FASHION
PLACES
FACES
FOOD
BEAUTY
HOMES
TRAVEL
Supplement
OF LIVERPOOL
REGAL STYLE Turn your home into a palace
BE BOLD The future’s bright for men’s fashion
APRIL ISSUE 2011
ROYAL WEDDINGS Celebrate your nuptials Wills and Kate style
EASTER EVENTS Cracking holiday ideas
A FINE ROMANCE Feel feminine with floaty florals
GOODnight sweetHEART
Ex-Brookie stars explore life below the ocean wave during World War II
WHAT’S ON//HEAVENLY HAIR//RACES RECIPE//LIVERPOOL COMEDY FESTIVAL//SUZANNE COLLINS’ MARATHON JOURNEY//EASTER BREAKS
WIN GOK W DESIG AN GLASSNER ES
BELIEVE IN LOVE
! C U C T A IS NOW
THE COMPLETE NIGHT OUT AT LIVERPOOL’S NEWEST VENUE
M ANCHESTER OPER A HOUSE U N T I L 14 M AY
41 – 51 Greenland Street Liverpool L1 0BS
BOX OFFICE 0844 847 2295 ONLINE GHOST THEMUSICAL.COM T I C K E T S F R O M £17. 5 0
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02
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
Contents
APRIL 11
BEST
06
OF LI V E R P O O L
APRIL 2011 NEWS
22
04 TALK OF TOWN
06
City gossip
FASHION
20
06 SHOPPING FOR HER Fabulously feminine
08 SHOPPING FOR HIM Bright and beautiful
HEALTH & BEAUTY 10 BEAUTY Lovely long locks
11 FITNESS
11
26
Suzanne’s on the run
CHILDREN 12 EASTER EVENTS Egg-citing things to do
14 EASTER TREATS Egg-cellent buys
ENTERTAINMENT 15 WHAT’S ON April is action-packed
16 HOMEGROWN TALENT Dean Sullivan, Sam Avery and Daniel Shelvey
HOMES & GARDENS 18 REGAL STYLE A royal seal of approval
NIGHTLIFE 20 COOL CLUBS Let your hair down
FOOD & DRINK 22 SEASONAL RECIPES A taste of April
24 TASTE TEST We put Sofrito to the test
WEDDINGS
Editor’s Letter I HAVE a lump in my throat as I write this, as it is going to be my last editor’s letter in a while. But no, I haven’t been head-hunted by American Vogue (in my dreams!!). I am leaving to have my second baby. And although I am very excited about the prospect of our new arrival, I do feel a little sad as Best of Liverpool has been my baby for the last 18 months. Instead of sipping Champagne at celebrity-filled launches, sneaking previews of the latest fashions, meeting talented people and sampling new restaurants in the city, I will be knee-deep in nappies. And instead of pouring over the glossies, I will be humming along to In The Night Garden, and Timmy Time. But I will leave you in the very capable hands of Katie McLoughlin who will take over as editor until I come back from maternity leave next year. So make sure you contact her with any news or gossip. In the meantime, we have been working hard on our April edition. There’s so much going on this month what with lots of Easter events and eggs to devour. We bring you an eggcellent line-up of things to do this April, packed with lots of cheesy Easter-related puns (sorry, we couldn’t help it!). If clubbing is more your scene, we look at the hottest places to go, as well as compiling a list of must-do events.
26 FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS
One absolute must-see is Goodnight Sweetheart at The UBoat Story featuring Dean Sullivan who tells us all about it on page 16. Plus The Liverpool Comedy Festival is bound to give us some comic relief after this depressing recession. We speak to local comedian, Sam Avery who’s launching a oneman-show on page 17. One of the most talked about events this month is going to be the Royal Wedding and we’re getting very excited about Prince Wills and Kate’s big day. But if you’re also tying the knot, we bring you some ideas of how to have a royal wedding of your own. Of course, we’ve slipped in our regular favourites with spring fashions for him and her, plus beauty and fitness news and we catch up with actress Suzanne Collins who is training for the RunLiverpool Marathon. We love living in Liverpool and this month we visit Maghull and Aintree to see what they offer but we also like to escape from time to time and this month we head over to a picturesque Cheshire village for some fresh country air. Read our review on page 30. I think that’s all for now, but I look forward to catching up with you next year. Ciao for now!
Michelle
How to upstage Wills & Kate
GET IN TOUCH
27 GLORIOUS GIFTS
LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray
DESIGNER Zoe Bevan
Royal Wedding must-haves
MAGAZINE EDITOR Michelle Rushton
COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR Sally Jones
FAX 0151 330 4924
TRAVEL
SALES MANAGER Frank Notton
EMAIL magazine@liverpool.com
28 HEADING OVER TO Aintree and Maghull
WRITERS Paul Baker, Sarah Hooley, Sue Kelbrick, Katie McLoughlin, Emma Thompson
30 COUNTRY ESCAPE
PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers
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.
The perfect R&R retreat FRONT COVER Andy Teebay
STORIES 0151 330 5035
ADVERTISING 0151 330 5039 WEBSITE www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
/liverpool-entertainment /best-of-liverpool/
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 03
Talk of town THIRD TIME LUCKY FOR LUNYA
LIVERPOOL’S award-winning Catalonian restaurant, Lunya, has been honoured for its outstanding food at the Liverpool Ambassador Awards. Chef Eirian Lunt, 25, was named Chef of the Year at a ceremony held at the city’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, hosted by TV comedian Neil Fitzmaurice. Peter Kinsella, owner of Lunya, which has just celebrated its first birthday, said: “We are delighted that Eirian has received this accolade. Eirian is extremely committed to her work and to delivering outstanding food. “She is an asset to our team and we are proud that her hard work has been recognised in this way. It is a fitting tribute to her skills as a chef and the wonderful food we serve here at Lunya.” It is the third accolade for the Catalonian restaurant and deli after it was named The People of Liverpool’s Favourite Restaurant at the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival Awards last September and Liverpool’s Restaurant of the Year at the Lancashire and Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards 2010. Located on College Lane, in Liverpool ONE, Lunya is the UK’s first Catalonian restaurant and deli and serves a range of tapas and a la carte dishes. Its menu is inspired by the region of Catalunya in north east Spain, and it imports many of its ingredients from artisan producers from the area and from specialist suppliers in For more information about Lunya, visit www.lunya.co.uk or search for “Lunya” on Twitter and Facebook.
THAI AMBASSADOR VISITS LIVERPOOL THE Ambassador of Thailand, His Excellency Mr Kitti Wasinondh, travelled to Liverpool to attend a high profile event at Chaophraya in Liverpool ONE. Attending the prestigious event hosted by Nicholas Wainwright was the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Roy Morris, Chief Constable John Murphy, Sir Philip Carter and Lady Harriet Carter, Royal Thai officials and many other distinguished guests. The red carpet entrance to the restaurant was full of traditionally dressed Thai staff and professional Thai dancers who performed for the Ambassador. Entertainment was provided by six Thai musicians all playing traditional instruments. The Ambassador loves the Beatles and Everton Football Club so Chaophraya arranged a special presentation of signed football memorabilia which was presented by Everton players James Wallace, Jose Baxter and Shane Duffy.
OUT and ABOUT Michelle Rushton keeps her ear to the ground to bring you the latest gossip from the city HOOKA’S CELEBRITY LAUNCH CELEBRITY hairdresser Dion Padan recently celebrated the opening of his second salon in the company of a dazzling array of stars. The owner of Hooka hair salon has found his business going from strength to strength and has now opened his second outlet on Button Street. As per usual, Hooka didn’t do anything by halves, throwing a party in association with drinks brand Bacardi. Sam Faiers and Harry Derbidge from hit ITV2 programme ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ caused a stir as they visited the city to attend one of Dion’s legendary parties. BB icon John James Parton
ventured up from London to come to the party, with a film crew in tow. Other celebrities spotted were Jody Latham, Kim Tiddy and Kelly Marie Stewart from Hollyoaks, and X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels, Treyc Cohen and Marlon McKenzie.
DOUGHNUT DELIGHT IMAGINE our excitement when Best of Liverpool found out Krispy Kreme is coming to town. The world’s most famous doughnut maker will be setting up a Krispy Kreme Kiosk this month on Paradise Street in Liverpool ONE. That iconic green dotty box is going to be a permanent fixture on our desks and no doubt we’ll be fighting over the Chocolate Dreamcake, Strawberries & Kreme and Chocolate Sprinkles. Life is certainly getting sweeter! Visit www.krispykreme.co.uk
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MATT COX LAUNCH PARTY THE LAUNCH party of luxurious new hair and beauty salon Matt Cox Hairdressing was a glittering success. The new hair and beauty salon in Childwall recently moved premises and now boasts a new nail and beauty department. The Matt Cox team raised over £990.31 for Claire House Children’s Hospice at the event. On the night, entertainment was organised courtesy of Riverside Entertainments Agency, in the form of the multi-talented BOOMTOWN, whilst food was supplied by Neighbourhood Cafe. VIP guests Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and his wife, Yolanda Ruiz, a
BEST BREKKIE ARGUABLY the best breakfasts in town have to be at Café 53. Something of an institution, this homely cafe has been a big fixture on Bold Street for 30 years and the friendly staff, many of whom have worked there for the whole duration, have seen generations of families come and go. Eileen Cheng took over the cafe three years ago and has introduced an extensive menu filled with home-made comforts such as baked potatoes, pies and buck rarebit. But our favourite has to be the generous Cumberland breakfast - only the hungry need try it! Telephone: 0151 708 0482.
regular client at the salon, entered into the spirit of the occasion, offering kisses or photos in return for a £5 donation to Claire House. The climax of the evening was the drawing of the 'Grand Raffle' by Matt's longest serving client, Rita Lappin. Generous raffle prizes were provided by Abaca Health Store, Acne Jeans, Beauty and make-up @ Matt Cox, Diggles Jewellery, Flannels, Flowerbug, For Better Or Verse, LFC, L'Oreal, Martisan Photography, Matt Co Hairdressing, Maze Clothing, Millican Optician, Myriad Travel, Neighbourhood Cafe, Pod Bar and Restaurant, Riverside Entertainments Agency, Spire Restaurant, Taskers The Home Store Aintree, Tatty Lashes and The Side Door Restaurant.
GEEK CHIC FILM buffs can stand out from the crowd by wearing their movie-loving hearts on their sleeves thanks to T-shirt firm Uber Torso. The new company, based in Liverpool, is run by film geeks for film geeks. Their T-shirt designs are inspired by the fictional brands and companies that feature in cult films like Blade Runner, Ghostbusters and Kill Bill. Best sellers include Quint’s Deep Sea Fishing (Jaws), Tyrell (Bladerunner) and Stay Puft (Ghostbusters I) but you can even suggest ideas from your favourite films on their site and if a shirt is produced from your idea, you get it for free! You can get your mitts on them at FACT or visit www.ubertorso.com
APRIL 11 BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S THE city's leading lights in business and lifestyle were invited to a Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed networking party in the Radisson White Bar & Lobby recently. Organised by Ubiquity PR for Blankstone Opticians and Notting Hill's Oliver Goldsmith Store & Vintage Archive, the event celebrated 50 years of the classic film that featured Audrey's impish features donning Oliver Goldsmith specs. Blankstone Opticians has secured a deal exclusive to Liverpool, to
JAMIE LAUNCHES NEW BONE AND JOINT CENTRE LIVERPOOL footballer Jamie Carragher officially unveiled a new clinic which helped get him back onto the pitch following his shoulder injury. The midfielder announced the opening of the Bone and Joint Centre, which will form an extension to the private Spire Liverpool Hospital, Mossley Hill. Jamie was presented with a cheque donation of £3,000 to his 23 Foundation charity by Peter Brownson, a nationally recognised expert in arthroscopic shoulder surgery and upper limb surgeon for Liverpool Football Club. Peter treated the footballer at the Bone and Joint Centre after he dislocated his shoulder during a match in November, enabling him to return to the game last month, three-and-a-half weeks ahead of schedule. The £200,000 clinic will feature state-of-the-art equipment including a premier mobile MRI scanning service and comprehensive diagnostic facilities.
stock Oliver Goldsmith and CG eyewear which have been spotted at some of the most highest profile events of 2011 including the Brits and the Oscars.
MERSEY FERRY TALES FACT FINDING AT FACT EXECUTIVE and personal assistants from across Liverpool gathered at FACT on Thursday, March 10 as part of a special ‘FACT Finding’ event. The aim was to introduce the Wood Street venue to a whole new audience and increase footfall into the Rope Walks and Bold Street areas. As well as embarking on a whistlestop treasure hunt around FACT and taking part in a Reed Global competition to find Liverpool’s best
PA, guests enjoyed scrumptious refreshments from Franklins and Barefoot Wine and were treated to goody bags packed with luxury items from local businesses. A range of fantastic lucky dip prizes included weekends for two at Base2Stay and Novotel Liverpool. Plus representatives from Dior at Boots, Speke Retail Park, Voudou, The Chocolate Cellar and Tracey Bell were on-hand to pamper guests.
LUNCH WITH THE CHIPPENDALES A GROUP of 'ladies who lunch' had a visit from the Chippendales at Gusto on the Albert Dock last week. Fourteen ladies were enjoying a long lazy lunch at the stylish Italian restaurant and bar, when they were joined by a couple of members of the world famous Chippendales. The Chippendales were appearing for one night only at the Empire Theatre and the muscle-bound charmers were a huge hit with the ladies. The muscle bound guys were
YOUNGER YOU GUESTS at Woodlands Spa & Evergreen Clinic were treated to delicious canapés served by Masterchef winner, Claire Lara recently. During the evening, the Clinic in Aigburth hosted an evening of presentations on how to create a ‘Younger You’ with hair removal treatments, specialist skincare, Bedazzle, nail trends and much more. Stuart Brooke, a representative from
THE Mersey has played host to ships of all kinds for centuries. Mersey Ferry Tales, a new ECHO glossy special, looks back at the Mersey and all the ferries that make it such a global attraction. Whether the ferries clinked their gates in Liverpool or Birkenhead or Seacombe or further afield to Belfast , they are part of the seascape. Packed with rare photographs from the awardwinning Daily Post and ECHO archives, there’s also a cargo of interviews from locals on family days out to celebrities. Call 0845 143 0001 or visit www.merseyshop.com
RETRO ROBES
utterly charming and even asked stunt co-ordinator, Eunice Huthart, for some tips for their saucy dance routines. It was certainly ‘smiles all round’ last week at the dockside eatery! Allergan (manufacturers of Botox) gave a talk on Voluma, a new product that has been developed to give high lift capacity and restore the volume loss to cheeks, chin and other areas. And a fun-part of the evening was a demonstration of gems to the bikini area! Another real hit was Claire’s fabulous canapés. Clinic director, Alison Stananought, said: “We were so proud to have Claire with us for the evening, in fact, I think all Liverpool were very proud when she won Masterchef.”
METQUARTER is holding a vintage and fashion fair on Saturday, April 23 where over 80 exhibitors will be descending on this most stylish of shopping malls for a celebration of all things vintage and retro. Stalls will be selling ladies'
and men’s collectibles, boutique, designer and retro clothes, jewellery, accessories, gifts and there will even be a massive pop-up vintage shop. Open from 9.30am until 6pm, the day is a must for any vintage fashionista. For further information, visit www.metquarter.com
GOK’S ICONIC SPECS
AN iconic collection of fashionable designer frames is now exclusively available at Specsavers — GW by Gok Wan. This spectacular selection, with unusual shapes such as cat’s eyes and little round frames, plus fabulous colours, showcases 30 different styles which draw on fashion influences from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. Taking cues from style icons — past and present — and putting his own twist on them has enabled Gok to appeal to the fashion-conscious looking for vintage specs that make a statement, for just £99 per pair. What’s more, all frames come with Pentax single vision lenses and a scratch-resistant coating as standard. Visit www.facebook.com/specsavers and try the new Gok Wan style app. After answering questions on your personal style you will receive Gok’s frame recommendations, to make choosing new specs easier. To book an eye examination or set up a frame-styling session, simply visit Specsavers on Lord Street or call 0151 709 9180.
WIN
SPECSAVERS is giving away three pairs of GW stylish frames, complete with a full eye examination including a comprehensive health assessment from the store’s state-ofthe-art fundus camera. The winners will also have a consultation with the in-store frame stylists to pick a pair from the GW by Gok Wan range. For a chance of winning, answer the following question: Q: How many different styles are in Gok Wan’s GW collection at Specsavers? Send your answer, name and daytime phone number on a postcard to Best of Liverpool, Commercial Editorial Unit, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Deadline for entries: April 20, 2011. *Terms and conditions apply – must be claimed by October 2011.
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 05
Shopping for her Delano floral jumpsuit, £95, from Monsoon
SPRING romance Emma Thompson falls head over heels for floaty, floral fashion IT’S springtime and love is in the air so it’s time to strut your stuff in this season’s soft flowing, feminine fabrics. Floral patterns teamed with nude and peach notes are making a real impact in the fashion world and will have you looking beautiful whether you’re strolling through Sefton Park or enjoying a spot of lunch at the Albert Dock. Breaking away from that winter wardrobe, dresses are back with a vengeance, combining delicate patterns with ruffles, bows and flowers, so you’ll look sweet and sexy this spring. If dresses aren’t your thing don’t fret – you can still carry off the style with short flowing skirts, shorts, and this season’s must-have, the jumpsuit! Your accessories are essential too, ballet pumps or wedges are the ideal footwear and big-bow headbands or floppy hats will have you truly smitten with this season’s style. Here is a small selection to get you started...
Miso crochet vest, £19.99, from Republic
Floral scarf floppy hat, £14, from Next
Printed cotton bow shorts, £5, from Primark
FASHION FIND IF you are a fashion junkie or looking for a special outfit, then get your Louboutins down to JOJO Boutique on Rose Lane. Showcasing designer clothing from all over the world, including fashioncapitals, Paris and New York, the boutique opened its doors last October in Mossley Hill and is owned by fashion-loving Jojo Brownbill. Her carefully chosen designs range from chic short dresses to tailored
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
blazers right through to cocktail dresses and stunning occasion wear, with prom dresses and wedding attire in a wide range of styles that look simply gorgeous. Jojo says: “I’ve always had a passion and real interest in the fashion industry, so opening JOJO Boutique and getting to discover beautiful dresses and designer clothing is a dream for me. “Fashion and styling are a way to
express who you are and to really feel comfortable in whatever you're feeling and wearing at the moment. I couldn't even begin to describe my style because I can be a rocker one minute and lady-like the next.” She added: “Liverpool is filled with art, originality, culture, and the best style. I get motivated by it every day, just walking down the street! At JOJO boutique we hand pick our clothes with care, we are always ahead of the game and stock brands from all over the world, including Los Angeles, Korea, Australia, Paris and New York, giving you just what the fashion doctor ordered!”
APRIL 11 GET AHEAD – GET A HAT
White floral maxi dress, £29.99, from Internacionale
Photo: Patrick Anderson
Hayley Marsden and Zandra Rhodes
MERSEYSIDE milliner Hayley Marsden (pictured above with fashion designer Zandra Rhodes) has been commissioned to create a hat to commemorate Liverpool Day at John Smith’s Grand National Festival, on Thursday, April 7. Rebecca Ferguson's favourite hat designer advises stylish racegoers: “The key to wearing any hat is to wear it with confidence. A hat worn well will be the talking point of any event. However, a hat worn wrong can spell disaster for even the most stylish outfit." Here are some more top tips from Hayley: Select a hat that suits your face shape. For example a person with a long face would look better in a short hat rather than a hat with height.
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Tiered ruffle dress by Rare, £48, from Topshop
70s cape dress, £39.99, from New Look
Peach asymmetric floral dress by Rare, £45, from Topshop
Do consider alternative hairstyles. Most ladies on special occasions tend to leave their hair down. However, most hats look best with hair that is worn swept to one side in a messy bun or a loose plait. Long hair is best left down only when wearing floppy sun hats.
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Depending on the hat choice, most hats look effective when worn forward — slightly over the brows and tilted on a angle.
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Floral wedge, £16, from Matalan
A hat can add a real ‘wow’ factor but if you are going for a big hat, keep the dress simple and tailored. Don’t wear big earrings with a big hat, just a nice necklace.
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Don’t stick to just one colour in your outfit — a pink dress, shoes, hat and bag doesn’t look good. Add a different colour with your hat, such as olive green or chocolate brown or bronze, if the dress is fuschia pink.
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Fascinators and comb slides are best worn on the side or back of the head. Again, don’t wear big earrings, perhaps just studs in the ears and a necklace.
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Ballerina shoe, £25, from Accessorize
With all hats, keep checking in the mirror throughout the day so they stay in the correct position. A hat that’s slipped backwards loses all its impact!
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Spray hairspray on your hair before putting your hat on as this will help to prevent it from slipping out of place. Take spare hairgrips to tame any stray hairs and use a hat pin on windy days to hold your hat securely in place.
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Chiffon ruffle bag, £45, from Phase Eight at the Metquarter
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 07
Shopping for him
APRIL 11
Crew neck t-shirt, from Debenhams
FEEL FRESH FACED
Soul Cal City blue shorts, £24.99, from Republic
PAUL BAKER DIPS INTO THE WORLD OF MEN’S COSMETICS THROUGH A SKIN ANALYSIS TEST
Red cardigan, £14, from Primark
I RECENTLY experienced a skin analysis test at Debenhams in Liverpool ONE. An innovation of the Lab Series skincare range, these are products made specifically with men in mind. The idea of the test is for the skin on your face to be checked to see how much moisture is there, how oily, flaky and firm it is. This is done through a series of simple, quick and painless non-invasive tests that take a reading from either your cheek or forehead to gauge the overall health of the skin. Lucy Gardner, the Aramis centre manager, is the skin analysis expert and the Skin Analyser is now a fixture in-store. It’s an ingenious little device and gives a reading immediately. The next stage sees Lucy analyse the results, recommend specific Lab Series products and create a regime to follow in order to improve your skin.
YMC orange deck shoes, £59 (online price), from Urban Outfitters
T-shirt from George
IN GLORIOUS
technicolour
Very green cardigan, £95, from Huxley Clothing
Paul Baker checks out the block colour fashions hitting the high street this spring IT doesn’t seem so long ago when men were afraid, very afraid, of wearing too much colour. Blacks and greys and the blues of denim were once enough, but no longer. The high street is currently chock-a-block with great men’s fashions for spring and summer – and they positively scream ‘colour’. Each garment should be in a block of bold colour, with shades of reds, greens and blues proving particularly popular. The trick to making this block colour trend work is in correctly mixing the different blocks you’re wearing. For example, mixing a rich blue pullover with some pure white trousers or shorts works wonders. So splash the colour this season with the new threads on the block.
J Jeans washed red & grey chinos by Jasper Conran, £35 each, from Debenhams
Runner jacket, £97, from French Connection Purple jumper, from ASOS
Canvas Oxford shoe, £8, from George at ASDA
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Purple belt, £55, from Huxley Clothing
My regime began with the multi-action face wash, which clears away dead skin from the face and leaves your skin feeling fresh. This is then combined with oil-control towellettes which help cleanse the skin and also a daily defence moisturiser with SPF 15 to help protect your skin throughout the day. Other useful products included an age rescue eye cream to relieve puffiness below the eyes, a similar cream for the face, and an electric shave solution. I didn’t find it natural, at first, to keep up the regime both day and night, but after a while it becomes just part of the daily routine and that’s when you can start to see that it’s making a positive difference to your skin. If you fancy improving your skin call Debenhams’ Cosmetics Department in the Liverpool ONE store on 0151 703 7039 and ask for the Lab Series Counter in order to book for a skin analysis test with Lucy.
APRIL 11
TUE 26- SAT 30 APR
TUE 3 - SAT 7 MAY
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY EVER TOLD WED 11 - SAT 14 MAY
STARRING MARTI PELLOW MON 16 - SAT 21 MAY THIS IS AN AMATEUR PRODUCTION
MON 20 - SAT 25 JUN
PREMIERES IT’S FIRST UK TOUR IN LIVERPOOL FRI 8 - SAT 16 JUL
TUE 6 - SAT 24 SEP
MON 26 SEP - SAT 1 OCT
TUE 8 - SAT 19 NOV
MON 21 - SAT 26 NOV
JANE MCDONALD SUN 1 MAY MIKE & THE MECHANICS SUN 22 MAY BEYOND THE BARRICADE TUE 24 MAY
SHAUN THE SHEEP WED 25 - SAT 28 MAY ED BYRNE SUN 29 MAY JOHN CLEESE TUE 31 MAY - WED 1 JUN
THE JOHNNY CASH STORY THU 2 JUN COLIN FRY FRI 3 JUN MICHAEL BALL SAT 4 JUN
JOE LONGTHORNE TUE 7 JUN SHAOLIN WARRIORS WED 8 JUN SALLY MORGAN THU 9 JUN
THU 4 - SAT 6 AUG
PHONE BOOKING 0844 871 3017 LIVERPOOLEMPIRE.ORG.UK GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3037 (10AM - 6PM, MON- FRI) *
*
*24HRS, BOOKING
FEES APPLY
BEST OF LIVERPOOL 09
APRIL 11
TUE 26- SAT 30 APR
TUE 3 - SAT 7 MAY
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY EVER TOLD WED 11 - SAT 14 MAY
STARRING MARTI PELLOW MON 16 - SAT 21 MAY THIS IS AN AMATEUR PRODUCTION
MON 20 - SAT 25 JUN
PREMIERES IT’S FIRST UK TOUR IN LIVERPOOL FRI 8 - SAT 16 JUL
TUE 6 - SAT 24 SEP
MON 26 SEP - SAT 1 OCT
TUE 8 - SAT 19 NOV
MON 21 - SAT 26 NOV
JANE MCDONALD SUN 1 MAY MIKE & THE MECHANICS SUN 22 MAY BEYOND THE BARRICADE TUE 24 MAY
SHAUN THE SHEEP WED 25 - SAT 28 MAY ED BYRNE SUN 29 MAY JOHN CLEESE TUE 31 MAY - WED 1 JUN
THE JOHNNY CASH STORY THU 2 JUN COLIN FRY FRI 3 JUN MICHAEL BALL SAT 4 JUN
JOE LONGTHORNE TUE 7 JUN SHAOLIN WARRIORS WED 8 JUN SALLY MORGAN THU 9 JUN
THU 4 - SAT 6 AUG
PHONE BOOKING 0844 871 3017 LIVERPOOLEMPIRE.ORG.UK GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3037 (10AM - 6PM, MON- FRI) *
*
*24HRS, BOOKING
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 09
Beauty
APRIL 11 After
FRINGE BENEFITS FRINGES are big news this spring with everyone from Nicole Richie to Kate Moss, Leona Lewis and Glee-star Michelle Lea opting for face-framing follicles recently. So for an on trend way to update your barnet, opt for one of this season’s fringes:
Photo: Colin Harrison
1. Make a statement with a thick, blunt
Photo: Matthew Baker/PA Wire
soft, full fringe and long, tousled locks a la Miss Moss
3.
Opt for a sleek, 1920s-inspired fringe and bob in the style of pop starlet Jessie J
Sarah Hooley extends her hair's potential at Williams and Coburn... BE it Cheryl Cole's glossy locks or Elle Macpherson's boho waves, I've spent many a lunch hour lusting over pictures of their gorgeous long hair. But with lifeless tresses that have stubbornly sat at my shoulders for over a year – and my wedding now less than two months away – I decided it was finally time to admit defeat and call on the expert help of Williams and Coburn in Aigburth. The trendy salon on Aigburth Road specialises in hair extensions and after explaining my plight to artistic director and co-owner, Kelly, she invites me in for a consultation. As soon as I step through the door, Kelly's mega-watt smile and warm welcome puts me instantly at ease and it's not long before we're chatting away like old friends. We discuss what I want my hair to look like (J-Lo on American Idol) and why I want them (to make my locks thicker and longer), as well as the different types of hair available. In total, the salon offers three different varieties – Russian, Indian and Remy – and Kelly explains that she uses a 'sew in'
Photo: Fiona Hanson/PA Wire
FREEBIES FOR WORLD EARTH MONTH
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL
GET down to the Origins counter at John Lewis this April 22 and bag yourself a free face wash or cleanser! For one day only, Origins is inviting customers to bring in any current skincare product (any brand, full or empty) and trade it in for a complimentary full size tube of Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash or A Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser with White Tea, worth £16, as part of its celebrations to raise awareness of World Earth Month! Visit Origins at John Lewis in Liverpool ONE.
Photo: Colin Lane
2. Channel this season’s 70s vibe with a
HEAVENLY HAIR EXTENSIONS
Photo: Paul Heaps
PA Photo/Chris Pizzello
fringe like Leona Lewis
technique as it's one of the least damaging to my natural hair. I decide to plump for the mid-priced Indian extensions which are tailor-made to match the exact colour and measurements of my hair. And just a week later I'm excitedly heading back to the stylish salon to get the hand-sewn extensions put in. The appointment starts with a cleansing wash to prepare my hair for the extensions and I'm pampered with a blissful head massage, followed by an intensive conditioning mask with a soothing hot lavender-scented towel that's placed under my neck leaving me utterly relaxed. My hair's then dried before Kelly gets to work braiding two neat rows of plaits around my head (adding in strands of synthetic hair to strengthen my tresses) and 40 minutes later both rows of the silky-smooth extensions have been expertly weaved in. Using an ultra-sharp razor blade, the hair is then seamlessly blended into my own locks to prevent any unsightly 'steps' and Kelly finishes the look Where is it? with a glamorous blow Ideally located on Aigburth Road in the dry transforming my leafy south-Liverpool suburb of Aigburth. poker straight hair into soft, tumbling curls. As I catch a glimpse What does it do? of my flowing new locks Williams and Coburn offers a fantastic in the mirror I can't range of services from professional help but gaze in cuts and colouring to bridal hair, as amazement. well as manicures, pedicures, makeMy gorgeous new hair up, eye-lashes, Shellac, Minx and Essie not only fulfils nails and toes. everything I asked Kelly for, but looks even better than I dared to Contact: hope for and it's with a Williams and Coburn, 690 Aigburth Road, huge grin on my face Liverpool, L19 0NY, tel: 0151 427 6333 or that I swish my hair all visit the website at the way home. www.williamsandcoburnhaircompany.co.uk
Fitness Photo: Colin Lane
APRIL 11 ON YER BIKE! WITH spring just around the corner, local people are being encouraged to get on the bikes and explore Merseyside’s beautiful countryside in preparation for the annual Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride. Now in its 18th year, the event, which takes place on July 3, was recently launched by Paralympic Silver Medallist, Rik Waddon, who is a patron of the official charity, Claire House Children’s Hospice.
Photo: Lee Ashun
IN HER STRIDE Katie McLoughlin catches up with Suzanne Collins as she prepares for the RunLiverpool Marathon be nice, because I used to walk through there with my mum on my way to school. I’m looking forward to going along New Brighton front too, because that’s where I used to run for the last marathon,” says the bubbly blonde. Despite admitting she’s not a regular runner or gym-goer, Suzanne’s taking it all in her stride and looking forward to the task ahead. “It’s going to be a massive challenge but I’m really looking forward to going past the Liver Building at the end,” says Suzanne. “When I was training for the London Marathon it was hard but I got a buzz off it as I improved. It became quite addictive as I got better – it’s just initially getting going that’s difficult.” Suzanne is starting her marathon preparation with brisk walks and will certainly be put through her paces during training. She explains: “For the first 12 weeks the guys at RunLiverpool will be easing me in and then for the 18 weeks leading up to the marathon I’ve got an intensive training programme including doing the Women’s 10k in May and the Great North Run!” Such a gruelling training regime will clearly require the actress to put mind over matter. But this something Suzanne learnt during her last marathon when the arch of her foot collapsed during training and she was advised not to run again until the marathon.
“Within 10 minutes of starting the marathon, I was in agony! The St John Ambulance people were following me round, rubbing Vaseline onto my feet for my blisters and I lost three toe nails! But it was a wonderful experience and I’d raised £20,000 for MacMillan Cancer Research, so I had to keep going for that,” says Suzanne. “During the last bit of the marathon, I was crying while I was running and this old guy, who was on something like his millionth marathon, kept saying to me:
‘Pain’s for a short time but pride’s for a lifetime.’” Such a mantra is very true and we’re sure it will prove very useful to know when Suzanne tackles the Run Liverpool Marathon in October. If you would like to enter the RunLiverpool Marathon 2011, visit www.runliverpoolmarathon.co.uk. Plus, don’t miss next month’s Best of Liverpool when Suzanne reveals how she’s preparing for the event in her monthly training diary. Photo: Lee Ashun
FOR most people, training for a marathon is a mammoth task, but for Wirral actress Suzanne Collins it’s more than just a challenge, it’s a chance to be part of something special and raise funds for a charity that’s close to her heart. An official ambassador for the RunLiverpool Marathon 2011, the exBrookside actress is completing the upcoming marathon in memory of her late mum. Catching up with Suzanne in Hilton Liverpool’s gym, she says: “I’m honoured to be an ambassador for the RunLiverpool Marathon. My mum was alive when I did the London Marathon in 2002 and she said at the time that if I did it again I should do it for Diabetes UK, because she had diabetes. So this is in memory of my mum.” Taking place on October 9 – John Lennon’s birthday – the event will be the city’s first marathon in almost 20 years and organisers hope that the 26.2 mile route will not only showcase Liverpool, but prove that the city can offer a running experience to rival London. The route takes in some of the region’s most famous landmarks like the Mersey Tunnel, Anglican Cathedral and Liver Building, however it’s Birkenhead Park, where the marathon starts, that has special significance for Suzanne. “Going through Birkenhead Park will
“I’m very happy to be part of the Claire House team and it’s fantastic to be able to support the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride, which will hopefully raise a lot of money for Claire House and bring lots of enjoyment to those who take part in the event,” says Rik. The annual event is the biggest bike ride in Merseyside and the only cycle event in the country that includes almost three traffic-free miles underground, thanks to exclusive access to the Queensway Tunnel. This year, for the 18th anniversary of the bike ride, event organisers Pennine Events want to see more participants taking part than ever before. Interest has been high in the 2011 event, and if this continues the 2011 Liverpool Bike Ride is expected to raise over £10,000 for Claire ouse Children’s Hospice. For more information about the event and to enter online, go to www.liverpoolchesterliverpool.com
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
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Easter
Egg CITING EVENTS
CRACKING COMPS
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Michelle Rushton checks out the chocca line up of things to do in Merseyside during the Easter holidays THE Albert Dock has a programme of fun filled family activity for the Easter bank holiday weekend from April 23 to 25. An eggceptional Easter egg hunt takes place around the Dock on April 23 and April 24, between 1pm and 3pm. Bring the children along and see how many chocolate eggs you can find. Quiz sheets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Anchor Courtyard and completed entries will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a family day at Albert Dock including a meal for four at Gusto, entry into the Beatles Story and a ride on the Yellow Boat Cruise. Easter wouldn’t be complete without an Easter Bonnet parade so the Dock has teamed up with hat maker to the stars, Hayley Marsden, to create a step by step guide to making an Easter Bonnet. The guide is available at www.albertdock.com. Bring your creation to the Albert Dock’s Easter Bonnet Parade where Hayley will be on hand to judge the best bonnet. The parade takes place at 12 noon on Monday, April 25 with a workshop in What’s Cooking? from 10am to 11.30am. The winner will receive a giant chocolate egg courtesy of Quay Confectionery. ●IF
your kids are climbing the walls at home this Easter, take them to The School of Rock at Awesome Walls Liverpool and let them climb the huge walls there instead. This fun climbing session combines expert advice and support from fully qualified, friendly instructors, who are all CRB checked, with loads of running, jumping and fun to let off steam. Awesome Walls climbing centre is based in St Alban’s Church on Athol Street and the huge climbing walls stretch up into the eaves of the church and up into the old spire. For more details visit www.awesomewalls.co.uk or call 0151 298 2422. Booking is essential.
The family fun continues over at Tate Liverpool where you can put yourself in the picture in an exciting workshop for over fives. Explore artworks from the Tate Liverpool collections and make shapes, silhouettes and play with shadows, experiment with light and make some large scale creations in the fourth floor gallery. The Beatles Story will be holding its annual programme of Easter events with the ‘I Am The Eggman’ trail running throughout the Easter holiday period. Visitors can complete a fun quiz based around the exhibition with a chance for all the family to win some amazing prizes. There’s something for everyone with the questions being split into ‘soft boiled’ (aged 5-11), ‘medium boiled’ (aged 11+) and ‘hard boiled’ (adults and Beatles experts!) If all the eggshilaration has given the little ones an appetite, head to PanAm or Blue Bar and Grill which will serve Sunday lunch with free eggs for children and kids eat free with each paying adult. Meanwhile, over at Portico there will be a special children’s menu for £3.95 as well as face painting and balloons. For more information go to www.albertdock.com Meanwhile, here’s a few Easter events... ●SEFTON
Park Palm House is once again hosting its annual Easter Party and Egg Hunt. Starting at 1pm, the afternoon of family fun will include a party compered by DJ Steve as well as arts and crafts for those creative little fingers and that allimportant Easter egg hunt. There will be refreshments available at the event. Tickets cost £2 and are available from www.wegottickets.com
THERE’S always lots of fun to be had at Farmer Ted’s Farm Park in Downholland. And over the Easter holidays, the Farm will be hosting Animal Antics at Farmer Ted's. The Farm is expecting to have lots of ducklings, goslings, chicks, calves and lambs which children can touch and hold. Plus they can get up close and personal to lots of creepy crawlies in the Bug and Wildlife Centre. And there will be tractor and quad barrel rides around the Farm, adventure play areas to explore, the ever popular milking demonstration and magic shows in Hectares Theatre, and much more. Check out the website www.farmerteds.com or call 0151 526 0002 for more details. In the meantime, Best of Liverpool has four family passes for Farmer Ted’s up for grabs. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question: Where is Farmer Ted’s located?
●THE
●THIS
Easter, Jungle Rumble is inviting the public to its brand new adventure golf course in Liverpool ONE. The Indiana Jones-inspired course, situated half way up the zigzag staircase in Liverpool ONE, features two 18 hole courses that recreate the sights and sounds of the jungle rainforest. Putters must guide their balls through 17,500 sq ft of wooden tikki huts, thick jungle foliage, secret swamps and temple ruins, as well as a live action volcano. The course also features a state of the art, indoor golf simulator where players can pit themselves against some of the world’s top golfers including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy at the top courses. For more details visit www.junglerumble.co.uk ●IF
you live in Sefton and are feeling creative, why not join an Easter craft event at your local library? Taking place at a number of libraries in Sefton there are morning and afternoon sessions for children aged 4-12, their families and carers to come along and enjoy some creative Easter activities. Tickets for £2.50 per child and come along for some fun Easter activities. For more details visit Sefton Council’s website www.sefton.gov.uk
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Easter bunny has hidden his eggs in the forest at Church Farm Organics. Hunt for them at the Farm on Church Lane, Thurstaston, Wirral between April 22 and 25, play games of skill, complete the puzzle then find the Easter bunny to collect your chocolate treat. Whilst you’re there, you can also ride on the tractor, meet the Easter ducklings, chicks and lambs and have fun in the play area. Tickets are £8 but you get a 50p discount if you book online at www.churchfarm.org.uk
FAMILY PASSES FOR FARMER TED’S
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A FAMILY TICKET FOR DISNEY LIVE! MICKEY’S MUSIC FESTIVAL
MICKEY Mouse and his band of friends, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy will be performing in a music mash-up of mega proportions when Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival comes to the BT Convention Centre Liverpool on April 22-25. Concert-goers will hear greatest hits from the blockbuster movies, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story remixed to rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, jazz and country, among other jams. To book tickets log on to www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400. Meanwhile we have one family ticket to give away for Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival. For a chance to win, answer the following question: Name Mickey’s canine friend? Send your answers to the Farmer Ted and Mickey Mouse competitions on a postcard, including your name, address and telephone number to Best of Liverpool, Commercial Editorial, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB. Deadline: Friday, April 15.
APRIL 11
Carnival Parades, Limbo, Science Shows, Craft Workshop, Easter Fun
Underwater Street, The Cunard Building, Water Street, Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1DS. Tel: 0151 227 2550 Email: info@underwaterstreet.com Web: www.underwaterstreet.com
21 for
It’s carnival time!
VOUCHER
One free admission when one of equal or Greater value is purchased to SeaQuarium Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer / voucher Lowest priced admission cost of four goes free One voucher / offer per transaction Child must be accompanied by a full paying adult Valid until end of 30/6/11 ref LE1 OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 10am
BRING THIS VOUCHER
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Easter
APRIL 11 Belfine chocolate lambs, £9.99, from Lakeland
Felt chick egg basket, £4, from John Lewis Funny Feet Cupcake Cases, £7.99, from Lakeland
Half egg with foiled eggs, £12, from John Lewis
Chocolate Nest Cake, £9.99, from Marks & Spencer
Mini chocolate rooster, £5, from John Lewis
Dubble Easter egg, £3.50, from Waitrose, Oxfam and online at www.divinechocolateshop.com
Egg-cellent ideas Michelle Rushton indulges her sweet tooth by hunting down some egg-stra special Easter goodies CHILDREN love sweet treats at Easter, in fact, the more they get the merrier! The good news is that the shop shelves are ‘choc-full’ of Easter-themed goodies this year – from chocolate eggs to simnel cake. The Easter bunny really will have his work cut out! Here are a few of our favourites...
Foiled bunny, £3.99, from Marks & Spencer Dubble Easter egg hunt kit, £3.50, from Waitrose, Oxfam and online at www.divinechocolateshop.com
Egg Buckets, £6.99, from Lakeland
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White chocolate lolly, £3, from John Lewis Danny Duck, £9.99, from Marks & Spencer
Easter simnel cake, £4, from John Lewis
Egg Wraps, £2.99, from Lakeland, visit www.lakeland.co.uk
Things to do, places to see
APRIL 11
April looks a busy month for things to do in Liverpool as Sue Kelbrick picks the best of the bunch
BY DAY
BY NIGHT This year’s festival will feature a range of bands from up and coming groups to more established jazz acts. Some of the confirmed acts who will be showcasing their talent over the three day festival include the 30-strong University of Liverpool Big Band and Fabienne Holloway. Hailed as Britain's answer to Erykah Badu, and Fabienne fuses elements of neo-soul, hip-hop, funk and jazz. These guests will be joined by Liverpool-born Cocabelle, influenced by traditional blues, soul and jazz from the 50s and 60s and René, one of the most exciting soul funk bands to emerge from Manchester. For more information go to www.grooveonthegreen.co.uk or Twitter: @GOTG11.
On your bike DEBUTING at FACT from April 8 - 10, is the globally renowned Bicycle Film Festival. Promoting the international boom in urban cycling, the Bicycle Film Festival is now in its 10th year and has become a multi-faceted, global event which is held in 30 cities worldwide with 30,000 people expected to attend in 2011. Film highlights for the Liverpool Bicycle Film Festival this year include Birth of Big Air, the much anticipated documentary on legendary BMXer Mat Hoffman, produced by Spike Jonze. The festival will also play host to a night of roller racing, a live viewing of the classic Paris-Roubaix race and BMX demonstrations. All screenings for the Liverpool Bicycle Film Festival are held at FACT at 88 Wood Street with other events taking place at venues and locations close by. For further information visit www.bicyclefilmfestival.com and www.fact.co.uk
Big History Weekend HISTORY buffs will love BBC Radio Merseyside's Big History Weekend. Taking place at St George's Hall on April 23 and 24, from 10am to 5pm, there will be over 60 local history organisations exhibiting and a packed schedule of talks from local historians such as Ken Rogers, Steve Binns MBE, Frank Carlyle, Ken Pye and more! Tickets £4 and you can select two talks per entry ticket. Tickets are available from St George's Hall Heritage shop and BBC Radio Merseyside shop.
All that Jazz FOR the third year running, Liverpool ONE has announced that it will be hosting the Groove on the Green jazz festival from April 30 until May 2.
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WIN tickets for Music with Laughter
LOCAL musicians and comedians are coming together for one night only on Sunday April 10 at the Liverpool Empire for a hugely entertaining night of Music With Laughter. Produced by Rob Fennah and Gary Murphy, two of the region’s renowned guitarists, Music With Laughter will feature twelve top acts including hit 80s pop/rock band, China Crisis and Ricky Tomlinson. Other acts include the legendary Phil Jones, best known as the flamboyant front man with Up and Running and comedians Pauline Daniels, Sean Styles and Mickey Finn. The Gary Murphy Band, Jade Gallagher and Dalya Bernstein will be bringing their own original brand of music to the mix and Radio Merseyside’s Billy Butler will compere the proceedings. Tickets are available from Liverpool Empire box office, online at www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or via telephone on 0844 871 3017.
Best of Liverpool has two pairs of tickets to give away. Simply answer the following question and email your answer together with your name and daytime telephone number, stating Music with Laughter in the subject box, to magazine@liverpool.com by midday on April 8. Which 80s pop/rock band are performing on the evening?
Laugh out loud LIVERPOOL is celebrating its 10th Comedy Festival with an event that promises to be bigger and better than ever. Running from April 28 until May 8, guests already confirmed include Dylan Moran, Andy Parsons, Milton Jones, Greg Davis and Tim Minchin with an eclectic mix of shows in pubs and on buses and ferries as well as youth workshops and cutting edge shows from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Unity Theatre will play host to a number of one-man shows, Edinburgh Festival previews and the best from last year’s festival. There will be shows from Arthur Smith, Lloyd Langford, Simon Nunnery and Fosters’ Comedy Award winner, Russell Kane. The Comedy Trust will be showcasing its work with Stand Out performances and the Funny Business Final as well as loads of comic workshops. For more information visit www.liverpoolcomedyfestival.com
Happy Daze FOLLOWING the success of last year’s Poems, Puns and Punchlines shows, Peter Grant and Friends are getting together for an evening of hilarity at the Parr Street Studios on Sunday, May 1. With happiness the theme of the evening, guests are guaranteed to leave with a smile on their faces. Expect to be royally entertained by Peter and Steve Macfarlane’s Parr Street Ensemble who will be joined by a whole host of happy special guests including the So What? choir, performing well-known songs such as Happy Talk and Ken Dodd’s Happiness, together with performances from Peter Grant and Steve Macfarlane’s collaborative album, Happy Daze. Entry is free but any donations made on the night will go to the Linda McCartney Centre. Pay at the door at Parr Street Studios.
You shall go to the ball... COMING to the Liverpool Empire from April 26-30 is Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed production of Cinderella. After rave reviews for his interpretation of Swan Lake, Bourne has turned his
attention to adapting Prokofiev’s haunting Cinderella score with London during World War II as the atmospheric backdrop. First seen in the West End in 1997, but now completely revised, this brand new production has been created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the London Blitz. It features design by Lez Brotherston who won an Olivier award for his original designs, and a specially commissioned new recording of the score, resulting in a cinematic experience, which will take the audience into the heart of Prokofiev’s magnificent music and the sound of war-torn London. To book call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk
Burlesque bonanza IF you still haven’t been to the Martini Lounge Burlesque Show at St George’s Hall then you are in for a treat. After the success of the last sell-out gig, the show makes its triumphant return in celebration of April Fools’ on April 9. Special guests include Snappy O’Shea, whose stunning act plays homage to the early days of burlesque closely followed by the adorable Bee’s Knees, who will amaze and delight with their fabulous Charleston routine. Plus there’s Miss Velma Von Bon Bon, soul diva Em Brulee and an appearance from Roxy Diamond, who will be flying in from Switzerland to give one of her world renowned performances. Last but not least, is of course Millie Dollar, Liverpool’s very own queen of burlesque. Tickets are available for dinner as well as for the event itself. To book, either telephone 0844 888 9991 or visit www.martinilounge.co.uk
MUST DO Must try... THE mouthwatering cakes available at the newly opened Patisserie Valerie in the Metquarter. If you aren’t already familiar with the delights of Patisserie Valerie then prepare yourself for a taste sensation. A haven for indulgence, Patisserie Valerie offers the most exquisite cakes, pastries and gateaux, all hand-made using traditional recipes. The cafe will also offer continental breakfasts and lunches as well as the finest teas and coffees from around the world. For more information visit www.metquarter.com
Must do... TWISTED Tales at the Liverpool Playhouse theatre, until Saturday, April 23. This applies to any grown-ups who remember the twisted imagination of one of our best loved authors, Roald Dahl. Written by celebrated writer, Jeremy Dyson (League of Gentleman, Ghost Stories), Twisted Tales is based on Dahl’s well-known short stories for adults. Nothing is as it seems and every outcome is surprising in this eerie and atmospheric production. Telephone 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com
Must remember THAT the Original Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the Liverpool Echo Arena for one night only on April 30. Having already showcased their talents in 120 countries, the Globetrotters are currently touring the UK with their ‘Four Times the Fun’ world tour. Audiences can look forward to an evening of ball handling wizardry which continues to thrill fans of all ages all over the world. Visit www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400.
Must see... DAVE Jackson and the Cathedral Mountain Choir playing at the Scandinavian Church on April 15. Dave Jackson, singer/songwriter has joined forces with Liverpool legends, John Head (The Pale Fountains, Shack, John Head and the Streams) and Tim O’Shea (Send No Flowers, Shack, John Head and the Streams), and has created a fantastic new album of songs which he will be performing on the night. Tickets cost £7 from Probe or visit www.myspace.com/harvestsunpromotions
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
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The BIG interview Photos: Andy Teebay
A real class act Paul Baker talks teaching, storytelling, U-Boats and Jimmy Corkhill with former Brookie-star Dean Sullivan IT seems that a slew of celebrities actually started their careers as teachers. Just a few names from that list include Sheryl Crow, Art Garfunkel and Sting. Perhaps the act of standing before a room full of children and imparting knowledge or telling them stories is not dissimilar to the role of an actor or musician treading the boards before their audience. Being a storyteller is certainly an important aspect of acting for Dean Sullivan – an exteacher himself – and one that will come to the fore next month when he gets into character at The U-Boat Story in Birkenhead. Born and raised in the city, the local actor – most famous for playing the character of Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside for 18 years – grew up in Speke and attended St Margaret’s School in Aigburth. Dean started out as a teacher, acting in his spare time. Talking to him you can hear many of the inflections of the teacher through his deliberate tone, keen explanations and ability to tell a story. These are all skills that will be of great use when he joins up with local storyteller Cathy Roberts at her Goodnight Sweetheart event, taking place across the Easter weekend, April 23-25, with actors in 1940s costume telling stories backed by music from the era. Cathy of BeSpoken Storytelling often works with schoolchildren, telling stories and helping promote a more creative approach to teaching.
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Last year she helped run a fun-filled Pirate Muster Day and also a special Valentine themed event when Dean and fellow actor Suzanne Collins dressed up as famous lovers from history. Dean is looking forward to this year’s event: “Yes, I’m going to be working with Cathy Roberts on that, we’re going to be putting together some kind of interactive experience for visitors – we’re going to make it a fun weekend as well. “I’ll be playing one of the characters, probably the captain of the ship, which is what I’m used to doing really – she had me playing Nelson not that long ago. We haven’t worked out the fine details but what we can guarantee is that it will be a great weekend for anybody who cares to come down and visit – fun for all the family.” The U-Boat Story is an exhibition at Woodside Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead, telling the tale of World War II German Submarine U-534, sunk and later raised from the sea bed, before becoming a museum. Visitors to the exhibition can explore the actual submarine and, during
“Liverpudlians have a voice all of their own. They’re quick witted, think on their feet. Those are the skills actors need.”
the Goodnight Sweetheart event, the actors, including Dean, will really attempt to bring home the realities of life below the ocean wave during wartime. The U-Boat itself was the subject of a tall tale or two, as Dean explains: “One of the rumours around the sinking of that ship is that it was actually shipping gold bullion, over to the New World, the Americas, and that was one of the reasons it was sunk. “So there were lots of people hanging on, hoping that when the hull was sliced open, revealing parts of the ship that had never been seen by the human eye for many, many years, they were hoping to discover treasure, the gold bullion! It’s a great story in itself. But so far, nothing’s been found, so they say.” Storytelling is an important part of the city’s Write Now Festival, which encourages fresh writing talent for the stage, and it’s something Dean has been asked to become a patron of. “Ian who runs the festival asked me to become a patron, so I’m more than happy to do that, because I think it’s very important that new writers, young writers, those new to the theatre, should be given that platform to put their works on.” Of course, it’s not long before the conversation moves on to the subject of Brookside and Dean’s most famed character – that loveable rogue, Jimmy Corkhill. “I know the 30th anniversary is coming up next year,” says Dean. “Thirty years since it first went on air, and that will be about nine years since it came off screen. I’m always amazed that every day of my life, if I go out in public, I’m stopped by somebody who says, ‘Oh I loved Brookside, loved you in it, when are they bringing it back, why did they take it off ?’ “You know, there’s definitely an interest in it there, this is eight years after the show came off air. I’m not exaggerating when I say, ‘every single day of my life!’ “But there’s something about Jimmy that’s big in people’s minds. He was the longest running character in the show and I also had the honour to have the last speech, the last words ever to be spoken on Brookside Close, which was great.” Dean’s next project is to start his own drama school, which he plans to open later this year, a true combination of his twin passions – teaching and acting. Dean is unsurprised that the city has created so many thespians. “Liverpudlians have a voice all of their own. They’re quick witted, think on their feet. Those are the skills actors need,” reckons Dean. And they’re the skills great storytellers need too, skills that Dean will certainly be putting into action at the Goodnight Sweetheart event next month. Do try and get over there and support the event yourself. You’ll be regaled by some fine acting, great storytelling, and you’ll probably learn a thing or two at the same time. Well, that’s teachers for you!
APRIL 11
ROCK‘ n’ DOLE Michelle Rushton meets funny man Sam Avery SAM Avery wanted to be a rock star. It nearly happened. Well, sort of... Despite being signed up by BMG Records at the age of 17 (he had to resign from his beloved paper round), and subsequent tours with Motorhead and Ice T, his delusions of joining the Rolling Stones seemed to slip out of his grasp. Contracts were annulled, money went missing and before he knew it he was back at the paper shop asking for his fluorescent bag back. He worked his way around the city’s call centres before deciding to further his education at Liverpool John Moores University. It was whilst studying for his degree in English literature that he first flexed his chuckle muscle. Explains Sam: “I’d wanted to get into comedy for years, then I got really drunk one night at Uni and my mates entered me into the Stars in Your Eyes talent contest. “They dressed me up as Mick Jagger with tights, wig and a cucumber down my pants. I just went on and did a silly dance and came second, winning £20! “The morning after, I got a text from an unknown number asking ‘are you on for tonight?’ I texted back ‘who’s this?’ and it turns out it was the organisers of Stars in Your Eyes asking me to do a 10 minute performance at the Unity. “I’d been wanting to do it for years so I thought ‘it’s been handed to me on a plate and if I don’t do it now I never will!’ “I wrote a 10 minute set which was rubbish but I got away with it as the audience were very nice. I did the whole gig with my flies down!” Bitten by the comedy bug, Sam started to study the art of stage presence, honing his material and making lots of contacts in the industry, as well as learning to drive so he could travel the country doing stand up gigs – some good, some bad! “Once I was booked to compere at a Burns Night supper but for the first five minutes, the audience, mainly lawyers, just threw cheese at me! I carried on regardless until eventually they stopped! “I did a gig in Manchester and the compere introduced me saying I was from Liverpool. I got booed coming on stage which was new – I’ve never been booed off, just booed on!” Now Sam is a regular fixture on the comedy circuit in
Liverpool and throughout the UK from Portsmouth to Scotland. He is also project manager for The Liverpool Comedy Trust, co-ordinating and teaching stand up comedy to young people as part of the Stand Out programme, to improve their confidence and self-esteem. The course ends up with the youngsters having to perform their own stand up routine, which gives Sam a real buzz. He says: “I love the look on the kids’ faces when they do their final performance! It's a mixture of pride, disbelief and sheer excitement! And some of the kids are mind-blowingly funny!” Plus Sam can identify with those who are feeling a little coy. “In school I was the shyest person you could ever meet,” he admits. “I couldn’t even talk to a girl without breaking out in a rash. I tell kids that now when we do the school courses. “I’m so confident now. I did a gig at my old school and this girl who used to be in my class said ‘I didn’t realise you were in my year’ as she didn’t recognise me!” Sam and his colleagues have been busy organising the annual Liverpool Comedy Festival which takes place this year from April 28 - May 8 and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. There’s a great line-up of comedians coming to the city from Russell Kane to Andy Parsons, Dylan Moran and Tim Minchin, as well as homegrown talent, such as Brendan Riley and Steve Gribbin. And Sam is looking forward to unveiling his new oneman show ‘Rock and Dole’ on Friday, May 6 at Baa Bar on Hardman Street. “It’s all about my experiences in the music industry. I thought I was Johnny Big Bananas but it all came crumbling down!” He reveals. Sam is hoping his new show will be as successful as last year’s The Art of the Scouse Insult which was a sell out. And if it goes down well, he plans to take the show to the Edinburgh Festival. “I did the Edinburgh Festival in 2009 but as part of a group of three acts. I’ve fancied a shot at it for years but this time it will be just me on my own – scary but exciting!” Many comedians hit the big time after being ‘discovered’ at the Edinburgh Festival and Sam certainly looks set to enjoy a bright future, having being hailed ‘Liverpool’s liveliest up and coming comedian’ by Another Late Night Magazine.
But he admits his best gigs are always in his home city and he loves his role as compère at Rawhide. He says: “I love working in Liverpool. The locals are very receptive if you have the same accent and you don’t have to win them over as much, as the audience thinks ‘he’s one of ours.’” And the city provides such a rich source of material. “Sometimes, I wake up in the morning and go down to Bold Street, get a coffee and people watch – you get to see some great comic characters!” For more information on the Liverpool Comedy Festival visit www.liverpoolcomedyfestival.com or call 0870 787 1866 for tickets.
ONE TO WATCH DANIEL SHELVEY THE magnificent Concert Rooms at St George’s Hall will soon be alive with the sound of Daniel Shelvey’s stunning vocals. The 20-year-old baritone, who originally hails from Huyton, will be performing classic songs from opera and musicals alongside Kate Lister (soprano), Danielle Thomas (mezzo soprano) with George Hoult playing cello and Stephen Mannings on the Steinway Grand Piano. The audience can certainly expect a powerful performance from Daniel, who has a towering stage presence (he is well over six foot) and a strong voice. Daniel first discovered he could sing as a child when he took part in a local production. He invested in some singing lessons and in both 2006 and 2010 Daniel won the prestigious Rotary Club of Liverpool ‘Merseyside Young Singer of the Year‘ awards. He has appeared as a soloist in both opera and oratorio, most notably with the Wirral Choir, BOST, The Liverpool Italian Opera Co and the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir. Daniel went on to study opera at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and is now in his third year of the
four year course. He recently played the principal role of Bernardo in the RNCM’s production of West Side Story, and has also appeared in the choruses of Die Fledermaus, Katya Kabanova, La Belle Helene and Mozart’s Clemenza Di Tito with the college. After his degree, Daniel hopes to do a post graduate course in opera studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London and would love to further study the genre in Germany and America where opera is big business. His ultimate dream is to tread the boards professionally on the operatic stage. He revealed: “I just love the music and drama of opera. My favourites are the Verismo style operas, such as La Bohème and Tosca.” In the meantime, Daniel is really looking forward to the concert at St George’s Hall. He says: “It’s an amazing venue and Kate and Danielle are good friends of mine so I am looking forward to singing with them. It should be a really enjoyable experience.” The concert, presented by Graham Connolly, will take place at St George’s Hall on Friday, May 6 at 7.30pm. For tickets call 0151 652 6373.
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
17
Homes & gardens
APRIL 11
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LUXURY, it’s a dream that the privileged few can enjoy and it’s a lifestyle that kings and queens grow accustomed to. But luxury is something that home designers and home owners also aspire to. And while you certainly have to pay a premium, there are many items of suitably regal quality that you can purchase from furniture manufacturers and stockists. While such luxury is out of the price range of the majority of us, it’s nice to gaze at it and dream. And you never know, there’s always the Euro Millions...
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 19
Nightlife
BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL Get your glad rags on, April’s a cracker of a month for clubbers, says Katie McLoughlin THE month started in style with Hernan Cattaneo and Danny Howells playing at Liverpool Cathedral for a legendary Freeze and Dig Deeper event last weekend and it seems April started as it means to go on, as this month’s clubbing calendar is a real cracker. From boat party shenanigans to glamorous soirees and unmissable techno nights, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our pick of the bunch…
Circo
Situated on Concert Steps, Koco has three floors, each catering for different musical tastes. To book a private booth or an exclusive VIP penthouse bar with smoking terrace, call 0151 709 1719.
ALL ABOARD FOR A RIGHT ROYAL NIGHT OUT… WE’VE all got Friday, April 29 off work to nurse our hangovers so celebrate the Royal Wedding in true regal style with a very special boat party on Thursday, April 28. With a royal dress code and an exclusive afterparty at Circo, Salute the Royals is sure to be the crowning glory of the bank holiday weekend. Setting sail from the Pier Head at 7.45pm sharp, the regal-themed boat party is on board the aptly named Royal Iris Boat. And, with DJs Denny Dowd, Les Calvert, Robbie Edwards, Mick Ellis, Peter Piorun and Craig Talent keeping all on-board entertained, this one-off party is not to be missed. Tickets are available from 3 Beat Records on Slater Street and from Joe-Ann ‘Circo’ Randles and Chris Griff on Facebook.
2manydjs
CIRCUS ACID house veteran and techno legend, Carl Cox, will be putting the Masque’s Funktion One sound system through its paces on Sunday, April 24 when he headlines Circus’ Easter party. Returning to Circus for the first time in two years, Carl tops the bill for a very special line-up which also includes Yousef, king of jacking Derrick Carter, Motor City Drum Ensemble and German DJ Butch in his Circus debut. Tickets are £19.50/£17.50 for NUS from www.chibuku.com/shop Carl Cox
CREAM OF THE CROP CHIBUKU SHAKE SHAKE MARK Ronson tops the bill at Chibuku at The Masque on Friday, April 15. The Brit award-winning DJ and producer is playing a DJ set in an eclectic line-up which also includes hip hop DJs No Fakin’, drum ‘n’ bass act London Elektricity, Emalkay, Dillinja and more to be announced. Continuing the genre-busting theme, 2manydjs are on at Chibuku on Friday, April 22 alongside Andy C, MC GQ, Breakage and more. Tickets are £16.50 for Chibuku on April 15 and £19.50/£17.50 for NUS for the April 22 event from www.chibuku.com/shop
Robin S
CIRCO
photo: James Maloney
EXCLUSIVE Albert Dock venue, Circo, is transforming its restaurant into ‘Circo Club’ on Easter Sunday (April 24), for what is set to be one of the city’s most flamboyant parties of the bank holiday weekend. For this spectacular event, the room’s being given a top-to-toe makeover with a full sound system, lights and a podium for you to strut your stuff on. DJs Robbie Edwards, Peter Piorun, Denny Dowd and Craig Talent will be behind the decks and percussionist Antonio will be performing live throughout the night. Plus there’ll be performances from Circo’s theatrical freak show, with angle grinders, body burners, clowns and Antonio performing live on percussion. No ticket necessary but dress to impress and be ridiculously early to be sure to get in. VIP booths are available to hire for the night, call 0151 709 0470.
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KOCO HAVING brought acts such as Tinchy Strider, Rebecca Ferguson and Professor Green to its stage, Koco has some cracking events planned for May. On Sunday, May 1, Robin S will perform her classic ‘Show me Love’ and on Saturday, May 7 Alexis Jordan will be performing her hit singles ‘Happiness’ and ‘Good Girl’ to celebrate Koco’s first birthday.
ONCE the Easter bonanza is over, anticipation starts to build for summer’s clubbing highlights. And, whether you’re making an annual pilgrimage to Ibiza or planning on going to a festival, it pays to get your tickets sorted as early as possible. Liverpool superclub Cream has just announced the line-ups for both Creamfields and its Thursday nights at Amnesia. Cream will be hosting 15 parties at Amnesia this year and is kicking off its Ibiza season on Thursday, June 16 with Paul van Dyk, Sander van Doorn and John O’Callaghan. Meanwhile highlights of Creamfields on August 27 and 28 include The Chemical Brothers, Eric Prydz, Sasha, James Zabiela, Sven Vath and Paul Oakenfold. Advance tickets are now on sale, visit www.ticketline.co.uk or www.cream.co.uk for details.
MARCH 11
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
21
Food & drink
SEASONALfayre Sue Kelbrick springs into this April with some Easter-inspired recipes EASTER CUP CAKES To finish off your Easter feast try these delicious cup cakes with a twist. Ingredients 50g TOTAL Greek yoghurt 175g soft butter 175g caster sugar 2 eggs 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 175g self raising flour 1 tsp of baking powder For the topping 50g TOTAL Greek Yoghurt 50g icing sugar 25g soft butter 75g soft cream cheese Mini eggs Method ●Pre-heat oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. ●Take a cake tray and fill with paper cases.
FISH PAST THE POST WITH all eyes on Aintree for the Grand National this Saturday, head chef at the racecourse, Richard Busfield, has joined forces with the Can Cook team to encourage local children to come up with a winning race-themed dish. This is just one of the three delicious recipes shortlisted by judges. Nathan Abernethy-Moore from Broadgreen International School explains the thinking behind the recipe. He says: “The title of the dish is to incorporate what Aintree stands for and every horse wants to be ‘first past the post.’ "The fish cakes represent Liverpool in two ways – the fish representing Liverpool’s connection with the sea and the potatoes representing the large community of Irish people in the city.” Ingredients 300g potatoes 100g salmon fillet, skin on and de-scaled, all bones removed A small handful of fresh parsley 2 eggs 1 lemon Olive oil 1tbsp plain flour Breadcrumbs Method ●Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Peel potatoes, chop them into even sized chunks add
Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer. ●Break the eggs into a jug, add the yoghurt and the vanilla extract and beat together with a fork. In a separate bowl, mix together the self raising flour and baking powder. ●With the mixer running, add to the butter and sugar mix small amounts of the egg mixture and the flour alternatively, a little at a time to form a cake batter. ●Pour the cake batter carefully into the paper cases and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Place to one side to allow to cool. ●For the topping mix the yoghurt, cream cheese, icing sugar and butter together to form a butter cream. Top with mini eggs. ●
the potatoes to the boiling water and bring back to the boil. ●Rub the salmon fillet all over with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. When potatoes are part-cooked, place the salmon into a colander, then cover this with foil, and place the colander over the pot of boiling potatoes. ●Turn the heat down and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the salmon and potatoes are both cooked. Remove the fish from the colander and put to one side. Drain the potatoes in the same colander, then return them to the pot and let them steam dry for a minute. ●Pick the parsley leaves and finely chop them, discarding the stalks. Mash the potatoes, spreading the mash round the sides of the pan to help it cook down quickly. Remove any skin from the salmon. ●When the potatoes are cooled, put itehm into a bowl and flake the fish into it with 1 tablespoon of flour. Add 1 egg and chopped parsley with a really good pinch of salt and pepper. Finely grate over the lemon zest, then mash and mix it up really well. ●Now mould them into four even-sized fish cakes, coat with flour then take the other egg and whisk it up and place the fish cakes in it, now add the breadcrumbs to a bowl with the fish cakes and make sure the fish cakes get an even coating of breadcrumbs. ●To cook, heat olive oil in a pan and fry the fishcakes for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
YOGHURT-MARINATED ENGLISH SPRING LAMB EASTER wouldn’t be Easter without getting all the family together for a delicious roast dinner. Why not go for something a bit different with this recipe for lamb marinated in yoghurt courtesy of TOTAL Greek yoghurt? Ingredients 1 boned shoulder of English lamb A little olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the marinade 250g TOTAL Greek yoghurt 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1/2 onion, finely chopped 1tsp dried chilli flakes 1/4 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp of rosemary, chopped Method ●Beat all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl and season the lamb well. Rub the lamb all over with the yoghurt marinade. ●Place in a freezer bag with any remaining yoghurt marinade and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. ●Preheat oven to 180 C / 350 F / Gas Mark 4 and heat olive oil in a roasting tray. ●Seal the lamb and roast in oven for up to 2
1/2 hours, depending on how you like your meat cooked. ●Serve with a Greek salad and new potatoes.
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Bar Italia Restaurant is situated at 48a Castle Street in the heart of Liverpool. Open daily for lunch and dinner - until 11pm on Saturdays Opening Times Bar Italia is open six days of the week: Monday-Friday: 11.30am to 3.00pm Tuesday-Saturday: 5.30pm to 11.00pm Party Bookings Bar Italia also offers the option of booking tables for parties from 10 up to 50 people. If you are interested in booking a party then please contact: bookings@baritalialiverpool.com
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BEST OF LIVERPOOL 23
Food & drink LIGHT BITES The Quarter CELEBRATE all things Easter with a fabulous hamper from The Quarter on Falkner Street, situated right in the heart of Liverpool’s thriving Georgian Quarter. As well as a selection of traditional Easter eggs, The Quarter is offering a delicious range of both sweet and savoury foods for their hampers which can be tailor-made to suit. From gorgeous cheeses to mouth-watering jams and just about everything in between, the most difficult thing will be choosing what to put in your hamper. Great as an Easter gift for friends, family and loved ones or to treat yourself.
AtasteOF THE med The Best of Liverpool team put down their notebooks and treat their tastebuds at city centre restaurant Sofrito. Katie McLoughlin reports... IT’S not very often the Best of Liverpool team get to enjoy a meal out together, so when the chance arose to visit Sofrito, a relatively new addition to the city’s burgeoning restaurant scene, we jumped at it. Opened last summer, the family-run restaurant offers a fusion of flavours from the Mediterranean. From Greek to Spanish, French, Italian and even Moroccan dishes, it offers something to suit all tastes and pockets – as there are a range of fixed price menus and offers to choose between. Sleek wooden floors, nostalgic framed photos and gilded mirrors adorning the olive-hued walls, made this Whitechapel restaurant a stylish setting for our after-work soiree. The ambience is relaxed and the owners, who already have a successful eatery in Wigan, certainly know a thing or two about good service. Friendly, jovial and attentive without being intrusive, they made us feel very welcome and within a few minutes in their company we had forgotten about the day’s stresses and were happily sipping beautifully mellow wine. The menu is extensive and deliberating between the succulent gambas pil pil, pan-fried duck livers with figs and red wine reduction and fresh mussels in a white wine sauce, we decided to start our meal with Sofrito’s Spanish and Greek boards. Great for sharing – and for those, like us, who just couldn’t decide on what to have – the platters offer a diverse array of different tastes. The Greek featured a mouth-watering combination of tzatziki, houmous, taramasalata, olives, pitta bread, crisp Greek salad and tasty, grilled halloumi cheese.
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Whilst the Spanish board had Serrano ham, beautifully-cooked calamari, manchego cheese, olives, roasted garlic aioli and pan-fried chorizo in a red wine sauce. The sharing boards were beautifully presented and a fantastic way to start our meal and, when it came to our mains, the standard continued to be high. I was extremely pleased with my delicately flakey, panroasted cod and my colleagues were equally happy with their choices. The rich beef stroganoff was divine, whilst the pork fillet stuffed with apricot and chilli was deliciously tender. The swordfish steak was declared very tasty and we all had food envy when our colleague’s lamb kleftiko arrived. A generous sized lamb shank braised in a fresh tomato, onion, garlic, wine and herb jus and served with comforting garlic mash, it not only looked gorgeous but was declared very moreish as the meltin-the-mouth meat fell off the bone in juicy, tender chunks. Happily full and with our taste-buds contented we weren’t going to have puddings, however that all changed once we spied the dessert menu and we were quickly tempted by the home-made sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownie and ice cream in a homemade brandy basket. Indulgent, delicious and served in lip-smackingly generous portions, the desserts were a fitting end for our mid-week after-work treat. And, with great value as well as great food and a relaxed atmosphere, Sofrito is definitely going to become one of our regular haunts. Sofrito L1, 51-53 Whitechapel, Liverpool, L1 6DT, tel: 0151 236 0411, www.sofritol1.co.uk
Viva Espana FOLLOWING the success of last year’s event, A Taste of Spain will return to Williamson Square on April 9-10, for an extravaganza of all things Spanish. Regions from all over Spain will be showcasing their culture, gastronomy, activities and tourism and there will be the chance to win prizes and book discounted holidays courtesy of sponsors, Jet2.com. No Spanish festival would be complete without paella, and with this in mind, the region of Valencia will be on hand to cook a giant paella which will be big enough to serve more than 1,000 people. From Salou and Cambrils in the North, there will be olive oil, olives, nuts and dried fruits. The sun-drenched Balearic Island of Formentera will bring local food and wine and the region of Galicia will bring fortifying liquor alongside the Spanish Tourist Office which will be offering Spanish wine tastings. For more information, visit www.atasteofspain.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ATasteOfSpain A taste of Italy METQUARTER has come over all Italian with an authentic Italian food market which is on now until Sunday, April 10. Showcasing the best that Italy has to offer, the market brings a taste of Italy to Liverpool, with a fabulous all-Italian food market. There’s a wide range of Italian nuts, dried fruits and olives, as well as baklava, Turkish delight, fudges and more. Alma gets back in the saddle ALMA de Cuba is getting back in the saddle to host this year’s Official John Smith’s Grand National Winner’s Party on Saturday, April 9, for the fourth year running. For one night only guests will have the chance to celebrate with the winning jockeys, owners and trainers as they toast the conclusion of the world’s greatest steeplechase. Tickets are available now priced £22.50 which include a complimentary cocktail on arrival and guests will enjoy live music in the main bar. Call 0151 702 73 94 to book. A Royal reason to celebrate DON'T panic if you haven’t received your invitation to the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. You’re officially invited to attend the Right Royal Wedding Weekender at The Flute. It all begins at 8pm on Thursday, April 28, when The Flute, on Hardman Street, will host a Stag and Hen Party complete with fancy dress prizes and party games, music and dancing until 2am. The following morning, a wedding breakfast will be served between 10am and midday then you can watch the wedding on 8ft by 8ft screens and the whole pub will be decked out with balloons, flags and bunting. The party atmosphere at The Flute is set to continue with a Wedding Reception on Saturday evening when the Jackdaws will play from 8pm. On Sunday, the celebrations will continue with more live music from tribute band The Merseys from 6pm.
Lil Star Introducing our new Beauty Therapist Andrea McKevitt
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50 Hawthorne Road, Bootle, Liverpool - Tel: 0151 933 2021
Elegant Doves
2x Curly Blows £20 Hair Ups from £16 Extensions £20 per row Junior Blows from £5 Foil Highlights (including finish): 1/4 £27.50; 1/2 £32.50; Full £42.50
BEAUTY
Minx Nails from £10 Vajazzle from £10 Acrylic Nails from £15 Spray Tans from £12 Eyebrow Wax & Tint, Lash Tint £10 Semi Permanent Lashes £30
FABULOUS WEDDING PACKAGES
home visits available
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Curly Blow, Lashes, Makeup £30 Spray Tan & Acrylic Nails £25 Curly Blow & Lashes £18 Eyebrow Wax, Tint, Lash Tint & Extensions £15 Curly Blow & Makeup £22 Spray Tan, Eyebrow Wax & Tint £20
For an appointment call
0151263 3522
141 BRECK ROAD, ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL L4 2QZ
VILLAGE LIVERPOOL
Wedding Open Evening Last Thursday of every month 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Celebrate your wedding day with the release of pure white doves. Pure White Doves Can Be Released For Any Occasion. Baptism, Communions, Funerals, Renewing Vows, Corporate Events Or Any Special Party. FREE ADMISSION
Call Tony 07944 610826 or Terry 07900 943640 www.elegantdoves.co.uk
For more information please contact the events team on: 0844 980 8036 Fallows Way, Whiston, Merseyside L35 1RZ
LIL STAR
TRUDY SMITH BRIDAL BOUTIQUE ORMSKIRK
STUNNING COLLECTION OF DESIGNER & UNIQUE GOWNS Styles To Suit Every Personality Relaxed & Friendly Atmosphere Exceptional Service In-house alteration service available
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11 Church Walks, Ormskirk L38 3QS 01695 581099 • www.trudysmith.co.uk
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Weddings CEREMONIES AND RECEPTONS
WEDDING ATTIRE
YOU don't have to be royalty to have a ceremony and wedding reception that wows. How about saying 'I do' in the grand surroundings of Liverpool Town Hall? Or exchanging vows in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral's awe-inspiring Lady Chapel? Croxteth Hall is another wedding hotspot thanks to its elegant Edwardian rooms and picturesque setting in a beautiful country estate. But one of our favourite wedding venues has got to be the majestic Knowsley Hall. The historic hall is licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships and couples can have exclusive hire of this stunning venue. Who needs Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace?!
PRINCESS Diana was the envy of women worldwide when she wore her elaborate David and Elizabeth Emanuel wedding dress in 1981. But fashion-insiders are predicting that Kate will opt for a sleeker, more modern design with sleeves being touted as a strong possibility. Luckily for brides-to-be searching for their dream dress in Liverpool, you'll find a fantastic selection of boutiques, including the awardwinning Bridal Gallery in Woolton, Captivating Brides in Crosby and city centre-based Copplestones Bridal Basement on Johnson Street which stocks designer dresses from as little as £99. And, if like Kate's mum your own ma wants to turn heads for the right reasons, make sure she pays a visit to Créme de la Créme in Litherland. The boutique specialises in mother of the bride outfits and accessories and stocks leading brands like Frank Usher and Gina Bacconi. Of course William’s outfit will no doubt be a huge talking point too – and with a stylish yet classic morning suit or top hat and tails your groom could be every inch the Prince Charming! Try Groom at The Wedding House, just off Great George Street and Emma Bridalwear in Old Swan.
Who needs Buckingham Palace when you've got Knowsley Hall to hold your wedding in? Steal Kate's style with this vintage sapphire ring, £18,500, from Boodles
LoveHeir IS INTHE
Tamzyn Angela on Knowsley Industrial Park creates beautiful bouquets and venue decoration
THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL MOST of the Royal Wedding's finer details are, of course, a closely guarded secret but that hasn't stopped the rumour mill going into overdrive. Wedding-insiders are predicting a possible vintage theme with classic English flowers and raspberry pink, royal blue or purple. Teams of florists and venue decorators will no doubt be putting the finishing touches to detailed plans as we speak and if you could do with a helping hand, try Walton-based Unique Venue Dressing or Tamzyn Angela on Knowsley Industrial Park. For invitations Pink Sherbet Designs in Bromborough and Handmade by Susan Cooper in Formby can help make the right first impression. And, if like the future princess, you want to travel to your ceremony by car how about arriving in a stunning Royale Windsor from Barringtons Weddings Cars in Bootle or an Austin Burnham saloon from Vintage Choice Wedding Cars in Woolton? Don't forget about your hair and make-up either. The future princess will no doubt have a swat team of beauty experts to prepare her on the big day, and so can you thanks to salons like The Powder Room in Mossley Hill and Williams & Coburn in Aigburth, which have in-salon or on-location hair and make-up bridal packages.
Unique Venue Dressing in Walton can can help make your fairytale wedding come true
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IT'S official - Royal Wedding fever has hit the city! Bride-to-be Sarah Hooley tracks down everything you could need to plan a fairytale wedding of your own...
Give the reception your royal seal of approval with this quirky table decoration, £8, from Matalan
It's been rumoured that Kate will opt for a sleek wedding gown with sleeves. Picture of 64015 by Ronald Joyce
ENTERTAINMENT Navy blue heart umbrella, £26.99, from Aye Do
Stand out as mother of the bride in this stunning spot/satin dress and jacket from Frank Usher
Allure royal blue wedding invitation and placecard, £4.85 and £1.95, from www.madewithlovedesigns.co.uk
FROM Abba to Sir Paul McCartney, speculation has been rife who will provide the entertainment for the Royal Wedding. But if your budget doesn't quite stretch that far, why not try one of Liverpool's fantastic tribute acts? Liverpool-based singer Neil McHale offers one of the best Michael Jackson tributes in the region. Or for something more formal, check out Sinatra singer David Knopov performing as Perfectly Frank with his six-piece swing band. You could even opt for a traditional harpist like Wirral-based Branka Crowder to follow in the footsteps of the couple who recently announced that Prince Charles' official harpist will be a part of the wedding.
A top tribute act like Perfectly Frank can help your wedding get in the swing of things
APRIL 11 YOUR INVITE TO THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR
CROWNING GLORYof GIFTS FROM knitted figures to commemorative tea-towels emblazened with the happy couple's face, it seems the world's gone Prince Wills and Kate crazy! Here's our selection of the good, the cheesey and the slightly wacky (we'll let you make your own mind up) when it comes to Royal Wedding memorabilia...
TREAT yourself to a new hat and get set to celebrate the Royal Wedding in style at Liverpool ONE this month. With just over three weeks to go until the big day, Liverpool ONE has announced that it will be showing the wedding of the year live on a giant screen on Chavasse Park this April 29. Visitors will be treated like royalty for the day with palace guards, Beefeaters, court jesters and dashing knights all roaming around the site providing entertainment for crowds. Traditional dancers will be showing off their moves to shoppers, whilst Liverpool ONE restaurants will be sampling food from their menus and giving out cupcakes. The romantic mood is set to continue all day too with a series of wedding-themed chick flicks screened throughout the afternoon!
Mini William & Catherine cushion, £67.50, from www.janconstantine.com
'Queen' luxury duck, £8.99, from www.totallyfunky.com
William & Kate Union Jack tea towel, £5.99, from The Present Finder
Wedding gnomes, £12.98 each or £20 per pair, from B&Q
A ROYAL ‘FORK-TRAIT’
Perfume bottles, £13.20 from www.joannawood.co.uk
Commemorative ladies pants, from Debenhams
THIS Royal Wedding 'fork-trait' was created by Crown Carveries which includes The Britannia Inn, The Halfway House and The Greenhills in Liverpool. It is made up from six slices of beef, eight slices of turkey, four slices of gammon, 20 carrots, 10 pieces of cauliflower, 20 potatoes and over 100 peas!
DECADE OF LOVE AT PALM HOUSE Photo: Stephen Shakeshaft
WHILE statistics might have shown a drop in the number of couples getting married, Sefton Park Palm House is bucking the trend and recently welcomed its 521st lucky couple to say ‘I do’ on April 1. It has now been 10 years since Sefton Park Palm House was rescued from a state of dereliction by a locally led people’s campaign to save this rare and beautiful Victorian Palm House. And, during the last decade the team there has worked hard in building and maintaining a reputation as one of the UK’s finest wedding venues. Unsurprisingly, couples from the length and breadth of the UK — not to mention right around the world — have fallen in love with this magical Grade II listed building, with the most recent international couple to say their vows under the palms being from Portland, Oregon! For more information visit www.palmhouse.org.uk
Kate & Wills commemorative sliding doors, from £448, from Spaceslide.co.uk
BEST OF LIVERPOOL
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Heading over to…
APRIL 11
HIDDEN GEMS Greek Taverna THIS restaurant is nestled away on Liverpool Road North in Maghull and provides a delicious selection of Greek food. The Greek Taverna offers a varied menu of authentic Greek cuisine including moussaka, keftedes, spanakotyropita to name but a few of the dishes on offer. With friendly staff ready to serve seven days a week, all set in pleasant surroundings, the restaurant is the ideal place to dine without travelling too far! Visit Greek Taverna, Liverpool Road North, Maghull, L31 2PN or call 0151 531 8640.
Aintree Racecourse NOT technically a ‘hidden gem’ as it is one of the country's most famous racecourses thanks to the Grand National, but as well as the April steeplechase, this raceground offers a whole range of activities and events all year round. If you fancy trying your hand at golf then you can test your swing and distance at the 30-bay floodlit driving range or take a challenge at the 9-hole golf course, one of the longest in the country! Aintree Racecourse also holds plenty of events, including a Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts fair on May 20-23, a Mind Body and Spirit fair on May 21-22 and then the Cancer Research UK Race For Life event will get underway on June 26.
Plus there is also Aintree Motorcycle Racing Club and Liverpool Motor Club which hold track days and events at Aintree Racecourse, so there’s plenty to keep you busy. Log on to www.aintree.co.uk for more details.
Neptune Aquatics SITUATED on Sefton Lane Industrial Estate, Neptune Aquatics now boasts a new angling section for fishermen who want to find the ideal bait. The store is open seven days a week and the new angling section offers a good variety of tackle and bait to help you get a great catch. Neptune Aquatics also specialises in selling tropical, marine, coldwater and pondfish. Plus if it’s an aquarium you’re after then within the shop is Coral Aquariums which manufactures aquariums, complete marine systems, vivariums, cabinets and hoods in standard sizes as well as bespoke sizes. Visit Neptune Aquatics, Unit 1, Sefton Lane Industrial Estate, Maghull, L31 8BX or call 0151 526 0200.
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A safe bet
Maghull
Emma Thompson's on to a winner when she discovers the delights of Aintree and Maghull ALL eyes are on Aintree this weekend as the John Smith’s Grand National gets underway but for those of you who live in the area, there’s still plenty to keep you busy all year round. If you enjoy hitting the stores then Aintree is full of shops you can browse around whether you fancy the latest fashions or something to spruce up your garden – after all you want your garden to look as fab as you do! The Liverpool-based Taskers Home store on Long Lane is perfect for those gorgeous home interior designs. It sells everything from colour-coordinated vases, cushions and artwork to stunning fully-fitted kitchens and bathrooms, not to mention patio furniture and garden accessories. Long Lane also boasts a great selection of other stores too, such as Home, Bed
The Leeds-Liverpool canal in Maghull
Factory, Fireplace Warehouse as well as Taskers Sports which offers a great selection of sporting equipment. On Ormskirk Road you’ll discover Aintree Retail Park which is home to a variety of high street shops for the fashion conscious, tech-lovers and those with little ones in tow, and, of course, DIYers! Plus once you’re all shopped-out, you can relax with a bite to eat at the delicious Italian restaurant, Prego. There’s also a good selection of local pubs where you can enjoy a meal with the family, although if you’re looking for a little ‘me time,’ local salons such as Utopia Retreat offer relaxing hair and beauty treatments. Plus nestled half-way down Altway are a small cluster of shops and The Village Inn where you can enjoy a tipple. And while Aintree may be a hive of
Aintree
activity this race weekend, spare a thought for Maghull, where the race meetings are said to have first taken place in the 1800s on marshy, agricultural land before the flat race meetings became successful at Aintree. Nowadays, Maghull is a bustling town with clusters of stores set among a variety of houses. Centrally located is Maghull Square and Westway which combine high street shops alongside a variety of independently owned stores such as the fabulous butchers, G Callaghan & Son, which offers a great selection of produce, including marinated chicken breasts and chops, as well as delicious sausages, not to mention the cooked selection of meats and tasty, hot baguettes you can buy. There are also a number of shops situated on Deyes Lane and Station Road ideal for everyday shopping, plus there’s also the Red Lion shops off Liverpool Road North where you can enjoy a delicious meal as well as relaxing with a drink at Milly’s Wine Bar. So, take a journey to Aintree and Maghull there’s plenty to discover.
Best of Aintree & Maghull
APRIL 11 H *HW WK NHU¶ F FW 3X U µ3HUIH 'RFWR H /LS K 7 W D
Treatments for Lines and Wrinkles
Facial Contouring
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Dermarollers
NEPTUNE AQUATICS TROPICAL, MARINE, COLDWATER AND PONDFISH
CORAL NEW ANGLING SECTION AQUARIUMS
Manufactures of aquariums, complete marine systems, vivariums, cabinets and hoods All standard sizes and bespoke
The Lip Doctor Ltd
0151 520 3181
171 - 173 Liverpool Road South Maghull, Merseyside L32 8AA Dr Fab Equizi Mb. ChB. & Liza Equizi
Tel: 0151 520 3070 www.lipdoctor.co.uk Mob: 07801 281 504
NOW OPEN
Good Selection & range of tackle and baits OPEN 7 DAYS
0151 526 0200 UNIT 1 SEFTON LANE IND. EST MAGHULL L31 8BX
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121 Brookfield Drive, Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AJ
TILE
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Edge Lane Branch Aintree Branch (behind M&S) Birkenhead Branch 4 Tapeley Place (opp KFC) Racecourse Business Park 21 Neptune Street L13 1AP Tel: 0151 252 0364 L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 530 1644 CH41 3QT Tel: 0151 647 3009
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Bespoke Unique picture blinds using your own photograph or digital image
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CARPETS
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29
Travel
APRIL 11
Escape to the country
EGG-CITING EASTER BREAK... IF you’re struggling to find ways to keep the kids entertained during the Easter school holidays, the Lake District is always a safe bet for a short family break. This month, visitors are in for an egg-stra special treat too, as The Great Peter Rabbit Easter Egg Hunt 2011, launches in Cumbria on April 21. Photos: Steven Barber Photography Ltd
Katie McLoughlin finds you don’t need to travel far to get away from it all... AFTER a hectic couples of weeks, not to mention a jampacked weekend, it was fair to say my boyfriend and I were feeling a little frazzled around the edges. So, in need of some rest and relaxation we headed to the pretty Cheshire village of Warmingham to recharge our batteries in the luxurious Bear’s Paw. Housed within a 19th century inn, The Bear’s Paw opened as a boutique hotel and restaurant in 2009, after a £2.5m refurbishment. Checking in, evidence of the building’s history is clear to see in the downstairs bar/restaurant area, which is packed with character features like oak panelled walls and reclaimed antique oak flooring. A staircase leads up to the accommodation, where no expense has been spared. Our room was a beautiful blend of old and new, with sleek, contemporary décor, a huge four poster bed, a flat screen HD TV and leaded windows looking out to the river and pretty village church. The lush room had everything we could need for our stay and more besides, from fast Wi-Fi to fluffy white bathrobes, gorgeous aromatic toiletries in the stylish, contemporary bathroom and a wide selection of fruit teas, coffees, hot chocolate and biscuits. After refuelling with a coffee whilst reclining on the sumptuous sofa in our room, we headed out to explore the local area and found Warmingham to be pretty, rural and peaceful. Admittedly neither of us are outdoorsy types, so a short stroll around the picturesque area was as far as we ventured. But for those keen to explore a little further, The Bear’s Paw has maps of local walks available which offer views of the village, local wildlife and the River Wheelock. Feeling refreshed and with some country air in our lungs, we retreated to the cosy sanctuary of the bar, where we savoured the tranquil, relaxed ambience over a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and a pint of real ale from a local micro-brewery.
The Bear’s Paw is popular with locals and with awards for its food and a menu packed with fresh, local ingredients, it’s not hard to see why. The smells wafting from our fellow diners’ meals had us salivating as we perused the menu and, after deliberating over sharing the golden Cheshire brie with red onion marmalade and crudittes (£9.50), we plumped for the king prawns pil pil (£6.25) and baked field mushrooms (£5.50) to start. After a few sips of our wine, a beautiful bottle of Mirror Lake Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (£19.50), the starters arrived and we weren’t disappointed with our choices. The king prawns, which came in sizzling chilli and garlic oil, were juicy and the accompanying garlic bread was perfect for the boyfriend to mop up all those lovely flavours with. The mushrooms, meanwhile, were bursting with meaty flavour,
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topped with melted Blackstick’s blue cheese and served with rocket, pinenuts and balsamic syrup. Despite the restaurant being busy with both locals and a large corporate party, the service was swift, and no sooner had our plates been cleared away that our friendly waitress brought our mains. Both dishes were beautifully presented and very tasty. My pan-fried chicken breast (£13.95) came on top of a crisp potato rosti and flavour-packed chorizo and white bean ragu, whilst the boyfriend’s assiette of pork (£13.50) looked so good it was a shame to eat it! However eat it he did and, from the succulent belly pork to the apricot and sage stuffing; black pudding chipolata; crispy pancetta; sweet potato dauphinoise and apricot puree – every element was declared delicious.
To end our meal, we decided to indulge with an apple and sultana crumble with custard (£5.25) and a chocolate and hazelnut brownie (£5.25). The crumble was traditional comfort food at its best and the brownie was tasty and packed with hazelnuts. However, the chocolate sauce it was smothered in did spoil the dish a little, as it was a tad too rich for my personal taste. After feasting like kings in the restaurant, we retreated to our room and slept like royalty in the enormous fourposter bed. A delicious breakfast of croissants for me and a full English for him, was the perfect end to our Cheshire country break. And, despite only going down the M6 and back, we left feeling refreshed and relaxed (and with slightly bigger waistlines!) Prices for double rooms range from £99 for a standard room to £115 for an executive room or £140 for a superior room, all rooms are en-suite and the price includes breakfast. For more information or to make a reservation, call 01270 526 317, log onto www.thebearspaw.co.uk or visit The Bear’s Paw, School Lane, Warmingham, Sandbach, CW11 3QN.
This is the fourth year that Cumbria, the countryside where Beatrix Potter set most of her famous stories, has been the setting for this giant egg hunt. Over 100 hand-crafted ceramic eggs have been distributed throughout the county in readiness for the egg hunt, and thousands of people are expected to take part in what is believed to be the largest egg hunt in the UK. The eggs can be hidden anywhere as long as the location is accessible by the public and egg hunters must solve puzzles to find them, but their efforts will be well rewarded as there are some cracking prizes up for grabs. Anyone who is lucky enough to find an egg will also receive a copy of the 100th Anniversary edition of The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes, written at Beatrix Potter’s mother’s former home Lindeth Howe in Bowness-on-Windermere. The website www.golakes.co.uk/peterrabbit will keep egg hunters up-to-date with the thrill of the Cumbrian hunt online, as well as some egg-stra clues as to where the eggs might be hidden in the county. Details about the location of the eggs will be available on the website after Peter Rabbit launches the egg hunt at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, in Bowness-on-Windermere, at 10am, on April 21.
N E P P A H L L I W S T N E D I C AC SUPPORT AND ADVICE FOR YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
0151 227 4545 www.maxwellhodge.co.uk BEST OF LIVERPOOL 31