Detoxifying Wraps and Colonic Hydrotherapy that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and centred once again. The perfect way to start the new year!

Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa Neston Road, Thornton Hough, Wirral, CH63 1JF 0151 353 0116 / 0151 336 3938 www.thorntonhallhotel.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 23

Food & drink

New year, new tastes If you fancy one last splurge before you jump on the healthy eating band-wagon this January, Katie McLoughlin shows you how to break your new year resolutions in style...

LEVERHULME

Sample the winter-tasting menu at Richard Fox at Leverhulme

The Gulshan

WHO says the celebrations have to stop in January? Richard Fox at Leverhulme’s indulgent six-course winter tasting menu certainly keeps up the festive spirit with fine dining, long after the tinsel has been taken down. The two AA Rosette and Michelin Guide noted restaurant has started the year off right with the finest seasonal ingredients, crafted into six inventive dishes for only £45 per person. The menu will be served until the end of January. Call 0151 644 6655 or visit www.leverhulmehotel.co.uk

THE GULSHAN

NOTHING beats a bit of spice to warm you up on a cold night and for delectable Indian cuisine, The Gulshan is a must. The Aigburth restaurant, which is featured in the Cobra Good Curry Guide 2013, serves both traditional and contemporary Indian dishes. Start with tandoori trout cooked over charcoal; tawa duck or a slow-cooked, spicy lamb nehari. Enjoy sides like dhal samba, saag paneer and authentic chapatis. And savour mains such as indulgent buttered chicken; traditional lamb karahi or a tilapia massala – a delicately marinated Bengali fish. Call 0151 427 2273 or visit www.gulshan-liverpool.com Blakes Restaurant Photo: Howard Davies

BLAKES

YOU can enjoy a fiscal feast at Blakes this month as the North John Street restaurant has launched a new table d’hote menu for January. Packed with mouth-watering winter warmers, the menu features bolognese arancini with basil pesto or wild mushroom and bacon on toast with rarebit topping to start. Mains include chicken cacciatoria; seafood pasta with a fiery tomato sauce; and butternut squash cannelloni with pecorino sauce. And, to really end your meal in style, there’s indulgent puddings like pancakes and maple syrup. The menu is available Tuesday to Saturday. Prices range from £9.95 for two courses between 12-2.30pm, Tuesday to Friday, up to £14.95 for three courses between 12-6pm on Saturdays. Call 0151 243 2121 or visit www.harddaysnighthotel.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

THORNTON HALL HOTEL

FANCY breaking your new year resolutions in spectacular style? Then get yourself to Thornton Hall Hotel on January 10, as the Wirral hotel is hosting a cigars, cognac and chocolate evening. Starting at 7pm, the event will feature a cocktail on arrival, canapes, a chance to mingle with Courvoisier’s UK brand ambassador and taste three outstanding cognacs from Courvoisier. Plus, listen to a talk from cigar experts Hunters & Frankau and enjoy a hand-made Havana cigar; savour a selection of fine chocolates and watch a chocolate demonstration. Tickets are priced at £20 per person, available from Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa on 0151 336 3938.

SOY-GLAZED SALMON IN need of tasty yet healthy grub to brighten your January? Have a go at this delicious recipe for pineapple and soy glazed salmon, with samphire, cashew nuts, green beans and red pepper from Delifonseca. It’s full of flavour but kind to your waistline and packed with nutrient rich foods. A good source of protein, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy heart. Samphire, green beans, pineapple and red peppers are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, while cashew nuts are a good source of minerals, like magnesium, which is essential for healthy bones. Ingredients: For the marinade: l 1 Salmon fillet per person l 8 floz Pineapple juice l 50g Green beans per person l 2 tbsp Dark soy sauce l 50g Samphire per person l 2 tbsp Light soy sauce l 20g Cashew nuts per person l 25g Palm sugar l Quarter of a red pepper per person, finely diced l Salad dressing, to taste l 1 Thick slice of pineapple and 1 lemon wedge per person Method: l Mix all of the marinade ingredients together and marinade the salmon, in the fridge, for 12 to 24 hours. l Place the large slice of pineapple on a lined baking tray in a preheated oven at 190 degrees for 20 minutes, turn halfway through. l To cook the salmon, place on a baking tray lined with grease proof paper skin side up. Cook in a pre-heated oven at 190 degrees for 12-15 minutes. l While the salmon is cooking, dry roast the cashew nuts in a nonstick frying pan. l Meanwhile, blanch and refresh both the green beans and samphire, by placing in boiled water briefly, then draining and placing in iced water, so that the vegetables don’t lose their colour or texture. l Mix the cashew nuts, diced red pepper, samphire and green beans together, and toss with salad dressing. l Once the salmon is cooked, serve each portion on top of the roasted slice of pineapple, with a handful of the vegetable mixture on the side, a lemon wedge to garnish and a drizzle of the salmon cooking jus around the plate.

JANUARY 13

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Estelle Cartlidge, director of Bikram Yoga Liverpool, has some nutritional advice

Restore your body’s balance with these detoxifying foods, says Katie McLoughlin, as she gets some expert advice on what to eat this month... WHEATGRASS

ESTELLE Cartlidge is no stranger to sweating out toxins. As director of Bikram Yoga Liverpool, Estelle guides students in 90 minutes of dynamic yoga, practiced in 40°C heat which is a highly effective way to detox. Passionate about nutrition, Estelle feels that what we put into our bodies is just as important as what we do with it. Here are her top 10 foods to include in your diet this January to aid your New Year detox and get your body back in balance:

WATER

IT may be simple, but drinking water is very effective when detoxing. Water is essential to keep our brain functioning well and our bodies hydrated, it also flushes harmful toxins out. Estelle recommends trying to drink eight glasses of water every day, and remember to increase this when exercising.

WHEATGRASS is considered to have incredible cleansing abilities, due to its high vitamin and mineral content. The benefits are wide reaching from flushing out the liver to cleaning the blood and it is even said to help prevent grey hair! Try adding it to your morning orange juice.

HEMP

HEMP is high in magnesium which is essential for supporting muscle strength and suppleness, making it ideal for after exercise. Magnesium transports potassium and calcium around the body in order to drive nerve impulse, muscle contraction and stabilised heart rhythm. You can get hemp seeds and supplements from health food shops.

GREEN VEGETABLES

THERE’S a reason why your mum told you to eat your greens! Green vegetables like broccoli, sprouts, spinach and kale, are incredibly high in dietary fibre, which aids digestion and the excretion of toxins, and also contain high amounts of vitamins A, C, E, iron, beta carotene and calcium. These essential nutrients aid the body’s natural detoxification process. Estelle recommends eating vegetables raw in a salad or in a stirfry to get the most out of the vital nutrients.

A true Italian experience

AFTER enjoying a tipple or two over Christmas, support your liver and help remove toxins by taking milk thistle as a supplement or drinking milk thistle tea.

CINNAMON

CINNAMON stimulates the body’s natural detoxification process and provides a huge boost to the metabolism. It contains high levels of antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties – and it’s very seasonal so sprinkle on cereal, add to porridge or drink in tea to discover the benefits!

KALE

GREEN kale is a super, super food that’s often ignored but this fantastic source of fibre contains a myriad of detoxing antioxidants, including vitamins A, B6, C and K. You can pick kale up in the supermarket and add to stir-fries or shred in salads but it’s worth trying crispy kale chips available in health food stores which act as the perfect wonder food snack.

BRAZIL NUTS

THESE nuts are a fantastic source of selenium, a mineral which helps to actively increase the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in the body and strengthen their fighting power – vital in the cold months when bugs are rife. They also help you look good with hair and skin-boosting vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron – all of which help to get rid of harmful toxins.

MILK THISTLE

BEETROOT

BEETROOT is amazing for boosting stamina and making our muscles work harder, so is ideal to extend the benefits of January work outs. It also contains potassium, magnesium and iron as well as crucial vitamins A, B6 and C, folic acid and powerful antioxidants.

NETTLE

NETTLE has experienced a resurgence recently with more people discovering its benefits to the skin, digestive organs and iron deficiency. They’re also packed full of antioxidants and help to eliminate urea and other waste products from the body and prevent fluid retention. Available as a tea, supplement and even in soups.

Franco’s

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 Restaurant is open six days of the week: Monday-Friday: 11.30am to 3.00pm Tuesday-Saturday: 5.30pm to 11.00pm Party Bookings Francos 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@francosliverpool.com

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THE BEST IN ITALIAN FOOD

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♥ BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25

Food and drink

Moroccan magic It’s the fez-tive season for Richard

Richard Lackey heads to Bold Street to aquaint himself with one of its finest restaurants, the Kasbah Café Bazaar...

TO quote that iconic line from the 1942 movie, Casablanca, ‘I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship’. That said new friendship is the one between myself and the delightful Kasbah Café Bazaar on Bold Street, a Moroccan restaurant which after a recent visit on a cold, winter’s night, is destined to become a regular haunt in the future. There are good restaurants on every corner of every city and Liverpool has them spilling over the dockside. But good restaurants with that little something extra special are few and far between and a rare find when you stumble upon one. Kasbah is one such place. Stepping through its door is like taking a stroll through the winding back streets of Tangier (I know, I’ve been). Inside is brightly coloured and exotic by design, with a mix of shabby-chic fabrics and mismatched furniture creating a lively and quirky, yet warm and inviting feel. There are even fez hats on every table for you to wear! Sat in a wonderful window seat, my friend and I began to browse the menu as Bold Street went about its business to our side. We instantly felt at home in the cosy, candlelit surroundings and couldn’t wait to

feast on some authentic Moroccan fayre. The menu at the Kasbah is small compared to other restaurants but think quality over quantity. As you would expect many of the dishes are spicy, aromatic and are as colourful and lively as the restaurant’s interiors. To begin I went for the hummus and Moroccan bread (£3.95). Hummus, a personal favourite, is one of those delicacies which I struggle to stop eating once I’ve started and tonight was no exception. The Kasbah’s was zesty and simply moreish, while the bread was fresh and hot. I then plumped for a portion of delicious briouats lala zhour, which are filo pastry rolls filled with cheese, olives, and served with sweet tomato and chilli chutney (£3.95), while my pal opted for the meat variety – briouats mama – filled with spicy minced lamb. The perfect size, the briouats were light on the stomach, yet heavy on the tastebuds, packed with flavour and textures, and brought to life by the tangy chutney. For mains I indulged my love for vegetables and opted for a hearty tagine chefchaoun (£7.95) – basically a steaming hot vegetable stew served in a terracotta pot – with a mound of saffron rice.

Chicken brochettes. Right, Briouats lala zhour and a pot of Moroccan mint tea

Tagine chefchaoun

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This was my kind of dish – loads of chunky veg, including halved potatoes, in a sauce which had a kick to it but was subtle and not over-spicy. I didn’t leave a morsel despite being fit to burst. I even managed to squeeze in a few mouthfuls of my friend’s plate of chicken brochettes – skewers of chicken marinated in Moroccan authentic spices, served with salad and saffron rice (£8.95) – which we both agreed was cooked to perfection. Dessert was not an option, unfortunately, thanks to the expanding waistline we were now sporting, but there was room for a refreshing cup of Moroccan mint tea (£2.95), which perfectly capped off a splendid Moroccan experience. All in all we had a wonderful evening at Kasbah Café Bazaar. The food, a lot like the feel of the place, is simple and unpretentious, yet masking a certain magic that only a visit to the restaurant can unlock. Friends for life, you could say. Kasbah Café Bazaar is located at 72 Bold Street, Liverpool. Tel: 0151 707 7744. Visit: www.kasbahcafebazaar.co.uk

Travel

JANUARY 13

The Marilyn Monroe room

John Lennon room in The Iconic penthouse

Living it up! Huge Big Brother-style apartments are popping up all over the city, and as Richard Lackey discovers, they are perfect for party people... STEPPING into one of Signature Living’s inner-city apartments is like walking onto the lavish sets of 80s’ soap, Dynasty. In fact, when exploring our penthouse suite, located on Bold Street, I was convinced I was going to find Joan Collins embroiled in one of her many catfights with Linda Evans at every turn. To say our ‘pad’ was flamboyant, was an understatement. It had everything from over-the-top-chandeliers to an oversized whirlpool bath fit for a WAG... and 10 of her glitzy pals! Signature Living was set up in 2008 by Katie and Lawrence Kenwright, who at the time had become frustrated with hotels which they believed were “not doing enough” for their guests. As a result they set up Signature Living – offering glamorous Big Brother-style apartments in the city centre which can sleep small and larger parties. The first luxury serviced apartment opened up on Victoria Street, while earlier this year they launched their latest venue in the former Masonic Bank on Bold Street, bringing their total number of beds in the city centre to 300. Spreading out over 3,000sqft, this new complex has been dubbed the ultimate party venue in the city, offering apartments and ‘The Vault’ function room in the basement. It was here, on one of my favourite streets in Liverpool, that I spent the night. Set over two floors, our suite was called The Iconic, which can sleep up to 20 people. Inside boasts a huge open-plan living room/kitchen, complete with cinema screen, booth-shaped seating area, plus an entertainment station including a games console and karaoke.

The grand entrance to the Masonic on Bold Street

The cinema room

As the name suggests, each of the four bedrooms takes an icon as its theme, with images of Audrey Hepburn, Jim Morrison, Marilyn Monroe and our own John Lennon to please both boys and girls. There are also double shower cubicles and a seductive, black-marble bathroom, featuring a double whirlpool bath and TV – think Footballers’ Wives. All the furnishings are, as you would expect, lavish and over-the-top, and while not to my taste, it perfectly lent itself to this fine-looking building, what with its classic high ceilings and the grandiose staircase which leads from the front entrance all the way up to the apartment. As you can imagine, my friend and I literally rattled around this huge complex like lost souls, and the apartment felt a little sad and empty for it.

We watched a bit of telly on the huge screen, spent a good 20 minutes deciding on where we would sleep, and then watched a bit more telly before bed time (such party animals!). However, I can only imagine that this place would have come to life had we been joined by a crowd of our friends, which essentially is what these giant apartments are made for. Spending the night here actually made a 31-year-old yearn for his late-teens/ early-20s again, when crashing with your mates was the norm, going clubbing was a weekly occurrence and pals hadn’t wandered down the marriage/kids route. I would have loved to have stayed in something like this circa 2001 with the old gang! The venue’s merits were made quite obvious by the party of guys and girls – from Ireland we were told – who were

staying in the other apartments while we were there and who were clearly enjoying the freedom of having this massive playhouse mansion all to themselves. And that’s definitely its strength. If you’re in a big group, and you’re planning a special night out in town, then Signature Living’s pads are perfect. You can get ready with your mates, have a few bevvies and a laugh, then go out on the town before coming back without the worry of taxis and continuing the party in style... if you’re not too far gone, like! To book an apartment, call Signature Living on 0151 236 0166, or visit www.signatureliving.co.uk

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Travel Photo: J. Cardoso – Fotografy

Photo: Gareth Jones

Katie McLoughlin visits a Wirral hotel with food on a par with one of Michel Roux Jr’s restaurants... I’LL be honest, the only time I had set eyes on the Hillbark Hotel, a lavish five-star hotel in Frankby, Wirral, was during an episode of Desperate Scousewives. Their acting in the reality-drama may have been wooden enough to make me tune out within five minutes, but one thing the episode did alert me to was how deliciously decadent the Hillbark is. A boutique hotel in Frankby, the Hillbark is synonymous with style, sophistication and service and, ever since I clapped eyes on it, I’ve been dying to go. Opened in 2002 by Contessa Hotels, which also owns Wirral’s Leverhulme Hotel, the Hillbark is known for weddings, but is fast becoming a fine-dining destination, having recently received three prestigious AA Rosettes for its restaurant – Stewart Warner at Hillbark. The accolade puts the Frankby restaurant in the same league as Michel Roux Jr’s ‘Roux at Parliament Square’. And, with the Hillbark also picking up a five-star AA award for its hotel last year, now seemed the perfect time for the boyfriend and I to head to Wirral for a night of luxury and fine dining. The hotel is set in 250 acres of parkland and driving up the long, sweeping driveway through Royden Park, it was hard not to be impressed when the grand, Victorian building came into view. Timber facaded and steeped in history, the hotel certainly made an impression on us on arrival. It looked every bit the height of luxury. After trying to park the Renault Clio as inconspicuously as possible next to its rather more luxurious counterparts in the car park, we checked in. Inside was just as opulent and packed with period features. Not surprising really, as the hotel dates back to 1891 and has a long and interesting history, having been originally built by the Hudson family of Hudson Soap manufacturers (which eventually became Lever Brothers). Then it was sold to Sir Ernest Royden (of Cunard notoriety) in the 1920s, who had the entirely wooden building painstakingly moved, piece by piece, from its original location at Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire to Frankby, where it stands today. Signs of the hotel’s past can be seen throughout, with dark wooden panels on the walls, period fireplaces and stained glass windows. Our room was equally grand, with views of the River Dee from the leaded window, ceiling beams, wood panelling and heritage décor. There was a contemporary bathroom, complete with Jacuzzi and Bvlgari toiletries, a Queensize bed and, a rather odd addition, a cuddly toy on the bed. The cuddly toy, we found upon inspection, was in lieu of a traditional do not disturb sign, but it must be said, in a hotel of this stature, it did look rather

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A hidden gem incongruous. And, a bit naff. The latest addition to the Hillbark is a sumptuous spa, which opened in 2012. A private oasis tucked away in a beautifully refurbished cellar, the spa has a nail bar, a relaxation area and a number of treatment rooms – including a couple’s treatment room complete with two Jacuzzis and two treatment beds, where we had our treatment. After a consultation with spa manager, Jo, who came from nearby Thornton Hall to launch the Hillbark’s spa, our afternoon of pampering began. After a long soak in the bubbling Jacuzzi surrounded by candles, we each enjoyed a back, neck and shoulder massage, using a Terrake blended essential oil with calming chamomile to enhance the sense of relaxation. Facials each followed, using Keraskin products, which featured a neck and scalp massage and left our skin soft, supple and glowing. Suitably relaxed, we returned to our room where we ate the hand-made truffles left on the desk for us (well, it had been a long time since lunch), before heading to the bar for a pre-dinner G&T to whet our appetite. The bar, eerily, was empty save for a pianist in the corner and two waiters. This was 8pm on a Friday in an acclaimed and exquisitely beautiful hotel, and as we took our seats by the roaring log fire, we couldn’t help wonder, why? We mused this over for a second, but our thoughts swiftly moved on when the canapés arrived. A taste of things to come – they were imaginative (one was a gin and tonic jelly served in a retro mini glass jar), beautifully presented and delicious. We dined in the restaurant’s three AA Rosettewinning fine dining restaurant, Stewart Warner at Hillbark, and the autumn tasting menu, from which we ate, was the very menu which earned the restaurant its coveted rosettes. Devised and cooked by Stewart, the eight-course menu, which is priced at £80 per person, featured one imaginative and expertly balanced fusion of flavours after another – from langoustine with chorizo,

sweetcorn and paprika dusted popcorn; to intensely gamey venison with earthy cep mushroom puree and cherry compote; cod with curried cauliflower; and grouse with butternut squash puree, rosehip and juniper. Our least favourite dish was the foie gras, which while technically brilliant and beautifully presented, was not to our tastes. Next came a refreshing cucumber sorbet; a dessert of poached pear with coffee pannacotta and blackberries, then a cheese course. Featuring three innovative ways with intense and tangy Blacksticks Blue cheese, kumquats and an amaretti sauce, the cheese course was simply spectacular. The food was exemplary. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it was some of the best I’ve ever eaten. Stewart, who worked at The Dorchester in London and alongside Aiden Byrne at The Church Green, in Lymm, before coming to the Hillbark in 2010, is something of an artist and I expect this immensely talented 28-year-old will reach dizzy heights in his culinary career. The dining room was lavish and a stunning setting for such a feast, but as we were the only people dining there that evening, the ambience was lacking. The service too was good. Perhaps a little too good. As throughout the entire eight-course gastronomic experience, our tastebuds were tantalised by experimental flavours, our eyes mesmerised by Stewart’s artfully compositioned plates and our ears were subjected to a never-ending flurry of anecdotes from our waiter. Well-intentioned as it was, his constant chatter was a little intrusive. Overly familiar waiters aside, the Hillbark lived up to our expectations and then some. We wanted decadence and we got it in spadefuls. The only thing we couldn’t work out throughout the course of our stay was why we seemed to be the only people there? The Hillbark is known for weddings, indeed there was a wedding taking place on the day we checked out. But, with a setting this beautiful and a restaurant serving Michelin-aspirational food, we couldn’t understand why none of the locals in this affluent area were here? Chef After all, if the Hillbark was Stewart Warner on my doorstep, I’d be there every night, funds allowing. Katie McLoughlin stayed in a suite, priced at £395 for bed and breakfast (advance rate). The spa treatment is around £90 each and the tasting menu in Stewart Warner at The Hillbark is priced at £80 per person.

JANUARY 13

Photos: Craig Holmes

SPA BREAKS IF you’ve got a taste for a spa break then check out some of the best on offer in the North West... Macdonald Hill Valley Spa, Hotel and Golf, Shropshire JUST an hour away from Liverpool, this fabulous spa hotel nestles in the countryside on the fringes of Whitchurch, and its Vital Health and Wellbeing Club has recently undergone a £500,000 revamp. The inviting spa boasts eight treatment rooms, a fantastic mud therapy area, an indulgent relaxation suite and a dedicated spa lounge. Spa breaks from £99 per person. Telephone 0844 879 9049 or visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa, Lake District STANDING in 400 acres of secluded splendour near Bassenthwaite Lake in the beautiful Lake District, Armathwaite Hall is one of the UK’s best loved stately homes and boasts a simply fantastic spa offering an infinity pool, thermal suite, aroma room, hot tub, stateof-the-art gymnasium and 10 treatment rooms providing a comprehensive range of treatments. Spa days start from £75. Telephone 01768 776551 or log onto www.armathwaite-hall.com for more information. The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, Lancashire SET in over 100 acres of idyllic countryside, the Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village offers one of the most extensive collections of spa, therapies and wellbeing treatments in the North West. As well as the spa facilities which include a hydrotherapy and aqua thermal spa and a fabulous wet area, there is also a brasserie, Champagne bar, gym, and 42 beautifully appointed bedrooms, including two penthouses and 12 suites. Spa breaks are available from £99 per person. Telephone 0800 107 1933 or go to www.ribbyhall.co.uk Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa, Wirral VOTED the best spa of 2012 at the Lifestyle awards, Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa is one of the region’s largest spa hotels but prides itself on offering an intimate spa experience. As well as extensive spa facilities and treatments, the hotel also offers a range of clinical procedures in its clinical spa and a specialist salon providing hair and make up treatments. Spa breaks start from £95pp. Telephone 0151 336 3938 or visit www.thorntonhallhotel.com

Post-party pampering After too much partying over the festive season, Sue Kelbrick checks herself in for some serious skin rehab

THE party’s over – it’s official. It’s a new year and having looked at my skin in the mirror, it was clear that all that partying over Christmas had taken its toll. Lacklustre, dull and dry skin is not a good look at any time of year, so I thought the time had come to check myself in for some serious skin rehab... Just an hour and a half down the motorway from Liverpool, but a world away, is Moddershall Oaks near Stone in Staffordshire. This delightful spa hotel exudes calm and serenity, and as soon as I checked in to the hotel with my other half, I felt the stresses and strains of city life slipping away. After a guided tour of the hotel and its impressive facilities, we were shown to our room which was really generous in size and even had its own separate sitting area, ideal for chilling out while looking out at the fabulous views of open countryside. And you can’t get more relaxing than that! We changed into our robes and slippers and headed down to the spa area for some serious relaxation. After a short stint in the sauna and steam room, we enjoyed a lovely dip in the pool, and we left the spa with a real feeling of health and wellbeing. The spa also offers a fully equipped gymnasium but we decided to pass on the workout and headed for the bar instead! After a quick change and a refreshing drink at the bar, we were shown to our table in the cosy restaurant where the mouth-watering menu offered a tantalising array of dishes. I thought I should try the local

delicacy, Staffordshire oatcakes, as a starter, which unusually were coupled with crispy duck, but the combination of the soft, oaty flavour of the pancake with the sharpness of the duck and hoi sin sauce really worked. My boyfriend opted for the mussels which were really generous in size and drizzled in a delicious chilliinfused sauce served with home-baked bread which definitely got the thumbs up from across the table. For my main course, I chose sumptuous slow-cooked Staffordshire beef with rice and vegetables which was absolutely divine. It really suited the wintry weather and was the ultimate in comfort food. My other half plumped for Staffordshire belly pork, slow roasted with crackling, apple sauce, curly

kale and duck fat roasties. It was hard to decide which was the better dish but my boyfriend was waxing lyrical about how delicious his belly pork was for ages afterwards so I think we’ll have to declare it a draw! By now we were both feeling absolutely stuffed but not wanting to let our readers down, I thought we had better have dessert – that’s dedication for you! And it didn’t disappoint. We shared both desserts – a warm chocolate pear and almond tart with English custard was a real traditional treat – and the Pavlova with fresh strawberry and mango salsa, clotted cream and mango and passion fruit sorbet, was sweet but refreshing at the same time, and the perfect dish to round off the meal. We enjoyed a post-dinner coffee in the bustling bar before heading back to our room for an early night. The next morning after a quick dip in the pool, I was treated to the luxury of a gold honey massage, just what my dehydrated skin and achey muscles were crying out for after all those late nights over Christmas. My beauty therapist, Heather, gently massaged my skin with a sparking gold and honey massage oil which absorbed into my skin leaving it glowing, radiant and rehydrated. The massage itself was 55 minutes of pure indulgence and left me feeling relaxed and thoroughly reinvigorated. By the time we checked out I felt like a new woman – a good night’s sleep, a healthy workout in the spa, some good food and fine wine, and a luxurious massage, had well and truly brought my mojo back. So much so, that by the time I got back to Liverpool, I was ready to start partying all over again...

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Competitions

JANUARY 13

Be in it to win it N I W Best of Liverpool treats you this January with some fantastic prizes to celebrate the new year with a bang JANUARY blues? Pah! Blow them away by entering all of these great competitions. The team at Best of Liverpool has gathered together a suite of top prizes to help brighten your 2013. So get your thinking caps on, scribble down the answers and wing some entries our way...

To enter any of the competitions simply send your answer, name and daytime telephone number, clearly stating which competition you are entering to Best of Liverpool, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. The closing date for all the competitions is Wednesday, January 16.

Egyptian cotton sheets. It’s the perfect way to start the new year in style! For a chance to win this superb prize, just answer the following question:

VILLA Maria celebrated its 50th Vintage in 2012, a significant achievement in a young winemaking country like New Zealand. Still 100% family owned, Villa Maria Estate was founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich who, through his dedication to quality, has led Villa Maria to claim more trophies and awards than any other New Zealand winery. To complement the 50th Vintage Celebrations, a book about Villa Maria’s owner and MD, Sir George Fistonich, has been released detailing his personal journey, called The Winemaker: George Fistonich and the Villa Maria story. See www.villamariaestate.co.uk for more information. For a chance of winning a copy of the book and a bottle of delicious Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, just answer the following question.

The Leverhulme Hotel is in which Wirral village?

In which year was Villa Maria Estate founded?

AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE LEVERHULME HOTEL TO start our bumper crop of competitions, we’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a night of indulgence in Port Sunlight’s Leverhulme Hotel. Relax in the sheer luxury of this four-star Wirral hotel, with an overnight stay for two in a luxurious Baby Grand room and a full English

breakfast the following morning. Steeped in history, be sure to keep an eye out for the hotel’s beautiful architecture and original features. The winners will be able to enjoy everything that the hotel, grounds and beautiful Port Sunlight village has to offer, before retiring to their bedroom and curling up between

A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

A BOOK ON WINEMAKING AND A BOTTLE TO SAVOUR!

A DELICIOUS FAMILY MEAL

STAND-UP AT LAUGHTERHOUSE

FANCY a slap-up dinner for all the family? That’s the prize offered at Frankie’s Bar & Grill Hoylake this new year. Frankie’s is a collaboration between renowned chef Marco Pierre White and jockey Frankie Dettori. Both men share a passion for top quality Italian food with a healthy twist of personality and the menu at Frankie’s reflects that. Expect superb New York Italian food in a relaxed, affordable and family-friendly setting. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a good time and traditional Italian favourites – from handmade pizzas and fresh pastas, to steaks and seafood. The restaurant is right in the heart of Hoylake, adjoined to the Holiday Inn Express Hoylake, and the prize covers a meal for a family of four (two adults and two children) and includes one free drink each. To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question:

LIVERPOOL’S Laughterhouse Comedy presents a side-splitting array of stand-up talent, in the city centre each weekend. Starting out in the cellar of the Slaughterhouse Pub, there are now also Laughterhouse events in The Slug and Lettuce Bar, and Cafe Sports Express. The shows offer three headline quality acts each Friday and Saturday night, along with some of the city’s finest hosts including Neil Fitzmaurice, Chris Cairns and Ste Porter. Best of Liverpool has three pairs of tickets available to a Laughterhouse show of your choice, at the Slaughterhouse Pub in January or February. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this question:

Which famous chef collaborated on Frankie’s Bar & Grill?

In what pub did Laughterhouse start from?

TICKETS FOR DISNEY ON ICE

JUST the pick-me-up that’s needed after the Christmas and New Year party season, leading Liverpool bar and restaurant, Blundell Street Supper Club is offering a table for two and Champagne thrown in for one lucky couple. A three-course meal, a bottle of Champagne and table for the night are on offer by answering the simple question below. The lucky winners will also be treated to live evening entertainment during January to help stop the blues kicking in. The competition question, open to all readers aged 18 and over, is:

FEATURING more than 50 classic and contemporary Disney characters in a captivating compilation of favourite holidays and celebrations from around the world, Disney On Ice presents Let’s Party skates into ECHO Arena Liverpool from February 27 until March 3. Expect a host of favourite Disney characters including a Valentine’s Day royal ball with Princess Tiana, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter, and a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch. For a chance to win a family ticket (for four people) to the show on Wednesday, February 27, answer the following question:

What is the celebrated traditional New Year food in Scotland?

In Disney On Ice presents Let’s Party, who is hosting the Very Merry Unbirthday Party?

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 31

All women desire to have clear, flawless skin. And now you can, The House Beauty Spa is proud to introduce Guinot Hyrdaclean. In just 30 minutes you can reveal a fresher, clearer skin Scientific results have shown: • Decrease in the number of blemishes by an average of 93% • Decrease in the size of blemishes by an average of 97% • Increase in skin radiance by an average of 2.3%

Just £25 for a 30 minute treatment To book an appointment call

0151 724 4999

www.thehousebeautyspa.co.uk 9 Mather Avenue | Allerton | Liverpool | L18 6HE

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