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

SUPPLEMENT

WINNERS

GIFT GUIDE Christmas is all wrapped up

BIG BANG

Best Bonfire Night events

COLDSET COLOUR SUPPLEMENT OF THE YEAR!

OF LIVERPOOL NOVEMBER ISSUE 2012

STRICTLY DANCE FEVER We’re in the mood for dancing...

COSY KIDS From desperate Scousewife to ugly sister, actress Pauline Daniels is having a ball...

Don’t call me Shirley!

Snuggly and stylish

LIVERPOOL LOVE Celebrating all things Scouse

ECHO ARENA EXPERIENCE//LEVERHULME HOTEL REVIEW//VIVA BRAZIL// GIT MUSIC AWARD//WINTER WARMERS//MAKEUP MASTERCLASS//WHAT’S ON

WIN S TICKET EPSTEIN EAL M AND A O T FOR W

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Contents

BEST

04-05 TALK OF THE TOWN City news and gossip

FASHION

08-09 SHOPPING FOR HER From winter florals to cobalt cool 10 SHOPPING FOR HIM Funky boots and bomber jackets

THE 2012 NEWSPAPER AWARD

WINNERS: COLDSET COLOUR SUPPLEMENT OF THE YEAR!

GET IN TOUCH

HEALTH & BEAUTY

14 STRICTLY BALLROOM Michelle takes to the dancefloor 15 ACTIVE ADVENTURES Hanging around Otterspool

ENTERTAINMENT

Welcome...

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 Gareth Jones DESIGN Vicky Andrews 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.

Before

12 MAKE-UP TRENDS The ‘morning after’ look 13 SALON SPOTLIGHT Fight the fuzz painlessly

FITNESS

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

LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray

NOVEMBER 12 NEWS

O F L IVERP O O L

NOVEMBER 12

OOH that hits the spot! I am just sipping a hot toddy in an attempt to defrost after coming back from the Halloween Lantern Carnival at Sefton Park. Apart from getting trench foot from all the mud (damned rain and inappropriate footwear), it was an amazingly mesmerizing and eerie spectacle with giant ducks, bears, dancing wolves, butterflies, skeletons, dinosaurs and much more. It really is one of my favourite nights of the year but the fun ain’t over yet. November looks set to be a real firecracker of a month, exploding with fabulous events – we’ve short-listed a selection of must-sees for you on page 19. This Bonfire Night, the skies above Liverpool will be a burst of bangers and ablaze with colourful catherine wheels and rockets – see page 24 for our pick of the best events. Don’t forget to wrap the little ones up warm – we suggest some snuggly styles to keep them toasty on pages 22-23. For the grown ups, Katie has rounded up the latest ladies’ trends on pages 8-9 and for the blokes, the bomber is back – see page 10. There is some hearty fireside fayre to warm the cockles on page 25, not to mention the hot toddies which I was sampling earlier (in the name of research – ahem!) Whilst we are on the subject of food, we at Best of Liverpool are always keen to hone our culinary skills, and Sue recently sampled a masterclass in Brazilian cookery. Find out how she got on, on page 26. Meanwhile, Rich gets the VIP treatment at the ECHO Arena on page 27 and I get a taste

After

Before

After

of luxury at the Leverhulme Hotel on page 30. As the Christmas party season fast approaches, we bring you the latest make-up trend, the ‘morning after look’ on page 12 and if you’re planning to dazzle in your little black dress, then you’ll need to de-fuzz. We find the perfect, painless hair-removal solution on page 13. At Best of Liverpool we are glued to Strictly which is back on our screens. I speak to champion ballroom dancer, Clare Roberts, on page 14, and learn how people are taking to the dancefloor in their droves. And as usual, there’s no shortage of talent for us to pay homage to. This month, we catch with homegrown geniuses Will Brenton who has directed the Hairy Bikers tour coming to the Empire (page 16), actress Pauline Daniels who is playing a variety of different dames (page 17), rising urban star and self-confessed nerd Esco Williams (page 18) and artist Christian Furr who is celebrating the city in his exhibition Liverpool Love (page 20). After all this hard work, the team at Best of Liverpool is looking forward to the Yuletide break and have planned our work night out already but if you have yet to book yours, you need to get cracking. Read Sarah’s guide to the hottest venues on page 28.

16-17 HOMEGROWN TALENT Will Brenton and Pauline Daniels 18 GIT Award Mersey music on the map 19 THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE Hot dates for November 20 LIVERPOOL LOVES Celebrating the city

HOMES & GARDENS 21 COSY HOMES Batten down the hatches

CHILDREN

22-23 WINTER WARDROBE Wrap them up warm

BONFIRE NIGHT

24-25 BRIGHT SPARKS November Fifth spectaculars

FOOD & DRINK

26 HOT STUFF A Brazilian cookery masterclass 27 VIP TREATMENT The ECHO Arena experience

CHRISTMAS

28 PARTY VENUES Festive nights out 29 GORGEOUS GIFTS Surprises from Santa

TRAVEL Michelle Rushton, Best of Liverpool Editor

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03

Talk of the town

OutANDabout

Katie McLoughlin and Michelle Rushton delve into the city’s social diary and reveal what’s been happening recently....

HOT STUFF GREAT Crosshall Street was the scene of a sizzlingly successful event on Thursday, September 20 as Bikram Yoga Liverpool held its official launch party. Held in the hot yoga centre’s city centre studio, the soirée was well attended, with some 80 guests helping director and yoga teacher, Estelle Cartlidge, celebrate opening her first yoga studio. Guests, including Best of Liverpool, got a chance to see Bikram Yoga Liverpool’s state-of-the-art studio for themselves. DJ Dash was on hand to provide music for the event, which saw guests quaff Prosecco and cocktails from of The Noble House and tuck into healthy yet delectable canapés, including Vietnamese rolls with chilli jam and thyme goats’ cheese bruschetta, from new health conscious catering firm, Oh My Goodness. Speaking at the well-attended launch event, Estelle said: “I can’t explain just how thrilled I am to bring Bikram to my home city. In the weeks that we’ve been open, Liverpool has embraced the heat and the power of the practice already. This city is home to the most focussed people I have ever taught – determination to succeed is definitely part of the Scouse DNA! “I can’t wait to welcome more and more people to realise and release their potential at the studio.” Visit www.bikramyogaliverpool.com

FULL OF BEANS THE INVITING aroma of Italian coffee is wafting through Queen Square courtesy of new independent cafe Coffee Crew. It’s the brainchild of restaurateur Chris Hamblin who is also the man behind other Merseyside establishments Savina, Buffalo Jacks, Brooklyn’s and Gecko. Coffee Crew is dedicated to his favourite drink and coffee brand, Illy. “I owe much to Illy coffee for its taste, the strong and proud Italian heritage of the company and how they do things,” says Chris. “We’ve now gone as far as opening a dedicated independent haven for lovers of caffeine and fresh food.” Visit www.coffee-crew.co.uk

ON YOUR BIKE! OLYMPIC gold medallist Chris Boardman was the guest of honour as Knowsley’s Leisure and Culture Park enjoyed its official opening on September 27. The recent event marked the completion of the multi-million pound leisure project with the opening of its spectacular new outdoor velodrome and BMX track. Champion cyclist Chris met some of the centre’s users and unveiled a plaque to officially mark the occasion. The park includes state-of-the-art facilities including performance, events and conference areas, a six court sports hall, two swimming pools, a swimming spectator area for up to 300 people, fitness suite, dance studios and a squash court. The new BMX track is located in the centre of the velodrome.

We’re loving... LUSTROUS LOCKS WE love working a bit of Voodou magic on our tresses and now that the city hair chain has launched its range of festive gift sets, we know what will be on our list to Santa this year. Voodou has GHD’s coveted Metallic Collection in stock – a limited edition range of coloured GHD gift sets. As avid fans of GHDs (what did we ever do before they came de rigueur?) we heart the three, limited edition stylers in Rich Red, Sahara Gold and Shimmering Silver. To give the gift of thicker hair this Christmas, Voodou has six Nioxin hair sets to choose between, designed to give you fuller, denser looking hair in 30 days. Plus, gift sets from cult haircare brands Sebastian, Wella SP, Wella Professional, American Crew and Morrocanoil are available. Visit www.voodou.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

THEO’S PANTS PROVE POPULAR DRAGON’S Den star, Theo Paphitis, was in the city on October 17 to officially open a branch of his Boux Avenue lingerie brand in Liverpool ONE. Theo launched the luxury lingerie brand in 2011 and the Liverpool ONE store is the 14th Boux Avenue shop to open in the UK.

GETTING OUR TECHNO ON

CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE - THE WRITERS

NEVER one to rest on their laurels, after the success of their night in September, which saw iconic dance brand Renaissance bring its 20 year celebrations to St George’s Hall, city promoters Freeze have announced another not-to-be-missed night. We heart Freeze and this latest night is another coup for the local lads as they will be bringing German techno legend, Michael Mayer, to the city, for his Liverpool debut, on Saturday, November 24. Michael will play an extended set at the Freeze event, which is part of a worldwide tour for his long-awaited new album, Mantasy. Jemmy and Adam Helliwell will also be on the bill alongside head of Kompakt Records, Michael Mayer. The venue is yet to be announced, but a little birdy tells us it’s going to be somewhere pretty special. Tickets are priced at £13/£11 NUS plus booking fee. Visit www.clubfreeze.co.uk

THE newly reworked Centre of the Universe – The Writers map, is a special, limited edition gift print featuring famous people across the region. The original map has sold all over the world and now its creator Graeme Currie has produced a special limited edition print which highlights the litany of literary figures from Merseyside who have written novels, scripts and poetry. It features screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce, who wrote the Olympic opening ceremony and is at his birthplace of St Helens, plus dramatists Jimmy McGovern and Willy Russell, sitcom writers like Carla Lane and music writers such as Spencer Leigh and Merseybeat’s Bill Harry among many others. The map is available from hubcapmap.com and Waterstones.

NOVEMBER 12 BACK WITH A BUZZ

A CUT ABOVE

ONE of Liverpool’s leading nightclubs celebrated its 10th birthday in style with a spectacular weekend of music and entertainment in association with Chase Vodka. Mosquito hosted an exclusive media and VIP party in October showcasing its new decor. The club has been transformed into a sultry den with a more devious atmosphere for funloving clubgoers to show off

LUXURY gentleman’s brand, 19-EIGHTY-2 celebrated its first birthday with a special high tea at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall last month. The Water Street based bespoke tailors, which specialises in exquisite hand-made suits, celebrated its first birthday with over 50 guests. Managing director of 19-EIGHTY-2, Fatima Ali, recently designed a custom suit for Classic BRIT awardwinning conductor, Vasily Petrenko, which he has worn for the first time this month. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) chief conductor, who was named male artist of the year at the 2012 Classic BRIT awards, was among the guests at the exclusive event, which saw attendees enjoy a sumptuous high tea as well as an exclusive treat – the chance to watch the RLPO rehearse. The birthday was in association with creative architecture and design agency MgMaStudio, which was also marking a year in business.

their dark sides. The party featured a range of eclectic live entertainment, including a sax player, bongos and crazy performers as well as free makeovers courtesy of Illamasqua. The party also saw the introduction of the Vampire Membership scheme, an inviteonly club that will give selected members their very own key to unlock the VIP area.

NOMINEES UP FOR LIVERPOOL MUSIC AWARDS THE nominees for the first-ever Liverpool Music Awards were announced at Eric’s, Mathew Street on October 10, during an evening of Liverpool music. The night was hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks, with local musicians including members of The Coral, The Zutons and the Lightning Seeds turning out to support the nominations. Nominees included alternative folk band All We Are; four-piece Guardians; acoustic ensemble The Hummingbirds; indie-pop folk singer, Ali Ingle; the man dubbed the ‘Mersey Van Morrison’ Robert Vincent and Esco Williams (check out our interview with Esco on page 18). Rebecca Ferguson, Kathryn Rudge and Lizzie Nunnery will battle it out for female artist of the year; while band of the year contenders are five-piece synth rock/pop band, Man Get Out; psychedelic folktronica group Stealing Sheep and the synth pop Tea Street Band. Visit www.liverpoolmusicawards.com

DECADE OF LUXURY OVER 400 guests enjoyed a lavish party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hillbark Hotel & Spa in Frankby, Wirral, and the hotel’s recently awarded 5 AA Star status. The prestigious hotel spared no expense in thanking loyal customers, popping open bottles of Champagne while serving fine dining canapés and small plates based on the dishes served at three AA Rosette awarded Stewart Warner at Hillbark. David M Robinson was on hand to keep guests sparkling all evening long with its stunning collection of jewellery, while live entertainment was provided by the magnificent 20 piece Toni James Band and stunt performers including fire breathers, angle grinders and stilt walkers as well as aerial silk acrobats. Claire Jones, general manager, says: “We were thrilled to welcome so many of our friends, loyal customers and suppliers to celebrate our 10th year at Hillbark and the hotel’s incredible 5 AA Star accolade. “Our entire team has worked diligently to achieve this impressive standing and we were proud to showcase just some of what the Hillbark has to offer on Friday evening.” The three AA Rosettes were presented to head chef Stewart Warner and his team at a glittering awards ceremony at the London Hilton Park Lane on Monday, September 24. At 28-years-old, Warner is one of the youngest chefs in the country to achieve such a high standing.

WIN

CHIBUKU TICKETS ON Saturday, November 17, Chibuku Shake Shake has a very special night lined up, with Simian Mobile Disco, Erol Alkan, Dan Avery (three hour set), David Rodigan (MBE), Jackmaster and Rich Furness set to play in The Masque. Tickets are priced at £13 NUS advance, available from www.chibuku.com, www.skiddle.com and www.ticketline.co.uk. Best of Liverpool has three pairs of tickets to Chibuku on November 17 to give away – to be in with a chance of winning, answer the question below:

How long will Dan Avery play for?

Erol Alkan Photo: Benjamin Diedering

Send your answer, along with your name and daytime telephone number to: magazine@liverpool.com. Entrants must be aged 18 and over. Maximum one entry per person. Closing date for entries: Monday, November 12.

VISION FOR CHILDREN

DOUBLE-MEDAL Paralympian David Devine and his family addressed a packed charity event in Mayur, Liverpool city centre hosted by Vision4Children based at Alder Hey Hospital and Blankstone Opticians. The event in recognition of World Sight Day, was the first outing for double-medal Paralympian David following his acceptance as a patron of the West Derby-based charity.

OAR-SOME OLYMPIANS CHARITY VISIT OLYMPIC rowers Katherine Grainger and Pete Reed came to Liverpool to show off their London 2012 gold medals. The pair were visiting the Liverpoolbased charity, the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation – of which they are both patrons. Grainger and Reed met with staff and lung cancer patients at the charity’s head office in Wavertree Technology Park before visiting the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Research Programme at the University of Liverpool. Grainger won the double sculls with Anna Watkins at London 2012 and Reed scooped gold in the men’s coxless four. Reed also won a gold medal in the men’s coxless four at the Beijing Olympics.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05

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Shopping for her

GET YOUR PRINT ON

Jacquard skirt, £45, from ASOS.com

With floral prints, Oriental motifs and vivid cobalts dominating winter’s sartorial agenda, this is not the season for shrinking wall-flowers, says Katie McLoughlin... HOW does your garden grow? Well, it may be barren, bleak and generally rather bare in the world of horticulture at this frosty time of year, but the world of haute couture is in bloom this winter. Yes, designers have gone floral. In winter. Floral prints are one of the key looks this season, with everyone from designers to the high street proving they have proverbial green fingers, with floral prints featuring highly in their autumn/winter collections. From single stems to dark, Gothic-like bouquets, there’s no shortage of fashion foliage to choose between this season. Far from pretty though, winter florals are dark, edgy and luxe. For an on-trend way to work florals this season, look for a

Rose baroque shirt, £37; leather effect skater skirt, £39; and pyramid buckle belt, £14, from Miss Selfridge

Rose floral peplum dress, £55, from ASOS.com

chiffon shirt with a dark floral print and contrast the floral print with an edgy pair of leather trousers or a leather skater skirt. Of course, winter florals aren’t the only print to embrace this season. Designers have also looked East for inspiration, with Oriental prints, kimono jackets and obi belts all must-have pieces. For the sartorially brave, headto-toe prints (either matching or clashing) are another key look. From stripes to geometric prints, spots and pyschadelic swirls, there’s no shortage of prints to experiment with. And, if you want a wash of plain colour instead of prints, the hue of the moment is cobalt. A bold statement for winter, this intense shade is a great way to brighten up your wardrobe this season. Dress, £299, from Hobbs

BALT CRAZY FOR CO

Debut gem clutch, £24, from Debenhams

Suede open toe boots, £55, from Miss Selfridge

Blue mid-heel courts, £14.99, from Internacionale

Cobalt blouse, from H&M

Per Una open front ponte jacket, £49.50, from Marks and Spencer

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

NOVEMBER 12

HEAD TO TOE

Floral print jacket, £70; floral print trousers, £50; and floral shirt, £45, from Warehouse

Floral print dress, £14.99, from H&M

Shirt, £34.99; skirt, £39.99; and jumper, £69.99, from H&M

Bag, £39.99; jumper, £39.99; statement necklace, £24.99; trousers, £19.99; and patterned top, £34.99, from H&M

Floral print dress, £19.99, from H&M

Damsel in a Dress Oriental cherry blossom dress, £169; Olga Berg crystal clutch, £89; Mikey diamante bracelets, £39 each; KG by Kurt Geiger silver snake print shoes, all from House of Fraser

L ORIENTA INSPIRED

Embroided Oriental flower dress, £120, from ASOS.com Kimono top, £58, from Topshop

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 09

Shopping for him

BOOT-IFUL!

NOVEMBER 12 Red Wing Classic Moc Toe work boot, £229, from Weavers Door, Cavern Walks

Richard Lackey treads the high street in search of this season’s must-haves in sturdy footwear... THIS autumn if you only buy one item then make sure you invest in some quality boots – every man’s wardrobe should have a pair. Not only are they practical during the wetter months, keeping your tootsies dry and warm, but they look great as well and can be very versatile. Current favourites are desert and chukka boots for daywear, which look the part when teamed with a classic jeans and jumper combo, while Chelsea boots are the footwear of choice for a smarter evening finish. Contrasting soles and wedged soles are also available for those wanting to make more of a statement.

Shackleton boot, £42, from Topman, Liverpool ONE

Left, Ask The Missus rose brogue, £99, from Office, Liverpool ONE

Pendleton boot, £155, from Dr Marten, Liverpool ONE

Patton Marshall boot, £165, from G-Star Raw

Breton boot, £115, from Vans Store, Liverpool ONE

LOOK THE BOMB YOU won’t believe it, but that once popular of 90’s wardrobe staples, the humble bomber jacket, is no longer derided and is back in vogue. It’s like the noughties never happened!

Men’s Twisted Soul High Jack bomber, £36.99, from Blue Inc

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Shore Leave quilted bomber, £85, from Urban Outfitters, Liverpool ONE

Bomber jacket, £40, from ASOS.com

Leather flying jacket, £495, from Pretty Green , Liverpool ONE

Penfield Rockwood navy jacket, £245, from Weavers Door, Cavern Walks

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Beauty

Make-up masterclass Katie McLoughlin gets a lesson in creating the perfect ‘morning after eye’... SMOKEY, smudgey, eyes are a huge trend this winter, with models sporting the sultry, grungey look on many of the AW catwalks. However, despite being called ‘morning after eyes’ there’s more to creating this sexy look than simply sleeping in your slap. To help you perfect your peepers this party

season, Michael Chan, make-up artist for Giorgio Armani in John Lewis, Liverpool ONE, has created a wearable version of the look with Giorgio Armani products. Michael, who trained as a make-up artist at Roby College in 2006, then trained with Giorgio Armani, has kindly shown us what to do, step-by-step...

Step 4

Step 6

Next, to sculpt Siobhan’s face and add subtle colour, Michael applies Bronze Mania. A powder bronzer, this is applied with a big powder brush in a figure three shape – starting at the forehead, going out to the cheekbone and along the jawline. Then, he brings the bronzer down onto the neck and blends in.

With the complexion perfected, Michael begins the smokey eyes by working Eye Pencil, in No 4 (black) across the lid, making sure to get close to the lash line. Next, he uses the sponge tip on the end of the eye pencil, to blend and smudge the liner outwards. He tidies up the smudged liner and flicks it upwards, with a cotton bud. For the bottom lashes, he applies the eye pencil to inside and outside the lash line, then uses an eye contour brush to blend out.

Step 7

3 Step 1 It’s important to prime your skin before applying any make-up. So, Michael began by cleansing Siobhan’s skin with Velvety Cleansing Milk, then prepped the skin with Retexturising Lotion and moisturised with Luminescent BB Cream, which brightens skin, evens skin tone and protects with SPF 50.

Step 2 To give foundation a more even base to adhere to and help it to last longer, Michael applies primer, paying special attention to the nose and forehead, where foundation tends to slip.

Step 5 To contour, he asks Siobhan to suck in her cheeks, then applies Sheer Blush, in shade No 4, along the line up her cheekbone. Then, to perk up the complexion, he uses Blushing Fabric in shade No 1 – a mousselike consistency blusher which gives a sheer finish – to the apple of Siobhan’s cheeks. To add radiance, he pats Fluid Sheer, in bronze, to the cheeks and the outside of the face.

To set the liner, Michael dabs Eyes to Kill shadow in shade 13 (black) over the liner and blends in, making sure he stays near to the top lash line. Keep building up the eye shadow until you are happy with the finished look, making sure you blend as you go. Then he dabs Eyes to Kill in No 29, a glittery, iridescent shade, onto the eye lid near the lash-line and under the eye.

Step 8 So that the liner inside the rim of the eye stays put, he applies Eye Pencil in waterproof black, then to really make the eyes pop he pats on Eyes to Kill in No 5, a sparkling gold shade, to the inner corner of the eye.

6 Step 9 After a set of fluttery Shu Uemura false eyelashes were applied, he shades the brows with a rich, dark brown shadow, then uses Eyes to Kill shadow in No 29 (a rich, sparkly pink shade) as a highlighter on the brow bone.

Step 10 Add concealer under the eye again if needed, then to give the eyes a dewy, glassy finish, Michael dabs Giorgio Armani Lip Gloss, in shade 100 (clear), on the eye lid and under the eye. To complete the look, he sweeps translucent powder over Siobhan’s face, then adds a slick of nude lip gloss (shade 502) to her lips.

The finished make-up

Step 3 For the foundation, Michael applies Luminous Silk Foundation with a foundation brush, starting at the centre of the face and working outwards. This award-winning foundation has a lightweight, oil free formula which offers buildable, medium coverage and a dewy finish. For anything that can’t be concealed with foundation, Michael uses a brush to pat on High Precision Concealer, in shade No 2.

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer (in shades 2 and 3)

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Giorgio Armani Luminescent BB Cream

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill in shades 13, 29 and 5

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in shade number 1

Giorgio Armani lip gloss in shade 100

To book an appointment with Michael Chan on the Giorgio Armani counter in John Lewis, call 0151 709 7070. There is a charge to have your make-up done at the counter, however the cost is redeemable on all Giorgio Armani cosmetics.

Fuzz free

Michelle Rushton waxes lyrical about the beauty of laser hair removal

I DON’T know about you ladies but I find shaving a real chore. In fact, sometimes I will avoid wearing certain tops and skirts and opt for long sleeves and trousers just to get out of it when time is of the essence! And when I do make the effort to shave, I find my skin gets a bit itchy, dry and irritated when the hair grows back. There is always waxing of course, but being a full-time working mum of two I don’t always find the time. But before you know it, those Christmas parties will be upon us. I know it’s a bit premature but I have already planned my outfit which includes a sleeveless black dress. Not wishing to experience a Julia Roberts ‘au naturale’ moment, I thought I’d must book an appointment to get my legs and underarms waxed nearer the time. I had heard of laser hair removal but imagined it to be extremely painful and expensive. Then I noticed a leaflet advertising “painless laser hair removal” at the Epilight New Skin Clinic on Rodney Street so I visited the company’s website to find out more. The clinic claims to be expert in laser hair removal using the most advanced technology so I booked myself in for a treatment.

Owner Linda Cunningham gave me a thorough consultation and explained how the clinic’s new Soprano XL IN-Motion laser provided the safest, quickest, most effective and comfortable way of getting rid of unwanted hair. The Soprano XL is apparently much better than older lasers with its new, patented ‘in-motion’ technology which is coupled with the

industry gold standard (FDA approved) 810 diode laser. It has actually won industry awards and has been hailed as one of the best cosmetic treatments. I decided to go ahead with the treatment and was asked to put on protective eyewear and lie down on a bed. Linda shaved my underarm area and applied cooling gel then got to work with the laser moving it over my skin in a sweeping movement. The laser works by gently heating targeted hair follicles with powerful pulses of laser energy which destroys them and prevents them from producing more hair.

Meanwhile, the surface of your skin stays cool and comfortable thanks to the laser’s Dual Chill™ feature. Being a bit of a wimp, I was amazed to find that it didn’t hurt and was just slightly warm, in fact, it felt a bit like a hot stone massage. Being a brunette, we tend to be blessed with darker hair than our lucky blonde rivals and I confessed to Linda that I was self-conscious about facial hair. Now we’re not talking Bradley Wiggins or Magnum PI but it does bother me nevertheless. Linda assured me that nearly every part of the body can be treated with the laser hair removal including the face, neck, legs, buttocks, arms, bikini area, back and stomach. And it is suitable for every skin colour. She applied the laser to the side of my face and moustache area so hopefully no more Jolen Creme Bleach for me! Again, this was painless and very quick. My skin felt a little taut for a couple

of days after but I applied an aloe vera moisturiser and before long it felt back to normal. Within two weeks, I noticed my skin was visibly smoother and the hair was disappearing fast. I will probably need to go back for a couple more sessions but I feel so much more confident already and can’t wait to get my LBD on! According to Linda, the results are permanent, are suitable for both women and men and provide a real solution for people suffering with ingrown hairs, polycystic ovary syndrome and acne, as well as those who just want to look good for their Christmas parties!

WHERE IS IT:

Epilight New Skin Clinic is situated at 54 Rodney Street, Liverpool, L1 9AD.

WHAT DOES IT DO?:

A range of facial aesthetic and medical laser treatments, such as painless laser hair removal photorejuvenation, pixel laser skin resurfacing, accent radio frequency, laser treatment for balding/hair loss, tattoo removal, leg veins, as well as 10 years younger bespoke restructuring, wrinkle relaxant injections/dermal fillers, Ultherapy and much more.

CONTACT:

Telephone 0151 709 0099 Visit the website www.epilightnewskin. co.uk View www.youtube.com/EpilightClinics

NOVEMBER 12 BEAUTY BAG WITH peacock eyes, statement lips, smokey morning-after eyes and natural, barely there make-up key trends for autumn/winter, update your make-up bag with these musthave products...

Flawless complexion GIVE your skin a helping hand with a Benefit Complexion Kit. Available to suit light, medium or dark skin tones, each kit features Benefit the POREfessional balm to reduce the appearance of pores; Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow brightening liquid foundation; Boi-ing concealer and Hello Flawless powder. RRP £24.99, available from Benefit counters in Debenhams, Liverpool ONE; John Lewis, Liverpool ONE or Boots, Clayton Square

Luscious lips TO give your pout some clout, opt for a long-lasting lipstick in a striking shade such as Bobbi Brown’s new Creamy Matte Lip Color. Available in 12 intense shades, it has a creamy, moisturising and highly pigmented formula which glides comfortably onto lips but feels extremely lightweight. It offers long lasting results too. RRP £18, from www. bobbibrown.co.uk and the Bobbi Brown counter in Debenhams, Liverpool ONE

Smokey eyes CREATE a dramatic peacock-style smokey eye, as seen on many of the AW12 catwalks, with Clinique’s Colour Surge Eyeshadow in a raninbow of beautiful shades, like Blackberry Frost, Deco-Dence and Keylime Pie. Available from the Clinique counters in Debenhams, Liverpool ONE; John Lewis, Liverpool ONE or Boots, Clayton Square

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 13

Health & fitness

Dancing queen Michelle Rushton has a go at a little Cuban hip action... MONDAY mornings at Best of Liverpool are now devoted to dissecting the dancing skills of the celebrities on Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing. The conversation goes something like: “Did you see Lisa Riley’s jive? She can’t half move!” “Denise Van Outen’s brilliant but do you think she’s had a head start having danced on the West End stage?” We’re obsessed with the dramatic dances, the glittering costumes, the spray tans, Craig Revel Horwood’s hilarious put-downs, Brucie’s bad jokes... Every time I watch the show, I get fired up with the desire to learn to dance the foxtrot, release my inner romantic with a rumba or try my hand at the tango. So last Monday, I decided to go for it and Googled dance classes in Liverpool. I discovered a website for Dance Passion. Run by professional dancer and dance teacher Clare Roberts, the dance school is located at Walton Cornerstone and offers ballroom and Latin American dance classes where you can do short six week courses in all styles from salsa and samba to the jive, waltz and quickstep.

I called Clare and she invited me to come along to her cha-cha-cha class at 8pm the following Tuesday night. She advised me to wear comfortable shoes with a small heel, not trainers, and, when I asked if I needed to bring a partner, she assured me that there would be people at the group I could dance with. Before attending the class, I did a little research and found out that the cha-chacha is a cheeky and flirtatious dance of Cuban origin. When I arrived, the class was already in full swing. The couples looked pretty impressive weaving their way around the dance floor with their fancy footwork and I wondered how I would ever keep up with them! But I needn’t have worried. Clare gave me a warm welcome and introduced me to two sisters, Emma and Carrie-Anne, who had been learning the cha-cha-cha for four weeks.

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They immediately took me under their wing, patiently showing me the routine they had been learning. I found it hard to get my head round the steps at first but with lots of practice, it started to settle in my brain and, before I knew it, I was chacha-cha-ing like the best of them. Then Clare stood in front of the class and showed us some new steps – the Turkish Towel, Hand to Hands and Cuban Breaks. As we all practised the routine, Clare worked her way round the group helping each couple to hone their moves. 31-year-old Clare has been dancing since the age of three and is totally passionate about it, as her company name suggests! At first she trained in ballet, tap and modern before learning ballroom and Latin in her early teens. At 18, she competed as an amateur for seven years before competing professionally. Clare explains: “My Latin and ballroom training comes from the fantastic Margaret Redmond, who is based in Crosby. Margaret has trained many world champions over the years and is known all over the world. “My dance partner was called Steven Howard and we were and still are the best of friends. Our first competition was in Bristol and we entered a beginners’ competition. “After lots of positive feedback from the other competitors and judges, we decided to move up the ranks and compete in the annual Champions of Tomorrow competition held at the Winter Gardens every January. “We just went along for the experience not expecting to do as well as we did. We finished in fourth place and we were over the moon! This gave us the confidence to enter competitions all over the world. We represented the UK in Italy and Spain. “Our biggest achievement was being chosen to represent England in the Latin American World cup in Vienna. This put us in the top six Latin American couples in the UK.” She adds: “Over the years, we danced at many theatres and festivals as part of the Zodiac Roadshow. We were invited to dance at the prestigious home of the Royal Ballet, Sadlers Wells. We also performed as part of the three couples that formed the Cuban Groove Company dancing alongside World Salsa Champions Chris Marques and

Jacqueline Spencer and couples from Strictly Come Dancing. “In 2006 we appeared on BBC televisions ‘Strictly Dance Fever’ with Arlene Phillips reaching the final 10. We were also selected to be part of the Simply Ballroom Dancing World Tour 2007 in Las Vegas.” Clare completed her professional exams in Latin American and gained a Post Graduation Certificate in Education. She set up Dance Passion in 2010 as a community interest company. “We were awarded £10,000 funding and used this to open our own studio in Walton, set up website and other marketing material,” she explains. As well as the Latin and ballroom class that I took part in, the Dance Passion team runs classes in Latin American, ballroom, Argentine tango, salsa, zumba, zumba toning and street dance and teaches people of all ages from three to 78.

There were people of all ages and abilities and from all walks of life at the class I attended, but what struck me was how friendly they all were. Clare confirms that they certainly are a sociable bunch. “We regularly go on social events to the theatre, local restaurants and dance festivals – the next one will be in Blackpool this month to the Winter Gardens in which I used to compete in!” And they get involved in charity events. Clare is thrilled to have been asked to judge the Roy Castle Strictly Ballroom event on Sunday, November 4, at St George’s Hall.

She reveals: “Since I was a little girl I have always been part of Roy Castle events, and one in particular, which took place on the London Palladium with Sir Cliff Richard. I was very fortunate to meet Roy Castle and so when they approached me last year about getting involved in their Strictly Ballroom event I jumped at the chance. “I will be one of the professional dancers who will train a ‘normal’ person to dance a jive routine. My dance partner was Richard Moore, who runs Fishlocks florist on Castle Street. His first words to me were: ‘I can only dad dance.’ Well by the end of the training, he was a fantastic jiver! “This was an amazing experience for myself and Dance Passion. We were sponsored by all the people who attend our classes and raised over £3,000.” Clare couldn’t rave any more about dance. She enthuses: “I love to dance for many reasons. It helps me to discover and express what I’m feeling. “It’s a wonderful form of artistic expression, and a great way to relate to other people. It’s direct, connective, playful, imaginative, co-operative, artistic and sometimes sensual and intimate. Dance is an on-going learning experience that just keeps getting richer. “And it’s great exercise too!” I certainly left the class with the ballroom bug – I can’t wait to go again. And of course, it’s a great place to share gossip about Strictly! Clare has actually competed against some of the professionals, Darren and Lilia and James and Ola. And as for her predictions... “Denise Van Outen is a lovely dancer and has previously trained in stage dance so she has a very good grounding for the competition. I particularly like to watch Lisa Riley who is definitely one of the public’s favourites!” Dance Passion is based at Walton Cornerstone, 2 Liston Street, Walton, L4 5RT, telephone 0151 525 2498, 07751 240 230 or visit the website www.dance-passion.co.uk

NOVEMBER 12

ADRENALINE HIGH

Daredevils are invited to learn the ropes at the exciting new attraction, Active Adventures, in Otterspool THOSE who are looking for a new and exciting twist on keeping fit can now hot foot it down to Active Adventures, Liverpool’s latest high ropes course that injects some fun into fitness. The 52-element high ropes course is set in a two acre site in the scenic setting of Otterspool, overlooking the River Mersey. The course itself is constructed over two levels and is one of the largest in the UK. It employs the most advanced and safest system on the market, ensuring that the exhilarating experience keeps daredevils as safe as possible. The centre plays host to a diverse number of groups, including schools, sports clubs, cadet units, corporate and youth groups, who can take part in the on-site activities. After opening in April the course has already welcomed more than 15,000 people through the door. The long list of activities available is sure to keep customers occupied for the duration of their visit and includes climbing, abseiling, a maze and a military style obstacle course. The zip wire is another big attraction, allowing the rider to depart the tower whilst taking in the beautiful view of the park itself and the iconic River Mersey. For an extra fun element, visitors can challenge their companions to a race to the finish line; the only thing Active Adventures won’t provide is the forfeit

for the loser, that’s totally up to the winner! The pièce de résistance is the powerfan, a true test of nerves for any self-respecting climber, let alone those with a less assured head for heights! The powerfan entices the climber to its dispatch point, where they are then thrown into the simulation of a free-fall jump. The jump is likened to that of a static line parachute jump and is sure to get the blood pumping, before the rider lands in a cushion soft environment, daring them to try it again! Dan Kirkham of Active Adventures said: “We welcome anybody to come and try our daredevil activities at Active Adventures. “It’s a good way of getting some exercise, but it’s also really good fun! “We have even had two pensioners get their adrenaline fix here so it really is a course that’s open to all ages.” For those who are a little more apprehensive of taking to the course, the complex is also home to Otters Café, a warming environment where visitors can watch their friends through the window, while indulging in a coffee or something to eat off the menu, which includes paninis, omelettes, homebaked cakes and the obligatory all day breakfast. For more information visit www.activeadventuresuk.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 15

Homegrown talent

Recipe for success Michelle Rushton meets Will Brenton, the man behind the Hairy Bikers upcoming live tour

The Hairy Bikers bring their Larger Than Live tour to The Liverpool Empire this month

FOODIES are in for a real treat as the Hairy Bikers will be cooking up a storm in the city this month. Those loveable chefs will be bringing their Larger Than Live tour to the Liverpool Empire on November 25 which has all the ingredients of a great night out. The show’s menu includes lashings of food and laughs, a sprinkling of special guests and the chance for lucky audience members to enjoy a slap up meal on stage during the show, courtesy of those cheeky Northerners. But it’s actually a Liverpudlian who has being doing all the prepping. The show’s director, Will Brenton, grew up in Maghull. Will developed an interest in drama at a youth theatre in Southport, and after completing an art foundation course at Hugh Baird College, he ventured down to Cardiff in the 80s to study it at degree level. He graduated from the Welsh College of Music and Drama and became a professional actor compiling a pretty impressive CV. Will starred in Godspell, Lark Rise to Candleford, The Meg and Mog Show and various seasons at the Players Theatre before appearing in The West End’s highly acclaimed Blood Brothers. His television appearances include Inspector Morse, Flying Lady and being a presenter of BBC children’s TV programme Playdays. Whilst at Playdays, Will directed over 100 episodes before moving on to direct the location based art show, Bitsa, followed by a two year stint directing Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Since then, Will has risen to the top of his profession, creating some of today’s best known programmes for children, and receiving numerous awards, including a BAFTA, a Royal Television Society Award, and many more awards and nominations.

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He is best known for creating, writing, producing and directing shows for children through his own production companies, first Tell-Tale Productions and now Wish Films. He co-created and produced the hit BBC children show, The Tweenies and ITV’s Jim Jam and Sunny. He has also worked on Boo! Fun Song Factory, BB3B, Wibbly Pig, Mighty Mites and Florries Dragons, for BBC and Disney. Now, Will specialises in live shows and has co-written over 25 from traditional pantomimes to the huge arena shows including The Tweenies, Cbeebies, Bob the

“It’s about bringing together all the elements and making it slick and snappy...it’s lovely to come back and do stuff in Liverpool” Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine, Noddy, Postman Pat and Bratz. And last year Will wrote and directed the ‘Dr Who! The Monsters are Coming!’ arena tour. He’ll be serving up a new feast of fun with the Hairy Bikers. Will explains: “I got a phone call from the BBC saying the Bikers were interested in working with me. “I hadn’t met the guys before, so I had a chat with Dave and Simon. They had a page of ideas and it was my job to flesh them out and look at ways of stepping up the production. “There will be lots of audience participation, people joining the Bikers on stage, a wheel of fortune sequence, clips, anecdotes, songs, dancing, lots of fun, comedy and much more.

“It’s about bringing together all the elements – from costumes and music to lighting – and making it slick and snappy. “When you are producing a live show you have to think of the audience and ensure they feel like they are really spending time with the characters. The guys are so good at the live shows – they are very warm and friendly and have a good connection with people.” The show will be touring all over the UK and audiences will be regaled with tales of the Bikers’ global culinary expeditions and catastrophes and road trip high-jinks with a hearty dollop of cooking on the side. Later this year Will will go on to direct Peter Pan at the Manchester Apollo Theatre starring ‘The Hoff’ and then will be working on writing and directing Justin & Friends – the next Cbeebies Arena tour, starring the Bafta award–winning presenter and actor, Justin Fletcher MBE – better known to younger fans and parents as ‘Mr Tumble!’ The tour will come to the ECHO Arena in April. Says Will: “Justin will be on stage with all his mostloved characters from Justin’s House and it will be really raucous, with lots of shouting, booing and hissing and mashing up of well-known children’s songs, dancing in the aisles and comedy sketches. Robert the Robot will play a big part – kids will love it!” Will admits that he loves working in large arenas. He reveals: “They’re great places for young kids to enjoy live theatre as they have lots of space to move about.” And although Will’s work has taken him to London, he enjoys the opportunities he gets to come back to his home city to work. “My first production at the ECHO Arena was the Cbeebies Stars’ show – it was very nice space to play into, it worked very well as it was a very energetic, fullon show. “It’s lovely to come back and do stuff in Liverpool as I have lots of friends and family here – they came to see the Dr Who! tour here which was great – we had all the major villains from as far back as the 70s including the Weeping Angels on stage!” After the live tours, Will will continue to create new television shows and is also developing various books for children of all ages. 2012 saw the release of one of his first children’s books, Elephant White. The dad of three is also a big hit with his own children who love meeting the famous characters through his job. He says: “My daughter loved coming on set of The Tweenies but now she is too cool for that but she loved coming with me to the premiere of Dr Who!” For tickets to the Hairy Bikers: Larger Than Live show call the Liverpool Empire Box Office on 0844 871 3017 or visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

NOVEMBER 12

More than just Shirley

Shirley Valentine

For Pauline Daniels, flashing her knickers, talking to a wall and giving an insight into how dementia can effect a family, are all in a day’s work this season. Katie McLoughlin meets the original Scousewife...

Photo: Gareth Jones

THE last time I saw Birkenhead-born The second will see her play an Ugly actress and comedienne, Pauline Sister in the Liverpool Empire’s festive Daniels, she was talking to the wall in a panto, Cinderella, from December 14 hilarious one-woman-show. until January 6. The actress was treading the boards at The parts are poles apart and nobody St Helens Theatre Royal to play the part could ever accuse Pauline of not using of Willy Russell’s downtrodden Scouse the full range of her acting ability – going housewife, Shirley Valentine. from a comic one-woman-show to an Pauline, who has played Shirley for 21 emotive three-hander and then a big years now, loves the challenge of doing panto production. a one-woman-piece, saying: “It’s great, Written by Joe Ward Munrow, Held, I love it. Someone said to me once: ‘It’s which opens in the Playhouse Studio a one-character-piece’, and I said: ‘Oh next week, stars Pauline as the no – it’s a one-woman-piece, it’s a million mother, with her two sons played by characters’.” RADA-trained actor Alan Stocks, from She plays the part well and having Norris Green, and Ged McKenna, who seen her perform, it’s easy to see why interestingly, had a small part in the 1989 to many, she is the film version of Shirley quintessential Shirley. Valentine. So, how does it feel to The play centres around have played the same the stories they tell, part for so long? their memories and the “Oh God, well it’s stories those memories wonderful. It is belie. Their accounts wonderful,” enthuses uncover lives well-lived Pauline. “It’s just the – together they become best piece ever written a captivating tale of the for a woman. weave and weft of family “I don’t care what life, revealing that a anybody says, I think story says as much about she’s ageless and the person who tells it. timeless.” “It’s a woman and her Testament to the two sons and the issues quality of Willy Russell’s that they face,” explains writing, the issues that Pauline. face Shirley – the empty “What’s really nice is nest syndrome, the that she’s with her two listless marriage and the lads and you can see unfulfilled ambitions – that it’s a woman with still have a resonance dementia, then she steps with women today. out of it every now and Pauline as Pixie the Ugly Sister “The issues are still again and talks to you as in Cinderella at The Empire there,” adds Pauline. she remembers.” “Even things like; “It’s a lovely piece, ‘Marriage is like the Middle East, there’s when they sent me the script, I read it, I no solution’, even that is still the same. thought: ‘Oh my God, I really want this It’s still current from when he wrote part’. It’s beautifully written. it, things haven’t changed much, they “When I went for the audition, I was really haven’t.” really hoping I’d get it, but then two Wirral-born Pauline delivered a cracker weeks went by and I hadn’t heard of a performance as Shirley Valentine at anything. I threw the script away, then St Helens Theatre Royal in September. the day after I’d got it! Now, fresh from playing the original “Then the panto came in about a week desperate Scousewife, she’s preparing later. It’s great because it’s like three for two very different parts before totally different journeys towards the Christmas. The first will see her portray end of the year with Shirley, Held and an elderly woman with dementia, in Cinderella.” moving three-hander play, Held at the Held will be a serious, emotionally Playhouse Studio from November 8 until challenging part for Pauline to play and December 1. going straight from that to a more light-

hearted production like Cinderella, will be a nice change of pace for the actress. “Held is very, very sad. So, to go from that to showing your knickers off as an Ugly Sister will be brilliant,” says the actress, who, when I met her was resplendent in full panto costume – including a rather comic pair of panto dame-esque pants, which she took great delight in flashing to our photographer. “Aren’t those knickers beautiful?! They weren’t staying hidden, I can tell you!” jokes the actress, who will play an Ugly Sister in Cinderella – the Empire’s first panto in two years. Alongside Pauline, the cast includes Coleen Nolan as the Fairy Godmother, former Atomic Kitten, Liz McClarnon as Cinders and Pete Price as the other Ugly Sister. “I’m playing Pixie and Peter is playing Peaches. I’m assured by Eric, our writer, that Pixie is the cooler of the two,” jokes Pauline, who has previously worked

The play Held comes to the Playhouse Studio on November 8

with the Radio City DJ on three other pantos. So, will she and Pete work as a double act as the two Ugly Sisters? “Yes, I think we will work as a double act, but there will be that necessary bitchiness,” laughs Pauline. Cinderella promises to be a lavish production, with a few Scouse twists on the traditional festive family panto. “There’ll be a lot of twists because most of our cast are Scousers,” says Pauline, before she starts to ponder the comic possibilities of ‘Scouseifying’ Cinderella, saying: “Seeing as though Pixie is going to be the cooler of the two Ugly Sisters, I think she might have to have Scouse brows? “Maybe a pair of Ugg boots, some pyjamas, rollers and a bit of orange make-up too?” she laughs. “There will definitely be a Scouse element to it,” says Pauline. “But, until we start rehearsals, Eric [the writer] is keeping it all under his hat.” Despite gentle prodding from myself – and Pauline – Eric, who is sat beside us during the interview, refuses to spill the beans, saying only: “It’s going to be very Scouse, it’s going to be a panto for the city.” Pauline concludes: “There’s quite a bit of competition in the city, but I get a feeling that the others are going to be more your traditional panto, whereas we’re going to be completely Scouse, totally different – Scouserella this should have been called!” For Cinderella ticket information, visit www.atgtickets.com or telephone The Empire on 0844 871 3017.

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GIT Award Loved Ones, winner of the GIT Award 2012

Having put Liverpool’s new musical talent back on the map, the ‘Scouse Mercury Prize’ is back for 2013... AS proud Scousers everywhere will happily tell you, Merseyside is an absolute hotbed of creative talent. We know it, but does the rest of the world? In terms of music, Liverpool is certainly home to some of the finest talent around. However, eyes and ears elsewhere may need convincing that the city is about more than just its glorious past. And that’s where the GIT Award comes in... Launched in November 2011, The GIT Award was founded by Mersey music writer, Peter Guy, through his Liverpoolbased blog Getintothis. The award, dubbed the ‘Scouse Mercury Prize’, captured the music industry’s imagination and became the first regional award of its kind

Return of the GIT Award

to champion new and emerging music. Having put the city firmly back on the world’s music map, Liverpool’s premier new music prize is returning on Friday, November 16, 2012. Collaborating with over 80 companies from Merseyside and the national music industry, last year’s awards showcased Liverpool’s rich musical diversity, from a thriving hip hop scene to its electronica

2012 nominees Stealing Sheep

artists, from its long-established country and roots community to its punk, folk and metal. This year the GIT Award judges, which include The NME, The Quietus, Liverpool Football Club and cornerstones of Liverpool’s music and arts scene, will again seek to find the very best new music emanating from Merseyside’s melting pot of creativity. For November’s launch, organisers have teamed up with one of the big success stories of the first GIT Award, Esco Williams, for the launch of his debut single, The New Challenger. Since his nomination, Toxteth-born Esco has gone from virtual unknown to a MOBO Award winner and, to launch this year’s GIT

Miss Stylie wowed the crowds at this year’s award ceremony

Award, the organisers will host a special party in collaboration with Esco at Leaf’s Grade II-listed Grey Space on Water Street in the city centre. Peter Guy, Liverpool ECHO journalist and editor of Getintothis, said: “The GIT Award is once again open to all. I want the prize to appeal to everyone from bedroom musicians to those with record deals, all we’re asking is for

Merseyside musicians to send us their four tracks and who knows who will make the shortlist this year.” In the meantime, spread the word, The GIT Award is officially on. So all you musicians, bands and creative types send your four tracks to getintothis@gmail.com Or, alternatively, post them to Peter Guy, The GIT Award, Liverpool Daily Post & ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. If you’re a business and would like to get involved, email getintothis@gmail.com. The nomination process closes in Spring 2013 with the overall winner of the GIT Award and Inspiration Award to be announced in April 2013.

REVENGE OF THE (SOUL-POWERED) NERD THE last 12 months have been a real rollercoaster ride for rising star Esco Williams. The singer/songwriter from Toxteth is one of the success stories of the first GIT Award held last year and has gone from being unknown to playing sold out gigs across the region and scooping major music industry prizes. He will be launching his new single, New Challenger at the GIT Award launch party this month. Pretty impressive stuff for the soul singer who calls himself “the soul powered nerd!” “As a kid I wanted to be a comic book artist, I was a proper geek and was raised on a diet of Sonic the Hedgehog and Marvin Gaye,” laughs the 25-year-old who discovered his musical talents when he was just 17. “I had never sung before, but I saw an advert in the local paper for Positive Impact, a weekly performing arts course. “I was dead shy with an afro,” he recalls. “But they transformed me for the better.” Toxteth-based Positive Impact youth training and production company aims to nurture local talent, taking people from

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the streets to stardom. Before long Esco was performing his first gig at the Reds Lounge at Anfield. He started an urban pop band called Fade2 and joined the award-winning Sense of Sound choir, honing his vocal skills whilst touring the UK. Since then, Esco has opened for RZA, Dead Prez and Sugababes, has been placed in the Top 20 of MTV’s Brand New for 2012. Plus he was awarded the MOBO Unsung prize, which led to him performing at the official MOBO Awards nominations party in London in front of the likes of Tulisa, StooShe and Fazer. He also performed at Positive Impact’s 10-year birthday bash at the Epstein Theatre in October, as a way of saying thank you to the organisation who gave him a springboard and has been helping other youngsters to develop their talents. “Positive Impact took a chance on me,” says Esco. “And I want to show young people what they can do to enrich their lives.” Esco is looking forward to showing off the video for his new single, directed by Ian

Gamester, at the GIT Award launch party. “It’s proper boss!” Esco enthuses. “It’s a love song from a nerd’s perspective with lots of gaming metaphors – the story of heroes versus villains. We made it at the new Festival Gardens site and at a recycling centre in Skem and it features free-running ninjas!” He is also excited about the MOBO

Awards which will be held in Liverpool this month. “It’s so big for the city – anyone who is anyone on the urban scene will be rubbing shoulders with highly influentially people and celebrating Liverpool’s MOBO music,” says Esco. “It gives us a bigger chance to make more noise and celebrate Liverpool’s influence on the music scene.” Esco is also planning to tour the UK too but pledges to stay true to his roots. “I am a proud Scouser and Liverpool musician – everywhere I go I wear that on my sleeve and put it out there and I try to do as much as I can for the city.” Indeed, Esco will be showing his festive spirit by singing soulful renditions of Christmas classics at the Morecroft Solicitors’ Christmas Carol Concert at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral on Monday, December 3 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. But despite his new-found fame, Esco says he is still a geek at heart. “I just love comic books, Lord of the Rings, video games and can be found wandering around playing Pokemon on my Game Boy,” he laughs.

What’s on

NOVEMBER 12

Sue Kelbrick makes sure that November is a sparkler of a month...

BY NIGHT

BY DAY FESTIVAL IS ALL WRITE

FAMILY FUN

IF you want to get some inspiration for that ‘magnum opus’ then check out the Sefton Writing Festival taking place from November 5-11. Sefton Celebrates Writing features a packed programme of lyrical events including visits from Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Philip Schultz, award winning short story author, Carys Bray, and Brooke Magnanti (AKA Belle de Jour) plus a host of other talented scribes. The festival will also see members of legendary bands The Specials and The Farm link up for a celebration of Ska, and Liverpool’s own rapper/songwriter KOF joins beatboxers and freestylers for a street style spoken word event at Rampworx Skate Park. Visit www.seftonarts.co.uk

BURSTING onto the stage at the Unity Theatre this Saturday is a brand new version of the popular children’s classic, the Elves and the Shoemakers. Next Saturday sees the delightful performance of ‘Egg’, a fascinating story about magic, music and...an egg. And December 4 sees the return of the ever-popular children’s fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel. Running until January 12, 2013, audiences are told to expect the unexpected as the tale is brought to the stage through songs, dance and laughs that are good enough to eat. Visit unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk or call 0844 873 2888.

HOMOTOPIA-TASTIC RETURNING for its ninth year, Homotopia is taking Liverpool by storm once again. Running until November 22, this year’s theme is ‘traditional family values’ and encompasses more than 35 events which explore ‘the family’ in all its queer diversity. Highlights this year include the premiere of ‘Epstein’; the first solo show outside London of work by 2009 Turner Prize nominee, Enrico David; drag fabulist Dickie Beau presents an exploration of the pain and madness of stardom using rare audio of Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland; and the UK premieres of two new films by New York director Matt Wolf. Visit www.homotopia.net

THERE’S STILL TIME... TIME is running out but you can still catch some fabulous shows as part of Liverpool Biennial 2012. Continuing until November 25, there is a vibrant mix of gallery exhibitions, open studios and site-specific works across all media of the visual arts including painting, sculpture, photography and performance. The Independents Biennial 2012 runs alongside the main event showcasing young and emerging new talent. Highlights include Duggie Fields: Welcome to My World, a career-spanning exhibition of the Londonbased international pop-artist seen for the first time in the North West at The Gallery, Stanhope Street. Visit www.independentsbiennial.org

MUST DO MUST TRY...

MUST SEE...

TO do time at the arresting surroundings of Liverpool ONE Bridewell. The historic gaol, now a real ale pub and kitchen, is offering a range of cultural events from comedy night to book readings, poetry evenings and exhibitions. Don’t miss the Meet the Brewer night featuring Lancaster Brewery on November 8. Former ECHO journalist Peter Grant will be hosting and interviewing inmates for ‘Arrested @ Liverpool ONE Bridewell’ on November 29, an ‘in conversation with’ style event. Visit www.liverpoolonebridewell.com

LOCAL artist, Madelaina Murthwaite kicks off her new show Signed! on November 10. This exhibition showcases her collection of celebrity portraits. Once complete, Madelaina undertook a series of crazy stunts to get each portrait signed by the celebrity in question. With 15 portraits in total including Ruby Wax, John Bishop and Jamie Carragher, the show, on the first floor of Clayton Square Shopping Centre, is well worth a visit. Visit www.madelainartz.com

MUST DO...

MUST REMEMBER...

STEPHEN GRAHAM is the latest interviewee confirmed to take part in the renowned Liverpool ‘In Conversation’ series. The Kirkby-born star of Martin Scorsese’s ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and ‘Gangs of New York’ and blockbuster ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ will talk about his life and career in the magnificent setting of the Concert Room in Liverpool’s St George’s Hall on Saturday, November 17. Visit www.littleatomproductions.com

MULTI-platinum, Grammy winning artist Alanis Morissette will be playing a show at the Echo Arena on November 30 to celebrate the launch of her new album, Havoc and Bright Lights. Since 1995 Alanis Morissette has been one of the most influential singersongwriter-musicians in contemporary music. Visit www.echoarena.com, or call the box office on 0844 8000 400.

IT’S MOBO TIME

RETURNING to the ECHO Arena, on Saturday, November 3, the MOBO Awards 2012 promise a stellar line-up. Names currently confirmed include Wiley (pictured), Emeli Sandé and Trey Songz who will be joining Labrinth and Conor Maynard – with yet more stars yet to confirm. Home-grown star, Esco Williams, winner of the MOBO Unsung award will perform at the event. He was selected for the prize by a national panel ahead of a number of other young artists. The award aims to recognise the best new UK artists and promises to be a great springboard for this talented local performer. Visit mobo.com or tweet @MOBOAwards

POOL OF TALENT

CELEBRATING the incredible musical talent which Liverpool is famous for, the Liverpool Music Awards makes November look set to be an award-winning month in the city. Held on Saturday, November 17 at The Dome, Grand Central Hall, the awards honour the heroes of the music industry in Liverpool. There are 15 categories this year with Female Artist of the Year a battle between X Factor star, Rebecca Ferguson, mezzo-soprano, Kathryn Rudge and folk singer, Lizzie Nunnery (pictured). Liverpool’s Esco Williams will face competition from singer-songwriters, Ali Ingle and Robert Vincent for male artist of the year. The One To Watch category will see alternative folk band, All We Are, Wallasey group, Guardians, and acoustic act, The Hummingbirds battle it out. The Caledonia, the Liverpool Philharmonic and the Kazimier are up for live music venue of the year. Visit www.liverpoolmusicawards.com

WIN

THAT’LL BE THE DAY

HAVING been running for over 20 years, Buddy - the Buddy Holly Story returns to the Liverpool Empire for one week only from November 28. Celebrating the music icon, the show tells the story of one of the world’s greatest artists who tragically died in a plane crash aged just 22. The story spans the three years in which Buddy Holly became the world’s top recording artist using more than 20 of Buddy’s greatest hits as the backdrop, including Peggy Sue, That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Heartbeat and Raining In My Heart. Visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool or call 0844 871 3017.

PUNK AND DISORDERLY LEGENDARY punk band, Buzzcocks are set to rock the Casbah this November with a oneoff gig at Erics on Friday, November 16. Inspirational to bands as diverse as REM, Nirvana and Green Day, Buzzcocks have been thrilling audiences for over 30 years. Eight studio albums, over 20 singles and EPs, a constellation of compilations, covers by other bands and songs on film soundtracks and advertisements have put Buzzcocks among the top echelons of British recording artists. Considered to be the true godfathers of punk pop, this is a gig not to be missed. Visit www.ericslive.com or contact the box office on 0151 236 9994.

EPSTEIN TICKETS AND A MEAL FOR TWO

EPSTEIN: The Man Who Made The Beatles, Man Who Made The Beatles is brought to the long-awaited world premiere about you by Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions one of the world’s most successful music Ltd. Tickets cost £10-£24 (concessions entrepreneurs, Brian Epstein, opens in available). For more details visit the Liverpool in just two weeks’ time. website www.epsteintheplay.com or call The multi-media play with live music 0844 8000 410. forms part of the official programme In the meantime, Best of Liverpool has a of Liverpool’s 50th Anniversary of The fabulous prize to give away to one lucky Beatles and is the first major reader. You can win a pair of tickets to see production at the newly refurbished the play on either November 20, Epstein Theatre named after Brian. 21 or 22, a pre-theatre meal at Acclaimed actor and TV star Hanover St Social and a pair of Andrew Lancel (Coronation tickets for the Beatles Story. Street, The Bill, Queer as To be in with a chance of Folk) plays the lead role of winning, simply answer the Brian Epstein and newcomer following question: Will Finlason takes on the fictional role of ‘This Boy’ in Which actor will play the role the two-hander play which of Brian Epstein? charts Brian Epstein’s adult life and illustrious career Send your answers on a postcard from his drama school days to Epstein Competition, Best to managing the world’s of Liverpool, PO Box 48, Old Andrew Lancel as biggest pop group. Hall Street, Liverpool L69 Brian Epstein and Will Finlason as ‘This Boy’. Running from November 15 – 3EB. Closing date: Friday, Photo: Matt Ford December 1, 2012, Epstein: The November 9.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19

Liverpool Love

LOVE IS IN THE AIR . . . With Liverpool Love currently lighting up the Museum of Liverpool, Paul Baker catches up with its curator, Wirral-born artist Christian Furr

“LOVE is all you need,” sang John Lennon back in 1967 on the Beatles hit ‘All you need is love’. In 2012 that spirit and message is being channelled back into the city that spawned Lennon and his bandmates, through the exhibition Liverpool Love. Currently on display at the Museum of Liverpool, on the city’s iconic waterfront, Liverpool Love is the brainchild of charitable art funder Vaughan Davies and his nephew, Wirral-born artist Christian Furr. Christian announced himself to the art scene back in 1995 when he got the call to paint the Queen and place his signature among those most feted names of the art world who have captured her likeness. Heswall-born Christian was just 28 at the time and still ranks as the youngest painter to have been commissioned for an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Since then he’s travelled around the globe painting the great and the good,

from tennis player Tim Henman, through Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Despite having moved to London to pursue his career, Merseyside and Liverpool have never been far from his thoughts. So what’s Liverpool Love all about? “The idea was that the show had to have Liverpool as its theme,” explains Christian. “So I began to think about people I admire that might have some kind of personal connection with the city and started to approach them and ask them if they would like to get involved. “I think the quality of the people we have is amazing, in the show, and I’m so pleased with the way it looks and the diversity of everybody’s take on the city and what it means to them. It’s a really inspiring show.” The unique event brings together a select group of world class artists to form a collection of one-off pieces designed and made especially for the exhibition.

Photo: Anne Dri

ROLL UP, ROLL UP! CULT city club night Circus has announced that it will bring bring iconic French DJ Laurent Garnier to The Masque on December 1, for what will be Garnier’s lastever LBS show in Liverpool. Taking place in Circus’ spiritual home, The Masque on Seel Street, the December 1 line up will also include Guti, Yousef, Lewis Boardman and Scott Lewis, plus more DJs still to be announced. It looks set to be another night to go down in clubbing history and is expected to be yet another sell-out. Tickets are £16 advance, available from www.circusclub.co.uk

WIN

CIRCUS TICKETS BEST of Liverpool has two pairs of tickets to give away to Circus on Saturday, December 1. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the question below:

DJ Yousef at Circus Photo: www.robertemmet.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Which country is Laurent Garnier from?

The famous names who have contributed a piece for the show include Yoko Ono; Sgt Pepper artist Sir Peter Blake; Revolver artist Klaus Voormann; ex-Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe; photographer Mike McCartney; poet Roger McGough; Stone Roses guitarist John Squire and comedian Noel Fielding, along with many other highly regarded and very collectable artists. The show is on now and culminates with a gala auction on November 17, when all the commissioned artworks will be sold in aid of children’s hospice Claire House. So how did Christian get involved? “My uncle, Vaughan Davies [co-founder of Liverpool Love], rang up and said there was an opportunity to do something for Claire House, which is a charity that we’re very aware of, and he said that we could do something at Museum of Liverpool. “I’m from Wirral originally and I didn’t hesitate, really, as soon as I thought to do something for the charity and for the area, and it’s such a fantastic venue.” Christian reveals that a number of bids have already been lodged online, ahead of the auction night where he is expecting some well-known celebrities to be in attendance. Christian’s even produced some works himself for the exhibition which incorporate Scouse iconography like the Liverpool skyline, a lion from St George’s Hall, the colours of our two top flight football clubs, and even the masthead of our very own Liverpool ECHO! It’s plain to see the city continues to inspire his art. “I just think it [the city] has got a great atmosphere,” says Christian. “You know, you go out at night and you can’t beat the atmosphere in the city. “Because it’s a port and it’s got this heritage, and people coming over from Ireland, it’s like a melting pot of all these different cultures, and I think that’s what goes into making this a really exciting city for inspiration.” And the excitement of Liverpool Love looks like it won’t end on November 17, as Christian reveals plans to stage similar shows around the globe! “Well we’re hoping to take this to LA actually. We’re in talks about taking the

idea of Liverpool Love as a brand to LA, and also possibly to Brazil,” Christian reveals. “I think people, when they hear ‘Liverpool Love’ they just tune into it immediately and go ‘that makes sense’ as a brand, and I think, internationally, people can understand it because of the history of Liverpool. So I’ve got a few ideas. I don’t want to talk too much about it but it’s quite an exciting idea and the people I want to get involved in it are on board, so it’s really good.” And with thoughts of Liverpool Love being spread the world over, I just had to ask Christian about his time painting Her Madge! “I ended up driving up to the palace, I had a red Beetle, and I had all paintbrushes sticking out the back. I drove up to the Palace and the guard’s laughing at me when I arrived like I was some kind of nutcase or something,” he recalls with a chuckle. “She was very relaxed and I felt that she found sitting a time to unwind – she obviously has a lot of duties. I mean it’s going back a bit, but from my memory I think it was very relaxed, she’s very good at putting people at their ease, and obviously I was quite nervous at the time. “But the whole experience was fantastic, if slightly surreal at times, it certainly had an impact on my career as a painter, and was a great honour as well.”

Liverpool Love is currently on display at the Museum of Liverpool, with the Auction Gala event taking place on November 17. A one-off reproduction of Christian’s portrait of The Queen will be auctioned for three different charities on the night.

Homes

NOVEMBER 12

November nights Richard Lackey finds ways to make your home look and feel snug...

Orange owl cushion, £25, www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk

AS the mercury begins to dip, it’s time to batten down the hatches and make our homes warm and inviting. If your humble abode is lacking that cosy factor, then a simple injection of chunky throws, floor cushions and thick rugs will do the trick. Popular right now are autumnal hues – deep reds, oranges, dark greens and browns – while fabrics embrace grandma hand knits, cashmeres and mohairs. Not only will they keep you extra warm on a cold November’s day, but they look amazing too. The soothing glow of a candle, plus a convenient tea set will complete that log cabin look. Get it just right, and you will never want to go outside again!

Proud To Be British retro hand knit recycled cotton throw, £95, www.misi.co.uk

Selby cushion and throw (mulberry); cushion, £39; throw, £79, www.peacockbluehome.co.uk

Donna Wilson house blanket, £150, www.homeandkids.co.uk Cashmere chocolate throw, £245, www.alisonathome.com

Redwood cushion, £95, www.miratis.com

Red spiral skulls cushion, £18.50, www.alhambrahome.co.uk

Melin Tregwynt red stack blankets, from £49, www.leekes.co.uk

FEEL AT HOME FROM a flickering candle to a retro hot chocolate jug, simple little touches will make the coldest of homes feel toastie warm...

Embossed recycled glass tea light holders, £10, www.fairwindonline.com

Bark candles, from £4.95, www.nordichouse.co.uk

Beach huts tea for one, £30, www.lauraleedesigns.co.uk

La Cafetiere cream coco hot chocolate pot, £41.95, www.lacafetiere.com

Orange patterned tealight holders, set of three at £9.95, www.tellingtales.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Children

Indigo jumper, from £14; Indigo skirt, from £16; tights (pack of three), from £9; and boots, from £18, from Marks & Spencer

Cream bow coat, from £28; black beret, from £5.50; and star tights (set of three), from £9.50, from Next

Indigo gilet, from £16; Indigo sweatshirt, from £16; Indigo shirt, from £12; Indigo chinos, from £12; and boots, from £20, from Marks & Spencer

COSY KIDS

Autograph jacket, from £22; Autograph skirt, from £15; tights (pack of three), from £7, from Marks & Spencer

With the mercury plummeting and Jack Frost starting to make an appearance, ensure little ones stay snug and stylish with these winter wardrobe wonders, says Katie McLoughlin...

Limited Collection gilet, from £16; Limited Collection hoodie, from £10; Limited Collection T-shirt, from £6; and Limited Collection trousers, from £12, from Marks & Spencer

Boy wears: Breton stripe pocket T-shirt, £11-£13; Skull Tastics long-sleeve T-shirt in green, £11£13; and Core denims, £10-£12. Girl wears: Geox Young Namid boot, £70; and Stars & Hearts knitted dress in pink, £18-£20, from John Lewis

Girls’ A-line puffa coat, £79.99, from Chateau de Sable, Chester, www.chateaudesable.co.uk

HEADS UP FOR WINTER WARMERS Earmuffs, £6.50, from Next

Sheep beanie, £4.50, from Next

Baker by Ted Baker faux fur trapper, £13-£14, from Debenhams

Fur hat, £8, from Next Animal hat, £14.95, www.whatsabouttown.com

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

NOVEMBER 12 WRAP THEM UP IN STYLE Down jacket with bow pockets, £99.99, from Chateau de Sable, Chester, www.chateaudesable.co.uk Parka coat, £16, from George at ASDA

Quilted jacket, from £30; fur hat, from £8; red check shirt, from £10; and vintage wash jeans, from £12, from Next

Boys’ jacket, from £16, from F&F at Tesco

Faux fur collar coat, £18, from George at ASDA Boy wears: Hummel Stadil high top lace junior trainers in blue, £35; cord collar check shirt, £15; moss stitch crew-neck jumper, £18; and carrot leg trousers in burgundy, £14-£16. Girl wears: Fox jumper in camel, £18-£20; and cord trousers in black, £14-£16, all from John Lewis

Above, boy wears: Quilted gilet, £22; cardigan, £18; polo shirt, £12; chinos, £15; and shoes, £20. Girl wears: Hat, £10; reversible gold puffa coat, £35; metallic jeggings, £20; and black boots, £20, from River Island

COLEEN NOLAN LIZ MccLARNON PETE PRICE PAULINE DANIELS STAR IN

0844 8713017 atgtickets.com/ liverpool

Unisex lambskin jacket, £90, www.babatude.com

TICK ET S AVAILA BLE FROM £10

*BOOKING FEES APPLY (MON - SAT, 9AM - 10PM. SUN, 10AM - 8PM)

14 DEC 2012- 6 JAN 2013

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Bonfire Night

Going off with a bang!

Fireworks over the Mersey Photo: Daniel McKenzie

As Bonfire Night is almost upon us Paul Baker grabs a scarf and a sparkler and lights the way to some of the area’s major fireworks spectaculars

The sky is lit up over Sefton Park Palm House Photo: James Maloney

EXPLODING with sound and sparks, this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations are ready and waiting to light up those crisp November skies. Every year a host of events takes place across the Mersey region as the blue touch paper is lit to paint our Northern nights with glimmering flowers of light and scudding, screeching rockets galore. It’s a great time to huddle together with the crowds, coats done up to the chin, gloves and scarves yanked out of the wardrobe after their summer hiatus. Families too throng to these events as the shimmering dance of the fireworks display always manages to pull the same admiring gasps from children and adults alike. Remember not to bring your own fireworks to any events as it is an offence to set off fireworks in a public place. And don’t forget to purchase a little something to warm yourself up – whether it’s a jacket potato, a lovely cuppa or a cheeky tot of whiskey – all the better to enjoy the spectacle!

LIVERPOOL

SEFTON

ST HELENS

THE Liverpool area has two main celebrations at Sefton Park and at Newsham Park. Both take place on Bonfire Night itself, Monday, November 5. They’re free to get into and the events both start at 7.30pm. They’re synchronised to music and each display lasts about 20 minutes. They always deliver a superb display, so don’t miss this year’s. Liverpool Council advise that visitors use public transport or walk to the event, though limited accessible parking is available at Croxteth Gate for Sefton Park and Gardners Drive for Newsham Park.

THE main event for Sefton will be taking place up in Southport when Southport Hesketh Round Table hosts a fireworks extravaganza in Victoria Park. The bonfire party returns to wow the crowds on Saturday, November 3, after last year’s event was such a hit. This year visitors can expect award-winning firework displays, fire-eating, juggling, plus an array of adrenaline pumping fairground rides from Silcocks. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks display takes place at 8pm. Of course, there will be no shortage of refreshments with food stalls and barbecues keeping you going with hotdogs, burgers and the like. The Round Table is hoping to turn this into an annual fundraising event very much with the family in mind. The money raised at this year’s event will go to a Birkdale-based charity called Spinal Unit Action Group. Entrance is £7 for adults, £3 for under 14s, while under fives can get in free.

SHERDLEY PARK will be the location for St Helens Council’s Spark In The Park firework display on Monday, November 5. This fabulous event offers free entry, a children’s firework display, a family fun fair and a sensational main fireworks extravaganza. The event kicks off at 6pm and runs through the evening. If you’re bringing the car, there is parking, costing £5 per vehicle, at Sutton Leisure Centre, Sherdley Park and Lea Green Railway Station.

For advice on staying safe, visit Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s website to learn about firework safety, bonfire safety, and event enquiries. Just go to www.merseyfire.gov.uk and search for ‘fireworks’. 24

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

HALTON OVER in Halton, you can enjoy the borough’s free firework display on Monday, November 5. The flames will be dancing through the sky set to themed music, and the rocket choreography will get going from about 7.30pm. The event itself gets started from 6.30pm onwards. Get a good view from Mersey Road, Runcorn, and Victoria Promenade, Widnes, with free parking in Runcorn and Widnes town centres and at Catalyst car park, Spike Island.

A dramatic skyline over Southport Photo: Gareth Jones

WIRRAL FOR those on the other side of the Mersey, there are a number of superb community firework displays to look forward to on Bonfire Night itself. There’s an event in Birkenhead Park; one at Woodchurch Community Centre, Woodchurch; one in Central Park, Wallasey; fireworks at Lingham Park, Moreton; a display at Mayer Park, Bebington; at Mersey Park, Tranmere; another at Upton Park, Upton; and then a bonfire and fireworks display at Leasowe Adventure Playground, Leasowe. All the events start at 6.30pm, on Monday, November 5 and should run until around 7pm. Entry is free.

NOVEMBER 12 If you’re out celebrating Guy Fawkes Night on November 5, you’ll need some hearty, home-cooked food to keep you warm while you’re huddled around the bonfire. Michelle Rushton fires up some tasty treats to keep you toasty while you’re “oohing” and “aahing” at the fireworks...

TOASTY TIPPLES IF you’ve been out enjoying the fireworks or if you’re hosting a bonfire gathering at your place then you’ll need to stock up on drinks to suitably warm the cockles. Allow Best of Liverpool to serve you up a hot selection for your delectation...

Whisky

WELSH LAMB AND PUMPKIN PIE WONDERING what to do with your left over pumpkin from Halloween? Pair it up with some Welsh lamb for this tasty pie which takes one hour to cook. Plus when you buy Welsh Lamb at your local supermarket in November you can enter a draw to win a ‘money cannot buy’ luxury trip to Wales staying in a stunning Sheepskin cottage with a meal personally cooked by celebrity chef Luke Thomas! Recipe courtesy of www.eatwelshlamb.co.uk Ingredients: l 450g (1lb) cubed Welsh Lamb shoulder l 1 onion, roughly chopped l 5ml (1tsp) ground cumin l Half a small pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 450g/1lb prepared weight) l 300ml (half pint) lamb stock l 25g (1oz) sultanas l 25g (1oz) pine nuts l Seasoning l 2 sprigs fresh rosemary l 500g pre-made all butter puff pastry l 1 egg and splash of milk mixed together for glazing Method: l Heat oil in a large pan, add onion and brown slightly. l Add the cubed Welsh Lamb and brown well. Add the cumin and stir well. Then add the pumpkin or squash, stock, sultanas, pine nuts and season well. Add one sprig of rosemary, put lid on pan and allow to gently simmer for about 30 minutes. l Remove from heat and ladle into a ‘family’ sized pie dish or four individual pie dishes. Reserve a little juice if quite a lot and save this for additional gravy. l Remove the packaging from the pastry and press into it (with your clean fingers!) small pieces from a sprig of rosemary. l Take a rolling pin and roll out the pastry to fit the pie dish (pressing in the rosemary if it falls out). Place pastry into dish, brush with egg and milk glaze, and place in preheated oven at Gas 6, 200ºC, 400ºF oven for about 25 minutes until the pastry is risen and golden brown. l Serve with a heap of seasonal green vegetables.

Bonfire fayre

Welsh Lamb and pumpkin pie

THIS aubergine, potato and chick pea balti is just the thing to keep you warm on a dark November night and takes 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to make. Provided by the Vegetarian Society – (created by the Cordon Vert cookery school), visit the website at www.vegsoc.org for some more hot favourites.

For the sauce: l 2 tbsp vegetable oil l 1 onion, peeled and finely sliced l 2 cloves garlic, crushed l 2 tsp root ginger, peeled and grated l 4 cm cassia bark (optional) l 6 whole cloves l 450g tin chopped plum tomatoes l Quarter tsp ground turmeric l Half tsp ground coriander l Half tsp ground cumin l 1 tsp sugar l 1-2 tsp salt to taste l 1 tsp red chilli powder to taste

Birmingham Balti

To finish: l 4 tbs fresh coriander, chopped l 200ml water l Half tsp garam masala

Irish coffee ONCE the Catherine Wheels have all burned out, treat your guests to a nice Irish coffee. Serve up a tray of coffees with a whisky kick and your assembled bonfire buddies will thank you most heartily. Oh, and make sure you have some of these smart Irish Coffee Glasses to put them in, £9.99 available from drinkstuff.com.

Red wine

BIRMINGHAM BALTI

Ingredients: For the vegetables: l 2 tbs vegetable oil l 1 onion, peeled and finely sliced l Half tsp cumin seeds l 1 aubergine, cut into 1 cm cubes l 1 potato, peeled and cut into 1 cm cubes l 1 x 410g tin chickpeas, rinsed & drained l 1 tsp ground coriander l Half tsp ground cumin l Quarter tsp ground turmeric

IF you love rich, smokey and peaty malt whiskies, then sample the Peat Monster. Highly drinkable, Peat Monster is a blend of single malts from Islay and Mull, plus rich, medium-peated Speyside whisky. All that smokey heat sounds about perfect for Guy Fawkes’ Night!

Method: l For the vegetables – heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the sliced onions and cumin seeds. Cook for three minutes l Add the chopped potato, aubergine, ground coriander, cumin and turmeric. Stir to coat vegetables evenly and then cook over a high heat for three minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from pan and set aside. l For the sauce – heat the oil in the pan. Add the onion, crushed garlic, grated ginger, cassia bark and whole cloves and cook for one minute. l Add chopped plum tomatoes, turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt, sugar and chilli to taste. Cook on a high heat for two minutes, then lower to a medium heat and cook for a further three minutes stirring occasionally. l Remove the cassia bark and blend the sauce roughly with a hand blender, then add the vegetables and chickpeas to the sauce with three tablespoons of chopped coriander, the water and the garam masala. l Cook over a low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. l Garnish with remaining chopped coriander and serve with Basmati rice and/or naan bread.

YOU can’t go far wrong with a warm and full-bodied red wine when you come in from playing with those sparklers. This Finest red wine and cheese set, from Tesco, £15, even gives you some delicious fromage to enjoy with your vino.

Mulled wine WE tend to associate it with Christmas, but what could be finer after an hour in the autumn night air than coming home to a spiced glass of mulled wine? So grab this mulled wine set, £20 from Debenhams.

Fruit tea AND if you want to stay alcohol free, try a fruit tea. These Sicilian lemon, ginger and honey teas from Sainsbury’s, 99p for 20 bags, tick all the boxes when it comes to hot, fruity and refreshing.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25

Food & drink

Hot stuff I DON’T mind putting on an apron and rustling up a tasty meal every now and then, but if I’m honest, I prefer to be eating the food rather than cooking it. So, when the team at Viva Brazil invited me along to help out in the kitchen, I wasn’t sure quite what I was letting myself in for, and I must admit that I was slightly concerned they’d have me doing the washing up. But I needn’t have worried. First off, I was introduced to Diego, a young butcher from south Brazil, who was preparing the meat for the day ahead. Meat is a huge part of the Brazilian diet and a lot of time is spent cutting

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

It’s carnival time in the kitchen as Sue Kelbrick gets a cooking lesson from the experts at Viva Brazil...

and preparing it, ready to go onto the traditional Brazilian barbecue. Watching Diego was like watching a craftsman at work, as he skilfully cut the meat so only the very best pieces were left, or the ‘picanha’ as it is known in Portugese. Once prepared, the meat is marinaded in a variety of herbs and spices to enhance and complement the flavour. The meat is then put on huge skewers which are placed on the charcoal barbecue and it is slow-cooked to really bring out the flavours. When the meat is cooked, the carvers or ‘passadors’ take over, and bring the meat

over to the table where they expertly carve it for diners to enjoy. There are over 15 select cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and sausages. Whilst the meat is always the star of the show in Brazil, what accompanies it is just as important. It should never overshadow, but should provide a tasty and complementary addition to the meat. So, Viva Brazil offers over 20 side dishes, including garlic mashed potatoes, polenta, fried banana and pineapple, mashed cassava, artisan cheese breads and a variety of salads. These dishes don’t cook themselves, so it was time to put on my apron and get stuck in. Miro, the head chef, originally from Slovakia but with family in Brazil, spoke passionately about Brazilian food, and he showed me how a number of traditional dishes are made and prepared. He then introduced me to sous chef, Anna, who, despite having an authentic Scouse accent, is originally from Brazil and loves the food of her homeland. She says: “Every time I cook I am reminded of my childhood because of all the delicious smells of the food.” She showed me how to cook a wellknown Brazilian side dish, ‘farofa’ which is made with a combination of spring onions, garlic, red chilli, fresh herbs and cassava flour, a traditional Brazilian ingredient. The smell of the food cooking was

simply beautiful and, by the time I sat down to eat my lunch, Brazilianstyle, I was absolutely starving, having been tantalised by the sights, sounds and smells of the food being lovingly prepared in front of me. And not a pair of Marigolds in sight... Viva Brazil is at 34 Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 0NR. To reserve a table visit www.vivabrazilrestaurants.com or telephone 0151 236 8080.

NOVEMBER 12

TOP TIER Richard Lackey is treated like a king for the evening as he samples the ECHO Arena’s new VIP experience package...

IT’S lovely being waited on hand and foot, isn’t it? It’s about not having to lift a finger, having delicious food brought to your table by attentive waiters and your glass topped up as soon as it does the despicable act of dipping below the half-way line! That’s exactly what I had the pleasure of experiencing thanks to the ECHO Arena’s recently relaunched Arena Club Class Exceptional Experiences package – which is a real treat for anyone wanting to pimp up an otherwise usual trip to a concert or comedy show. My entertainment for the evening was Scouse comedian John Bishop, and while his string of jokes about the Olympics, being a middle-aged hubby and dad, and his celebrity chums was a little hit and miss in my opinion, the Club Class experience was all hit. So, what do you get for your hard-earned cash? The big draw is obviously the VIP box which can seat up to 12 people, so would be great for family parties and birthday treats with friends. The box is cosy, yet spacious at the same time, and comes with a mini-kitchen and a huge dining table in the middle. Outside is a private balcony which is where you sit for the show. The views of the stage are obviously amazing and uninterrupted, and while some may prefer being in the thick of the crowd to properly appreciate a music gig, for our night of comedy it was a real treat to be away from the heaving masses in our ivory tower.

A True Italian Experience

Francos

THE BEST IN ITALIAN FOOD

0151 236 3375 bookings@francosliverpool.com www.francosliverpool.com

Other benefits come in the shape of free car parking and pre and post show hospitality, which is ideal. Having that little extra time following a show to relax while the hoards of people frantically race to the car park is a delight as anyone who has ever attempted leaving the arena following a concert will vouch for. There is also a complimentary cocktail waiting for you upon arrival, which perfectly whets your whistle before your delicious buffet style menu is served. Cuisine in the box is provided by the award-winning Heathcotes Restaurants, who lay on all the food at the arena from the snacks in the auditoriums to the catering for the huge conferences that descend on the venue from time to time. For our evening, we were presented with a selection of nibbles and dips at first, which included moreish home-made humous and some of the tastiest olives I’ve ever had. We were then given a selection of tasty treats from the buffet menu, which included chicken satay, Croquetas De Riso (an Italian delicacy of a rice-based filling encased in breadcrumb balls), wild mushroom bruschetta, beef kofta and harissa mayonnaise, and smoked salmon and egg roll with bright green wasabi pea puree. Each dish brought something individual to the table, and had obviously been chosen by the chef to compliment each other. There are a total of 10 items on

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

Express Lunch Menu

Special Reduced Priced Lunch Options - Mon-Fri Only

Evening Menu

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

the buffet menu to choose from, and guests can select five for their particular evening, or alternatively, opt for the chef’s personal selection. Personal favourites had to be the chicken satay and the bruschetta which were to die for. One of the true highlights of the evening came during the interval when we returned to our box to find a piping hot apple and raspberry crumble waiting for us on our table. Complimented by a big jug of hot custard – the type of which your grandma would rustle up – it was such a nice touch and the perfect way to set us up for the second half. The ECHO Arena describes its new VIP boxes as “the ultimate hospitality experience,” and after my evening, I would have to agree. Obviously the VIP treatment comes at a price, and how much you fork out all depends on the type of package you go for; packages range from one-off events, season tickets to exclusive corporate hire for businesses. And while the prices – starting from £109 – may seem a little steep, it’s definitely worth considering for that one-off treat, especially if it’s a show or a concert you really want to see. Go on, splurge a bit! For more information visit the website www.arenaclubclass.com or contact katie.chin@accliverpool.com, or on 0151 703 7217.

Now taking bookings for Christmas!!

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

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 27

Christmas

Festive frolics Sprigs of mistletoe will soon be flying off shelves, shops are filled with party dresses and Barry from your office has started practising his dodgy dancing. It can only mean one thing – it’s time to organise the Christmas night out. Sarah Hooley scouts out some of the best places to eat, drink and be merry... A SURE BET

HAVE A BALL The Genting Club

WITH a stylish restaurant, late-night cocktail bar and swish casino, it’s fair to say that Genting Club Queens Square has an ace up its sleeve when it comes to festive parties this year. Located in the heart of the city centre, the venue recently underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment and has an excellent selection of Christmas deals on offer. Prices per person start from £9.95 for a selection of light bites, £19.95 for a three course dinner, or £26.95 for a superb allinclusive package which includes a three course meal, one drink, ‘learn to play’ session and two, £5 gaming chips. Plus, if there are eight or more in your group, the party organiser will dine for free. Wine packages are also available, with three selected bottles for just £35. And, there’s a fantastic line-up of vocal acts to keep you entertained on dates throughout December. Visit www.gentingcasinos.co.uk/ club/queen-square or call 0151 702 7610.

SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS

Blakes

FOR a sophisticated soirée, Blakes is serving up a festive treat this Christmas. The restaurant, located in Hard Days Night Hotel, is a fusion of chic decor, quirky Beatles’ artwork and contemporary over-sized lighting. Diners can opt for two-courses at £22.50 or three-courses for a very reasonable £25.50 per person and the dishes are mouth-wateringly tempting. From chicken, pistachio and chorizo terrine with spiced orange chutney to start, roasted Norfolk turkey with seasonal trimmings for main and warm dark and white chocolate brownie with raspberry ripple ice cream for dessert, it’s foodie heaven. The hotel also has a super-sleek cocktail bar and is a stone’s throw from the nightlife on Mathew Street. Visit www.harddaysnighthotel.com or call 0151 236 1964.

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MASQUERADE, at the Grand Marquee in Knowsley Safari Park, is a must for party-goers looking for an evening of glitz and glamour. The exclusive party will be welcoming guests on selected dates in November and December. Party-goers will be treated to a red carpet entrance and a glass of bubbly, followed by a three-course meal and sensational entertainment with vocal and dance performances. The evening, in association with Radio City 96.7, will be hosted by Rossie and Jay, along with DJs Simon Greening and Lee Butler. Plus, there’ll be party games, competitions and a charity casino. Prices start from £49.50 per person and the event is open to parties as small as two or groups of 200. Dress to impress and don’t forget your mask! Visit www.jdparties.co.uk or call 0844 318 3903.

A TASTE OF THE EXOTIC FOLLOWING a sell-out 2011 season, Best Parties Ever is returning to Aintree Racecourse with ‘Moonlit in Marrakech’ themed party nights. Inside, the venue will become an exotic bazaar with palm trees, a twinkling starlit ceiling, tranquil fountains and ornate bronze sculptures. Guests can tuck into a sumptuous fivecourse meal, and enjoy a charity casino, state-of-the-art disco and spectacular live entertainment from exotic fire dancers, limbo dancers and aerial silk dancers. Plus, they’ll be a camel rodeo, indoor dodgems (a small charge applies), kasbah and a survivors’ breakfast. The event is available to book for dates in November and December for mixed group nights or exclusive hire. Tickets costs from £41.40 per person. Visit www.aintree.co.uk or call 0151 522 2922.

Join the Masquerade this party season

HO HO HO

Bistro Pierre

TRÉS BON FOR a lively atmosphere and authentic French food (without the hefty festive price tag), you can’t go wrong with Bistro Pierre. A favourite with many diners in the city, the bustling restaurant is tucked away in an old warehouse just off Mathew Street and offers a warm and welcoming venue with exposed brickwork and wooden floors. Its delicious festive menu is sure to appeal to all steak au poivre, gruyere cheese, shallot and spinach tart, grilled fillet of salmon with a lemon and herb crust and Porc de Normandie. And, at just £12.95 for a three-course lunch (12pm-3.45pm), or £22.95 in the evening (4pm -10pm Monday to Saturday or 4pm-7pm on Sundays) it’s pocket friendly too. Perfect for already over-stretched budgets! Go to www.bistropierre.com or call 0151 227 2577.

Aintree Racecourse

Catch Keith Carter as Nige at Laughterhouse Comedy

IF an evening of belly laughs and excellent food floats your boat, turn to Laughterhouse Comedy for your Christmas outing. The chuckle factory has a range of show and meal deal packages at three city centre locations – with prices starting from £15 per person for comedy tickets only (£7 concessions), £33 for a twocourse meal and comedy ticket, or £36 for a three-course meal and comedy ticket. The delicious menus range from honeyed parsnip soup and traditional roast turkey to oven-baked cinnamon sugar dusted waffles. The comedy clubs play host to some of the finest cutting-edge comedians, and shows run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Visit www.laughterhousecomedy.com or call 0151 227 5946.

NOVEMBER 12 Monopoly Millionaire, £19.97, from Tesco Direct

Baker by Ted Baker girls’ sock set, £12, from Debenhams

Black embossed Biba weekend bag, £399, from House of Fraser

Lego Creator Campervan, £79.97, from John Lewis

Perfect presents With just over seven weeks until the big day, the countdown to Christmas is well and truly on! And, if you want to get a head start on your shopping, here are a few of our favourities to fill those festive stockings...

Manolo’s New Shoes, £17.47, from John Lewis

Arcade Baby, £459.99, from Tesco Direct

Michael Kors MK5128 women’s rose gold chronograph bracelet watch, £229, from John Lewis

POWER RANGERS SAMURAI: THE TEAM UNITES

Reindeer hoodie, £9, from Pets At Home

The Paparazzi’ Nails Inc. mini polish set, £39.50, from House of Fraser

WIN NEW DVD

IF you’re looking for a mighty morphin’ stocking filler, this is the perfect competition for you! Courtesy of FreemantleMedia Enterprises, we have 10 copies of Power Rangers Samurai: The Team Unites on DVD to give away. The new, action-packed DVD sees the valiant Power Rangers in their quest to master the ancient Symbols of Samurai Power. And, it comes complete with with an exclusive bonus movie “The Clash of the Red Rangers”. To be in with a chance of winning a copy of the DVD, simply answer the following question: What is the name of the exclusive bonus movie that is included on Power Rangers Samurai: The Team Unites? Answers on a postcard to: Power Rangers Comp, Best of Liverpool, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB (including your name, address and daytime telephone number). Closing date: Friday, November 9.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 29

Travel

NOVEMBER 12

Just what the doctor ordered

The Leverhulme Hotel, Port Sunlight

Michelle Rushton escapes to Wirral for some luxury R&R... WITH our entire household being plagued by the lurgy for the last month, my partner Mike and I were in desperate need of an undisturbed night’s sleep minus poorly children climbing in with us. My parents prescribed a night away, just the two of us, for a spot of pampering and offered to babysit while we enjoyed a little break to recharge our batteries. We fancied somewhere not too far away from our home in south Liverpool but far enough to feel like we were escaping, so Wirral seemed the perfect option. It was quite fitting that we should choose the Leverhulme Hotel in Port Sunlight as it is a former hospital! Dating back to 1907, the hotel was originally the village’s cottage hospital.

Port Sunlight

It formed part of Lord Leverhulme’s philanthropic scheme for Port Sunlight, the pioneering estate designed to provide the very best social facilities for his workforce and their families at his neighbouring soap works. The hotel was taken over and restored by The Contessa Hotels group, owners of the five-star Hillbark Hotel, who have transformed it into a stunning, Grade II-listed art deco boutique hotel. The Leverhulme is now the highest rated four star hotel in Merseyside boasting 19 stylish bedrooms and fine dining at the award-winning chef Richard Fox restaurant. The hotel offers a special package ‘Fabulous Fridays’ where guests can book an overnight stay, a three course dinner and full breakfast the following morning for £162 per couple. Just what you need after a hard week’s work! We found the hotel easily enough by following the brown signs to the historic village of Port Sunlight which was created by William Hesketh Lever for his Sunlight soap factory workers in 1888. The hotel was all lit up providing an inviting welcome and as we approached the grand entrance hall we were greeted warmly by hotel operations manager David Cox. He showed us to the Opus Grand Room where we would be staying

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

for the night and we were wowed by the luxury within. A chilled bottle of white and artisan chocolates awaited us and as tempting as it was to dive into the seductive king sized bed, we had to get ready for our evening meal, so we enjoyed a cool glass of wine whilst unwinding in a relaxing bubble-filled Jacuzzi which is big enough for two. “I could easily get use to this!” I said to Mike. Suited and booted we made our way to the uber cool bar area and enjoyed an aperitif whilst perusing the fine menu. The restaurant, ‘Richard Fox at Leverhulme’, has been awarded two rosettes by the AA, named in the Michelin Guide 2012 and is home to Wirral Chef of the year 2010, Richard Fox. There were three menus available, the a la carte dinner menu, grill menu and Richard’s signature tasting menu. Mike opted for the grill menu, while the dinner menu took my fancy. Our expert sommelier, Declan, suggested the Sancerre Rose would be the perfect pairing. We relaxed and sipped our wine, admiring the amazing artwork adorning the walls, and before long we were shown to our table in the stylish restaurant. Our restaurant manager Pete delivered our starters. I had the chicken liver parfait which was chilled and accompanied by a cherry sauce and

Cyrus Todiwala

brown bread, while Mike chose the mushroom soup. As much as I enjoyed my starter, I found myself stealing spoonfuls of Mike’s soup too as it was so moreish. I have never enjoyed soup so much! And again, when it came to the mains, my cock-a-leekie was a delicious presentation of succulent poussin with a fabulously fruity prune jus and crunchy heritage potato, but Mike’s melt in the mouth fillet steak with peppercorn sauce and hand cut chips had the edge and I just had to help him out again. It’s a good job he’s a generous guy! For desserts, Pete recommended the Chocolate Orange which not only looked stunning, but was a taste sensation with the tangy orange sauce providing a pleasing contrast to the heavenly chocolate. Meanwhile, Mike tucked into a slate of British Isles Cheeses coupled with quince, fig and biscuits – the perfect end to an excellent meal. The lovely Sherry, the hotel’s wedding organiser, chauffeur and you name it she does it, kindly showed us an album of old photos of the hotel which showed pictures of the nurses wheeling the patients outside in their beds for some

Cock-a-leekie

fresh air, then she gave us a tour of the hotel showing us where the operating theatre, children’s ward and morgue used to be! The hotel is steeped in history and has been superbly restored retaining its beautiful architecture and original period features with contemporary influences. The magnificent ballroom was set up for a wedding the next day and looked resplendent, an idyllic setting for nuptials. Next we shot a few games of pool in the opulent games room complete with a grand chandelier. I got thrashed by Mike, which wasn’t very gentlemanly, but that’s equality for you! Then we retired to our room and snuggled up for the night in the sumptuous Egyptian cotton sheets, sipping the rest of our wine whilst watching old comedies on the wallmounted LCD TV. We both slept soundly and woke refreshed and ready to face the world. We had a last soak in the Jacuzzi before heading to the restaurant for breakfast, greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A hearty full English breakfast set us up for the day and we had a quick wander around the picturesque village, admiring the beautiful historic buildings and gardens in full autumnal splendour, before heading back home to our family feeling revitalised. It was just the tonic we needed! For more information on the Leverhulme Hotel visit www.contessahotels.co.uk or for Port Sunlight village visit www.portsunlightvillage.com

FESTIVE TREATS AND FAMILY FUN THE THIRD annual Christmas Food Fayre returns to the historic village of Port Sunlight this December 1 and 2. Filled to the brim with food, family fun and yuletide delights, the Fayre will bring together the very best in regional food and drink producers, family activities, and indulgent gourmet experiences spread out across the beautiful buildings of Port Sunlight village. The village welcomes back Chef Patron Cyrus Todiwala who will be hosting the fantastic Chef Demonstration Stage in the Leverhulme Hotel and whipping up an exciting selection of Christmas favourites with a twist. Cyrus will be joined on stage by Michelin star chef Marc Wilkinson from Fraiche who will unveil his new Wirral Tart, local award-winning baker Ceri Newton and fine dining authority Richard

Fox, to name but a few. Over 100 local and regional food and drink producers will be on hand to fill those Christmas stockings while children can make friends with the real Rudolf, create Victorian Christmas crafts, walk the Christmas Food Fayre Trail, and take part in free cookery sessions and workshops. As well as the Fayre, the organisers are running a ‘Three Kings’ evening at the Leverhulme Hotel on Saturday, December 1 comprising a three course meal with Champagne reception and wine and each course cooked by a different chef featured at the Fayre. For more information visit www.portsunlightchristmasfayre.com

Next Racing

SATURDAY 8 TH DECEMBER 2012

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