Best of Liverpool Magazine - December 2012

SUPPLEMENT

WINNERS

COLDSET COLOUR SUPPLEMENT OF THE YEAR!

Santa spotting Where to catch the man in red

Scouse gifts

Say it with love from Liverpool

Follow that star Interviews with Nasher, Ken Dodd and Tommy Scott

OF LIVERPOOL DECEMBER ISSUE 2012

Festive fayre

Serve up a fantastic Christmas feast

Unbuttoned!

Former Brookie star Philip Olivier reveals all on his panto role as Buttons in Cinderella

FABULOUS FROCKS//GIFT GUIDE//PARTY HAIR & MAKE-UP//STYLISH SUITS CHRISTMAS CLUBBING//DAZZLING DECORATIONS//TOP TOYS//WHAT’S ON

WIN S RISTMA H C V M H R HAMPE 400 £ WORTH

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Contents

BEST

DECEMBER 12

10

DECEMBER 12 12

17

O F L IVERP O O L

04-05 TALK OF THE TOWN City news and gossip

FASHION

08-09 SHOPPING FOR HER Sparkle with our party dress guide 10 SHOPPING FOR HIM Dress sharp with a stylish suit

THE 2012 NEWSPAPER AWARD

WINNERS: COLDSET COLOUR SUPPLEMENT OF THE YEAR!

GET IN TOUCH

21

26

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

MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton DEPUTY EDITOR Katie McLoughlin WRITERS Paul Baker, Sarah Hooley, Sue Kelbrick, Richard Lackey and Katie McLoughlin PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers 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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

12 FINISHING TOUCHES Perfect party hair and make-up 13 FAST FACIAL A short but very sweet pamper session

ENTERTAINMENT

Welcome...

LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray

NEWS

IS it me or has Christmas come even earlier this year? It’s only the first week in December but the city is feeling decidedly festive with twinkly lights and ice rinks and even if you are the biggest of Scrooges, it’s hard not to get excited!

We at Best of Liverpool are really embracing the festive spirit – most definitely of the liquid variety!

We have been trying our hand at Christmas cocktails and sampling wines in the name of research (hic!). We have even decorated our desks with adorable mini Christmas trees and can’t wait for our office night out at the Noble House, followed by a tour of town’s finest haunts!

We are already planning our party outfits.

Katie brings you some fabulous frocks on pages 8-9 and for the gentleman, Paul has some snazzy suits on page 10.

Meanwhile, Sarah heads to So Coco Rouge to steal some seasonal hair and make-up secrets (see page 12), while busy mum Sue treats herself to a rapid facial at the House Beauty Spa (page 13).

Our resident muso, Paul, catches up with Tommy from Space and Nasher from Frankie Goes to Hollywood on pages 14-15 and brings us a line-up of must-see events on page 19.

Richard talks to ‘Tinhead’ (or Philip Olivier to give him his proper name) about his forthcoming role as Buttons in Cinderella.

Plus, we feature a round-up of the best Christmas shows in the region.

And it just wouldn’t be Christmas without

After

a bit of Doddy – read his message to Best of Liverpool readers on page 18, and find out how the spirit of Dickens will be kept alive at the Liverpool ONE Bridewell (where he actually worked) this month.

There’s certainly plenty of stuff going on to keep the little ones amused during the run up to December 25.

Find out where to spot Santa on page 17 and we find out what’s on top of kids’ Christmas lists on page 20.

And, for the grown-ups, we have compiled a list of stocking fillers for your loved ones on pages 22-23, as well as gifts with a local flavour on page 24.

It’s time to go to town on the tinsel, and we have some great ideas of how to spruce up your home on page 25.

For tips on how to prepare the perfect festive feast, read our guide on page 26 and if you need a bit of a blow out after all the Christmas prep, read our guide to the best clubbing nights on page 28.

And, because we are kind souls, (and modest too!), we have managed to squeeze in a selection of great competitions to say thank you to our dear readers – from a HMV hamper to a chance to meet LFC legends.

Have a cool Yule and may all your dreams come true in 2013!

14-15 BIG INTERVIEW We catch up with Tommy Scott from Space and Nasher from Frankie Goes to Hollywood 16-17 CHRISTMAS SHOWS Panto star Philip Olivier, plus a line-up of festive entertainment 18 FESTIVE FAVOURITES It wouldn’t be Christmas without Doddy and Dickens 19 THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE Hot dates for December 28 CHRISTMAS CLUBBING Dancing shoes at the ready

CHILDREN

20-21 TOP TOYS & PERFECT PJS Getting ready for the man in red

CHRISTMAS

22-23 GIFT GUIDE We’ve got it all covered 24 SCOUSE GIFTS With love from Liverpool

HOMES & GARDENS 25 DECK THE HALLS Dazzling decorations

FOOD & DRINK

26-27 FESTIVE FAYRE Festive feasts and Yuletide tipples 29 MERRY MIXOLOGY New Year Cocktails

TRAVEL

30 WINTER BREAKS Sarah gets merry in Manchester Michelle Rushton, Best of Liverpool Editor

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03

Talk of the town Photo: Nicola Denton

OutANDabout

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

SPARKLING SOIRÉE LIVERPOOL now has even more sparkle as a new jewellers opened with a glitzy launch event last month.

A sparkling VIP soiree was held on Thursday, November 1 to mark the official opening of Russell & Case, which, rather aptly, is located in the Bling Bling building on Hanover Street.

Attended by over 250 people, the event saw guests enjoyed a tour around the fine jewellers and its mezzanine Champagne bar. Ladies also left with a smile on their face with a signature Russell & Case dress ring in all of the goody bags.

CLUB HAS THE X FACTOR AN X-Factor contestant was in Liverpool last month to prove what the show’s finals missed.

Jake Quickenden was knocked out at the judges’ houses stage when he received a no thank-you from Nicole Scherzinger in Dubai.

Now back on the club circuit, Jake made an appearance at Liverpool’s Blundell Street Supper Club where he performed his latest set.

Ann Downes, proprieter of Blundell Street, says: “He was keen to perform in Liverpool and we thought it was an unusual opportunity for him and for us. We had plenty of interest and it was a packed night.”

TIME FOR TEA SO FAB FOR FASHIONISTAS LAST month saw Scarlet Ablett, the daughter of Liverpool and Everton football legend, Gary Ablett, launch her new online fashion store, SO46.

The 17-year-old threw herself into making her fashion dream a reality after the death of her father and to celebrate the launch of www.so46. co.uk, which will stock leading designer brands as well as the SO46 range designed by Scarlett, a glamorous event was held at Gusto, Albert Dock, on November 19.

Scarlett says: “Today would have been my dad’s 47th birthday and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate it than to realise one of my dreams and make him incredibly proud. I hope women who log on to www.SO46.co.uk enjoy the collections that I’ve put together.”

A RETRO tea rooms has opened its doors in Crosby.

A delightful, vintage themed café on Endbutt Lane, Annie’s Tea Room is a homely hidden gem serving up a host of traditional home-cooked meals, including tasty breakfasts, sumptuous soups and sandwiches, and speciality teas and coffees, in the heart of Crosby.

After a very special launch event last month, the oh-so-pretty tea room is officially open for business and fast becoming a place to brew up in style. We especially heart its lip-smackingly tasty cakes and clotted cream teas, which are served on vintage China and tiered stands.

Visit Annie’s Tea Rooms at 2 Endbutt Lane, Crosby, call 0151 924 9730 or check out www.anniestearooms.co.uk

We’re loving...

WINTER WARMERS WITH the cold nights drawing in, we’ve been loving the Hard Days Night Hotel’s new Winter Warmer Afternoon Tea, which features an array of delicious finger sandwiches, scones and home-made cakes served with one of four new, hot cocktails.

Available for the next few months, the seasonal hot cocktails include a traditional Hot Toddy, a Hot Buttered Rum cocktail and a Tiger’s Milk cocktail, which is a mix of rum and cognac shaken with honey and milk.

We especially love the hotel’s new Gingerbread Manhattan cocktail, which is made from bourbon whiskey, Martini Rosso, gingerbread syrup and a dash of bitters.

Prices start from £23.95pp for Winter Warmer Tea, which includes a Winter Warmer cocktail.

To book, call 0151 236 1964.

04

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

ICE ICE BABY QUITE possibly the coolest (literally) event of the year took place in Liverpool ONE on Wednesday, November 8, when it opened an Ice Festival to celebrate Christmas.

Featuring four ice-themed activities, including a pop-up ice bar, ice rink, ice slide and a gallery of ice sculptures leading to Santa’s Grotto, the Ice Festival will be in Chavasse Park until January 13.

As well as opening the Ice Festival, the shopping centre got into the Christmas spirit with an All That Sparkles event on the same night, which saw real penguins take to the open air ice rink, a lantern parade with Santa and his reindeer, guest appearances from city panto stars and entertainment from local choirs.

Donna Howitt, marketing director at Liverpool ONE, says: “This year we wanted to give our visitors something different from the traditional light switch on. Instead, we staged All That Sparkles to start the festive season with something to get everyone into the Christmas mood – from penguins to ice sculpture and traditional choirs to the UK’s first pop-up ice bar.”

HEAVENLY HAIR

SHOPPING SANS STRESS

LUXURY hair extensions that won’t break the bank? Our Christmas wishes have finally been answered!

Dianne Marshall, one of the UK’s leading experts in hair extensions, has just opened a new studio on Hanover Street in Liverpool city centre.

Dianne sells a gorgeous selection of Remi, European and Russian hair extensions from her new collection which was launched this autumn. With 25 years’ experience in the industry, Dianne has worked at prestigious salons in Beverly Hills as well as top hair salons in Liverpool, Manchester and London. Her past clients include Kate Winslet for her iconic performance in Titanic and Gwyneth Paltrow for Shakespeare in Love, as well as Abbey Clancy, Coleen Rooney and Jennifer Ellison. Voodou and Cavern Boutique will also be stocking Dianne’s Remi collection and have been personally trained in her fitting technique.

To see the range yourself visit the studio at Hanover House, Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ; telephone 0151 285 3913 or log on to www.diannemarshallhair.co.uk

THIS is always a busy time of year and this month we’re loving getting our Christmas shopping done, sans stress, at House of Fraser’s concept store in Liverpool ONE. Aimed at stylish but time-poor shoppers, the innovative store has no products or merchandise. Instead, the store has iPads and PCs, where you can shop online on HouseofFraser. com at your leisure, while enjoying a complimentary coffee.

There are plenty of staff on hand to provide advice and whatever you order, it will be there ready for you to collect the very next day.

You can even order from the website at home, and get it delivered to the Liverpool ONE store ready for collection the next day. Who said Christmas shopping had to be stressful?

DECEMBER 12 WELCOME TO THE BEAUTY BAZAAR

CHESHIRE OAKS CHARITY SING-ALONG

IT was the launch that everyone in the city was clamouring to get an invite to and with almost palpable excitement in the air, Harvey Nichols launched its revolutionary new concept store – Beauty Bazaar – in the city last month.

The launch event, which took place on November 7,

THOUSANDS turned out on November 15 for a Christmas sing-along at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, in aid of Claire House children’s hospice.

Celebrity vocal coach Yvie Burnett, who has trained the likes of Rebecca Ferguson, Katy Perry, Leona Lewis and Goldfrapp’s Alison, led the chorus, along with Radio City 96.7 presenters Jay and Claire from the breakfast show Rossie and Co. Members of local choirs, including the BBC’s Manchester Airport Choir, A Handbag of Harmonies and The Chester Songbirds, performed Christmas hits Winter Wonderland, Rocking around the Christmas Tree and Merry Christmas Everyone, while an enthusiastic crowd prepared for their moment.

Yvie ensured the crowd were in fine voice by providing expert hints and tips for the key and tune and then the crowds joined in one voice to sing All I want for Christmas is you and I wish it could be Christmas everyday.

The evening ended in a blaze of glory when the centre’s Christmas lights and tree – which has over 80,000 baubles and 100,000 lights – were lit by children from Claire House.

saw American socialite Olivia Palermo cut the ribbon to officially open the sleek, stylish store in Liverpool ONE. As well as Olivia, the event was attended by a host of local celebrities, including former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon, model Danielle Lloyd and WAG Jude Cisse to name just a few.

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT MARCO Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill launched its new monthly event, Sweet Moments Dessert Club recently.

Hosted on the last Thursday of each month by restaurant manager, Gary Scott and pastry chef, Alyson Rooney, the Sweet Moments Dessert Club is a must for lovers of indulgent desserts and fine wines. Each month Alyson will create a menu of six desserts and share her secret techniques and recipes, which she has spent 20 years perfecting, during her time working in some of the UK’s most exclusive restaurants, such as the Savoy Hotel in London and L’Horizon Hotel in Jersey.

Gary Scott will expertly match each dessert to wines sourced from around the world bringing the perfect marriage of flavours together and sharing tasting notes with guests at each event.

For details call 0151 559 0555 or visit www.mpwsteakhouseliverpool.co.uk

LIQUID LUNCH DUKE Street Italian Il Forno launched a new, Saturday wine club recently which saw a select group of vino lovers, including Best of Liverpool, gather to sample artisan Italian wines and learn the art of wine tasting.

Hosted by wine consultant Alice Anastasiou, the club takes place from 12-2pm on the third Saturday of each month, with each event featuring six wines from a different Italian region.

The inaugural event saw the glamorous and ever-lovely Alice guide the club through wines from the central Italian regions and teach the group what to look for when wine tasting as they quaffed a sparkling red Lambrucso paired with truffle salami and home-made tigella bread; a full bodied Chianti served with pecorino cheese and a beautiful dessert wine from the Montalcino region with dark chocolate, amongst others.

A two-hour wine tasting and Italian gastronomy experience, the club is an enjoyable, educational affair and the next event, due to take place in late February, is sure to prove popular. Check out the website www.ilforno.co.uk or call 0151 709 4002 for more details.

AMAZING ARTWORK

THE NEW Brasco Lounge at Mann Island recently threw open its doors with the help of some very special young guests.

Year three pupils from St Nicholas’ Primary School joined executive chef Theo Guy in a cookie baking demonstration to mark the opening of Brasco Lounge, emphasising its family friendly credentials.

The children also took part in a celebratory colouring competition which was judged by our very own Best of Liverpool

editor, Michelle Rushton.

The winner was Meekah Munns, aged eight, who won a birthday party for herself and five friends at Brasco Lounge.

Michelle says: “Amidst economic doom and gloom it’s great to see a company like Loungers going from strength to strength, creating jobs for local people and contributing to the community. The children have also had great fun today learning where cookie ingredients come from and generally

getting in a mess! And the standard of artwork was amazing!”

Whether you’re looking for the best coffee in town, a business lunch with colleagues or a lazy all-day brunch, Brasco Lounge is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The menu features everything from authentic tapas, spicy peri-peri chicken breast burger to wild boar and apple sausage and mash.

And little people are well catered for with their very own kids’ menu.

SPELLBOUND FOR CLAIRE HOUSE FOUNDERS of Wirral Witches (Women in Touch with Claire House), Mandy Molby and Jane Kirkham hosted their sixth annual Wirral Witches Ball on Saturday, November 10 in aid of Claire House.

Held in Thornton Hall Hotel, the event raised over £40,000 to support the Wirral-based children’s hospice, which, amongst other things, will fund a specialist nurse for a year as well as the children’s Christmas party.

Guests at the event included Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, actress Gillian Kearney and LFC legends Ian Rush and Michael Thomas.

Guests were entertained by comedian Josh Daniels and X Factor finalist Peter Jones, bidded for auction prizes such as Champions League final tickets and were treated to luxury goody bags courtesy of Estee Lauder.

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Shopping for her

All that If there’s one time of year when a bit of sartorial sparkle is not just allowed, it’s practically mandatory, it’s Christmas. To help you dazzle this December, Katie McLoughlin takes a look at the must-have party pieces...

Dress, £14.99, from H&M

Main picture, Per Una Rocco swirl dress, £49.50, from Marks and Spencer

Large crystal teardrop earrings, £14.95, from Whatsabouttown.com

Eliza deco chandelier earrings, £12, from Accessorize

Blue shift dress, £140, from Karen Millen

Luxury Peter Pan collar, £20, from Accessorize

Autograph earrings, £39.50, from Marks and Spencer

08

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

DECEMBER 12 FANCY FOOTWORK

Top, £65, and jacquard skater skirt, £35, from Miss Selfridge

PUT your best foot forward this party season with these covetable heels...

Above, Black heels with studs and spikes, £54.99, from Pilot

Below, Miss KG ‘Ramona’ court shoe, £80, from Debenhams

‘High in the Sky’ heel, £60, from ASOS.com ‘Bo’ red suede block heels, £85, from Dune

Limited Collection gold shoe, £19.50, from Marks and Spencer

Little black dress, £60, from AWear

Teal dress, £65, from Dorothy Perkins

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Monaco clutch, £55, from Accessorize

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Tel: 0151 353 0116 / 0151 336 3938 www.thorntonhallhotel.com Quote ‘Best of Liverpool’ at checkout

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 09

Shopping for him

DECEMBER 12

SUIT YOURSELF You need to dress sharply and smartly for any Christmas dos coming this month – Paul Baker looks at some high street and bespoke options...

Scotsdale six button, doublebreasted suit, £450; Raptor long sleeve shirt, £51, from Reiss

GUYS, it’s nearly Christmas and I don’t want to have to tell you twice... get yourselves suited and booted and get out that door – the party won’t start itself!

What’s that you say? You haven’t even bought your suit yet? Fair enough, me neither.

Fortunately, there’s just enough time left to perfect the cool-smart look that is needed for your Christmas party threads, so head into town or hit the internet and sort out your suit!

Now, for the ultimate in suits, in terms of look and fit, there’s nothing for it but the bespoke option. An exciting addition to Liverpool’s fashion landscape is tailoring brand 19-Eighty-2.

Having recently celebrated its first birthday, the business, located at No 7, Water Street, in the city centre, is the brainchild of creative director Fatima Ali and offers luxury, handmade, bespoke suits.

Fatima says: “Our business is to provide beautifully made garments for the ultimate gentleman, therefore all our fabric comes from the finest cloth merchants and each collection is designed and hand made right here in the UK.” Having recently designed a custom suit for stylish Liverpool denizen and Classic BRIT award-winning conductor, Vasily Petrenko, it looks like you’re in safe hands suit shopping at 19-Eighty-2.

That said, a bespoke suit will likely hit you harder in the pocket, so don’t ignore the fact that there are many fine suits available off the peg. Liverpool city centre has more than its fair share of quality stores where you can get that suit with the necessary eye-grab factor.

So suit up men and head out there. After all, it’s Christmas, it’s party season, and it’s time to attract some serious attention.

Deep navy jacket, £339, from Austin Reed

Canyon patch pocket herringbone blazer, £265; Jossling W herringbone waistcoat, £110; Shogun collar bar Chambray shirt, £85; Marais wool tie, £45, from Reiss

10

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

The DB suit jacket, £90, from Next

Above, 100% full linen, doublebreasted suit, price on request from 19-Eighty-2

Left, jacket, £35; waistcoat, £12; shirt, £10; chinos, £10; boots, £18, from Primark

Harris Tweed, single breasted olive green, price on request from 19-Eighty-2

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11

Beauty

Photos: Gareth Jones

Party perfect

Forget frantically getting ready at the office, Sarah Hooley finds out how to prepare for festive parties in style...

WHEN it comes to getting ready for a post-work party, I normally have 20 minutes to do my hair and make-up in the ladies’ loos, a task that generally means I look less than glamorous thanks to the dodgy lighting and lack of ghds.

So, this year, I decided to book an appointment to have my hair, make-up and nails done at So Coco Rouge in the city’s business district.

An award-winning hair, make-up and beauty parlour, So Coco Rouge offers an excellent range of treatments that are perfect for this month’s glittering array of parties.

Owners, Robyn Turnbull and SianLouise Auld are professional make-up artists with years of experience in film, TV and magazine work and joined forces to set up the business two years ago.

On arrival I explained to Robyn the type of look that I wanted and she recommended I opt for a glamorous updo and smokey eyes. At this time of year, she told me, beauty is all about glamour and she started by pinning my fine hair around heated rollers to give it as much volume as possible.

As the rollers cooled I was then shown through to the parlour’s plush treatment room for my nail appointment with Katy. A fully-qualified beauty therapist, Katy offers a full range of luxury manicures including acrylic nails, OPI Gel Colours, Shellac, and Minx.

As someone who always smudges their nails before they dry, I immediately opted for quick-setting Shellac, and selected a pale gold glitter colour.

One of the biggest trends this season, sequinned nails have been sported by everyone from Blake Lively to Jessie J and I’d been itching to try it out.

Katy started by deftly shaping my nails and applied a layer of Shellac polish before brushing on the powdered glitter and sealing with another coating of the polish for a smooth finish. Glitzy and on-trend, my nails were perfect for my night out without being too overt to wear at work the following week.

For my make-up, Robyn began by

WHERE IS IT?

So Coco Rouge, 5 Old Haymarket, Manchester Street, Liverpool, L1 6ER.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

So Coco Rouge offers a range of professional hair, make-up and beauty services including occasion and bridal hair and make-up, airbrush make-up, hair styling, manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, waxing, lash extensions and pamper packages. So Coco Rouge has a number of special offers on this Christmas including; make-up for four people for the price of three; curly blow-dries for three people for the price of two; and a free eyebrow shape and tint when you book Shellac fingers and toes.

creating sultry smokey eyes with a pearlescent beige, plum and deep purple eye-shadow, flicked black gel eye-liner and a coating of volumising mascara.

She next applied a long-lasting foundation, pale pink blush, loose finishing powder and highlighter to create luminous and flawless skin.

Her hero product is MAC’s Beauty Powder, which she explained, can be used on cheeks, inner corners of eyes, brow bones and cupid’s bows to create a natural dewy glow.

On my lips she kept it neutral with a peachy-pink liner and lipstick, and lastly applied a pair of fluttery, false lashes to give my eyes extra definition.

Having been trained by the likes of Jon Mort, who was chief make-up artist at Versace, and BAFTA award-winner Davy Jones, Robyn knows all the tricks of the trade and it certainly showed.

With my make-up done, Robyn then set to work on my hair and released my curls from the rollers. She began by backcombing the top section of my tresses – a specialist brush is essential to avoid damage she advised – before effortlessly sweeping it up to a side chignon.

To give it a softer-feel, loose tendrils were then pinned in and around and in less than 15 minutes she’d created a glamorous yet sophisticated style.

Somehow I don’t think I’ll be getting ready in the ladies’ loos ever again...

CONTACT:

Telephone: 0151 708 7245 Website: www.sococorouge.com

BEAUTY BAG She’s so Jetset limited edition gift set from Benefit, includes eyeshadow palette, face powder, brush and lip gloss, £29.50

STUCK for festive gift ideas for friends and loved ones? Or looking to treat yourself to an early Christmas present?! You can’t beat giving (or receiving!) a gift set of your favourite beauty products, so read on for our festive favourites...

Elizabeth Arden 8-hour gift set, £40, from Very

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Ready, Set, Blow big hair kit from Lee Stafford, includes a set of fat rollers, a powerful 2,200 watt hairdryer and portable sock diffuser, £49.99

Elemis Super Glow Duchess of Spa beauty gift set, £49.50, from Debenhams

Clinique Whole Lotta Colour, set of five Clinique chubby sticks, £30

DECEMBER 12

EXPRESS YOURSELF

STRIKE A POSE

Strapped for time, Sue Kelbrick tries out the ultimate rapid facial at The House in Allerton

WHERE IS IT?

The House is at 9 Mather Avenue in Allerton, Liverpool, L18 6HE.

AS a working mum, trips to the beauty salon are few and far between, and my skincare regime rarely extends beyond a face wash and, on a good day, a quick moisturise with some baby lotion.

So, when I heard that The House beauty spa was offering an express ‘Hydraclean’ facial from skincare experts Guinot, I couldn’t wait to try it out.

A treatment which combines all the best aspects of a Guinot facial, but in just half an hour?

Sounded too good to be true...

Already well-established in south Liverpool as a spa with a reputation for excellence, The House prides itself on using only the best beauty products in the business.

Skincare specialists, Guinot combine cutting-edge science with professional expertise to offer skincare products and facials that have helped women to keep their skin looking and feeling great for more than 40 years.

But what could it do for a jaded thirty-something who hadn’t been to a beauty salon for quite some time?

I was greeted warmly

by Guinot-trained beauty therapist, Amy, who chatted to me about Guinot and about my own (non-existent) skincare regime. She then began by cleansing and exfoliating my skin before we got to the highlight of the facial.

Amy explained that the key to this new express facial was a patented gizmo

WHAT DOES IT DO?

This idyllic Georgian town house provides a stunning backdrop to the comprehensive range of luxury beauty treatments, non-surgical aesthetic procedures and day spa packages it offers.

CONTACT:

Telephone: 0151 724 4999 Website: www.thehousebeautyspa.co.uk Email: info@thehousebeautyspa.co.uk

exclusively developed by the eggheads at Guinot. Or, to give it its technical name, a ‘heated electrode’, which looks like something off Dr Who, but is in fact basically just a heated wand.

It is used to gently manipulate the skin so that the cleansing gel gets in to the skin quicker and more deeply than it would manually. It is quite a strange sensation at first but after a few minutes it’s really relaxing and is like a massage and a facial in one.

By now I was feeling thoroughly relaxed and chilled out and Amy then applied a face mask, which she left on for

a few minutes before removing and finished off the facial with a generous application of Guinot moisturiser.

I can honestly say that my skin felt really soft and dewy afterwards, and later that day, I was even asked for ID when buying a bottle of wine (well it was Friday!), which I can only put down to the youth-inducing effects of my facial!

And want to know the best bit? Because it only took half an hour, I had enough time left over to treat myself to some Shellac nails, skilfully applied

by Amy, and which two weeks later are still looking as good as the day I had them done...

HOOKA has just launched a competition to find two models to front its 2013 advertising campaign.

The award-winning hair salon, which boasts an impressive clientele of fashionistas and celebrities, is calling on aspiring models aged between 18 and 30 to try their luck and enter.

The competition is open to the public and judges – including Hooka owner Dion Padan, Best of Liverpool editor Michelle Rushton and Geniene Reese from Prominent Profile – will be looking for a male and female model.

Dion, who was crowned the Nation’s Favourite Hairdresser in 2009, says: “This is an exciting opportunity for two aspiring models to become the face of one of Liverpool’s trendiest salons.

“We could have approached a model agency but I wanted to open this up to the public because there are so many people out there who I think have the face, and the hair, to be the stars of Hooka next year.”

The Face of Hooka 2013 winners will act as models for the salon at the glittering L’Oreal colour trophy award ceremony next year; have their image used on Hooka’s branding and promotional material; and win free hairdressing at the salon for 12 months.

To enter, applicants must email a current photo of themselves along with a short statement of no more than 30 words explaining why they should be the Face of Hooka 2013 to geniene@prominentprofile.co.uk.

Alternatively, upload a photo and statement to www.facebook.com/ HookaSalons.

The closing date for applications is January 31, 2013.

Dion Padan (left), pictured with director Ian Sadler, has launched a competition to find the Face of Hooka 2013

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 13

The BIG interview Scouse rockers Space have reformed, with a new single, a new album on the way and a Christmas show in their hometown to look forward to. Paul Baker met up with frontman Tommy Scott...

Watch this Space

Then and now: Tommy and Jamie Murphy. Right, the new Space line-up

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

The comeback happened last year, that was to see if they could still play together. This year seems to have been about whether Tommy still had it, as a songwriter.

“When you get older, certain bands, you just lose it,” reveals Tommy. “You can’t write what you had, so it had to be great.”

I ask Tommy for some details about the album. He smiles sheepishly at the title.

“Attack of the Mutant 50ft Kebab. As well as the album title it’s one of the songs on there. It’s about small shops getting back at the big shops. It’s about a kebab shop, wanting to get revenge cos it’s stuck on the little small streets.”

“I finally wrote some songs good enough, worthy of a comeback...it’s punk, it’s jazz, it’s swing – it’s everything really!”

So far, so intriguing. The new album is preceded by a single available as a download. A fine little psychedelic rocker, Frightened Horses is apparently just a taster that won’t be on the album.

Best download it now, then.

I ask Tommy what style of music we can expect on the album, due out in 2013?

“Well, it’s obviously got the Space thing,” he says. “We still use weird little loops and samples and that, but it’s quite ska sounding and a bit rockabilly and everything. You know – it’s always a mish-mash.”

A mish-mash sounds right, as fans of Space’s previous albums will understand, but does Tommy think you could actually define the Space sound?

“Yeah you could. You could say, it’s ska, it’s punk, it’s jazz, it’s swing – it’s everything really!”

Tommy was born in Everton and later moved to Cantril Farm – Stockbridge Village. “We call it ‘Canny Farm’,” he says with a smile. “I moved to there when I was five. The song ‘Neighbourhood’ was about there.”

Neighbourhood was Space’s breakthrough single and features lyrics like: “In 666 there lives a Mister Miller, he’s our local vicar and a serial killer.”

So was Canny Farm really like that?

“No, it’s what I thought it was like. I love the place, it’s an amazing place. It’s just what my imagination thought it was like. There was all the kids going, ‘I’m sure he’s a serial killer’ and all that!”

From Neighbourhood onwards the following two years were a blur of Top of the Pops, TFI Friday, gigs, interviews and Britpop-inspired fame.

But how did the band take to being lumped in with that scene?

“Well, I just thought we were little oddballs in it. It was just a fluke that we made it. We’re just some little weird Liverpool band, we didn’t even sound like all the other Liverpool bands, so we just weren’t going to make it.

“There was Cast, The Las, The Stairs, all bands like that, that quite ‘60s sound.

“We thought we were Cypress Hill!”

One stand out memory for Tommy was when Space played America and got to hang out with Hollywood star and honourary Scouser, Mike Myers.

“Yeah he invited us and we had a jam with him and everything. He showed us the Austin Powers movie before it was even out.

“And the reason he loved us all was because his grandparents were from Old Swan, and it was dead funny because everyone was talking posh to him, and he was going: ‘You don’t sound very Scouse.’

“We were all trying to be understood and he was thinking: where are the ‘las’ and the ‘sounds’ and the ‘boss’?”

Tommy reveals that Christmas for him this year is going to be a relaxed affair.

“It’s just dead quiet, it’s just me, my daughter and my wife. And then on Boxing Day we have some family come round to us. That’s it really, just a dead nice peaceful one – too old to party and that, like!”

And for the New Year?

“My hopes are for people to actually like this album as much as the other stuff.

“For people to think: ‘Yeah, he’s still got it, he can still write a tune.’ That’s a big test and, so far, everyone’s saying they love it just as much as the old stuff so, fingers crossed.”

They may not have ever quite ‘fitted in’, but that never really mattered in the past. If Tommy’s got his songwriting back to its peak then 2013 might just be a great year for Space. After all, in Space’s universe, weirder things have happened!

Photo: Gavin Trafford

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Photo: Chris Canty

SPACE never quite fitted in to the music scene – they were just a bit too weird!

They didn’t really ever fit into the local scene here in Liverpool, and later, they didn’t quite fit the Britpop clothes they’d been given to wear.

And yet, they made the jump from the Mersey clubs to the national gig circuit and on to TV, stadiums and even as far as the US of A! They also racked up eight UK Top 40 singles between 1996 and 1998 including ‘Neighbourhood’, ‘Me and You Versus the World’, ‘The Ballad of Tom Jones’ and ‘Female of the Species’.

Not bad for a bunch of musical “oddballs” as lead singer of Space, Tommy Scott, describes them.

The band reformed for a comeback show last December and have stayed together to record a new album. The lineup will feature original band members Tommy Scott (vocals/guitar) and Franny Griffiths (keyboards), along with Phil Hartley (double bass/bass), Ryan Clarke (vintage keys) and drummer Allan Jones, who will replace Andy Parle who passed away in 2009.

I meet up with Tommy at the band’s rehearsal rooms in Liverpool ahead of their Christmas show at the city’s O2 Academy, on December 21.

It’s a cold night and Tommy’s running late. He arrives flustered – he’s forgotten the keys to the room! We scout for a spare room, a table, some chairs, to no avail. In the end we have to just perch ourselves on the stairs and go for it.

It can’t be the most auspicious place Tommy’s ever been interviewed, but times change. Since the break up of Space, Tommy’s been fronting local bands The Drellas and The Red Scare.

So how did the big reformation come about?

“It started at Andy Parle’s funeral,” explains Tommy. “That’s the first time we all met again, because we hadn’t seen each other, just all gone off and done our own things. So that sort of broke the ice when we saw each other.

“Then I was in a band called The Red Scare and I started to actually do a few Space tunes in it and I felt bad. I felt like, ‘it’s not fair’, you know what I mean?

“So I thought, let’s go for it; and plus the main reason really was I finally wrote some songs good enough for it, worthy of a comeback.”

DECEMBER 12 With his new autobiography on the shelves, Frankie Goes to Hollywood guitarist Brian ‘Nasher’ Nash takes Paul Baker through his crazy years at the top of the charts...

EVEN if you were around at the time, it’s almost easy to forget just how big Frankie Goes To Hollywood were in the mid 1980s. Almost.

And if you weren’t yet a dot on this vast planet, you might almost be forgiven for overlooking them altogether.

Almost.

Because, despite nearly 30 years having passed since they began their striking love affair with the Number One spot, Frankie haven’t receded from our consciousness. You’ll still hear their songs on the radio, on MTV or at sporting events (Two Tribes, anyone?). You might still catch a glimpse of lead singer Holly Johnson on one of those daft programmes about how great the 80s sort of were.

Brian Nash, or Nasher as he prefers to be called, was the tender age of 21 when Relax scaled the UK charts and his life changed forever. Hailing from Norris Green, as lead guitarist in local pop band Frankie Goes to Hollywood he went from playing Liverpool clubs to arenas all over the world in a very short space of time.

A self-deprecating character, Nasher has never been one to crow about his success or point fingers at where it all went wrong. Previously, he’s been happy to let others tell the story of the Frankie years, but his new autobiography ‘Nasher Says Relax’ changes all that. But why now?

“Well, we’re coming up to 30 years since I joined the band actually next month [October], and that seemed like a good reason to sit back and evaluate it all,” he explains.

Nasher’s an entertaining interviewee, down to earth despite the success he enjoyed in the 80s, and not too cynical, despite the blows the music

industry has dealt him since those heady days as a regular chart topper.

He obviously still loves music and writing about it. He wrote his memoirs in a deserted hotel in Jersey, an experience he likens to The Shining!

So has he shown the book to anyone else from the band?

“Er, no, I haven’t spoken to Mark [O’Toole, bass player] for a couple of years, we fell out a bit. Haven’t spoken to Holly for a while ‘cos I fell out with him. Paul [Rutherford, keyboards] is obviously on the other side of the world, so I don’t get to see him very often.

“I see quite a bit of Ped (Peter Gill, Frankie’s drummer) because we’ve been involved with distributing some releases and he’s still based in London so I do get to chat with him, but no, to be honest, their interest in it has been zero.”

In the book Nasher shares a few archive reviews of Relax, the group’s first single. The NME calls it “Basically a chant over the rhythmic vibration of the very latest digital kitchen sinks.” It went on to top the UK singles charts for five consecutive weeks, prove a worldwide chart success and kickstart Frankie mania. Music journalists, eh?

“The book starts with a chapter about me sitting in a car in Hanover Street with Mark and Ped and our manager had driven up from London with this cassette,” recalls Nasher.

“We put it in and that was the first time we heard the finished mix of it [Relax]. And we just knew it was just outstanding.

“We had this feeling, well I did anyway, that this is gonna happen, this is destined to be.

But then, to do it again with Two Tribes and The Power of Love, that was the thing, that was the freak out!”

Nasher with wife Claire

Left, Nasher with Mark O’Toole, Paul Rutherford, Ped, Ged O’Toole and Peter Oxendale, during the peak of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s career in the 1980s

At one point in the summer of 1984, Frankie had the top two UK chart positions, which is pretty astonishing. They also experienced the thrill of being mobbed by screaming fans, just like Liverpool’s more senior musical sons had done 20 years previously.

“It’s funny you should mention The Beatles because they established the yardstick for what was ‘mania’,” he says. “We’d all seen those scenes, they were iconic, of them running down the street, being chased, and people on top of the cars, those amazing photographs, and we got to experience that.”

Undoubtedly, part of Frankie’s allure was how controversial they were deemed to be. They had two openly gay members in Holly Johnson and Paul Rutherford and the video, sleeve and lyrics of Relax so rankled with the establishment that the BBC banned the song, thus securing its success. They eventually had to lift the ban at the end of 1984 for the Top of the Pops Christmas Special!

“If it came out now people wouldn’t even bat an eyelid...

“When we did the photographs and that, I don’t know whether it’s maybe a little bit of naivety on me, Mark and Ped about being perceived in the middle of this gay scene, and what getting dressed up in all that leather gear actually meant. But, you know, we were more bothered that it just looked great and we didn’t look like Spandau Ballet or Duran Duran. This is something different, this lot look like a bunch of extras from Mad Max.” Having hit the top of the charts with their first three singles and a number two with Welcome to the Pleasuredome, the second coming of Frankie did not follow the giddy heights of their first two years. Their second and final album ‘Liverpool’ was released in 1986 to a bit of a critical mauling and as their

NASH IT UP! later singles failed to trouble the top 10, cracks in the band prompted a split. So what happened?

“I always describe it as going to a party in 1984 and coming home four years later, that’s what it felt like,” recalls Nasher.

“You’re cramming a lifetime of experiences really, into a very short time, a massive physical and emotional bombardment of experiences, and that amplifies everything.

“You’re kind of in a bubble as well, experiencing this but it’s not like experiencing real life, so that does take its toll on relationships, as does becoming famous. It was a big firework that lasted for a couple of years and I think that’s a better way to go than being a candle.”

Nasher is currently producing a singer/songwriter from Liverpool called Dave Tyrell who has a project called Ground Pilots.

“I’ll send him on his way and hope he does better than I did,” laughs Nasher.

There’s a hint of regret, of what might have been. But you can tell Nasher is pretty happy with his lot in life.

And, despite being in one of the most successful bands of Liverpool’s illustrious pop history, Nasher is selfdeprecating to the end.

“You don’t just sit there contemplating your navel, going ‘how did that happen?’ It’s only through the years later, looking back at it you think, wow, yeah, that was pretty incredible.

“And especially with the time that’s elapsed since, with people still hearing the records, you turn on the music channels and it’s there – you never would have imagined that people would still be interested so many years later.

“But maybe they’re not, mate.

I’ll be getting my book pulped like Alan Partridge!” he says, laughing again.

I doubt that Nasher. Frankie, it seems, just might be unforgettable...

Nasher Says Relax is priced £6.99 (+p&p) and available from www.merseyshop.com or by calling 0845 143 0001.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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Christmas shows

‘Chest’ great Richard Lackey chats to ex-Brookside star Philip Olivier about his upcoming role in Cinderella, memories of the ‘Close and stripping off on stage…

FANS of former-Brookside hunk, Philip Olivier, can relax at the news that he will be baring his famously toned chest in his upcoming Liverpool pantomime.

The 32-year-old actor, best known for playing loveable scally, Tim ‘Tinhead’ O’Leary, in the controversial soap, is set to take on the comedic role of Buttons in Cinderella at The Epstein Theatre over the festive season. And the Liverpool lad says stripping off has become somewhat of a necessity in his acting career.

“I think it is actually in my contract now,” laughs Philip, with a glint in his eye.

Toned torso aside, Philip is relishing the opportunity to perform in his home city, alongside Scouse songstress Sonia and ex-Big Brother contestant, Nikki Grahame.

“You can expect Buttons to be jumping around the stage like Tigger from Winnie The Pooh, sweating profusely, providing loads of laughs, and hopefully you will all fall in love with him,” he says, describing his part.

Cinderella will run for 54 shows over Christmas, and is the Epstein’s (formerly the Neptune) first panto since it reopened this year after a major refurbishment.

“Panto is definitely my favourite type of job,” admits Philip.

“I think it’s also one of the hardest types of acting to do. I remember the first time I did it; it was Dick Whittington about five years ago and I was reserved and treated it like a stage play. I came out and it was awful.

“Some of the best guys I watched doing it absolutely lost themselves [in the role]. It was like watching a cartoon character. And now I’ve kind of got that mastered and I’m really confident. It’s a great skill to have especially when it comes to the kids. The kids haven’t got a clue who I am, but they absolutely come hoarding around me at the end and it’s such a joy to see.”

Philip, whose other credits include parts in Hollyoaks, Doctors and the Take That musical, Never Forget, also

finds being pushed out of his comfort zone refreshing.

“It’s satisfying doing something I thought I would never do,” he says in reference to having to wear those infamous glitzy costumes associated with panto. “But I love everything about it. I feel like a big kid every time I do it every year.”

Still living in his beloved Liverpool – (he can often be spotted in his favourite eatery, The Restaurant Bar and Grill!) – performing in the city is a real treat for Philip.

“I’m going to be in my home town,” he says with a smile. “I went down to Camberley for my first panto, which was right out the way, and then it was Brighton, then Norwich. As I’ve gotten better each time I’ve got to pick what venues I want to do. Last year I got so close in Runcorn.

“I’ve performed in Liverpool before but not pantomime. And I’ve got so many nieces and nephews and friends and I want them all to come and see me.

This is going to be the year.”

Performing at the Epstein is also special for the young thespian. Philip’s first job – a role in the Channel 4 production, Hearts and Minds, with Christopher Eccleston – received its first screening in the iconic venue.

Richard Lackey rounds up some of the best Christmas shows and events Liverpool and further afield has to offer this festive season...

Liz McClarnon stars in Cinderella at The Empire Photo: Colin Lane

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Recalling that night, Philip says: “I remember coming in and seeing all the Brookside cast who had come to watch it, you know, and all the famous Liverpool faces, and I was like: ‘Wow, there’s that person!’ Then, about a year after that, I got Brookside.”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Philip played Tinhead from 1996 to 2003, the year the soap was axed. In this 30th anniversary year since the show began, Philip is proud to be part of its history.

“Brookside gave me the start in this great career to be honest,” he says. “I wouldn’t be doing what I love doing if it wasn’t for Phil Redmond and Brookside.”

And does he still watch some of his old episodes?

“I do,” he replies, before joking; “There are a couple, though, that I want to be buried with Trevor Jordache!”

Cinderella will be showing at The Epstein Theatre from Friday, December 7 – Sunday, January 6, 2013. For ticket information call the box office on 0844 888 4411.

A wonderful time!

CINDERELLA Liverpool Empire

HANSEL & GRETEL Unity Theatre

PETER PAN Floral Pavilion

CONTINUING its sparkling reputation for putting on some of the best pantomimes in the country, the Liverpool Empire brings Cinderella to the legendary stage in 2012.

With a glittering cast including the likes of Celebrity Big Brother and Loose Women star Coleen Nolan, former Atomic Kitten and local talent Liz McClarnon, Wirral comedienne Pauline Daniels, and Radio City’s Pete Price, this classic rag-to-riches tale promises to be a star-studded affair.

Running from December 14 to January 6, the show will feature real Shetland ponies, a carriage load of laughs, plenty of sing-alongs and magic for all ages.

For more information visit www.atgtickets.com or call 0844 871 7627 to book tickets. Book early to avoid disappointment!

EXPECT the unexpected in this wonderful telling of the classic Hansel and Gretel fable - perfect to get you in that magical Christmas mood.

On now until January 12, 2013, Hansel and Gretel will be delighting audiences at the Unity Theatre, and is set to be a feel-good festive treat complete with songs, dance, laughter, and tales of bravery, action, adventure and joy.

And for an alternative festive show, this popular venue, located on Hope Place, presents Terry Titter’s Spaced Out Christmas show, which blasts into the Unity from December 12-22; a sci-fi/comedy festive show like nothing you’ve seen before.

Find out more about both shows and more at www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk, or call 0844 873 2888 to book tickets.

TAKE a hop, skip and a jump across the Mersey and be amazed by a dazzling production of Peter Pan at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion.

From December 13 until January 6, 2013, this stunning theatre will be transformed into the magical Neverland taking audiences on a swash-buckling adventure on the high seas like no other.

Featuring the talents of Jack McMullen, best known as Finn Sharkey in Waterloo Road, Gary Turner, otherwise known as Carlos Diaz in Emmerdale, and Derek Moran, direct from Channel 5’s Milkshake, audiences of all ages are in for a really festive treat.

Visit www.floralpavilion.com for more information or call 0151 666 0000 to book tickets.

DECEMBER 12

Santa spotting...

Festive fun at Taskers

Best of Liverpool follows the man in the red suit on his journey through the region MAGICAL MAZE SANTA Claus will be coming to town this December to visit Active Adventures.

The new outdoor activities site in Otterspool will be hosting a magical grotto and children of all ages can explore the transformed 16sqm maze in their festive quest to find Santa at the end in his overlooking fairy-tale tower.

Santa’s elves will help little ones lead the search around the enchanted pathways of the winter maze, which is certain to be a jolly alternative to the typical Santa’s grotto.

Plus for all their hard work in finding Santa, children will receive a Christmas gift!

The grotto will be open from December 15 to December 23, 12pm till 4pm. Tickets will be £5.

Book now by calling 0151 494 3044 or visit www.activeadventuresuk.com

FOREST FESTIVITIES DELAMERE Forest will be transformed into an enchanted winter wonderland this Christmas with a number of Yuletide events for the whole family to enjoy.

Santa’s grotto will be open every weekday from 3-5pm until December 18 and a Christmas extravaganza will be held every day in the run up to Christmas at the Whitefield site, featuring a magical Victorian street fair, real Christmas tree sale, Santa’s Grotto and land train.

Land trains will operate from 3pm daily and throughout the weekend taking families on a trip through the ancient woodlands. Two late night events will also take place on December 7 and 14 with activities running until 8pm, including visits to Santa’s grotto.

For more information visit www.delamere-forest.co.uk

FROSTY & FRIENDS WE can always rely on Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to lay on a festive feast of live musical treats during the lead-up to December 25.

On December 18, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Orchestra will present its hugely popular Spirit of Christmas show – a carol concert containing all the Yuletide classics we know and love.

While on December 22, Father Christmas and his singing elves will lead an hour-long Christmas sing-a-long for the whole family in the Frosty and Friends festive concert.

Fancy dress is optional for those wanting to make the occasion that even more memorable.

Visit www.liverpoolphil.com for shows and ticket information.

SANTA ON SAFARI THIS year, Father Christmas will be visiting Knowsley Safari Park to make sure that the animals and visitors are all ready for Christmas.

Arriving on a magical husky-drawn carriage, Father Christmas will be hosting a one-off, festive breakfast, on December 22, for all the mums, dads and little ones who would like to meet him ahead of the big day. Children will get to give their lists to Father Christmas, listen to Christmassy stories and carol singers, courtesy of The Salvation Army, and receive a Christmas gift. There are, however, limited places available at his breakfast table, and he will be checking his list twice to make sure his guests have been nice!

To book the experience contact: 0151 430 9009 or visit www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk

YULETIDE AT TASKERS TASKERS has become renowned for its fantastic festive displays, and this year is no different!

As a family run company, Christmas at the store is a special time of year. With everything from cuddly polar bears and reindeer to a special postbox where you can send your letters to Santa, little ones are sure to love exploring this winter wonderland.

Kids can also have their picture taken on Father Christmas’ sleigh for a minimum donation of £1, with money raised going to Bauer Radio’s Cash for Kids.

Visit Taskers at the Liver Industrial Estate, Aintree, L9 7DT or on Wavertree Road, L7 1PH, www.taskersonline.com

JACK & THE BEANSTALK Liverpool Playhouse

HO HO HO! Comedy Central

FOR a more unusual festive panto, the Liverpool Playhouse presents Jack and the Beanstalk from November 29 to January 19.

Fusing classic rock and roll with this most magical fairytale, this production promises to deliver a fun-filled festive show for all the family.

The panto has been written by the multi-talented Sarah A Nixon and Mark Chatterton, with Mark also reprising his role as director of the show that has firmly become one of Liverpool’s most beloved institutions.

Visit www.everymanplayhouse.com for ticket information.

RIP-ROARING comedy wrapped up in sparkling tinsel will bring the house down at Comedy Central in Albert Dock’s swanky Baby Blue restaurant and bar throughout December.

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, there will be food, wine and chuckles galore courtesy of the comedy circuit’s finest comics; a winning combination for any Christmas! For details, visit www.jicomedy.co.uk.

Likewise, Liverpool’s famous Laughterhouse Comedy Club has a series of sidesplitting shows in the lead up to Christmas at both The Slaughter House and The Slug and Lettuce.

For information, visit the website www.laughterhousecomedy.com

ICE FESTIVAL Liverpool ONE SHOPPERS have until January 13 to enjoy Liverpool ONE’s festival of frozen fun.

As well as featuring the UK’s first ever pop-up real ice bar – with a stunning room and furniture made entirely of crystal clear

SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Underwater Street – the man himself, Santa, will be there at the Pier Head every weekend in December to check out the children’s fabulous Christmas crafts.

Little ones can create Christmas baubles, decorate 3D Christmas trees or make magic reindeer food for Rudolph.

Plus you can produce your own panto costumes – oh yes you can! (Sorry) And in between craft workshops, the Master Elf will be on the look-out for children to sign up to Elf School where they’ll be put through their paces to see if they have the skills needed to become one of Santa’s helpers.

Entrance to Underwater Street is £9.95 including a gift from Santa and up to two free adults.

For the latest information visit www.underwaterstreet.com or call 0151 227 2550.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS CRAFTY Corner in Garston is really getting into the festive spirit.

The mums-lead community craft centre on Garston Old Road is hosting an after school Christmas Craft Club on Wednesday, December 12 from 4pm – 5.30pm. Each child will be able to choose two different Christmas crafts including Christmas decoration painting and snowflake cupcake making.

On Saturday, December 15, there will be a Christmas Craft Day where children can come along to make a Christmas craft and write a letter to Father Christmas. Then the man in red himself will come in to see them, collect their letters and give them a gift. Tickets are £5 and must be booked in advance.

For further details email craftycorner61@hotmail.co.uk

sculpture ice, including the bar, tables and chairs – Chavasse Park will house the UK’s largest real ice slide, open-air ice rink, and Santa’s grotto and ice gallery.

Brought to Liverpool by the team behind the world renowned London Ice Sculpting Festival, a massive 25 tons of crystal clear carving ice will be used to create the extravaganza, as well as a series of exciting displays and events, with free live ice carving displays running throughout weekends in December.

Tickets are available in advance from www.ticketmaster.co.uk/icefestival

LIVERPOOL ECHO CAROL CONCERT Liverpool Cathedral THE ECHO’s popular carol concert returns this year, raising money for the Liverpool Unites charity, which collects funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The show will feature all your favourite festive standards, with a sprinkling of special guests for good measure. The event takes place on Friday, December 21, at 7.30pm.

For ticket details visit the website www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE DOCK Albert Dock THE stunning Albert Dock will be hosting a very traditional Christmas for the whole family on the weekends of December 8/9, 15/16 and 22/23.

Victorian and Dickensian themed events will include the traditional sound of choirs, a Victorian carousel and role players who will greet visitors.

And that’s not forgetting the festive snowflakes and illuminations, family Christmas activities at Tate Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum and Beatles Story, along with a host of offers at the many restaurants and bars; Albert Dock really is sparkling this festive season.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 17

What’s on

Merry Ticklemas!

‘Tis the season to be jolly says legendary Liverpudlian comic, Ken Dodd HAPPINESS is the greatest gift we possess, according to funnyman Ken Dodd. And he certainly likes to bring a smile to people’s faces at Christmas time.

This year will be no exception as the Squire of Knotty Ash will be coming home for his annual performance at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Ken Dodd is one of Britain’s most-loved comedians, an icon and national treasure, who has been entertaining us for over 55 years and shows no signs of slowing down. He tours up and down the UK non-stop from Basingstoke to Bradford with his famous ‘Happiness Show.’

But the legendary Liverpudlian comic, who has been voted the ‘Greatest Merseyside Of All Time’ always

comes home to Liverpool for Christmas.

“On Christmas day, I like to the cathedral to sing Christmas carols, followed by turkey and roasties and get all the family to sit around, play games and reminisce about old times,” he says.

And he wouldn’t miss his performance at The Phil for the world... “It’s a traditional Doddy date,” chuckles the octogenarian. “People come from all over the country to see my Happiness Show as it is a real family celebration.

“It is a glamorous night as the man are all sporting their new ties and the ladies are in their finery and winter coats and we enjoy a night of music and hilarious laughter.”

The Ken Dodd Christmas Happiness Show promises a fun-filled of non-stop gags, songs and much more. Ken says: “This year we have beautiful dancers, a fantastic magician called Amethyst and live music from Sybie Jones.”

Doddy is certainly dedicated to his city and as well as making

Merseysiders laugh, he finds time to help new businesses. He was recently the guest of honour at the Champagne launch of a new estate agent, PA Properties’ in Bootle.

The launch celebrated the end of the agent’s first successful month with two sales secured and both fees from these sales being donated to two local charities – ‘Kind’ which works with underprivileged children and ‘The Oliver King Foundation’ which raises awareness for Sudden

Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS).

So if you feel in need of some festive cheer, give your chuckle muscles a good tickling with a night with Knotty Ash’s finest.

Ken Dodd Happiness Show takes place on December 27 and 29 at 7pm. Tickets cost £16-£25.

For tickets visit the website www.liverpoolphil.com In the meantime, Doddy wishes all Best of Liverpool readers “a wonderful Christmas and a very healthy and happy new year!”

A ghost of Christmas past

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

series of celebrities in a Piers Morgan/ Michael Parkinson style manner. This month, Peter will be interviewing comedian Stan Boardman, music writer Paul du Noyer and news reader John Suchet.

But the festive highlight of the series will be on Sunday, December 16, when he puts Ebenezer Scrooge under the spotlight.

It will be a case of the Victorian era meets the 21st century, as Peter questions Scrooge – principal character in Charles Dickens’s 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol. And later, Dickens himself (well in the form of a Dickens impersonator) will be interrogated.

The event, titled A Christmas Carol Re-told – Charles Dickens & Ebenezer Scrooge are Arrested @ The Bridewell – will provide a traditional Christmas celebration for children of all ages!

As well as the interviews, there will be mulled wine, mince pies and carols.

Plus, Peter and storyteller Cathy Roberts

will be performing their poem, The Mice Before Christmas. The event is a perfect way for children to discover and enjoy the work of Dickens. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £5 for under 12s.

The characters of Scrooge and Dickens will be played by local professional impersonator, Frank Kennedy, who regularly performs A Date with Dickens – recreating the magic of Dickens’ readings of his own works.

Frank, a experienced teacher, campaigner, director and actor with Liverpool Network Theatre Group, says: “The works of Charles Dickens did not stem from a silent mind; they poured forth from a passionate voice which laughed and cried, shouted and sighed… they were written to be read aloud and

Thursday, December 6 – Stan Boardman is Arrested @ The Bridewell from 7.30pm.

Tickets £9 including a bowl of Scouse. l Saturday, December 8 – Christmas Party and dining with live swing music from Burst of Bublé and Danny Pye. l Thursday, December 13 - Paul du Noyer is Arrested @ The Bridewell from 7.30pm – tickets £5. l Wednesday, December 19 – John Suchet is Arrested @ The Bridewell from 3pm – 4.30pm. The event is free and includes mulled wine and mince pies. l Friday, December 21 – Buffalo Riot – an outstanding local acoustic combo are in the main bar from 8pm ‘till late. (Free). l Sunday, December 23 – Carols in Campbell Square, from 2pm-3pm, with the Birkenhead Operatic Society singers.

(Free). l Monday, December 24 – Buffalo Riot, an outstanding local acoustic combo, in the main bar from 4pm. (Free). l Monday, December 31 – The Big Easy – New Year’s Eve in town without the hassle. With great swing music from Danny Pye. (Ticket only but free). l

Photo: Felicity Wren

18

they still clamour to be heard today.”

As well as at the Bridewell, you can catch A Date with Dickens on December 8 at 8pm at Domino Gallery, and at St George’s Church, Everton which will present A Victorian Christmas on December 13 at 7.30pm.

For more information visit www.adatewithdickens.org and for more information on the Bridewell call 0151 709 7000 or visit the website www.liverpoolonebridewell.com.

Meanwhile, here’s the Bridewell’s lineup of December events:

What the Dickens is going on at Liverpool ONE Bridewell?

Michelle Rushton lights a candle to find out more...

Photo: Felicity Wren

ONE of Britain’s best-loved authors, Charles Dickens famously said Liverpool was “second in his heart to London” and made frequent trips to the city in the 1800s, often reading extracts from his novels to large audiences gathered at St George’s Hall.

He also was fascinated by the police and was actually sworn in as a special constable for the Liverpool Police Force in the name of research for his book, The Uncommercial Traveller.

During his time on duty, he was posted to the Campbell Street Bridewell, a former police station and gaol in the 1850s.

Now, the gaol in Campbell Square has been transformed into a real ale pub and restaurant where you can enjoy what is arguably the best Scouse, steaks and cask ales in town.

The venue, now called the Liverpool ONE Bridewell, has stayed true to its penitentiary origins and proudly bears a plaque commemorating Dickens’ time at the prison.

Diners can enjoy fine food and drink in the original cells and the proprietors aim to create “a cultural oasis in the heart of our city” by hosting a number of corrective-themed events including the Laughing Policeman comedy nights and Jailhouse Rock open mic nights.

One very popular event is the Arrested @ The Bridewell series where former ECHO journalist Peter Grant grills a

What’s on

DECEMBER 12

Paul Baker checks out the shows and events that are sure to make December a cracker...

BY NIGHT

BY DAY PICK up some gifts or just treat yourself at one of Merseyside’s largest arts and crafts markets as it returns to Liverpool this month.

The fair will be taking place inside historic St George’s Hall this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, December 8-9, from 10am-5pm each day. Buy handmade artwork and gifts from over 150 artists and makers as St George’s Hall is transformed into a vibrant arts village, displaying thousands of colourful creations.

Arts and crafts available will include a wide variety of handmade work like intricate jewellery, original screen-prints, paintings, tableware, beauty products, colourful decorations, accessories, textiles, photography, knitwear and more.

Free craft activities for children will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Entry is £1.50, though children under 16 years enter for free. www.winterartsmarket.com

WINTER SPARKS

THE final exhibition of the year for FACT is called Winter Sparks and it promises to be electric!

Taking the gallery through into the new year, Winter Sparks is an interactive programme of works that is sure to be a hit with patrons of all ages.

Designed to get away from traditional art gallery stuffiness, Winter Sparks begins on Thursday, December 13, and invites visitors to trigger a personal light and sound show by creating electric sparks, interacting with dramatic charges from Tesla coils, and exploring the mysteries of the Wilberforce pendulum, while enjoying work from four

exciting international new media artists – being seen in the UK for the first time.

Certainly worth experiencing, the selection of works will take over the FACT building on Wood Street, ensuring an immersive experience where you become part of the exhibition, experimenting with light, sound, space and motion. www.fact.co.uk

PICASSO & GENTILESCHI

CURRENTLY on display at the Walker Art Gallery are fascinating works by two major historical artists, loaned from the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest.

One, titled Mother and Child, dates from 1905 and is a delicate and tender watercolour by a young Pablo Picasso of his lover. The other, Jael and Sisera, is considerably older, dating from 1620 and depicts a dramatic biblical scene. It is the work of Artemisia Gentileschi. A female artist who thrived in a male-dominated world, as well as her artistic legacy, her tenacious character has marked Artemisia as a modern feminist heroine.

Picasso’s Mother and Child was produced during a significant phase in his early career, when he moved between Barcelona and Paris and experimented with different techniques and styles, from Blue Period to Rose Period.

Mother and Child is the centrepiece of a small display of work by Picasso at the Walker, which includes three pieces from its own collection. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker

MUST DO MUST DO...

MUST SEE...

NOISY Table at FACT, a techno-punk ping pong table which creates an electronic sound sculpture as it is played. Created by artist Will Nash, the Noisy Table is programmed with a library of digital instruments and samples.

The vibrations created when the ball hits the table are turned into sounds, which are then broadcast live back into the game.

Don’t miss your chance to play table tennis and make music at the same time! www.fact.co.uk

TERRY Titter’s Spaced Out Christmas at the Unity Theatre.

Running from December 12-22 don’t resist the charms of Terry Titter and go into orbit this year with the good captain and his cosmic, comedy-themed, festive supernova! Expect his usual galaxy of out of this world star characters plus a few sci-fi surprises for a rocketfuelled big bang of brilliance. www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk

MUST TRY...

MUST REMEMBER...

AND have a listen to Andy Cowan’s debut album. Andy is an upcoming Liverpool artist and recently launched his debut album, Sparks.

Upon returning from touring America, the 27-year-old acoustic artist signed to Taylor Records, and recorded his album in Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios.

You can now purchase Sparks from iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other online music retailers, with a music video rumoured to be on its way too. andycowanmusic@hotmail.com

TO book now for the Arenacross and Freestyle Motocross event at ECHO Arena Liverpool on February 10, 2013.

Arenacross blends the most spectacular elements of outdoor racing, with short, sharp and shockingly spectacular racing.

Freestyle Motocross, meanwhile, takes place 40 feet above the track with riders hitting purpose-built ramps and flipping 100kg motorcycles in a display of aerial gymnastics. www.echoarena.com

SPACE PLAY LIVERPOOL

SCOUSE Britpop survivors Space are returning for a hometown show this month to coincide with the release of their new single, Frightened Horses. The single is available to download now from iTunes and Amazon, while their forthcoming album, Attack of the Mutant 50ft Kebab, will be out next year.

The Liverpool show takes place on Friday, December 21, with support from The Mono LPs – one of Liverpool’s bright young bands, attracting a lot of attention and selling out venues all over the UK – and the ever popular Edgar Jones – former singer of Stairs, and erstwhile Paul Weller bassist.

Don’t miss the chance to see Space performing their 90’s hits alongside killer new material. www.o2academyliverpool.co.uk

GO WITH THE FLO

ALMOST a year on from Florence & The Machine’s second album, Ceremonials, Florence is back on tour and arrives at the ECHO Arena on Monday, December 10.

After the group’s summer of festival madness both at home and abroad, they return indoors to warm fans this winter.

Expect tracks from Ceremonials, which debuted at number one in the album charts, including Spectrum, the band’s first number one single, plus highlights and hits from the debut album, Lungs.

Support comes from new US group HAIM, a folk-meets-R&B-group of sisters who have already played with Mumford & Sons.

Tickets are priced £29.50. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult over 18. www.echoarena.com

WIN

Photo: PA

GET CRAFTY

MRS BROWN RIDES AGAIN

BRENDAN O’Carroll’s comedy creation, Mrs Brown, has been a Christmas hit in Liverpool for the past 10 years.

But, after a successful BBC series, the cat’s out of the bag and Mrs Brown and her Boys are in demand.

So, tickets for O’Carroll’s new show, Mrs Brown Rides Again, will surely be sought after despite a move from the Empire to the ECHO Arena for this latest jaunt.

Enjoying a five night run at the ECHO Arena, from December 11-15, Mrs Brown Rides Again sees Agnes Brown trying her best to evade being put into an old folks’ home by her children by displaying a new lease of life! www.echoarena.com

TICKETS TO SEE THE CHRISTIANS LIVERPOOL group The Christians return to the city on Sunday, December 16 to play The Royal Court and you could be in attendance through Best of Liverpool’s fantastic competition!

The Christians had some massive hits in the late 1980s and 90s including Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Hooverville and the Top 10 hit single Harvest For The World, originally a hit for The Isley Brothers. The group are celebrating their 25th anniversary with this date at The Royal Court which coincides with the release of their brand new album, Speed of Life, alongside deluxe anniversary rereleases of their first two multi-million selling albums, The Christians and Colour.

Tickets are on sale now from The Royal Court box office, priced £20 or online: www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk Best of Liverpool has three pairs of tickets to this exciting show to give away. For the chance to win a pair, answer the following question: Which group originally recorded the song Harvest For The World?

Send your answers on a postcard to The Christians competition, Best of Liverpool, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Closing date is Wednesday, December 12.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19

Children Tatty Teddy Music Player

Monster High Ghouls Rule Dolls, Mattel

TOP TOYS

Furby, Hasbro

Cabbage Patch Kids, JAKKS Pacific

From Cabbage Patch Kids to Furbys, Michelle Rushton finds out what’s on the top of kids’ Christmas lists this year...

MUMS and dads will be delighted to see that some of their favourite toys when they were little are making a comeback this Christmas.

They will be pleased to be reunited with their old friends – Cabbage Patch Kids, Spiderman, Twister and Lego are sure to be toys that us grown ups have fond childhood memories of.

But as recent predictions by the Toy Retailers Association showed, they’re still loved just as much by children today.

The TRA’s ‘dream baker’s dozen’ official list of the top toys for Christmas 2012 was a mix of old

favourites and new technology including high-tech tablets for kids, such as the InnoTab 2 and LeapPad 2 and exciting new character toys inspired by TV and film.

Furbys will be firmly on the top of kids’ Christmas lists, as well as the new range of interactive Tatty Teddies including the Tatty Teddy Story Time, which interacts with the bedtime story and Tatty Teddy Music Player.

Another huge success story is Moshi Monsters.

It’s safe to say that children will have a varied, imaginative and engaging Christmas this year!

InnoTab 2, Vtech

Web Shooting Spider-Man, Hasbro My Moshi Home, Vivid Imaginations

Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire, Hasbro

HER FILL ‘EM UP, FAT

CHRISTMAS!

Knitted stripe stocking, £15, from Debenhams

THE man in red will have no trouble finding these superb stockings at the end of your little ones’ beds!

Novelty stocking, £1, from Poundland

Red paw print stocking, £5, from M&S Personalised Christmas stocking, £34.50, from www.wowthankyou.co.uk

20

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Fair Isle Christmas stocking, £13, from Debenhams

Red snowman or green Santa and photo frame stockings, £9.60, from Debenhams

DECEMBER 12

Perfect PJs

Selection of nightwear, from Next

THERE’S nothing more exciting for children than getting ready for bed on Christmas Eve, knowing that Santa will be tiptoeing in to fill their stockings during the night.

Wrap them up nice and snug in these cute pyjamas.

Girls’ romper suit, £5, from Florence and Fred at Tesco

Right, reindeer pyjamas, £9 - £11, from Mothercare Left, reindeer pyjamas, £18 for pack of two, from Next

Festive nightwear, from Mothercare

Dalmatian parcel pyjamas, £6, from George at Asda

COLEEN NOLAN LIZ MccLARNON PETE PRICE PAULINE DANIELS STAR IN

0844 8713017 atgtickets.com/ liverpool

Younger boys’ pure cotton space pyjamas £13 - £17, from M&S

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 21

Christmas gift guide A RETRO CHRISTMAS

Vintage design sewing tin, £7, from John Lewis

r The ideal gifts fo l al of rs ve lo .. e. ag nt vi things

Traditional record player, £160, from Urban Outfitters

Let it Bleed Rolling Stones art vinyl, £20, from John Lewis

Retro Stirling Moss wallet and branded tin, £34.95, from www.houseknutsford.co.uk

Superman comic vintage cufflinks, £24.50, from www.ellieellie.co.uk

All wrapped up It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas... Sue Kelbrick boxes clever, from wish-list gifts to stocking fillers – and just about everything in between

HIS & HERS

Christmas jumper for him, £25, from Next

Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume, £44.50, from The Perfume Shop

For the spec ial person in you r life...

Paco Rabanne 1 million aftershave, £37.99, from The Perfume Shop

Christmas jumper for her, £30, from Red Herring at Debenhams Matching hot water bottles, £5 each, from Primark

Purse by Prada, £285, from Flannels Man’s satchel by JJ Jeans Jasper Conran, £60, from Debenhams

PLUG IT IN

Nisex white ceramic watch, £179, from Rotary

Gadgets and gizmos for the dedicated technophile...

Fuji AX500 14 megapixel digital camera, £49, from Very

Kindle Fire HD, £159, from Amazon

22

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

GoPro high definition Hero 2 camcorder, £299.95, from John Lewis

DECEMBER 12 Pot Noodle and noodle tool, £12, from Debenhams

Lego art carousel, £18, from Sainsbury’s

STOCKING FILLERS

Tipped to be a top seller this Christmas, Babel by Mumford and Sons, £8.99, from Amazon

ing

meth A little so extra...

WIN

CHRISTMAS HAMPER

THANKS to our good friends at HMV Liverpool ONE, Best of Liverpool has a fantastic prize to give to one lucky reader!

Courtesy of the iconic store, we are giving away a HMV Christmas hamper, worth up to £400, which is packed with all the latest releases in music and film, and much, much more.

The prize bundle features a selection of fabulous Blu-rays, including some of this year’s biggest box office hits, like American Pie: Reunion. There is also a plethora of cool DVDs, from Doctor Who, Downtown Abbey, and the London 2012 Olympic Games Boxset, to John Bishop Live. You’ll also find a selection of the latest CDs from the likes of The Script, Ed Sheeran, and Pink. And, as if that wasn’t enough, there’s a signed Duff McKagan autobiography, a Beatles mug, a Gear 4 union flag speaker dock and House of Marley headphones to enjoy as well.

Pamper, Perfect and Protect kit from Rodial, includes Rodial Glam Balm Hand, Lip and Multi, £60, from Nicola Harris

To be in with a chance of winning this super prize, simply answer the following question: The 2012 Olympic Games were held in which city?

To enter, send your answer, name and daytime telephone number, stating HMV Comp, to: magazine@liverpool.com or post to: Best of Liverpool, Liverpool Post & ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Maximum one entry per person.

Closing date for entries: December 14.

Entrants must be aged 18 or over.

Prize is not transferable. No cash equivalent is available. Prize items are not exchangeable for any other products.

The winner must be able to collect the prize from the Liverpool Post and ECHO building on Old Hall Street.

A GEM OF A GIFT

SPREAD YOUR LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS

IT’S not just diamonds that are a girl’s best friend, jewellery of any kind will always be a welcome gift at Christmas.

With this in mind, Wongs Jewellers Liverpool has hand-picked a fabulous selection of jewellery from Ti Sento, the Milanese jewellery specialists who are renowned for their simple yet timeless designs. Go on – she’s worth it!

0% UPTO 36 MONTHS

Sterling silver and cubic zirconia ring

by Ti Sento at Wongs, £115

FINANCE AVAILABLE

Sterling silver and cubic zirconia necklace by Ti Sento at Wongs, £275

Matching sterling silver and cubic zirconia earrings

by Ti Sento at Wongs, £130

Purple beaded bracelets, sterling silver, by Ti Sento at Wongs, from £30

Price £5,595.00 Minimum Desposit £559.50 36 months of £139.87

WONGS JEWELLERS CHICAGO BUILDINGS • WHITECHAPEL LIVERPOOL L1 6DS www.wongsjewellers.co.uk • 0151 236 1552

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 23

Gifts from home

WE’RE DREAMING OF A SCOUSE CHRISTMAS When it comes to Christmas shopping, Michelle Rushton looks closer to home for gifts with a distinctively Scouse flavour...

THE WRITE STUFF BOOKS make the perfect stocking fillers and you could do worse than browse the selection offered by Merseyshop.

The Liverpool publisher does a great line in books on subjects close to the heart of Merseysiders – from football to local history. Check out these titles available from www.merseyshop.com, telephone 0845 143 0001.

The Everton Autobiography

LIVERPOOL Cathedral has, for the first time, compiled a definitive ‘Scouse Christmas List,’ selecting the perfect Christmas gifts for every type of Scouser – whether that is the history-loving Scouser, a music loving Scouser or the Scouser abroad.

Gifts are available from the Cathedral Shop or www.cathedralshop.com

IF you think you know everything about Everton Football Club, then read this book and you will be surprised at some of the fascinating stories from Everton’s past.

RRP £16.99, (now only £11.99).

The history-loving Scouser

Liverpool FC Heroes

LITERALLY ‘make your mark’ on the UK’s largest Anglican Cathedral with a personalised brick in Liverpool Cathedral’s People’s Path, from just £50.

To order call 0151 702 7226 or email rebecca.bentham@ liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

The ex-pat Scouser

A Scouse Christmas tree

DECORATE your tree with an illustrated Liverpool waterfront bauble designed by artist Freida McKitrick.

Handpainted glass baubles are entitled ‘Ferry Christmas,’ ‘The Holly and the Liver,’ and ‘We Three Kings’ (featuring the Three Graces) and cost from £5.99.

SEND the sound of Christmas in Liverpool to those Scousers spending the festive season elsewhere with this album, Popular Christmas Carols, performed by Liverpool Cathedral Choir.

Priced £9.99.

WIN

Waterfront Gift Fair

LIVERPOOL Waterfront Gift Fair will make gift buying easier by bringing together lots of locally made festive wares. From homemade beauty and relaxation products to hand-crafted decorations and gifts, there will also be festive performances throughout the day, as well as a children’s area.

It will be held in the Equator – the glass covered walkway between the two buildings, outside Open Eye Gallery – at Mann Island from December 13 – 16. For more details visit www.orb-events.co.uk

The Man With The Keys To The Bank Of Anfield A UNIQUE book for Liverpool fans this Christmas, Arthur Lowe – former financial controller at LFC – reveals the inside account on the Reds from his many years at the club. RRP £12.99, (now only £8.99).

The music-loving Scouser

ADOPT a pipe in Liverpool Cathedral’s famous organ, built in 1926 by Henry Willis & Son. With more than 10, 268 pipes to choose from, pipe adoptions range from £2 to £50.

Contact 0151 708 8471 to order.

Gary Ablett – The Game Of My Life

TICKETS TO MEET LIVERPOOL LEGENDS

A DATE that should be firmly etched in the Kopite's calendar this month is Legends’ Day on Friday, December 21, hosted by bonafide Liverpool legends Jan Molby, John Aldridge, Alan Kennedy and Phil Thompson.

The day includes a guided tour of Anfield with the legend of your choice. Later you'll meet all four legends for a Q&A session, while enjoying refreshments, entrance to the LFC Museum, an exclusive gift pack and the chance to grab autographs and pose for photos with the former players.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Tim Howard poses in 12 Shades of Blue

There will also be discounts in the Boot Room Sports Café and club store.

Tickets are £40 per person, but Best of Liverpool has got its mitts on four pairs of tickets to give away to lucky Reds fans.

For more information and to book please call 0151 260 6677 or www.liverpoolfc.com/tours To be in with a chance of winning a pair, all you have to do is answer the following question:

THIS is the story Gary wanted the fans to read. Gary famously played for both sides of the park, making history becoming the first player to win an FA Cup with Liverpool and Everton. Gary wrote this book in 2011 before he tragically died of cancer.

RRP £16.99, (now only £8).

Lost Tribe – The People’s Memories

Which nationality is Liverpool Legend Jan Molby?

Send your answer on a postcard to Legends’ Day Comp, Best of Liverpool, Liverpool Post and Echo, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB. Closing date: Friday, December 14.

24

THE latest official book to the club, 14 legends open up their hearts to reveal new stories in Liverpool FC Heroes.

From Robbie Fowler to Jamie Carragher, there’s something for fans of all ages in this enthralling book.

RRP £16.99, (now only £9.99).

12 SHADES OF BLUE THE perfect gift for blues fans, The Toffees have posed for a limited edition calendar entitled 12 Shades of Blue in a bid to raise money for the club’s official charity, Everton in the Community.

The calendar is priced £10, visit evertondirect.com

KEN Rogers has a follow up to the best selling Lost Tribe of Everton & Scottie Road book. Lost Tribe The People’s Memories is the much anticipated new book, full of local residents’ memories from the slum clearances.

RRP £9.99, (now only £6.99).

Home style

DECEMBER 12

Set of six mini matte red glass baubles, £5.95, Dotcomgiftshop.co.uk

Bristly robin decoration from the Gisela Graham Christmas collection, £4.99, from www.giftsfromhandpicked.com Dobbies longtail glitter bird clip, £2.50; mistletoe green bauble, £2.99; and glass heart bauble, £2.99, from Tesco

Sarah Hooley discovers how to deck your halls (and much more) with style this Christmas...

Spruce up your FROM sprout-shaped baubles and gingerbread tealight houses to retro garlands, there are a fabulous selection of festive decorations to adorn your home with this Christmas.

And, whether you’re a staunch traditionalist or prefer the modern touch, there are looks to suit every taste in 2012.

Key trends include golds, pale greens, and ivories; floral prints and cute 1950s designs; vivid purples and turquoises and bright and bold colours with odd-ball ornaments.

The cool tones and rustic woods of Nordicinspired décor are also hugely popular and

an excellent choice for those with more minimalist tastes.

Kitting out the dining table is also becoming an increasingly important part of festive decorating, so be sure to give it careful consideration.

Be it striking centrepieces, charger plates, napkins, table runners, sparkling Champagne flutes or special dinner services – dress your table to impress. And remember to opt for a theme that ties in with the rest of your décor.

If you’re stuck for inspiration here are some of our festive favourites...

Set of four glimmer martini glasses, from Next

Heaven Sends Be Naughty wooden box sign, £6.99, www.mollieandfred.co.uk

Singing bell hanging star decoration, £7, from www.fairwindonline.com

8ft fireside tree, £140; tree decorations, from £1.50; gingerbread house, £15; holiday fine stripe tablecloth, from £35, from John Lewis

Kaemingk flower shop, £19.99, from Taskers

Sprout hanging decoration, £1.99, from www.tch.net

A selection of candles and decorations, prices starting from £7.95, from Pollyfields.co.uk

Christmas candle centrepiece, £95, Pollyfields.co.uk

Left, kids’ advent tree, £17.50, from Marks & Spencer Above, gravy boat, from Matalan Right, gold ceramic plaque, £2.50, from Marks & Spencer

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 25

Festive fayre A TASTY BIRD IT’S the centrepiece of many a Christmas table, yet the traditional turkey can be a tricky so-and-so to perfect.

Dry, lifeless and bland turkey has been known to destroy an entire Christmas Day not to mention cause family feuds that can last for years! Well, thanks to the wonderful Adam Franklin of Yacht Club Liverpool at Liverpool Marina, these simple tips could be the answer to all your poultry prayers.

Ingredients: l Turkey (average size, 12-14 lbs) l Butter l Onions l 7 tbsp salt, 7 peppercorns, 7 star anise and 7 bay leaves l White pepper Method: l Brine the turkey using 7tbsp salt to every litre of water. For a 12-14 lbs turkey you will need 7 litres. Bring to the boil in your biggest pan before adding peppercorns, star anise and bay leaves, cool and then put your turkey into the brine head (neck) first. l Leave for 2 hours then flip it bottom first and leave for 2 more (this plumps up the dry

bird ready for cooking and adds a very gentle aromatic background flavour). l Drain the bird and rub thoroughly with butter. Place on a trivet of chopped onions to protect the bottom, sprinkle generously with white pepper and cover with tin foil. Cook for 4 hours in a pre-heated oven Gas 4, 180°C. l Half way through take off the tin foil, flip the bird over, and return it to the oven for the second half. l Check it’s cooked through – the juices should run clear – then take out of the oven and stuff with your cooked stuffing; this will soak up the juices and flavour the stuffing. l Leave for 20 minutes, carve.

Feast your eyes!

Richard Lackey seeks help from some of Liverpool’s finest eateries to suggest some mouth-watering treats guaranteed to make you feel as stuffed as a turkey this Christmas...

VEGETARIAN CHRISTMAS PIE FOR vegetarians the festive menu doesn’t have to be an inferior equivalent to all the trimmings.

The Vegetarian Society has a hearty Christmas pie to tantalise your tastebuds.

Visit www.vegsoc.org for more recipes and information.

Have a veggie merry Christmas!

Serves 6-8 Preparation time: 20-30 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes Ingredients for the hot water crust pastry l 150ml water l 115g vegetable suet l 330g plain white flour l Half tsp salt

Ingredients for the pie filling l 2 onions, finely chopped l 130g leeks, finely chopped l 1 tbsp olive oil l 2 cloves garlic, crushed l 225g mushrooms, sliced l 25g dried cranberries l 340g butter beans, chopped (tinned) l 250g tinned cooked chestnuts, sliced l 50g hazelnuts, chopped l 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped l 1 tsp English mustard l Salt and pepper, to taste l 1 tbsp cranberry sauce Method: l To make the pie filling, gently fry the onions and leeks in the oil for 5 minutes. l Add the garlic, 150g of the mushrooms, dried cranberries, butter beans, chestnuts, hazelnuts, thyme and mustard.

Continue to cook for 10 minutes; the mixture should be fairly dry. l Season with salt and pepper, then add the remaining mushrooms and remove from the heat. l Next prepare the pastry – preheat the oven to 180°C/ Gas 4. l Heat the water in a saucepan.

When boiled add the suet and stir vigorously. Remove from the heat. l Place the flour into a large bowl and stir in the salt. Add the water and suet mixture. l Carefully gather the mixture into a ball, turn onto a work surface and knead the pastry for 5 minutes. l Lightly grease a 20cm spring loaded or loose bottomed deep pie case. l Take approximately half l

of the pastry and roll it out.

You should not need to dust your work surface with flour.

Carefully line your pie case. l Spread the cranberry sauce over the pastry base and add your pie filling. Fold excess pastry over towards the centre of the pie. Trim excess pastry, leaving a lip of 3cm. l Roll out the remaining pastry to make a lid. Place it on the top of your pie, trim excess pastry, then using your fingertips pinch the 2 layers of pastry together to seal in the filling. Brush the top with a little soya milk and place in the preheated oven for one hour, or until the pastry is golden brown. l To serve, carefully release the catch on the pie case and lift onto a serving dish. l Serve with gravy and a selection of vegetables.

APPLE TART TATIN WITH EGGNOG ICE CREAM HERE we have a delicious sweet treat from the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill, located at Hotel Indigo.

The ice cream in this recipe needs to go in the freezer for 24 hours so make this at least a day in advance.

Ingredients for the eggnog ice cream: l Half pt semi whipped double cream l 7 egg yolks l Half pint double cream l 100g caster sugar l 1 vanilla pod split l Ground nutmeg l 2 tbsp bourbon Ingredients for the brioche base: l 500g strong bread flour l 250g butter

26

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

l l l l l

20g fresh yeast 50g caster sugar 10g salt 100ml warm water 5 eggs

Ingredients for apple tart tatin: l Butter l Sugar l 8 apples, any eating variety Method: l To make the eggnog ice cream, beat yolks and sugar, bring cream and vanilla to boil, pour onto eggs and transfer back to pan. l While stirring, cook until it is thick and coats the back of the spoon. Quickly pass through a fine sieve and leave to cool. l When cold add bourbon and nutmeg to

taste and gently fold in whipped cream. Put in plastic container in the freezer and leave for 24 hours. l To make the brioche base. Crumble yeast into water and add sugar, leave to froth for 10 minutes. l Place flour, salt and eggs into bowl and beat well. l Add yeast mixture, combine. Beat in softened butter and place in fridge for 1 hour to firm. l For the apple tart tatin, take a deep saucepan, cover the bottom with an inch thick of softened butter and sprinkle over a generous amount of sugar. l Peel apples and cut into thirds and pack them tightly standing upright in pan, following the curve of the pan until the bottom is covered.

Place on medium heat and cook until a golden colour.

This can take up to 30 minutes. l Roll out the brioche to a circle to fit pan and when apples are ready place over and leave so that brioche can prove and double in thickness. l Place in a 180°C oven for 15 minutes. l Leave to cool slightly then place plate on top of the pan and invert pan so tart is apple side up. l Serve a slice topped with ice cream. l

DECEMBER 12 Bar manager of D&N, Stuart Robertson, prepares a Jingle Berry

MERRY MIXOLOGY WE love a Christmas cocktail or two here at Best of Liverpool towers.

So, when we heard that some of the city centre’s finest watering holes had introduced a few festive themed cocktails, we hot-footed it down, quicker than good old

WINE TIME BEST of Liverpool offers some nods towards vino choices for your Christmas table...

Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz-Merlot 2009, McClaren Vale, Australia, £11.99 Stockists: Co-op, Waitrose, Wine Society CHURCH Block takes its name from one of the original vineyards across the road from Wirra Wirra’s century old cellars. Produced since 1972 this is a real fave Down Under and is growing in reputation in the UK. The blend of grapes produces quite complex flavours which are balanced well so that it’s still an easy drinking experience. Berry fruits jostle for position on the tastebuds with oak tones and tannins, while there’s a sweet, almost vanilla, aftertaste that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

A good wine for winter, it would certainly complement roasts, stews and the like.

Paul

Villa Maria New Zealand Pinot Grigio East Coast 2011 Private Bin, £9.99 Stockists: Waitrose, Majestic, Wine Rack, nshouseofwine.co.uk MADE from grapes grown in the Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Waipara winegrowing regions of the east coast of New Zealand, here the diversity of the soil types help to contribute to the complexity of the flavours associated with this wine.

Whilst it is basically a fresh, dry wine, the taste is infused with ripe pear and apple flavours.

Light, spicy aromas pervade, with a fine, lingering finish to top it off. This eminently drinkable wine would be ideal with seafood, chicken and light pasta dishes.

St Nick can get his rather ample frame down the chimney.

We sampled the cocktail menus extensively (all in the interests of research you understand) and we loved some of the festive tipples so much, we had to get the recipes too...

JINGLE BERRY IF there was ever a cocktail that positively oozes with festive cheer, it’s this one, supplied by D&N bistro on St James Street...

Ingredients: l 25ml raspberry vodka l 25ml Disaronno

2 squeezed limes l Top up with cranberry juice l

Method: l Shake and finish with a lime wedge and fresh raspberry garnish.

Sarah

SCOTCH BONNET THE fiery flavours in this recipe from The Living Room, Victoria Street, are sure to warm you up!

Ingredients: l 60ml Monkey Shoulder Triple Malt Scotch Whiskey l 2 teaspoons of honey l 1 inch red chilli pepper, deseeded and finely chopped l Garnish with a chilli pepper on the rim of the glass Method: l Mix the honey and chilli together. l Slowly add cubed ice and the Monkey Shoulder whiskey, whilst stirring.

A True Italian Experience

Francos

THE BEST IN ITALIAN FOOD

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

FirstCape Light White Zinfandel, £5.99 Stockists: Tesco IF you are looking for a refreshing and fruity rosé, then this light offering by FirstCape is ideal.

A delicate rosé with an appealing bouquet of wild strawberries and apple blossom leads into a crisp, palate with soft red fruits, cranberry and honeysuckle.

This is perfect for a pre-Christmas dinner apperitif. Plus, with 5.5% alcohol, you can guarantee Granny won’t be under the influence and under the table this year! Another bonus is that it has 30% less calories than regular FirstCape rosé wine so won’t add to the festive bulge and you can enjoy a glass without dreading the morning after.

Michelle

Cune Crianza Rioja, 2009, RRP: £9.99 Stockists: Majestic PRODUCED by the fifth generation of the founders of Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE), a family-run winery in the Rioja Alto wine region, Cune Crianza is one of CVNE’s most popular.

Made from hand-picked Tempranilla grapes, this wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in American oak barrels. A young wine, it is fruity, smooth with spicy notes and with a balanced acidity.

Its time in the American oak barrels being short lived, the wine – thankfully – doesn’t have any of the heavy oaky notes usually associated with Rioja and is a pleasure to drink. A good all rounder for the festive table, this wine will please most people’s palates – even those who usually steer clear of reds.

Katie

Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay, 2010, Chile, £12.99 Stockists: Co-op, Majestic, Cheers Wine Merchants, Cambridge Wine Merchants BEING partial to a glass or two of Chardonnay I was looking forward to uncorking this well-regarded vino.

A light yellow-gold, on the palate the wine was decadently full-bodied and packed with flavours like ripe citrus fruits, oaks and honey. It was also balanced by a crisp acidity and left a pleasant, zingy taste that lingered.

While a little too oaky for my personal taste, my drinking partner adored the strong aroma and was a big fan. Best served between 12 and 14 degrees and paired with chicken or seafood dishes.

Sarah

Taittinger Brut Réserve NV, £37.99 Stockists: Tesco, Majestic, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose THE Taittinger name speaks of quality and this signature Champagne cuvée doesn’t disappoint.

For Christmas, this bottle of bubbly equals affordable luxury made, as you’d expect, with fruit from only prime vineyards throughout the Champagne region.

Delicacy and finesse is guaranteed thanks to a 40% Chardonnay blend.

You can taste those pleasing biscuit notes and the nose is wonderfully fresh.

Certainly a welcome addition to your Christmas Day.

Paul

CHRISTMAS FAYRE LUNCH MENU

£19.95

3 Courses...

DINNER

£22.95

3 Courses...

Coffee & Mints £2.50 extra

Bookings @ francosliverpool.com

A non refundable £5 deposit per person required to secure bookings

Now N ow ttaking aking bookings bookings for for New New Year’s Ye ea ar’s EEve ve P Party! ar ty y!!

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 clubbing

A clubland Christmas Cream’s Boxing Night Special is always a sell-out smash

Stuff the turkey, December’s all about Christmas clubbing.

Katie McLoughlin brings you the month’s essential nights out...

IF there’s one thing this city knows how to do, it’s how to get its rave on.

And, this December, Christmas has come early for techno fans, as the city’s promoters have been working away like proverbial elves to bring you a colossal line up of events.

And, it seems more than a few of them have been to Germany of late, as Liverpool’s club scene has a distinctly Germanic flavour this month, with the likes of Berlin-based techno DJ Prosumer, Düsseldorf legend Loco Dice and Leipzig-born founder of cult label Moon Harbour Recordings, Matthias Tanzmann, all appearing in the city this month.

Photo: Anthony Mooney

CREAM

CIRCUS

mUmU

STILL riding high following its 20th anniversary celebrations earlier this year, Cream has a cracker of a night planned for its Boxing Night Special.

The line-up has a distinctly Dutch influence, with DJs Laidback Luke, Nicky Romero, Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano. Plus, rising star Hardwell, trance DJ Ferry Corsten and American trance-progressive DJ Markus Schulz. Completing the star-studded line-up are Cream residents Anthony Probyn, Gareth Wyn, Rob Harnetty and Jemmy. Plus there’s Andy Mac, Lee Ellis and one of Cream’s favourite sons, Paul Bleasdale.

Cream Boxing Night Special is in Nation on Wolstenholme Square, from 10pm-6am.

Tickets are priced at £30 plus booking fee, available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.ticketline.co.uk

THIS has been a monumental year for Circus.

Not only has the club night, founded by Kirkby-born DJ Yousef, celebrated its landmark 10th anniversary, it has branched out and Circus events have been held as far afield as New York and London in 2012.

The 10-year birthday bash, back in September, saw Circus bring names such as Sasha and Seth Troxler to the city. Its Halloween party was, as always, the stuff of clubbing legend.

And last week, Circus brought iconic French DJ Laurent Garnier to the city for what was his last-ever Laurent Garnier presents LBS Live show in Liverpool.

It’s fitting that Circus ends 2012 with a starstudded line-up for its last night of the year.

Circus’ Boxing Day party features sets from Yousef, Loco Dice, Jamie Jones and Heidi, plus a debut from Hotflush’s Scuba.

Circus – Boxing Day Party at Camp and Furnace, Greenland Street, 8pm-4am.

Tickets are priced at £20 advance, available from www.circusclub.co.uk, www.skiddle.com, www.ticketline.co.uk and 3B records on 0151 353 7027.

BERGHAIN residents Marcel Fengler and Ryan Elliott were the stars of last year’s mUmU Boxing Night party and, keeping with the Germanic theme, this year the cult city club night is bringing the one and only Matthias Tanzmann to the city.

A resident at Ibizan club night, Circoloco in DC10, Tanzmann’s deep house and techno sets have earned the German DJ and producer three consecutive nominations for the Ibiza DJ Awards and bookings at clubs around the world.

The line-up also includes mUmU debuts for the amazing Motor City Drum Ensemble and one of the rising stars of 2012, Jordan Peak, with support from Lee Rands and mUmU/ Shelter residents.

In true mUmU style, the venue is a closely guarded secret until nearer the event, but our sources tell us it’s set to be somewhere special. An after-party follows the main event. mUmU Boxing Night Party at a secret location, from 10pm-4.30am. After-party from 4.30am. Tickets are priced at £18 advance/£20 on the door, available from www.residentadvisor.net

CHIBUKU CHIBUKU is famed for its eclectic take on electronic music and its New Year’s Eve parties are always a must-do for any selfrespecting city clubber.

This year, some iconic names who have graced Chibuku over the years will help to usher in 2013 in style. Across three rooms, the line-up includes 2manydjs, Redlight, Mele, DJ Fresh, Subfocus, Rudimental, Futurebound and Matrix. Plus, room three will feature a screening of Soulwax’s David Bowie documentary, Dave.

Chibuku Shake Shake – New Year’s Eve Celebration, 8pm-4am at Camp and Furnace, Greenland Street. Tickets are priced at £20 advance, available from www.chibuku.com, www.skiddle.com and www.residentadvisor.net 2manydjs return to Chibuku

28

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

House and techno DJ Prosumer plays Discoteca Poca at The Shipping Forecast

DISCOTECA POCA PROSUMER is something of a cult figure in his adopted home-town of Berlin, where he holds a residency at Panorama Bar – the house music orientated bar in the city’s infamous Berghain club.

An avid collector of vinyl whose techno sets are laden with Chicago and Detroit-style deep house, Prosumer will play a vinyl-only set for Discoteca Poca, in The Shipping Forecast on December 22.

Bringing Prosumer to Liverpool is something of a coup for Discoteca Poca, who were determined to bring the house and techno DJ to the city, after seeing him at The Garden Festival, in Croatia last summer.

Discoteca Poca presents Prosumer is at The Shipping Forecast, Slater Street on Saturday, December 22, from 10pm to 3am. Tickets available from www.residentadvisor.net

Photo: Vaine Photography

The mUmU venue is still a closely guarded secret. Inset, DJ Heidi joins the Circus line-up on Boxing Day

DECEMBER 12

Raise your glass

THE LONG COUNT The Long Count, served up at Newz Bar

COURTESY of Newz Bar, Water Street.

Ingredients: l Pomegranate seeds l 1.5 oz lime juice l 0.5 oz grenadine and 4-6 mint leaves l 1.5 oz Patron tequila l Mint sprig and lime Method: l Mix ingredients together, strain over crushed ice and garnish with mint sprig and lime.

BLACK FOREST MARTINI Toast the start of 2013 with a delicious cocktail, says Richard Lackey...

COCKTAILS are a refreshing change from your usual tipple, and a whole lot of fun to create.

We asked some of the city’s finest restaurants and hotels to share with us their cocktail secrets in time for New Year’s Eve. So invite your mates around and have some fun; these sophisticated beverages are really simple to recreate at home and will kick-start any New Year party in style!

WIN

COURTESY of Hanover Street Social, Hanover Street.

COURTESY of the Gulshan Indian Restaurant, Aigburth Road.

Ingredients: l De Kuyper Triple Sec 0.5 l De Kuyper Crème de Cacao - brown 0.5 measure l Amarula Cream - 1 measure

Method: l Muddle fresh blackberries in a Boston cocktail glass, add the Kahlua, Baileys and Chambord, shake over ice, strain into a Martini glass and garnish with chocolate and fresh blackberry.

Method: l Shake all the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice. l Strain into a martini glass garnished with chocolate powder around the rim. l Garnish with Maltesers and orange zest if desired.

Resolution Cocktail from The Gulshan

MEAL FOR TWO AT THE WAREHOUSE

BEST of Liverpool readers have the chance to win a meal for two with wine and cocktails at the uber-cool award-winning Warehouse Kitchen and Bar in West Street, Southport.

The restaurant, which is co-owned by Steven Gerrard, has a new menu, which has been described as one of the best in the North West, together with an unrivalled wine and cocktail list.

With chef Mini Patel now at the helm, the restaurant prides itself on using only the finest locally-sourced ingredients.

High quality food, served in chic and welcoming surroundings is what Warehouse Kitchen and Bar is all about – this, together with a menu which changes regularly.

The restaurant is becoming increasingly popular across the region with both young diners and families and businessmen and women. It also has a large celebrity clientele most evenings and during the weekends.

To be in with a chance of winning a meal at The Warehouse and experiencing its exclusive offering, all you have to do is answer the following question:

Ingredients: l 20ml Kahlua l 20ml Baileys l 20ml Chambord l 3 fresh blackberries l Garnish with ground chocolate and fresh blackberry

RESOLUTION COCKTAIL

Where in Southport is The Warehouse?

Send your answer on a postcard entitled ‘Warehouse competition’ to Best of Liverpool, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB. Deadline: Friday, December 21.

The first correct entry out of the postbag will win a meal at the restaurant for two, together with wine and a cocktail. For more details on the Warehouse Kitchen and Bar call 01704 544662 or visit the website www.warehousekitchenandbar.com Terms and conditions apply. Booking essential and subject to availability. Offer valid until 31/03/13.

Looking for a perfect

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 29

Travel

DECEMBER 12

Merry Manchester Sarah Hooley discovers you don’t have to go far to find a winter wonderland...

VISIT SANTA IN LAPLAND IT is the ultimate family dream break at Christmas time – a visit to Lapland, complete with reindeer, elves in the workshop, and a meeting with the big man himself!

The town of Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland is the undisputed Santa capital of the world, and proud home to both Santa Claus Village and Santa Claus Park.

Private accommodation rentals offer a good option for families who want to experience a Finnish winter away from the hustle of the tourist resort, allowing big kids as well as little ones to have a truly unforgettable winter break.

You can stay in a cosy cottage in the village of Sonka, on the edge of a forest.

Costing £94 a night, it sleeps six, has a sauna and offers the options to rent out snowmobiles and ice fishing equipment.

Head a short drive east and you will find this picturesque log house on the shore of Lake Olkkakosi. Close to skiing resorts, and with both a sauna and hot tub, this comfortable property sleeps six for a mere £67 a night.

For more details on Lapland properties visit www.9flats.comw

ROOM AT THE INN COUPLES named Mary and Joseph are being offered a complimentary overnight stay with Champagne at Liverpool’s exclusive Signature Living luxury serviced apartments this December.

Signature Living is one of Liverpool’s most sought after places to stay. The company, which has apartments on Victoria Street, last month launched the ultimate party suites at ‘The Vault’ on Bold Street. The opulent VIP facilities include whirlpool baths, cinema screens, and entertainment stations in tastefully decorated and luxury surroundings.

Signature’s managing director, Katie Kenwright, says: “Local Marys and Josephs can let the North Star shine upon them in the luxury of one of our apartments as they sip Champagne, and enjoy a deserved mini Christmas break in the heart of Liverpool. And you never know an angel bearing good tidings may even appear before them!

“They just need to prove their names and that they are a couple and call us on 0151 236 0166 and let us know when they’d like to stay during December.” *Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.

For more information visit www.signatureliving.co.uk

30

BEST OF LIVERPOOL

THERE’S nothing like the smell of mulled wine and a spot of yuletide shopping to get me in the festive spirit.

So after sampling the delights of our own continental market here in Liverpool, my husband and I decided to book a weekend away in Manchester. Home to one of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK, the city is fast becoming a top winter destination attracting thousands of tourists every December.

This year the event is in its 14th incarnation and has taken over eight different sites, with more than 200 stalls spread over an easily-walkable quarter-mile radius. As first-timers to the market, we decided to begin at the recommended starting point directly outside the Corn Exchange (a free map can be downloaded from www.manchester.gov.uk).

The area was lit up by twinkling fairy lights and filled with pretty chalet-style stalls selling everything from elegant scarves, pashminas, and alpaca wool slippers to beeswax candles and pretty cupcakes.

We then browsed the specialist liqueurs, pork pies, Dutch cheeses, framed photographs, silver jewellery and artisan glass blown ornaments along Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street, before ending up on Exchange Street which houses the market’s arts and craft area.

St Ann’s Square – the site of the city’s first festive market – was next and boasted a selection of traditional German stalls.

It also had a cosy Gluhwein chalet where we couldn’t resist stopping off for a mug of brandy-topped Christmas punch.

A short walk away, King Street was packed with gifts and edible treats from French traders selling pâté, cheese, cassoulet, Brittany biscuits and crêpes – a must for foodies.

And continuing our culinary theme, we discovered a mix of quirky food chalets and crafts from producers as far away as Nepal and Mexico along Brazennose Street.

Last but not least was the eighth market site at Albert Square. You might have seen the square before if you’ve passed the city’s impressive Town Hall, but at Christmas it well and truly comes alive. With rows of pretty wooden stalls, and food and drink huts selling clothes, jewellery, fresh wreaths, real Christmas trees, chocolate, macaroons, waffles, bratwurst, mulled wine and much more it had a genuine village-like feel.

This area is often described as the jewel of the market and

was extremely busy, so for those who prefer to avoid the crowds, I’d recommend heading there earlier in the day.

Finally shopped out, we headed back to our hotel, the Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre. Opened in 2009, the modern four-star hotel has a striking black glass facade and is ideally located just a 10-minute stroll from the markets, Harvey Nics, Selfridges and The Printworks.

Our room, a standard double, was clean and contemporary with a floor-to-ceiling window offering views over the city.

Facilities at the hotel included a health club and spa with a stylish black swimming pool, as well as a swish bar and restaurant – RGB Bar & Grill – where we decided to head for dinner that evening.

A modern eatery, the restaurant offers diners an extensive menu including handmade burgers, grill dishes, pizza, pasta and house classics. To start, I opted for the mushroom dolcelatte with garlic bread and cream cheese sauce, and my husband plumped for crispy calamari served with aioli and lemon. Both were tasty and an ample size.

For our mains, I opted for the chicken and pesto fettuccine with toasted pine nuts. The dish was well presented and the pasta was cooked perfectly but the chicken was a touch heavy on the herbs.

My husband, on the other hand, loved his choice of main course – Thai chicken curry – which came with a domed mound of fragrant steamed rice and poppadom. Creamy and smooth with a real kick, the dish was exactly to his liking.

It was undoubtedly our desserts that were the highlight of the experience though. My sticky toffee pudding, served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, was just the ticket for a chilly winter evening, while my husband’s choice of warm chocolate brownie was equally pleasing packed with hazelnuts and served with white chocolate ice-cream.

The next morning we woke refreshed and had ample time to tuck into a hearty buffet breakfast – including pastries, cereal, continental meats, cheeses and a full English – before the 12 noon check-out time. Overall the hotel was a good, affordable option with excellent service, friendly staff and added extras that you perhaps wouldn’t find at its competitors. Ideal for a festive shopping spree or night out in the city.

For more information on Park Inn by wRadisson Manchester City Centre visit www.parkinn.co.uk/hotelmanchester. The hotel is offering a Christmas Shopping Package, with rates from £85, including bed and breakfast accommodation, a shopping map and guide, complimentary access to the leisure facilities and a 20-minute treatment.

Manchester Christmas Markets are on until December 23.

Entry is free and more information can be found at www.manchester.gov.uk

Chas Cole for CMP Entertainment presents

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The 35th Anniversary

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL

31

All women desire to have clear, flawless skin.

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