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Words here Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ultimate Guide to Liverpool
An experience to treasure L
IVERPOOL is a special place that draws people from across Merseyside and beyond to spend their free time in the city. For its great combination of shopping and other leisure amenities, all wrapped up in an easy-toexplore package, it’s little surprise that Liverpool is seen as a real treasure for those seeking maximum enjoyment from their leisure hours. And Liverpool is much more than big shopping centres. Everything is close to hand in Liverpool. The city centre manages to fit a great deal into it, so is unlike more sprawling city centres around the country. Liverpool boasts a whole host of very different retail and leisure outlets which you can easily experience on the same day. With shopping, this gives you the maximum time to both browse and buy, while those wanting culture can find museums and galleries galore. Then, of course, there’s no shortage of places to grab a drink, enjoy a delicious meal and dance the night away. From Mathew Street, up Lord Street and Church Street to Bold Street and beyond, having all the leisure facilities available in
Clayton Square is just one of Liverpool’s shopping centres
Bohemian delights . . . Lark Lane is a great place to enjoy a stroll a relatively compact area means that Liverpool offers the entire city centre within easy reach the moment you step off a bus, train or leave your place of work. However, there’s more to Liverpool than the city centre alone. Its sense of fun and vibrant leisure opportunities is evident from the city centre boundaries and on into the suburbs and the Scouse heartland. Spend a Saturday afternoon or evening in any of the smaller towns and villages that are part of the Liverpool region and you’ll not be stuck for shopping
streets to explore, fun sights and activities to enjoy, and so many great local restaurants and bars. Travel north of the city centre and you’ll find the likes of Old Swan, West Derby, Bootle, Crosby, Aintree and Maghull – all packed with excellent leisure amenities, from Antony Gormley’s Another Place sculptures on Crosby beach, to the attractive village pubs and bars of West Derby. Then, to the south of the city, you’ll find Aigburth, Allerton and Wavertree, Speke, Garston and
Childwall. Here, you can move seamlessly from the stylish shops and bars of Allerton Road to the Bohemian delights of Lark Lane. So there you have it . . . Liverpool really is right up there when it comes to filling your leisure time. There’s not many places where you can so easily combine a day’s shopping with fine dining and great nightlife. So, this weekend, rediscover the vibrant and exciting city of Liverpool. It’s an experience, on your doorstep.
Little Georgian Day Nursery
Caring for little minds A
SK most children what they did at nursery that day, and it will more than likely involve painting a picture or playing with building blocks. Ask a child from the Little Georgian Day Nursery what they did that day, and you could be there a while . . . Thanks to its city centre location, the nursery is able to make sure that the children in its care get out and about, and not just within the city limits, but also visiting other parts of the city. Whether it is a short walk to any one of the city’s fantastic attractions or an exciting train trip to West Kirby, the kids from the Little Georgian Day Nursery are certainly better travelled than most. Owner Vicky Zsigmond, who is Montessori trained, explained: “We feel taking the children out to different places gives them lots of stimulation and encourages their development. We are lucky enough to have the city’s museums, libraries and art galleries right on our doorstep, so we make sure that we take full advantage of our central location. “And, with Liverpool’s status as Capital of Culture this year, we have been able to fully embrace the celebrations – and we even have our very own Superlambanana in residence here at the nursery!” Safety is of paramount importance, with all children
Children dress up their mini-Superlambanana for the festival of Diwali, with nursery owner Vicky Zsigmond, centre, and Laura Keary, head of room given high visibility jackets to wear, and they are kept under strict scrutiny at all times. And, with 25 years’ experience of running day nurseries under her belt, Vicky certainly knows her stuff. She now has 18 qualified staff working for her at the Little Georgian Day Nursery, and prides herself on offering children the best possible start in life. It is all about learning in a fun environment, so, from speaking French with French Pete to cooking their own food, the children are constantly picking up new skills. Nutrition and healthy eating are vital to ensuring children grow up healthily, and, to this end, all food at the nursery is prepared fresh and fruit is given after every meal.
As well as giving something a little different from most day nurseries, the Little Georgian Day Nursery is also committed to adhering to Ofsted guidelines for nursery education. These include recognising Early Years Foundation Stages, where children are allowed free play but are observed and evaluated at the same time, so that each individual child can be allowed to develop in key areas. ■ FOR more information on how the Little Georgian Day Nursery can help to nurture your little one, telephone 0151 707 9007. Places are limited, so parents should get in touch as soon as possible, and there are selected free places available for two, three and four-yearolds.
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Words here Thursday, September 25, 2008
Q-Park
Q-Park Liverpool ONE Strand Street has a safe, stylish interior, in common with all three Liverpool Q-Parks
Changing the face of parking F OLLOWING the eagerly anticipated opening of Q-Park Liverpool ONE Strand Street, Q-Park John Lewis and Q-Park Hanover Street, the face of car parking in Liverpool has changed forever. Created by revolutionary car parking company Q-Park, all three sites occupy exceptional city centre locations and have been specifically designed to offer style, convenience and safety. Purpose-built to serve Liverpool ONE, each car park
provides easy access to a wealth of attractions. So whether you want to hit the shops, visit the docks, go to work or head out for the evening, Q-Park offers convenient parking and fantastic value for money. At the Liverpool ONE Strand Street site, drivers will find a spectacular 2,000-space underground car park. Ideally situated on the edge of Liverpool ONE, Q-Park Liverpool ONE Strand Street provides direct access to the shops and, internally, features a fantastic range of facilities, as well as an ultra-
contemporary design featuring granite steps and dramatic lighting. Q-Park John Lewis is equally well placed behind Liverpool's new bus interchange and comprises 580 spaces split over six levels, together with an eye-catching glass bridge which connects directly to the second floor of John Lewis. Likewise, Hanover Street, situated opposite BBC Radio Merseyside, is just a short walk from the Albert Docks and is ideal for those who work in the area, as well as local residents and shoppers.
Elegantly designed, inside there are 554 spaces uniquely laid out over six levels. All three car parks are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and, as standard, feature spacious parking bays, clearly marked signs and competitive rates. This is in addition to a stateof-the-art security system (accredited by the ParkMark™ Safer Parking Scheme) including CCTV systems tailored to each car park; 24hour lighting; clearly illuminated signage; protected pedestrian walkways; a control centre with CCTV monitoring,
and a friendly customer services area. And it doesn't end there – Q-Park firmly believes in going that extra mile. Offering a host of unique services, Q-Park is dedicated to making sure that its customers are looked after from the minute they arrive to the second they depart. From their fleet of 20 smart and comfortable child buggies and a stock of 200 umbrellas, to shoe cleaners and golf buggies to help tired or less mobile shoppers back to their car, there is a friendly team of staff on hand 24 hours a day.
Plus, for those rare occasions you may have had a little to drink while out, the car parks even have an alcohol tester to put your mind at rest or alert drivers that they should find an alternative way home. A range of season tickets is available for the car parks, including weekends, day parking for office workers, residential night parking and staff incentives. So, for innovative parking where the customer comes first, make sure you visit Liverpool's new Q-Park car parks.
Quality Parking in the Heart of Liverpool • Close to shops, bars and restaurants • Well-lit spacious interiors • Safe and easy to navigate • Open 24 hours and 7 days a week • Flexible Season Ticket options
Q-Park provides the ultimate in safe, secure and stylish car parking at Liverpool ONE For more information call 0151 2322150 or e-mail qp.liverpool@q-park.co.uk www.q-park.co.uk
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Words here Thursday, September 25, 2008
Lili Bizarre
Dress to really take your fancy
W
ALKING into Lili Bizarre is like walking into an Aladdin’s Cave – it has to be seen to be believed. Offering a huge range of high-quality costume hire, fancy dress outfits and accessories, the shop is literally crammed from floor to ceiling. At the last count, there were thought to be around 3,000 outfits available at any one time, but it is difficult to tell because there are just so many. And, as if that wasn’t enough, Lili Bizarre just got bigger. Having listened to its customers over the years, the shop has given in to public demand and opened a retail section upstairs from the main shop, where people can buy, rather than hire, costumes. With a dizzying array of costumes available, Lili Bizarre prides itself on giving customers the complete package. So, if you are dressing up as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, it is not just about pulling a blue gingham dress off the rails. No, it is all about the whole look, from the
Gary Wakefield and staff at the Lili Bizarre fancy dress hire store, Hardman Street red sparkly shoes and the pigtails to the wicker basket and Toto the dog. Attention to detail is paramount and friendly, and attentive staff are always on hand to make sure that you get the look, just how you want it, from head to toe. And with access to some 10,000 lines of accessories, even if a particular item is not in stock, Lili Bizarre will source it for you. With hundreds of satisfied customers who come back time and time again, it is evident the shop is getting something right! It isn’t just about giving customers the best possible choice, either. At Lili Bizarre, there are no excessive mark-
Guess what s around the corner.......
The Monro - Rather fabulous Christmas Meals for smiley people. With a superb reputation and yet wallet friendly prices The Monro has an excellent reputation for it’s food, drink and service. Organic wines, spirits and Real Ales on tap will add an extra festive sparkle to this years Christmas party.
ups on anything so customers can buy their accessories at the best possible price. Started by mum Lili 20 years ago as a stall in Quiggins, the business has grown beyond belief and, with help from son and daughter, Gary and Lorna, Lili Bizarre is bursting at the seams of its vast premises on Hardman Street. And the secret to its success? Giving customers what they want – a fabulous range of high-quality fancy dress costumes to hire and to buy, and all at incredibly reasonable prices. ■ POP in to Lili Bizarre, on Hardman Street today, and see for yourself or visit the website at www.lilibizarre.com
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Elaine Cunningham Interiors Left: Helen Green, seated, with Michelle Potter, interior design consultants at Elaine Cunningham Interiors
Owner Elaine Cunningham, right, with Emma Hendrick, interior design consultant
Exclusive designs for your home
T
HE perfect design is always a matter of opinion but, at Elaine Cunningham Interiors, they appreciate that what may be perfect for you may be unsuitable for your neighbours and friends. Elaine Cunningham Interiors have a passion for design, and work hard to ensure the perfect result for every client. Elaine said: “We feel design must work with your lifestyle and reflect your personality without breaking the bank.” Whether it’s simply wallpaper or a full concept you need inspiration with, the team at Elaine Cunningham Interiors can answer your interior design queries through considering colour,
texture and functionality. The showroom caters for all and displays affordable pieces of furniture as well as more extravagant items. But, no matter what the price, you can trust that everything you see has been carefully selected, with special attention given to detail, functionality and quality. Located at 392, Aigburth Road, Aigburth, Elaine Cunningham Interiors offers more than 25 years of retail and design experience, and can help you to achieve a fabulous home, tailor-made to suit your individual tastes and lifestyle. “When visiting the showroom, you’ll find the professional, interior consultants help you with your home interior challenges. You can book an on-site consultation
with one of our designers who can advise you on all aspects of interior design,” said Elaine. “At Elaine Cunningham Interiors, it is very important for us to achieve the best quality at the right price, because we want to spoil our customers by giving you fantastic products at great value for money.” What’s more, the store supplies high-quality furniture and soft furnishings, along with wallcoverings, flooring, paint, lighting and accessories to complement any setting – everything, in fact, to make your rooms wonderful places to be. So, go and enjoy the continually updated collection at Elaine Cunningham Interiors, created by passionate designers who work closely with prestigious
companies, including BoConcept, Designers Guild, Brian Yates, Andrew Martin, Missoni and Zoffany. That’s what makes Elaine Cunningham and her team unique. In fact, you will not find another BoConcept studio in the North West. The design team is able to guide you right through the process, from consultation to final concept, providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise backed up by exceptional standards of service. ■ INSPIRED? If you would like to arrange a free, no-obligation instore consultation, contact Elaine Cunningham Interiors on 0845 500 5060 or book online at www. elainecunninghaminteriors co.uk
Elaine Cunningham Interiors, Aigburth Road
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Words here Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ultimate Guide to Liverpool
Discover Liverpool’s hidden retail gems
L
IVERPOOL is currently grabbing all the headlines as THE place to go shopping, with the unveiling of the multimillion pound Liverpool One development. But, what a lot of people don’t realise is that Liverpool has always been THE place to go shopping – you just need to know where to look. From the back streets of Mathew Street to the unique boutiques of Bold Street, Liverpool is already well-established as a mecca for the confirmed shopaholic. What sets it apart from many other cities is that, as well as all the usual high street favourites, Liverpool has a wealth of independent shops, making it the ideal place to pick up something you won’t find anywhere else. It is a well-known fact that you often receive better service from an independent retailer who is able to take the time and trouble to make visitors feel welcome and truly special. If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, then leave it to
Cavern Walks, on Mathew Street, is one of the city’s smaller shopping gems them to come up with some inspiration for you. And with the countdown to Christmas already under way, there is even more reason to check out what Liverpool’s smaller shops and retailers have to offer. Take a break from the norm and ditch the usual smellies and that traditional gift set from the high street. By exploring the delights of Liverpool’s alternative shops, you can make sure that your friends and loved ones receive truly unique gifts this year. Take a walk through the
city centre and, at every turn, there are small, independent retailers all working hard to offer their shoppers something different from the homogenised high street experience. Wander around the business district, down steps and along cobbled alleyways, and you will stumble upon hidden treasures, from delightful delis to flourishing florists, and everything in between. Moving through the centre of Liverpool and situated off the main drag of Church Street, the
newly-refurbished Bluecoat arts centre offers an oasis of calm just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. With arts and crafts from around the world available to buy, a cosy coffee shop to relax in and a full calendar of events throughout the year, the Bluecoat offers a one-off cultural experience. Head to the other end of the city around Bold Street, Renshaw Street and Hardman Street, and you will discover the Bohemian heart of Liverpool complete with trendy design shops, contemporary coffee shops and chic clothes shops. Pop in and see what’s on at FACT, Liverpool’s cutting-edge cinema complex, or just enjoy a drink in the foyer and soak up the relaxing atmosphere. So, next time you are considering battling your way through the crowds in the city centre, think about giving yourself a much more chilled out shopping experience by hunting down some of Liverpool’s hidden shopping gems.
Bold Street has a number of independent shops as well as big name high street retailers
Heritage Market Stanley Dock, Regent Road, Liverpool
OPEN EVERY SUNDAY
9-4pm Guaranteed Trading NEW TRADERS WELCOME
CALL: 0151 207 7227 kate@heritagemarket.co.uk
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Words here Thursday, September 25, 2008
For ambient evenings of heart-warming food and fine wine. Enjoy live music from our Boston piano.
Campbell Square, Argyle Street, Liverpool, L1 5BL 0151 709 4195 www.jalonsbridewell.co.uk
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Words here Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ultimate Guide to Liverpool
Sample the city’s many delights
W
HETHER you’re looking for a night of entertainment or somewhere to dine for the evening, you can find everything you need in Liverpool. Whether you head north or south of the city centre, or even along the many surrounding streets from the main hustle and bustle, there’s plenty of places to enjoy a bite to eat. From traditional hearty pub lunches to the heights of fine dining, the city caters for everyone’s tastes. There’s French cuisine, succulent steak houses, Chinese banquets offering a wide choice, Italian dishes from pizza with friends to a romantic pasta meal accompanied by wine, Japanese delicacies, and wholesome Indian meals, as well as delicious Spanish tapas. The establishments are ready to cater for all your needs, whether you’re after a cosy setting for two with romantic candlelight or a table big enough for 20 people who are set to party the night away with friends. It’s not just the food you need to think about. Along with your budget, the restaurant styles can vary greatly, whether you’re after somewhere offering modern classics with a contemporary feel, true fine dining, maybe
Liverpool has a huge range of places to while away an evening somewhere a little more relaxed but with live singers you can enjoy, or a place to take the children so the whole family can enjoy themselves. Some local establishments truly cater for your little ones, with special menus and even a play area they can tire themselves out on after they’ve eaten, so you can have time to relax, too! You may be looking for
somewhere to chill out after work, a family party or a work night out – there’s a whole host of choice, plus, with Christmas fast approaching, now’s the time to book your favourite restaurant to ensure you’re not disappointed. Many establishments have already released their festive menu with set prices so you can budget in advance, with everything available from the
Crowds enjoy the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival, in Sefton Park traditional Christmas lunch to seafood and delicious vegetarian options. Once you’ve tantalised your tastebuds, why not soak in the culture of the city, whether it’s catching the latest blockbuster at the cinema, visiting the numerous museums, or admiring the latest artwork throughout the city.
Not forgetting the number of venues that can offer a great evening of entertainment, from thrilling theatre productions, catching a laugh at the comedy clubs, watching the next up-and-coming band in your local, taking a gamble at a casino or enjoying a show at the Echo Arena – there’s something for everyone.
Many of the outer city centre bars and pubs tend to have extra entertainment, too, whether it’s a quiz night where you can show off your talent, karaoke lining you up for the next X-Factor or even a spot of bingo to get you jumping out your seat. Make the most of Liverpool – go out and enjoy yourself.
Buffet starting from £5.95
PUTTING FUN BACK INTO FOOD THIS CHRISTMAS
EAT AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE CHRISTMAS MENU From 1st to 31st December EARLY BOOKING RECOMMENDED We can cater for all occasions – ask a member of staff for your party requirements
CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY Open Sunday to Thursday 11.30am-11pm Friday/Saturday 11.30am-12 midnight Disabled facilities • Fully Licensed • 24 hour access to car park
180/181 Elliot Street, St Johns Precinct, Liverpool L1 1NH Tel: 0151 707 6886 • www.maysumrestaurant.co.uk