★★★★
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Your guide to the city's nightlife . . . the best live music, bars, clubs and places to eat
BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.LIVERPOOLCOMEDYCENTRAL.CO.UK
2 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . .
My top tips . . . EMMA MCHARRIE, Promotions Manager at the ECHO arena Working at Liverpool’s biggest music on venue, Emma certainly has her finger n the pulse of the city’s nightlife. But whele she’s not working on the highest profi gigs, what are her tips on Merseyside’s hidden after dark gems? What's your favourite night time view? “Definitely the Liverpool skyline – it’s beautiful. I could stand and gaze at it for hours. Jury’s Inn have a room that has floor to ceiling windows and views of the skyline / across the Mersey and thea City –it’s stunning and I’ve made many
Oh and I am really intrigued as to what person stand and marvel at the views Cesar Milan will be like, as the dog to with me and help spot land marks.” owner of the lovely Harley I’m hoping I and – s show y man Where's the best place to eat in So tips. get some the evenings? want to see them all!” time first the for se Hou le “I ate at Nob Where does the best drinks? l in December and it was delish – can e “I’m quite liking the Sir Thomas Hote ” ent. mom highly recommend the fish with sesam the at for cocktails dressed Asian noodles – yum!” At the end of the night, where to e plac e urit favo your What's does the best takeaway? catch live music? “Pizza Express. For an early night/late “Where else but the ECHO arena?! night/any night takeaway. It’s also a There’s loads of gigs coming up this year regular lunch time favourite – can’t beat g and I’m really looking forward to seein a bit of takeaway pizza at your desk, and Lady Gaga, Kiss, Rihanna and of course I pretty much always want take out pizza the lovely JLS boys … hmmm; plus Kelly after a gig night.” r! Clarkson….Mamma Mia and X Facto
CONTENTS
4-6: Albert Dock – Waterside dining and elegant bars in Grade 1 listed splendour, plus the biggest music venue in town. 7: Liverpool One – The hottest new nightspots in a new after dark quarter all of its own. 8: Mathew Street – Tread those famous steps and celebrate the Fab Four. 9: Brunswick Street and beyond – The old centre of banking and trading is now home to a thriving foodie scene. 10: Victoria Street – WAG heaven and great pubs galore. 11-13: The old Ropewalks – This district is home to some of the our best bars. 14: Concert Square – Party central among the city’s weekend capital. 15: Bold Street – Quirky eateries, cool bars and indie stylings along a city favourite. 16: Hardman Street and Upper Parliament Street – Great live music and stylish bars mix student chic with the young professionals. 17: Student quarter – University venues that appeal to all. 18&19: Hope Street – Culture vultures love this arty heaven, with a gourmet flavour. 20&21: Lime Street – The area around the station is home to an eclectic mix. 22&23: Suburban havens – A flavour of the after dark offering all around Merseyside.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
3
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat
THE NIGHTLIFE THAT PUTS THE LIVE! IN LIVERPOOL Supplement written and researched by JADE WRIGHT
Whatever your tastes, be it fine dining or a real ale boozer, there is something in Liverpool for you
F
ROM the heady days of the Cavern, through the dance years at Cream, the Albert Dock’s resurgence and now the ECHO arena and Liverpool One, this is a city that has always come alive after dark. By day we are a thriving business city but it’s at night, when Liverpool lets its hair down that the real magic begins. Part of that comes from the fact that while there are distinct areas that come alive in the evenings, there is no real segregation within them. Uber-cool clubs sit alongside family restaurants, theatres nestle cheek by jowl with old fashioned ale houses. A stone’s throw from the rehearsal rooms The Zutons and The Wombats share with the city’s up-and-coming unsigned acts lies Cains Brewery. A short stagger from the WAGtastic bars of Victoria Street lies Mathew Street, the top spot on the itineraries of the thousands of tourists who make the pilgrimage to get their pictures taken next to the statue of John Lennon, buy a souvenir or wander down the steps of the Cavern Club, the place where it all began. Mathew Street in 2010 seems worlds away from the dingy sidestreet of legend, and mixed in with the salty breeze from the Atlantic is an unmistakable sense of optimism. Liverpool is a small city, easily navigable on foot. In minutes you can stroll from the Pier Head to the Philharmonic Hall via the neoclassical splendours of St George’s Hall, passing scores of
venues on your way. The problem is choosing which to visit… So, for this guide to Liverpool’s best nights out, we’ve grouped the venues not by type, but by location. So rather than reading about all the bars in one section, the music venues in another and the restaurants somewhere else, allow us to be your guide on a stroll around the city centre on a night out. We couldn’t possibly include every one, this is just a flavour of what’s
out there. If you have favourites we’ve not listed, I’d love to hear all about them.
Drop me a note to: Jade Wright, Liverpool ECHO, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB, and we’ll do our best to include them next time we do something like this. In the meantime, sit back and read about some of our favourites in the city and further afield. Then let’s raise a glass to our after dark scene. Cheers.
Any 2 Courses Plus a Bottle of Wine Per Person for just £19.95 ALBERT DOCK LIVERPOOL
OFFER AVAILABLE SUN 6pm - THURS 10pm (Subject to Terms and Conditions)
Reserve your table by calling 0151 709 0470 See website for further details w w w . c i r c o l i v e r p o o l . c o m
4 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . .
My top tips . . .
JAMES MCGORY is the owner of Vinea, one of the city’s finest hidden gems. But what’s his favourite tucked away bar? “For us the hidden gem of Liverpool’s nightlife is Studio 2 at Parr St Studios,” says James. “The décor is opulent, the beers are great and the atmosphere is chilled. “The best wine bar with the best night time view has to be on the Albert Dock on clear night with the lights reflecting in the water. Where better to enjoy this view a than from the comfort of Vinea with d!” boar se chee a and wine of bottle How about for dinner and dancing?
T
HE Albert Dock area offers a feast of entertainment after dark. Whether you want culture, clubs or a bite to eat in the sunshine, there’s somewhere for you at the converted dock buildings. Vinea is a hidden gem. With good service, a superb wine list, and delicious food, it’s a specialist wine bar and shop, with big red and black sofas and paintings of pop culture icons dotted around. Marilyn Monroe smiles down from one wall and a huge array of wine bottles on wooden shelves invite you to sample them. It’s is one of a growing breed of places happy to serve you just drinks or drinks and food, calling itself a wine bar, coffee bar and deli and staying open until 11pm most nights. It’s all table service, which is a good thing as the menu is extensive, with lots of food and drinks to choose from, including an impressive list of snacks to order. They do a large cheese board platter to share (£10.95), with a great array of hard and soft speciality cheeses, served with grapes, olives, fresh bread and olive oil. The cheapest wine will set you back just £4.99 for a take-out bottle of delicious 2006 Chilean Malbec, but if you’re feeling flush they do a 2003 Robert Monday Opus One for £185. If you want to drink it in the restaurant, it will cost an extra £6 per bottle corkage. If you’re not sure what you want, or just fancy something new, their sommeliers are on hand to advise you. ● Vinea, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock,
0151-707 8962. Circo goes from strength to strength. Part
Their brilliant wine dispenser gives you “The ultimate place to eat s the opportunity to try top end wine le re is 60 Hope Street. If you’ le bott who the get to g havin out with lucky enough to get a table on hand and there is always a sommelier on a Saturday you are in for a to guide you. very special experience. “If it’s a pub quiz you’re after, check Unrivalled food and superb the Cambridge on Sunday evenings. out t as wines are on offer. Clare Dooley hosts a quiz with a twis . “When it comes to live right s card your play and o well as bing music we love the eclectic free to enter and you even get chips mix of jazz, salsa and acoustic It’s ay through! The only downside is halfw acts that can be found at quiz only runs during university term Hannah’s on Leece Street. It’s the s. a place where you can sit and time “And finally, when the night is ending w enjoy the music plus get up and thro the inevitable midnight snack is and some shapes.” ing, we like to take advantage of loom on Where’s the best place to meet having so many Chinese restaurants friends for a drink? to a perfect end ect perf A . hand stic fanta “Apart from ourselves, a Liverpool evening.” at place to educate your wine palate is et. Stre k swic Brun on se Noble Hou
ROCK AROUND circus, part freakshow, it’s the only venue in the city with a 10ft Polar Bear. Go along for their Freakshow nights, complete with fire eaters, stilt walkers, snake charmers and a host of other wonderful and weird things. It’s a celeb favourite, with Ross Kemp, Joe Calzaghe, Coleen Rooney, Jennifer Ellison, Alex Curran, Sophie Anderton and the Liverpool and Everton players often spotted there. Vernon Kay has DJed and Beyonce chose it as the venue for her private party after the
Mark Farrell, chef of the Blue bar and grill, above; the launch party of Circo bar and restaurant, and, far right, Graham Kirk, Gusto’s head chef
Liverpool’s Premier Dinner & Live Music Venue
Overall Winner Best Bar None 2009/10 5 Stars Food Hygiene
Local Prices – Don’t Get Ripped Off In The City Dinner & Live Entertainment Every Friday
Regular Bands Include - Roxy Magic, Bee Gees Fever, Band With No Name, Soul Patrol, Junior Parker, Asa Murphy, plus Many More 3 Course Meal & Table For The Night From £18.95 Perfect For Every Celebration! SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DATES & FULL DETAILS
2 For £10 On Selected Bar Meals Available Plus Full Bar Meals Available New Restaurant Menu Now Available ~ £12.95 for 2 Courses (£14.95 Saturday) ~ Sunday Carvery £8.50
MTV Europe Music Awards. It holds 750 and Executive Chef Stephen Hampton does a great Fillet of Manx beef, pan basted, served with baby vegetables, mushroom gratin potatoes & rich veal jus (£24.95). They do a bargain two-course menu from Sunday – Thursday for £19.95 per person including of bottle of wine each. Ask nicely and head barman Bradleigh Woods will make you a Candy Floss Martini (£6.60), or if you’re feeling flush, try the Ace of Spades Champagne at an eye-watering
BOOK NOW FOR VALENTINE’S & MOTHER’S DAY Function Room Available For Up To 150 Persons
Barbacoa, 47-51 Mersey View, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 6QA ~ 0151-924-0445 www.labarbacoa.co.uk
★★★★
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat The Albert Dock in moonlight Picture: JASON ROBERTS
THE DOCKS
the Jammie Dodger Shooter (£3.50). ● Blue Bar & Grill, Edward Pavilion, Albert
Dock, 0151-702 5831. What’s Cooking was the first restaurant to
£350 per bottle. ● Circo, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Doc,
0151-709 0470.
Former tobacco warehouse Gusto serves delicious Italian-inspired food day and night. Exec Chef Graham Kirk whips up a mean salt baked seabass with orange & fennel (£14.95), and The Griffin Pizza, combines homemade stonebaked dough topped with roast chicken, pepperoni, roasted red onions, sliced chilli and mozzarella (£8.95). The Grade I listed building retains the original vaulted brick ceilings with stone floors. It can seat between 260-400, but the cosy intimate lighting and warm welcome makes it feel homely. Head barman Martin Knowles knocks up a fab English Bellini, Prosseco with pear puree and Manzana Verde (£5.95), and his Mardi Gras is a riot of fruit flavours on a lemon base, Ketel One Citron vodka, fresh raspberries, fresh pressed apple juice and passion fruit (£6.95). Celebrity diners include David Gest, Bill Nighy, Henry Winkler, John Simm, Ewan Brennan, Kyron Bracken, Julie Christie, Liz McClarnon, and it’s a regular haunt for Liverpool and Everton players.
● Gusto, Edward Pavilion, Albert Dock, 0151-709 6969. Blue Bar & Grill plays host to a season of
great live music. Housed in the traditional exposed brickwork of the iconic Albert Dock, their Live Lounge nights have showcased Beverley Craven, Finley Quaye and next month Chesney Hawkes, as well as a host of up-and-coming talent. The restaurant seats 200 and altogether it
holds 750, so there’s always a buzz about the place. Executive Chef Mark Farrell does a great Grilled Gressingham Duck Breast (£15.95) and they’re well known for their Fillet Steak (£22.95) and Rack of Lamb (£17.95). Head bartender Joanna Elkin serves Corona (£3.40), Grey Goose Vodka & Cranberry Juice (£3.40) and a deliciously zingy Mojito (£6.50), but for a real treat, try
open in the Albert Dock in 1985 and is now back again. In celebration of their heritage, every Monday night they have their original 80s menu – with its original 80s prices. But while Mondays may be retro, the rest of the week is bang up to date, with bands including You me at Six, Hollywood Undead, Super Furry Animals, Carmine Appice, Rubella and Gay Blades all taking to the stage. There’s a sense of the place’s history too, with 200-year-old exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings and stone floors Head chef Simon James does slow roasted ribs (£5.75), Hereford grass fed 100% beef burgers (£8) and sizzling fajitas (£10.95). Bar Manager Leon Lates serves Cains speciality beers (£3.75), Malandrino Pinot Grigio wine (£14 a bottle), Island Breeze cocktail (£2.99). Victoria Wood, Mikel Arteta, Fernando Torres, and Xabi Alonso have all been spotted in those famous red leather booths. And, fact-lovers, did you know that all the Pillars around the dock are orange except the pillars outside What’s Cooking which are grey. The reason for this is that after opening Britannia Pavilion in 1840 Prince Albert moored his boat there and wanted the pillars to be different from the rest of the dock. ● What’s Cooking, Britannia Pavilion, Albert
Dock, 0151-707 2023.
Angels
opening times: Mon-Thurs 8pm-2am Fri & Sat 2pm-4pm
V.I.P. Bar
21 Old Hall Street opening times: Wed-Thurs 9pm-6am Fri-Sat 6pm-6am • Sun 8pm-4am
Visist: www.angelsliverpool.co.uk Paradise Bar, 18 Cumberland St. Liverpool, L60 6BU • Phone: 0151 236 0236
Specialising in: Stag nights, business functions and office parties
5
6 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . .
DISCO FUN IS AN ART FORM F
OR big gigs from even bigger names, the ECHO arena is the place to be. Housed in an award-winning building beside the Albert Dock and the world-famous Liverpool waterfront, the 11,000-capacity ECHO arena opened in January 2008 with the launch event for Liverpool: European Capital of Culture. It has since played host to a string of international events, including the MTV Europe Music Awards, BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Cirque du Soleil, concert performances Elton John, Bob Dylan, Pink, Kings of Leon, Oasis and Beyoncé. ● Echo Arena Liverpool, Monarchs
Quay, Liverpool, L3 4FP, www.echoarena.com
On the last Thursday of every month, Tate Liverpool opens its doors until 9pm for an evening of music, events, food and drink. Recent events include the fabulous Night Fever, which saw the gallery transported to the 1970s with a silent disco dancefloor gallery space by Wayne Hemingway and his son Jack, and an arty party where fancy dress was a must. Tate Cafe serves a delicious dinner menu at the late events too. Culture, food and good company. What more do you want? ● Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock,
Liverpool, L3 4BB, 0151 702 7400, www.tate.org.uk The PanAm is a mixture of
traditional and contemporary fare, with a variety of modern British and European influences, offering a choice of simple drinks, a bistro menu, an extensive a la carte menu or a pre concert menu. Guests can expect a diverse entertainment offering; those opting for a more relaxing evening can chill out in one of the intimate booths. Or, bring your dancing shoes and have fun to some of the regular live music on offer. Plus, if you go before or after an ECHO arena show, they'll give you 20% off your bill. All you need to do is show your ticket.
● PanAm, The Albert Dock Liverpool, L3 4AE, 0151 702 5840, www.panam-venue.co.uk The new kid on the Dock, Portico Cantina & Bar holds 250 downstairs
Night Fever disco saw the Tate Liverpool gallery transported to the 1970s with a silent disco dancefloor; above right, the ECHO arena is one of the new gems of the city waterfront
Main picture: GARETH JONES
and 50 upstairs. This waterside venue draws upon its maritime heritage to bring an exciting new addition to the docks. Executive chef John Tamila does a dreamy pan roast organic salmon fillet with sunblush tomato and olive cous cous (£12.95). A must try for vegetarians is the Grilled Roast Vegetable & Chickpea Patty (£6.95). At the bar try the Al Cappucchino (£5.95). This tipple goes down a storm with coffee lovers, with Martell VS Cognac, Cartron
Chocolate Liqueur, condensed milk, fresh cream and grated Belgian chocolate. The Shango Mojito (£8.95) is made with Bacardi, Velvet Falernum, fresh mint, sugar syrup and soda water, topped off with a Goslings Black Seal float. Shango is the Cuban God of Thunder and Debauchery, so the team at Portico thought it was only fitting to create a Mojito in his name. Legend has it, that anyone who consumes one of Shango’s sacred Mojito’s may one day possess his powers. Well, it's got to be worth a try... ● Portico Cantina & Bar, Albert
Dock, 0151 706 7400, www.porticocantina.co.uk
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
7
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat
YOU CAN BE ONE OF THE IN CROWD Wirat Sutthamma, head chef at Thai restaurant, Chaophraya. Inset: Cocktails at the Pima Bar in The Hilton Hotel Main picture: JAMES MALONEY
W
ITH more than 160 famous high street stores, ultra-hip fashion brands, cool independent boutiques, a cinema, cafés and restaurants, Liverpool One is a must see destination by day. But by night, it’s something special too, with a clutch of uber cool bars and restaurants. James Myers, head barman at Pima in Liverpool's new Hilton hotel (0151 708 4200), specialises in marvellous mojitos, beautiful Bellinis and cracking caipirinhas. There’s live music and DJs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and their bar snacks are to die for. Casanova caviar (£90) offers Bellini’s, soured cream, chopped egg and Belvedere vodka. Pima Prive is the intimate VIP area curtained off from the main bar – it needs to be booked, but it’s like having your own mini night club – and comes with your very own cocktail waiter. It’s becoming a celeb mecca, but as you can expect with any Hilton Hotel, discretion is everything. However, you can be sure to spot a famous face or two in a bar like Pima. The name Pima Bar is taken from a traditional form of high quality cotton influenced by the history in the cotton trade in Liverpool. The interior of the bar picks up on the cotton trade in its design, with glass wall panels etched with cotton flowers with real cotton embedded in the design, to the light fittings which represent cotton flowers. If you’re looking for somewhere stylish to eat, look no further than The Exchange at Hilton Liverpool. Exec chef Matthew Burns has sourced the menu from a 40 mile radius, offering the
My top tips . . .
VINCENT CLINCKEMAILLIE, Food and Beverage Manager at Hilton Liverpool Vincent is responsible for day to day operation of The Exchange Restaurant and Pima Bar. He was born in France and has worked for Hilton in London and Milan, but loves his new adopted home town. What's your after dark hidden gem in Merseyside? – it “Vinea wine bar on the Albert Dock has an amazing choice of drinks and cheese boards. I love to walk along the River Mersey, from the Albert Dock todo Otterspool is my favourite, although I also like to see the Liverpool One big . wheel lit up at night, it’s very romantic “Chavasse Park has some great bars andn restaurants and now of course the Hilto
finest north west cuisine. The cotton trade which had its foundations in the site, which once was home to the Customs House of the old Port of Liverpool and is the inspiration for naming the restaurant The Exchange. The restaurant seats 140, and we love the Goosnargh chicken breast, crispy leg with creamed cabbage, Formby mushroom and shallot sauce (£14.95). As you would expect, Hilton has an extensive wine list to please all tastes, the cocktail menu is serviced by Pima Bar, whose speciality is the Martini Flight, a trio of martinis served on a slate, just oozes style. ● Hilton Hotel, 3 Thomas Steers Way,
Liverpool One, 0151-708 4200. Just over Chavasse Park, Chaophraya is
stunning – a tank of goldfish preside over the entrance, and huge chandeliers hang from the ceiling. A new-ish addition to the scene, it’s a fab Thai restaurant. The ladies and gents’ toilets are separated by another giant fishtank, so the women can watch the men primp and preen themselves while they wash their hands. But it’s the menu at Chaophraya that’s the
Liverpool, but I like Palm Sugar as it is very sophisticated.” What's your favourite club/club night? “Cream at Nation is always a special occasion.” Where's the best place to eat in the evenings? “The Exchange Restaurant Hilton Liverpool of course! I have found it to hard match.” h What's your favourite place to catc live music? “It has to be The Cavern Club, the atmosphere is electric, they play old and I new music and being new to the City , I love the Beatles Tribute bands, I know am still a tourist.” What's your favourite place for a quiet drink?
real star. The Chaophraya mixed vegetarian appetisers (£5 each, with a minimum of two people) is sublime. Similarly the gaeng panang tao hou (£7), the famous Thai red curry with kaffir lime leaves and coconut milk will have your mouth watering. ● Chaophraya, 5-6 Kenyon Steps, Liverpool
One, 0151-707 6323. The adjoining Palm Sugar Lounge is as
sweet as the name suggests. The new bar is a decadent mix of far eastern culture and design with classic New York style cocktail bar action. The slick long running bar is like a runway from the main entrance, taking in bright colours and mirrored walls to create an aura of a space twice its size. On one side is the bar, staffed with an army of experienced shakers and makers – which means you're never left waiting for a drink. On the other the floor to ceiling windows offer incredible views across the city's docks and waterfront while also suck in tons of natural light and thrilling sunsets. Outside the Sugar Lounge boasts an alfresco seating/ drinking area – we’re just waiting for the warm weather so we can make the most of it.
back “Lark Lane is my favourite, it is so laid and relaxed, I like Maranto’s, full of personality.” Where does the best drinks? ous “Pima Bar Hilton Liverpool has a fabulwould cocktail called The Martini Flight; you e be hard pressed to find anyone with mor passion for cocktails, than James the manager of Pima Bar. a “I love the wines in Vinea, they have suchnd range it’s amazing, you can drink all arou the world.” Can you recommend any good pub quizzes? “The Ship and Mitre, it’s like being on Mastermind!” s At the end of the night, where doe y? awa the best take ate “It has to be the Lobster pot! The ultim Liverpool Chippy.”
Their cocktails are all winners, but it’d be rude not to try their cognac-rich Liverpool One. Maybe one to save for after a Lottery win is the house signature cocktail – the Bangkok Slip, at a cool £10,000 a throw. Ouch. ● Palm Sugar Lounge, 5-6 Kenyon Steps,
Liverpool One, 0151-707 6654. Zeligs is the brainchild of Rob Gutmann,
the man behind Korova, Alma de Cuba, Circo and Raven. It’s tucked deep in the foundations of the city’s £1bn shopping development. There is no attempt to hide the giant concrete structure overhead and you can still see the spray-painted arrows which helped a legion of builders put Liverpool One together. Their specialities include shell clams wedged with salty strips of pancetta and Tabasco herbed butter (£4.95) and seared venison with pappardelle in a wild mushroom sauce and pea shoots (£15.95). It’s also a music venue – Echo and the Bunnymen singer Ian McCulloch did three nights there last year, and they often have live bands to entertain the diners. If music be the food of love, play on... ● Zeligs, 8 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool
One, 0151-709 7097.
The Slaughterhouse Pub
Come and spend the weekend with us
Friday 12th Feb - The Real Deal 10pm Saturday 13th February - De-Coy 10pm Valentines Day - Sunday 14th February Yozzers Special Karaoke *Sing to the one you love and get two free glasses of Bubbly from Gary! 5pm onwards • Comedy Club 8pm-10pm (call for more information)
Fenwick St, Liverpool, L12 7LS - Tel: 0151 236 0704
8 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . .
My top tips . . .
Craig Ollerhead, sous chef, at Blakes restaurant in the Hard Days Night hotel, North John Street; below: Mathew Street is a thriving night spot
F
ROM the heady days of the Cavern, through Eric’s, and now a host of bars and clubs, Mathew Street is a hive of activity after dark. It’s the top spot on the itineraries of the thousands of tourists who make the pilgrimage to get their pictures taken next to the statue of John Lennon, buy a souvenir or wander down the steps of the Cavern Club. Wander along and listen as music wafts from the many pubs and bars hosting the stars of the future in return for a few quid and a pint of Cains. You really ought to stop off for a pint in The Grapes. This is where the Fab Four drank in their Cavern-playing days. The evidence remains in a 1962 photograph taken of John, Paul, George… and Pete Best, as they relaxed after one particular gig. You may even bump into their old promoter Sam Leech in the back room.
John Keats, Events and Marketing for The Cavern What's your after dark hidden gem in Merseyside? t. “It has to be Bar Italia on Castle Streeby It’s a traditional Italian restaurant run the legendary Franco! I recently had a business lunch there which lasted till 11.30pm so it is definitely an after dark hidden gem. ne “But the one place I'd recommend anyo l. edra Cath ican Angl the is night to see by the It’s impressive enough in the day but in evening it is breathtaking.” What's your favourite night time view? “The Panoramic Restaurant is hard to beat for general night time views of el Liverpool, but I have to say the big whe rds towa view the and One pool at Liver
that the Albert Dock was impressive. Not you would get me up on the wheel, myhter five year old son and six year old daug enjoyed it though.” What's your favourite club/club night? “At the Cavern we have regular indie club/live music nights with a London ned promoter Jar Music. The best in unsig bands and DJs from all over the UK. Also our Imagine Live nights are great club nights, live on the internet from the Cavern.” the Where's the best place to eat in evenings? “I would always have said Ziba at the Racquet Club which is always excellent British Cuisine, great wines and top One service, but Chaophraya at Liverpool has converted me to Thai Cuisine.
ENJOY A HARD DAY’S NIGHT OUT!
Buy him a pint and he’ll tell you all you ever wanted to know about Liverpool’s most famous sons. ● The Grapes, 25 Mathew Street,
Liverpool, 0151-255 1525 Then there’s the White Star, just
around the corner. This former 19th Century ships’ chandlers is named after the great shipping company The White Star Line, and The Beatles were known to frequent the back room – just have a look at their nameplates on the chairs.
● The White Star, 2 Rainford Gardens,
Liverpool, 0151-231-6861.
Beatles fans will love the Hard Days Night hotel. It’s a grade II listed Victorian
building with a modern Beatles inspired twist. It’s the world’s only Beatle-themed hotel and worth visiting for their superb lifesize photographs that adorn the walls. Their restaurant, Blakes, is named after Sir Peter Blake, the artist who created the artwork for the Beatles’ famous
Beautiful flavours and the design and ambience is second to none.” What's your favourite place for a quiet drink? “It has to be my local in Crosby, The Crow’s Nest. Proper old style pub. r. I “But for cocktails it has to be Palm Suga strongly recommend the Brandy Separator which is actually off menu but an absolute classic served perfectly and drunk in moderation (2-3 max!).” s At the end of the night, where doe the best takeaway? hit “The Lobster Pot chippie never fails tofor a ing look are you if ever, How ! the spot I late night meal with a bit more class, would head over to Blundell Street Restaurant & Bar to grab a late night ” snack and enjoy one of their live acts.
St Peppers album cover. They do a superb Strawberry Fields cocktail – fresh strawberries crushed with lemon thyme herbs and sugar syrup, shaken with large measure of grass-infused vodka taken from the original site of Strawberry Fields and finished with a grind of fresh pepper. It’s £8.95, or take advantage of their 2 for 1 offer until 7pm every day. If you’re feeling peckish, Blakes has 72 covers, and head chef Andy Scott does a mean duck duo with roast breast of duck and smoked duck bon-bon, served with grain mustard potato and sweet plum reduction (£19.95) It’s a regular haunt for Liverpool and Everton football players, and Nickelback ate there last month when they stayed at the hotel. ● Hard Days Night hotel, 41 North John
Street, Liverpool, 0151-236 1964.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat
T
HE Malmaison bar and brasserie has played host to Guy Ritchie, Gordon Ramsay, Westlife, Take That, Katie Price, Coleen Rooney and Alex Curran, Lulu, Anastacia, Jean Pierre Novelle, Marco Pierre White, Rhianna, Suagbabes , Natasha Hamilton, Alisha Dixon, Kelly Brook and David Gest. Not that we’re keeping count. It’s slinky, sexy chic and stylish – a great place to pop into for a drink. Chris Fitsimmons does dreamy cocktails that change daily, we love their Cosmo, BoConcept Cocktail, Blackforest Martini, Margarita, The Plum and the Mal Brulee (all £7.95). If all that drinking has given you an appetite, chef Adam Townsley does top steak onglet frites (£10), Cains beer battered fish and chips (£13.95), pizza by the foot (£8.95) and traditional Scouse (£10.95). Feeling hungry? Us too... ● Malmaison, 7 William Jessop
IT’S THE HEIGHT OF FASHION
Way, Liverpool, 0151-229 5000.
Fancy a dining room with a view? Try the stunning Panoramic, Britain’s highest restaurant. It’s the best way to see the city, and over to North Wales, Southport and Manchester. As the restaurant is approximately 300ft above sea level there is no gas allowed in the building so Chef Chris Marshall has to cook everything in water-baths. He takes it all in his stride. The food is legendary – their rabbit saddle with red wine ragu and roasted carrots (£23) has won them a host of fans. Along with their extensive cocktail list, Panoramic serves some exclusive beers from around the world including Hebridean Gold, an ale brewed from porridge oats on the Isle of Skye, and Val-Dieu, a blonde beer from Belgium But book early, they only seat 52 and they have a devoted fan base. Celebrity diners include Kanye West, Liz McClarnon, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Estelle, Kid Rock, The Killers, Bono, Sir Paul McCartney and Katy Perry, but the biggest star is the view. ● Panoramic, West Tower,
Brook Street, Liverpool, 0151-236 5534. The Noble House has to win
the most promising bar and restaurant award of 2010. Still just weeks old, it’s already a
firm favourite on the city scene. But then we’d expect no less from Stuart Ross, the man behind Alma de Cuba, in Seel Street and Portico Cantina and Bar on the Albert Dock, and Rob Preston, of The Living Room. It’s already played host to the Wags – Jude Cisse threw a party there, inviting Jamie Carragher’s wife Nicola, Hollyoaks actresses Carley Stenson and Nathalie Emmanuel, and former Coronation Street star Nikki Sanderson. But then it’s no stranger to the Hollyoaks cast – and Corrie for that matter – when Emma Rigby hosted her leaving party there. Helen Flanagan, who plays Rosie Webster, joined Emma’s co-stars John and Nick Pickard, Andrew Moss, Bronagh Waugh, Ashley Taylor Dawson and Carley Stenson at the bar and restaurant. Noble House is set inside the
famous Heywood building, fusing the discretion of a 1920s speakeasy with the style of a downtown Manhattan restaurant. Inside there’s a “new deco” interior design concept, with a Barlas Baylar-designed chandelier incorporating 2.5-miles of delicate nickel chainmail suspended above a custom-made 16ft long, solid oak dining table. Head chef Dave Critchley recommends the roast Goosenargh duck breast (£18.50) and the meat and fish skewer, which is interwoven with roasted vegetables (£35) The drinks are divine – ask head bartender Conor Foley to mix you a green apple martini – a tribute to the Big Apple itself (£5.50) or a breakfast martini, served with jam toast (£6.95). After hours, indulge in a touch of underground glamour in the secret and discreet
Liz McClarnon in Panoramic, Britain’s highest restaurant; below: The Noble House Main picture: JASON ROBERTS
basement bar La Guarida and get yourself in a New York state of mind as you enjoy some of the best Martinis in the city. ● The Noble House is in
Heywood Building, 5 Brunswick Street, Liverpool, L2 OUU, 0151 236 5346, www.thenoblehouse.co.uk The Restaurant Bar & Grill
serves great, simple dishes in a modern and stylish environment. Eclectic dishes, all of which are freshly prepared and made on the premises by the restaurant's chefs, range from the best Thai green curry we’ve tasted (£15.25) to the more traditional salmon fishcakes, and fillet steak simply grilled. Wines and cocktails are selected from around the world, and are worth a visit on their own. ● Restaurant Bar & Grill,
Brunswick Street, 0151 236 6703, www.therestaurant barandgrill.co.uk.
Liverpool Marina Bar & Grill ✁
Liverpool Marina Bar & Grill- 0151 707 6888 - www.liverpoolmarina.com
February Promotion
2-4-1 ON ALL MAIN MEALS
Purchase any two meals during the month of February and receive the lowest priced meal for free. Please fill in your details below and hand in voucher when making your food purchase Where Did you Hear About Liverpool Marina’s 2-4-1 Offer? ............................................................................................ Name.................................................................................. Address............................................................................... E-Mail Address................................................................... * Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Subject to terms & conditions
Liverpool Marina Bar & Grill- 0151 707 6888- www.liverpoolmarina.com
9
10 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . .
T
HE James Monro on Tithebarn Street is named after the merchant vessel of the same name, which was the first ever scheduled passenger service from Liverpool to the Americas. It’s a must for real ale fans – try the Sweet Chariot or one of their single cask malt whiskeys. Try cask number 1.4 from 1978 (£3.87) and enjoy a smooth, dreamy 32-year-old speciality. Kim Cattrall was spotted there, so it seems to have the Sex and the City stamp of approval. If you’re feeling peckish, it’s a gastropub too. Chef Leigh Harvey does a Bullfighters Pie, with free range British beef, chorizo, olives, tomato, a dash of sherry and butter beans (£10.50) and a 12oz rRibeye steak topped with prawns and a béarnaise sauce, served with homemade chips (£16.50). ● The James Munro, 69 Tithebarn Street,
Lee Lynch with 1970s themed cocktails at the Living Room in Victoria Street. Below: The James Munro in Tithebarn Street Main Picture: ANDREW TEEBAY
Liverpool, 0151-236 9700. Living Room on Victoria Street is a great
night out all in one. Start your night in the restaurant with a delicious meal, from there move on through to night club mosquito where you can dance the night away. It’s chic, upbeat and welcoming, with a guest list other bars would die for – Jordan, Alex Gerrard, Coleen and Wayne Rooney, Westlife, Rio Ferdinand, Dirk Kuyt, Abbey Clancy and Sheree Murphy have all been spotted there, and Paolo Nutini, Chris De Burgh, Jamie Cullum, Blake and China Crisis have all played there. The Club below the Living Room, Mosquito, used to be the famous SHE club. Try head bartender Zeljko Sunjar’s fresh strawberries and basil muddled and then shaken with Gran Marnier, Chamborde and cranberry juice and finished with a hint of freshly ground black pepper (£6.95). In the restaurant, enjoy beer battered Whitby cod and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce (£12.95) and Thai red chicken curry served with steamed rice (£11.95). ● The Living Room, 15 Victoria Street,
Liverpool, 0151-236 1999. The Slaughterhouse is the perfect setting
for comedy. With a friendly atmosphere and an intimate performance space, it’s the perfect place to see the stars of tomorrow. The downstairs space first became a comedy venue in 2004 and has played host to famous faces such as Mark Thomas, Dara O’Briain, Alan Carr, Tommy Tiernan, Justin Moorhouse (Phoenix Nights) and Jason Manford (8 Out Of 10 Cats). Each show features two headline comedians, a compère, and a promising newcomer, as local as possible. It’s £10 a ticket on Fridays and £12 a ticket on Saturday, and the door policy is pretty much ‘be nice, or go home’. After the show you can party until the early hours with a free shot and live music upstairs. It also does one of the best pints of Guinness in Liverpool, so we would suggest buying tickets early. ● The Slaughterhouse, Fenwick Street, 0151
227 5946.
WAG hangout and celeb favourite Newz Bar has made a real name for itself in the city.
The revamped Water Street venue attracts capacity crowds each weekend. Those who
WHERE THE STARS WILL MAKE ROOM FOR YOU . . .
want to see and be seen line up at the mile-long marble bar, while those who are trying not to be seen party the night away in private booths. The restaurant upstairs, which doubles as a VIP area, sells bubbly by the box load at weekends, although the fridges are also well stocked with beer for every taste, and the cocktail menus are fully loaded with options. ● Newz Bar, 18 Water Street, L2 8TD,
Neil Fitzmaurice and Keith Carter launching a new comedy night at the Slaughterhouse
0151 236 2025, www.newzbar.co.uk
Rose & Crown 7 Cheapside (off Dale Street)
ALL NEW WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT 8 til late
DJ & KARAOKE Friday & Saturday Nights with the fantastic
RAY FUREY
Check out our new website www.roseandcrownliverpool.co.uk
EXTENSIVE NEW MENU After a refurbishment, our kitchen is now open! Monday - Curry Evening Curry, Rice & Naan Bread Thursday - Steak Night 8oz Rump Steak, Sliced Tomato, Mushrooms, Peas & Chips, 5-8pm Sunday Roasts
★★★★
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
11
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat Chef Scott Gavin prepares pan fried cutlets and confit shoulder with crushed peas and baby carrots at The Monro, Duke Street; below: Alma de Cuba in Seel Street
YOU MAY BECOME A CONVERT A
LMA de Cuba is set inside the magnificent conversion of the former St Peter’s Catholic Church and many of its ecclesiastical fittings still remain, including the original altar, stained glass windows and marble plaques. A multi award winning restaurant and bar, it plays host to 450 in the bar and 200 in the restaurant, making it one of the bigger and better nightspots in the city. The menu is influenced by spices and flavours from around the world, particularly Caribbean, Spanish and Latin American. Some of the most popular dishes include starter confit duck and spring rolls with black plum, tomato and chilli jam (£6.95) and main dish king prawn pil pil (£12.95) made with care by head chef John Tamila. Alex Hannah oversees the bar, renowned for its innovative cocktail list, favourites include Victoria’s Secret – Wyborowa vodka, Giffard blackberry liqueur, Gilard wild strawberry liqueur, fresh strawberries, cranberry juice and black pepper – (£5.95) and Mai Tais Appleton VX rum, XM 5yr rum,
Cointreau, Velvet Falernum, almond and pomegranate syrups, fresh orange, lime and pineapple juices – (£6.95). Bands including 6ix Toys, The Maybes? + John Power, The Aeroplanes, The Great Northwestern Hoboes, Hey Tourists! and The Mojave Collective have all played there, and it’s a great venue for live music. The spirit of the church is kept alive with the Sunday service gospel brunch, where diners can relax to the soothing sounds of live gospel choir, Soulful Voices. ● Alma de Cuba, Seel Street,
Liverpool, 0151 702 7394, www.alma-de-cuba.com.
FOR a night to remember, head to clubbing Mecca Nation in Wolstenholme Square. Presided over by Penelope, a massive twisted organic looking piece of Jorge Pardo public art, it has been home to Cream, Medication and Chibuku nights, among many, many others. Inside it’s an Alice in Wonderland of a club, with dancing spread over three rooms, each of varying shape and size. The visuals and lighting
system are great, and logos spin and slide across the dark walls. It holds thousands, but don’t let that fool you, there’s normally a queue outside, especially for the more popular events. ● Nation, Wolstenholme
Square, Liverpool.
Around the corner, The Monro does great comfort food.
Treat yourself to fish and chips, or cod loin with beer butter and homemade chips and tartar sauce, in their new luxury dining room upstairs, or enjoy a pint of Cross Buttock real ale and Jennings Sneck Lifter, their tasty dark beer derived from the use of coloured malts. It’s a real winter treat, with a cosy, homely feel and lots of roaring fires. Pete Doherty was spotted downing pints of Guinness with double shots of port mixed in, but normally the clientele is a little more refined. ● The Monro, 92 Duke Street,
Liverpool, 0151-707 9933, www.themonro.com.
Blundell Street
VALENTINE’S DAY
3-Course Lunch £20
Mellow sounds from Phil Mason on Piano
Thurs 11th February
LEE J HARRIS
is Michael Buble
3-Course Dinner £30 Live music from Mike McCardle with songs from Rat Pack era and lots more
Fri 12th February
COLIN GIBSON
From “Stars in your Eyes” From Rat Pack to Soul
Sat 13th February
CHRIS BROWNE
with Classic Soul Motown
the supper club
THURSDAY 25th FEBRUARY
TAKE THAT/WESTLIFE TRIBUTE The premier boy band tribute show from the Soultown Singers – BOOK EARLY 2-Course Dinner £15.95 Or Bar Ticket £5
Blundell Street, Liverpool L1 OAJ (Opp Echo Arena) Reservations 0151 709 5779 • Website: www.blundellstreetliverpool.com
12 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . . Part cinema, part art gallery and part performance space, FACT is something of a Liverpool institution. Main picture: The cafe at FACT. Bottom: Young KOF performing at Zanzibar as part of the Mathew Street Festival
My top tips . . . DAVE PICHILINGI, festival director for Liverpool Sound City As the man behind one of the hottest festivals in the world, Dave certainly . knows his way around the city’s hotspots “Avoid the tourist traps and get off the straight and narrow,” says Dave. “Through Liverpool Sound City we bring ts in people from all over the world. Artis y and music business people are constantl telling us how much they love Liverpool and cannot wait to get back. Many of them have their own unique stories about Liverpool people and places that they have encountered when taking a chance on a pub, club or venue off the beaten track.” So what’s Dave’s favourite hidden gem? “The Roscoe Head pub. It is a great place to escape to after work – kind of like
N
OT so long ago, when the port was the trading lifeblood of Liverpool, the backstreets of the Ropewalks were used to make the miles of rope for the ships in the nearby
docks. Now the creative sector – and a host of superb bars, restaurants, music venues and clubs stand tall among the remnants of the area’s past. Part cinema, part art gallery and part performance space, FACT is something of a Liverpool institution. Situated on the site of a former tea warehouse, the centre for Film, Art and Creative Technology (or FACT, as it’s known to its mates) is the result of a partnership between the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology and City Screen, operator of the Picturehouse cinema network. It not only provides space for temporary exhibitions of film, video and new media art, but also has three cinema screens showing arthouse and independent film. And the bar is to die for. Along with fortnightly film quizzes, it hosts monthly poetry evenings, and offers a selection of board games for your entertainment. And, because it is fully licensed throughout the building, you can enjoy your drinks in the cinemas. Bliss. ● FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1
4DQ, 0151 707 4444, www.fact.co.uk. Zanzibar is the bar that launched The
Coral and The Zutons – it features a host of live music every night.
hanging out in your nan’s. It’s a tiny place full of character and characters. “The most amazing place to see the city is the Panoramic Restaurant on the 34th floor of the Beetham Tower skyscraper. The food is great but the views are even better. You can get a table and look out over the breathtaking Liverpool skyline. “My favourite club night still has to be Chibuku. I don't get there as often as I used to. It still holds a specialfor place in my heart as I was responsible bringing Chibuku to the Masque many moons ago. I think Richard McGuinness to is a great promoter and has managed keep it fresh and exciting. “Up there with Richard is Revo from Korova and Sound City. I think when
LET THIS NEW QUARTER ROPE YOU IN
It’s popular with everyone from students to the more mature music lover, and Noel Gallagher has even been known to pop along for the occasional impromptu gig. It’s not quite as exotic as the name sounds – there doesn’t seem to be an African theme – but it’s a fantastic bar and venue nonetheless. The studiously understated clientele are a friendly bunch, and on any given night you’ll hear a mixture of indie-rock, electro and funk. The Zanzi, as it’s known to its friends, has regular band nights, where acts turn promoters for the evening and join together to put on a bill of
likeminded artists, but more often than not, there’s a bigger band in, with support from local acts. Either way, the standard is normally high, and it’s well worth a visit for any music fan. ● The Zanzibar Club, 43 Seel Street,
Liverpool, L1 4AZ, 0151 707 0633, www.thezanzibarclub.com
If you fancy something a bit more hectic, head down to packed muso favourite The Masque, formerly the Barfly. With three spaces and live music every night, promoter Paula Stewart takes bookings from signed and unsigned bands from all over the world,
people look back in 20 years time Revo will be talked about in the same way as Roger Eagle and Eric’s. He has been responsible for shaping and changing the sound of Liverpool over the last 10 years. The man has platinum ears! “My favourite place in town to eat is Puschka. The food, service and ambience is the best you get anywhere in the world. Out of town I am also a big fan of Kinsellas on Rose Lane. There’s nowhere better to escape, read the in paper and have the best big breakfast Liverpool. “My favourite place for a quiet drink is Sakara on Aigburth Road. It's a stone’s throw from my front door. It has no telly on and no music. It is a great place to go your own and just unwind.”
although competition for slots is tough. Head down for good drinks with good music and some very rock n roll cocktails – and to see the hottest new talent. Brand New Heavies, Marina & The Diamonds, The Maybes? and Roots Manuva have all played there. It’s also home to club nights Circus and Chibuku. There tend to be just as many musicians in the audience too – Pete Doherty, The Wombats and Miles Kane are all often spotted there – and the Wags can’t get enough of their music, as Masque revellers Coleen Rooney and Alex Curran will tell you. But it’s not one for the faint hearted – the Masque is one of the most haunted buildings in Liverpool. Lots of ghosts have been spotted here, and there are plenty of scary stories. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. .. ● The Masque, 90 Seel Street,
Liverpool, L1 4BH, 0151 707 6171, www.masque-liverpool.com. Mello Mello is a gem of a gig
venue. Part cafe, part bar, part venue it’s run by an artistic collective, and as a result, the line-up is fairly alternative. It’s often used during Sound City festival, and for one-off gigs, and does a great line in mellow jazz. Drop in for creative goings on, poetry readings and fabulous cake. ● Mello Mello 40-42 Slater Street
Liverpool, L1 4BX, 0151 707 0898
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
13
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat
FROM COCKTAILS ... TO COLDPLAY
T
HE Chameleon is cocktail heaven. Think a modern Alice in Wonderland, with Pete Clucas, manager and head bartender, at the centre of it all, mixing up his own imaginative cocktail
menu. The Paris Hilton is by far the most popular. Made with fresh strawberry puree, home infused vanilla sugar and aged balsamic vinegar all mixed and reduced down together and then topped up with Venezuelan gold rum, fresh mint, strawberry liqueur and the final touch: pink Champagne. The whole Hollyoaks cast were in last week, with the girls indulging inParis Hiltons. While most of the cocktails are around £5, Chameleon offers a very extravagant £100 Mad Hatters Tea Party cocktail. Served in a large teapot, the drink contains a whole bottle of passion fruit vodka and a whole bottle of rose Champagne. If live music is your thing, check out their Tuesday open mic night. ● Chamelon Bar, 7-9 Back Colquitt Street,
Liverpool, 0151-707 0283. Parr Street is a hub for Liverpool’s music
scene, and the biggest studio in the country outside London. It hosts relaxed acoustic gigs throughout the week, and its award-winning restaurant cooks up a mean Sunday lunch to help you recover from the night before. The studios are run by Echo and the Bunnymen’s managers, and play host to the biggest names around, including Coldplay, Echo and the Bunnymen, Rihanna, The Beautiful South and The Charlatans. It’s also home to producer Ken Nelson, who has won three Grammy awards during his time at Parr Street, thanks principally to his work on Coldplay’s albums, Parachutes, Rush of Blood to the Head and X & Y. There’s also a hotel upstairs, normally used by visiting artists and bands, so the celeb count is high. Try 33-45 upstairs, for drinks and dancing, or downstairs, Studio2 is a breakfast bar in the morning, an events venue by day and a haven for music- loving drinkers at night. The pine, rock and whitewash interior looks more ski lodge than watering hole, with a couple of hidden rooms off the main lounge offering plenty of avenues to get lost in conversation. There is no loud music, dancefloor, drinks offers or burly doorman. ● Parr Street, 33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool,
0151-707 1050.
Sapporo Teppanyaki, right, is a feast of food and entertainment. Chameleon, above, and Il Forno, below right, are real gems
La’go is in prime position on the corner of Seel Street and Colquitt Street. The bar itself is longer than in most places, meaning there’s never much of a crush to get served. There are some seats and tables, room to stand, bits at both end where you can dance, and some toilets. But it works to keep it simple, in fact, if you look at the dodgy coloured glowing fireplaces they’ve installed, it’s probably a good thing most of it is strictly no-frills. No gimmicks or outlandish concepts, just keep it simple, price the drinks log without any five-shot-for-a-pound gimmicks, and treat the punters well. ● La’go, 16 Colquitt, Street, Liverpool, 0151-709 0166.
Down on Duke Street, Sapporo Teppanyaki is a real treat. Based around 12 teppanyaki tables which can seat approximately 160 guests at any one
time, it’s a theatrical dining experience. Head chef Vuditchai Taermisiri, or Woody as he’s known to his mates, whips up classic chicken teriyaki (£14.95), Fillet of sea bass (£17.50) and the Sumo – 10oz of prime Scotch rib eye steak priced (£18.50). They have an extensive wine list ranging from £13.95 per bottle, sake from £2.45 per cup, sparkling wines from £19.95 per bottle, champagnes from £28 per bottle, Japanese whiskies from £4.75 and draught Asahi beer. Fernando Torres, Oasis and Enrique Iglesias have all been spotted soaking in the atmosphere – and the fab food. ● Sapporo Teppanyaki, 134 Duke Street,
Liverpool, 0151-705 3005.
Just down the road, Il Forno has an extensive wine list. The house wine is priced at £12.95 per bottle and the classic cocktail Kir Royale at £6.95. Head chef Paolo Cillo makes yummy gamberoni all’aglio’ – tiger prawns pan fried in garlic, olive oil, chill and tomato (£8.95). They have an extensive pizza menu, made in the infamous fire breathing oven – prices start £5.85 for a marinara. Steven Gerrard, Nickleback and Mikel Arteta have all been spotted there, although not together. What a night that would be... ● Il Forno, 132 Duke Street, Liverpool,
0151-709 4002.
Spend your Valentines Weekend with us at Blush... The Love Potion Martini £5.50 ❤ The Passionately Blush Champagne Cocktail £6.00 ❤ Bottle of House Champagne with chocolate covered strawberries & white chocolate covered raspberries £40 per person ❤
Open from 4pm - Late (Tue-Sun). Closed Mondays 25 The Strand, Beetham Plaza. 0151 263 6886 Facebook: Blush Liverpool. Email: blushcocktailbar@hotmail.com
14 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . . Eddie Rocket’s in Bold Street, open 364 days a year; below: Eamonn Lavin in O'Neill’s bar on Wood Street
T
HERE was once a Victorian warehouse on the site of Lloyds, the huge JD Wetherspoon pub on the corner of Concert Square.Once occupied by manufacturing chemists, from the early 1900s into the 1950s, there was also a sizeable chemical factory next door. The chemical industry in Liverpool began in nearby Lime Street, originally called Lime Kiln Lane. In the 1890s, it housed brass founders and the Monserrat Lime Juice Company Stores, now it’s a big favourite with locals and students alike, with a party atmosphere with everything from cheesy pop to funky house. This may be because they do a fabulous all-day breakfast, and the drinks are a steal. Plus it’s open til 2am on week nights, and 3am at weekends. ● Lloyds, Fleet Street/Concert Square,
Liverpool, 0151-702 6810.
Savour a flavour of the Emerald Isle at
O’Neill’s, Liverpool’s branch of the a popular chain of Irish themed bars with screens playing sports matches and decent, low-priced serving food. ● O’Neill’s, 2 Wood Street, Liverpool, 0151
707 4941. The Swann Inn is one of Liverpool's oldest
pubs, now surrounded by the burgeoning cultural quarter. It’s a traditional, rock and roll venue, with a good atmosphere and a friendly clientele. ● The Swann Inn, 86 Wood Street,
Liverpool, 0151 709 5281.
Throw another shrimp on the barbie, Sheila, and enjoy a night of Antipodean fun at Walkabout. A great selection of Aussie and home grown lagers are served daily by a friendly bunch. All we need now is the sunshine... ● Walkabout, 26 Fleet Street, Liverpool,
0151 708 0843.
You could be forgiven for thinking the only
MEET ME ON THE CORNER .. cuisine available after last orders was a burger or a greasy kebab. But the versatile Eddie Rocket’s, in Bold Street offers an altogether brighter alternative to queuing in a takeaway full of worse-for-wear lager louts past the witching hour. With its fabulous music, retro feel, and fast and friendly service, it makes a great fun alternative to a formal restaurant meal. They’re open 364 days a year (apparently they can’t get the staff on Christmas Day) and music pipes out of the front door to entice hungry diners. My favourite thing about Eddie’s has to be
their thick and creamy hand-dipped shakes and malts, blended with scrumptious pure malt extract which come in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and Oreo Cookie flavours. Eddie Rocket’s name apparently is diner slang for empty pockets – although we found it to be excellent value. So, if you’re looking for a good value, great fun venue to romance that new love in your life, slip on your Fonzie leather jacket, roll out the pink Cadillac and get down to Eddie Rocket’s. You won’t regret it. ● Eddie Rocket’s, Bold Street, Liverpool,
0871 811 4811.
★★★★
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
15
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat
I
TALIAN Club Fish does cracking
cocktails, and, unsurprisingly, superb fish. Get head barman Francesco Albanese to whip you up a Robert De Nero or an Al Pacino (both priced £5.95) and sit back in true Godfather style. Head chef Maurizio Pellegrini makes a mean Lobster Thermidor, a fresh half lobster, topped with parmesan and veloute with a side of spaghetti in a fresh cherry tomato sauce, served with mixed leaves (£16.95) and Cozze alla Marinara – pot of mussels served with chips (£10.95). They hold live music nights and past performers have included David Knopov and Gino Ciacio. The bar, restaurant and music venue is the brainchild of Rosaria Crolla and is heavily influenced by her family’s Scottish-Italian background. She describes it as a cross between a traditional fish and chip café in Scotland with a Mediterranean theme. She’s a classically trained singer and the restaurant holds a number of music nights. Celebs spotted include Bill Nighy and Ken Loach, so you’ll be in good company over your fish supper. ● Italian Club Fish, 128 Bold Street,
Liverpool, 0151-707 2110. Tabac is happy to serve you just drinks or
drinks and food, staying open until 11pm most nights. It has been open for many years now, and is weathering well. Viewed from the front it looks like it has been carved out of a block of wood with its original panelling. The theme of round corners continues inside, and the wooden bar houses a built-in aquarium at knee level, full of fish who must think humans are just giant pairs of legs. The bar is long and thin, with a wall of comfy leather seats. It’s all table service, which is a good thing as the menu is about 10 pages long, with lots of food and drinks to choose from, including its own baked bread, and there’s an impressive list of snacks to order with drinks. ● Tabac, 126A Bold Street, Liverpool,
0151-709 9502. The Egg Cafe off Bold Street, has long been
a Mecca for Liverpool's trendy intellectual crowd. Hand-painted flowers on the walls charm as you climb the creaky staircase to be greeted by the friendliest staff you could wish to meet on entering the roomy yet cosy, Bohemian vegetarian cafe. There’s a mixture of medieval banqueting tables and smaller intimate corners, with a mezzanine level that looks down over the rest. There’s a great view over the city, and Egg hosts regular poetry and music nights. Egg is a Godsend for vegetarians and vegans who want choice – and ones with an appetite that a salad won't satisfy. There's usually four or five delicious-looking savoury dishes, plus five or six desserts on offer. It’s open until 10.30pm, and while you can't buy wine you can bring your own and be charged £1 corkage. It is a wonderful sanctuary and, although it doesn’t have the polish of fancier places, it has a homely feel that just can’t be replicated.
ENJOY
Tabac in Bold Street, and, below: Italian Club Fish Restaurant, also in Bold Street; bottom: The Egg cafe in Newington
A DATE WITH PACINO AND DE NIRO
● Egg Cafe, Top Floor, 16-18 Newington, Liverpool, 0151 707 2755. The Jacaranda is a small, busy, pub with
tiny booths, chandeliers and a Wurlitzer jukebox playing endless tunes by The Beatles. Originally the Jacaranda Coffee Bar, it opened in an old watchmakers shop and was a popular hangout for art students. The Jacaranda was founded by Allan Williams, The Beatles first manager and “the man who gave them away”. In those days the main attraction was the Royal Caribbean Steel Band who played in the cellar. Now the walls are filled with pictures of The Beatles, Cilla Black and Brian Epstein, alongside posters for seemingly every Beatles-related movie, play and revue. Nestled among them is the celebrated 1956 school picture of pupils at the Liverpool Institute, in which can bee seen Paul and Mike McCartney, George Harrison, Peter Sissons and various members of Gerry and The Pacemakers, Remo Four and the Quarry Men. ● The Jacaranda Club, 21 - 23 Slater Street,
Liverpool, 0151 707 8281.
Just around the corner is Ye Cracke, John Lennon’s favourite boozer in his art school days. Popular with nearby students, John said of it: “When I went to art college in Liverpool ... it was mainly one long drinking session.” There's been a pub on the site for more than 150 years, originally called the Ruthin Castle. The oldest part of the pub is the 1900s war office, the tiny snug in which boozers would discuss Britain's overseas military operations.
On a summer evening you can’t beat the beer garden round the back, where you can sit among today’s student crowd, drinking away their loans and dreaming of fame and fortune. ● Ye Cracke, 13 Rice Street, Liverpool,
0151-709 4171. Heebie Jeebies is a nightlife institution,
entirely in the good sense. It’s lasted the test of time, partly down to its fab outside terrace bar for summer revellers. Live outdoor music and pitchers of cocktails seal the deal with this popular spot attracting a mixed crowd of students, post-work drinkers and pre-gig crowds. ● Heebie Jeebies, 80-82 Seel Street
Liverpool, 0151 708 7001.
16 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . . Burlesque star Katie Evans as Miss Ruby Fortune, pictured at The Magnet in Hardman Street; right: Elvis Costello at the Picket; below: Natalie Haywood founder of the Leaf bar and tea shop, Parliament Street
L
IVE music pours out of Hannah’s bar, drawing in a packed crowd of students and young professionals. Part New York, part Liverpool charm, the super-quick bar staff will fix you an array of cocktails to the back drop of unsigned bands or live DJs. ● 2 Leece Street, Liverpool, 0151 708 5959. Tucked away in the centre of Oldham Square, OSQA offers fantastic live music played almost nightly, with good food and a friendly atmosphere. The wine is good, the food is delicious and the prices reasonable. And come summer, their outdoor terrace in the evening sunshine is heaven itself. Bring on those balmy evenings. ● Oldham Square, Oldham Street,
Liverpool, 0151-709 6611.
With a clientele which reads like a who’s who of Liverpool’s music scene, Korova is the uber-cool king of the indie scene. It has now moved from its Wood Street base, but still, one look around shows that everyone there is in a band. Some are working there, others drinking. There’s normally a singer or two behind the bar, and a drummer supervising a delivery outside. They host live bands every weekend, and Friday nights are always popular. The Rascals, Mark Ronson, Rumble Strips, The Kooks and Ladytron have all played there, as well as dozens of stars of the future. ● Korova, 32 Hope Street, Liverpool,
0151-709 7097.
Sitting in one of Liverpool lavish Georgian buildings The Magnet is one of the most popular venues in the city. The Magnet also offers great stages for unsigned and signed bands on a weekly basis. Throw in a late night weekend licence, NYC-style booths, cheap drinks and a friendly crowd and this quirky shop front becomes a classic indie hub. ● The Magnet, 45 Hardman Street,
Liverpool, 0151 709 6969 The Flute is football central, with a choice of endless live screens and reasonable prices on a variety of lagers and spirits.
LET’S GO BURLESQUE ● The Flute, 35 Hardman Street, Liverpool, 0151 707 6485. Fly In The Loaf on Hardman Street combines laid back charm in the day with a buzzing atmosphere by night. The beer is great, the service is quick and they do a Sunday roast to die for. Formerly Kirklands Wine Bar, and once upon a time a master bakery, it’s a must-visit destination at any time of day. ● 35 Hardman Street, Liverpool, 0151-708
0817. Bumper is a live music favourite, loved by
students and professionals alike. With a cracking line-up of bands and DJs, it’s a great place to end any night. Plus, the bar service is quick, so you won’t be standing around all night waiting for a drink. ● Bumper, 18 Hardman Street, Liverpool,
0151 707 9902, www.bumperliverpool.co.uk
Around the corner, in the shadow of the Cains brewery, lies another pocket of Liverpool’s cultural scene. Leaf bar and tea shop shares its building with Elevator Studios, home to The Zutons, The Wombats and Hot Club de Paris, so it’s usually home to a resident muso or two. With good service, a superb wine list, and delicious food, it’s one of a growing breed of places happy to serve you just drinks or
drinks and food, calling itself a tea shop and wine bar. Inside, the decor is chic and welcoming, with stripped wooden floors and lovely big comfy sofas. It’s the kind of place you could happily laze away an afternoon browsing the papers and people-watching with a glass (actually, make that a bottle) of wine. If you're feeling peckish, the butterbean
soup (£3.25) is suitably hearty, and there’s a lovely black olive & parmesan salad (£3.25). There's Carling on draught and bottles aplenty, including Corona and Mexican lager Modelo. But my advice is to forget the beer, and browse the wine list instead. They do a great, fruity fairtrade red, the Chilean Equality Casa Del Vino – Mission (£12). It’s a friendly, relaxed bar, without a whiff of a VIP section, and definitely worth a special visit. ● Leaf, 27 Parliament Street, Liverpool.
0151-707 7747, www.thisisleaf.co.uk. The Picket is one of Liverpool’s most
famous music venues. Now on Jamaica Street, the club was forced to leave its Hardman Street home in 2004 when it was sold to developers. Since then manager and driving force behind The Picket Phil Hayes has established the new base as a force to be reckoned with. Many of Liverpool’s groups got their first break at The Picket including The La’s, Shack, Space and The Coral. More recently it has played host to Joss Stone, Elvis Costello, The Wombats and Damien Dempsey. ● The Picket, 61 Jordan Street, Liverpool ,
0151 708 6789
★★★★
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
17
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat Among the attractions in the university quarter are the Everyman bistro and bar, main picture, Baa Bar on Myrtle Street, inset top left, and Liverpool University’s Mountford Hall where Lily Allen is pictured on stage
WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LIFE L
IVERPOOL is a Mecca for students from across the globe, and as a result, the university quarter around the two cathedrals is packed with things to see and places to go. For gigs, the Liverpool Guild of Students is the place to be. Mountford Hall is the biggest of its venues, and has played host to Lily Allen, Ian Brown, The Cribs, Coldplay, Scouting For Girls, Editors, Eddie Izzard, the NME Awards tours, and puts on its own nights for the students from all of Liverpool's universities and members of the general public. The Stanley Theatre can hold up to 320 people seated or 420 people standing. This venue is often used by the University of Liverpool Drama Society for performances yet it is also perfect for more intimate gigs. ● Liverpool Guild of
Students at 160 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, www.lgos.org Baa Bar on Myrtle
Street is the new sister bar to the original Baa Bar in Concert Square – which opened its doors 18 years ago. It bills itself as the best student union bar in the world, with posh booths, a first floor clubspace, and a games room. Head honchos Lindsay
Gannon and Elaine Clarke preside over the 760 capacity bar, which prices all shooters at £1, promo bottles at £1.50, and as a deal, promo bottles and a shooter for £2. Their Wok it Noodle bar is open 12-9 daily. 1-6pm Sundays, and the Rawhide Raw stand up open mic night runs every Tuesday. The Clubroom is open Friday and Saturday. Free party bookings at all times. ● Baa Bar, 7 Myrtle Street, Liverpool,
0151-707 0610. The Everyman Bar and Bistro on Hope
Street is well worth a visit. Nestled below the fabulous legendary theatre, it’s a
favourite of TV chef Simon Rimmer, and was awarded Best Cheap Eats in 2008 for the third year running by The Observer. Enjoy large portioned three course meals for less than £15, and its quiche has to be tasted to be believed. Afterwards, sit, have a drink and soak in the atmosphere. ● The Everyman, 5-9 Hope Street,
Liverpool, 0151-708 9545.
Tucked away on the corner of Cambridge Street and Mulberry Street, The Cambridge is at the heart of the University of Liverpool and has a great atmosphere. It is very popular
with students and lecturers alike. Head in for its pub quiz on a Sunday night. ● The Cambridge, 5-7 Mulberry Street,
Liverpool, 0151-708 7150. The Caledonia on Catharine Street is an
underground, alternative music venue in a pub. It has DJs and live bands throughout the week – head there for classic dub reggae, soul and disco. ● The Caledonia, Catharine Street,
Liverpool, 0151-709 5909.
My top tips . . . CLARE DOOLEY, quiz mistress, The Cambridge pub. The Cambridge Quiz and Bingo night has made a name for itself as one of the best in town. Running from 8.30pm every Sunday during term time, it’s a must for students and lovers of all things cerebral. So we asked quiz mistress a few questions of our own, and here are the results... What's your after dark hidden gem in Merseyside? “You can’t beat a cosy side-room in the
Philharmonic Pub, Hope Street, but by night, I’d recommend anyone to go and see the waterfront area.” What's your favourite night time view of Merseyside? “The view from my flat of the cathedrals when they're illuminated.” What's your favourite club/club night? “Heebiejeebies” Where's the best place to eat in the evenings? y.” “Bistro Jacques, Hardman Street. Coz
What's your favourite place for a quiet drink? “On the sofas in the Bistro, in the basement of 60 Hope Street. I had a gorgeous caipirinha at Malmaison, but lots of bars in Liverpool have a decent cocktail menu and staff who know what they're doing.” At the end of the night, where does the best takeaway? “For a late night meal I'd go to Indian Delight on Renshaw Street, for a takeaway I'd go to Hot Chilli on Berry Street. Their flat onion bhajis are something else!”
18 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . .
My top tips . . .
NATALIE HAYWOOD, founder of the Leaf bar and tea shop, Parliament Street, Liverpool. What's your after dark hidden gem in Merseyside? The Picket for reggae and world music shows including the likes of Nneka, Magic Diamonds etc. What's the one place you'd recommend a visitor to the area to see by night? Alma de Cuba is a must for someone who wants to be wowed. It’s one of the most stunning bars in the world. What's your favourite night time view of Merseyside? one The top of the Radio City Tower on n statio the nd arou s tour ing even of their
WAS £8.99
NOW
£3.59
£1.00 P&P (UK
)
AWARD WINNING WRITER MIKE CHAPPLE’S ESSENTIAL, FACT-FILLED HANDBOOK - A GUIDE TO THE TOP 30 PLACES DRINK AND EAT IN LIVERPOOL...
Call: 0845 143 0001or visit
h What's your favourite place to catc live music? Tate The Late at the Tate evenings at The c. musi live e som hear to are a nice place Other favourites include St Bride’s Church, Studio 2 on Parr Street and Leaf for some enchanting folk. What's your favourite place for a quiet drink in Merseyside? on The Quarter or The Everyman Bistro cafe pean Euro d, crow Nice t. Stree e Hop s’ culture feel and great a buzz. Or Cain Brewery Tap or Fly in the Loaf for real ale. FACT do a good film quiz that’s been going for years but it’s quite hard. s At the end of the night, where doe the in eat to e plac Where's the best best takeaway? the en evenings? Mr Chillis on Berry Street for a chick I like a trip to Neighbourhood on e. sauc chilli girlie with b keba Woolton Road or if I fancy something spicy, I head to The Light of Bengal on Aigburth Road. or the view of Liverpool from Woodside Ferry in the Wirral as dusk falls. What's your favourite club/club night? Cream, Circus and Chibuku are all still flying high but the best new club in Liverpool is the Kazamier, they programme a wide variety of nights that usually involve fancy dress, lots of abstract entertainment and a cool crowd.
H
ope springs eternal at the heart of the city’s cultural scene. The daddy of the Hope Street arts community is the superb art deco style, Grade ll listed Philharmonic Hall. It is one of the UK’s top arts and entertainment venues, and home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, whose chief conductor is Vasily Petrenko. The Phil is the oldest surviving professional symphony orchestra and the second oldest concert-giving organisation in the UK. It was founded by a group of Liverpool music lovers in 1840 and has been at the heart of the Liverpool’s cultural life ever since. But as well as the Phil's concerts, there's a year-round programme with top names from classical, contemporary and chamber music, folk, roots, jazz, blues, rock, pop, comedy, spoken word and partnerships with the City’s festivals including Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival, Liverpool Irish Festival, Liverpool Comedy Festival and Brouhaha.
Classic films are screened on the hall's cinema screen, which rises from under the stage, accompanied by Merseyside's only resident organist, the inimitable Dave Nicholas. Upstairs, the Rodewald Suite runs After 8, a popular series of roots, jazz and unplugged gigs in the intimate, cabaret setting. ● Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street,
Liverpool, 0151-709 3789, www.liverpoolphil.com
Over the road sits the Phil's sister, an institution in her own right. A Grade I listed celebration of Victorian ability to drink, The Philharmonic Dining Rooms (as it's officially known) is a late 19th century gin-palace, notable for its listed gents' toilets, into which women are allowed as part of a guided tour. John Lennon famously complained that the price of fame meant 'not being able to go to the Phil for a drink'. It served as a regular hangout for The Beatles in their early days, and it's easy to see why. The Phil (as it's known to its mates) is a
great old pub. All dark wood-panelled walls, mosaic covered floors and a central, horseshoe-shaped bar, lit with ornate stained glass, it's a visual treat. Settle down in one of the two snugs – the Brahms room and the Liszt room – or see and be seen in the Grande Lounge, with its crystal chandeliers, stained glass and magnificently plastered ceiling. ● The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, 36 Hope
Street, Liverpool, 0151 707 2837
About as far as you can get from your average chain bar, the Casa was bought by former Liverpool dockers who lost their jobs in the 90s. With a mixed bag of a clientele made up of students from the nearby universities and many ex-dock workers themselves, the bar has a friendly atmosphere and a contemporary feel. As well as the bar, it offers two function rooms which host a variety of meetings for social groups in the area and gigs are held there, too. They do good food and great beer, plus, on a Friday after work, they often do a
★★★★
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat
WHY WE MUST LIVE IN HOPE
free buffet for drinkers. Bliss. ● CASA, 29 Hope Street, Liverpool, 0151
7092 148 The Side Door was awarded a two for its
“good-value ticket for culture vultures” in this year's Which Guide, and it's been feeding hungry concert goers for years. Pop in before a play at the Everyman or a concert at the Phil and enjoy their excellent, home-cooked food. ● The Side Door, 29 Hope Street, Liverpool,
0151 707 7888, www.thesidedoor.co.uk
Just around the corner, Puschka, on Rodney Street, prides itself on offering the best of modern British cuisine, albeit serving alongside some colourful Mediterranean offerings. I would kill and die for their butternut squash and sweet potato soup (£5.50), with a wedge of lime served alongside. Their tapenade, artichoke, parmesan and crusty bread (£5.50) is similarly sublime, and meat-eaters will love the olive oil mash and braised fennel resting against the slow roast
belly of pork (£13.50). On the excellent wine list, the velvety Montepuciano stands out. But book early – Puschka is devilishly popular – and rightly so. ● Puschka, 16 Rodney Street, Liverpool,
0151 708 8698
On the other side of Hope Street lies a stunning restaurant quarter. 60 Hope Street is one of Liverpool’s finest foodie havens. Head chef Sarah Kershaw does a divine deep fried jam sandwich with Carnation milk ice cream (£6.50), which must be tasted to be believed. Drinkers will adore the Brandy Alexander, Cognac, Dark Chocolate, Crème de Cacao, milk, cream and freshly grated nutmeg (£6.75). Robert Downey Jr, Ken Loach, Jude Law and Rolf Harris have all been spotted sampling its contemporary British elegance. The restaurant seats 100, and the Bistro 35, so book early, especially at busy times. It celebrates its birthday on St George’s Day and is 11-years-old this year. It also has
The Philharmonic pub on the corner of Hope Street, with the Metropolitan cathedral in the distance; below: The Casa in Hope Street; far left: Puschka in Rodney Street Main picture: COLIN LANE
one of the best special offers in town, check out their January sale of three courses for £19.95 – which is very kindly on until February 27. ● 60 Hope Street, Liverpool, 0151 707
6060, www.60hopestreet.com Just over the road, HOST is inspired by
the New York areas, South of Houston Street and North of Houston Street, two of the most fashionable parts of the city, famous for excellent restaurants and their vibrant yet dynamic atmospheres. It’s a Pan-Asian restaurant set on the corner of Falkner and Hope Street. The venue has a seating capacity of 100 with a lounge bar and drinking area. For those wanting to feel the buzz of the street, outdoor seating surrounds the venue. Head Chef Ashley Richie makes a great butterfly chicken with Thai curry risotto and seaweed (£9). Sip their yummy HOSTini (£5.95) – mandarin vodka, freshly squeezed carrot and lemon juice with a dash of gum syrup. Kim Cattrall and Jonathan Pryce have
been spotted dining there – diners are welcomed by a seating plan akin to the fashionable noodles bars of the Far East. Long tables, chopsticks and spices all in relaxed, contemporary surroundings. ● HOST, 31 Hope Street Liverpool, 0151
708 5831. The Quarter, and the new accompanying
deli, The Quarter Kitchen is a hang-out for the Liverpool creative set – expect to bump into artists, actors etc. Xabi Alonso, Dominic West, David Guest and Jamie Carragher have all fallen under the spell of its casual, rustic charm in a cosy and artistic setting. Even Yoko Ono has visited for a pizza. In the summer, The Quarter is in the sun all day – the best place to get a tan in the city. A meeting place all day long, The Quarter’s unique atmosphere attracts a variety of guests from businessmen to bohemians. They do a great Cabernet Sauvignon La Deliza (£11.95 a bottle). ● The Quarter, 7 Falkner Street, Liverpool,
0151-707 1965, www.thequarteruk.com.
19
20 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . .
T
HE 02 Academy, formerly the Carling Academy, is a hot spot for alternative music in the city. Hosting everyone from Arctic Monkeys to The Zutons, taking in The Ting Tings, Modest Mouse and Queens of The Stone Age along the way. A superb live venue, it launched in September 2003, with local heroes Shack and quickly made a fantastic name for itself, thanks to its unique warehouse feel, complete with mezzanine level, and secondary stand-alone venue, Academy 2. The two spaces mean they can offer a really diverse line-up, plus the facilities for some great club nights and a showcase forum for Merseyside’s unsigned talent. Since opening, fans have got up close and personal with artists on their rise to the top, and the event is often used for events such as Liverpool Music Week, Sound City and it hosted the pre-party for the MTV Europe Music Awards. ● O2 Academy Liverpool,
11-13 Hotham Street, Liverpool, 0151-707 3200, www.o2academyliverpool.co.uk
Before a gig at the 02 Academy or a show at the Empire, Ma Egerton’s, or Ma E’s as it is more commonly known, is always packed. This legendary Liverpool pub, previously known as The Eagle, takes its name from former Irish-born landlady Mary Egerton, who arrived in Liverpool around 1890. It is perfectly placed on the corner of Pudsey Street and Lord Nelson Street, behind Lime Street, making it well positioned for the station, and also for the diverse cultural offerings on show every night. Famous faces over the years including Paul Nicholas, David Essex, Perez Hilton and Will Sergeant have been seen there. ● Ma Egerton’s, 9 Pudsey
Street, Liverpool, 0151-708 1570. The Crown, right next to
Lime Street station, has to be one of my favourite pubs in the city – and the only place I ever go just to stare at the ceiling. It’s a glorious interior of art nouveau moulded plaster friezes. Outside there are cut glass windows, copper panels and the
WE’RE ALL ALE AND HEARTY!
beautiful golden letters. The architect is unknown, but is believed to date back to1859. In 1888, William Clarkson, the owner of the Midland, took it over, before in 1905, it was taken over by Peter Walker, Brewers of Warrington and Burton on Trent. History aside, the Crown is well worth a visit, if only for its staggeringly reasonable drinks (it’s the only place I know where I can get a round for a fiver) and a decent pub menu, again, at great prices. The service is good
Take a seat ... the Left Bank restaurant in city centre Queens Square
too, and remarkably quick for such a busy pub. ● The Crown, 43 Lime Street,
Liverpool, 0151-707 6027. Left Bank in Queens Square
is a real treat. Overlooking the splendour of St George’s Hall and St John’s Gardens it feels pleasantly continental, and the food is excellent, and very reasonably priced. The menu has a mixture of French and Italian dishes, and they serve huge portions with a smile. I’d recommend the pizza, but
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET WITH OVER 70 DISHES TSO’s is ideally located on Queens Square, next to The Marriott Hotel TSO’s Restaurant is The Best Choice For Christmas, Family Parties, Work Do’s, New Year Celebrations Or Even Just A Quick Bite Most Popular Chinese Oriental Buffet Restaurant in Liverpool
medic William Henry Duncan, the country's first medical officer of health, this busy pub, which opened in 1999, was designed by Steve Holt, former managing director at Cains. It’s a cracking pub, and we’re awfully grateful about the whole 08 thing, but do be aware that it gets very busy straight after work, so time your visit accordingly. ● Doctor Duncan’s, St Johns
every time we’ve been, the food has been excellent, and there always seems to be a special offer of one sort another on. Best of all is Left Bank’s superb service, and that fantastic view. ● Left Bank Pizza and Pasta, 2
Queens Square, Liverpool, 0151-709 0922.
Legend has it that when the Capital of Culture judging panel came up to Liverpool to assess the city’s personality, they found it in the atmosphere at Doctor
Duncan’s.
Named after 19th century
EAT AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE BUFFET, OVER 70 DISHES
Book now for Valentines Day Feb 14th For CNY Celebration ??Feb Children under 4.5ft eat half price 10% OFF for Students & OAPs
Lunch Buffet £5.95 11.30am - 4.00pm (student discount not available) Happy Hour Buffet £6.95 4.01pm - 6.00pm (Last helpings at 6.30pm) Grand Buffet £9.95 6.01am - 12am (includes Crispy Duck and Seafood) Sunday All Day £6.75 11.30am - 12am
4 Queens Square, Liverpool L1 1HF. Tel: 0151 709 2811
Lane, Queens Square, Liverpool, 0151 709 5100. The Ship and Mitre is a beer
drinker’s paradise. Famed for its dozen ever-changing real ales and one of the largest selections of Belgian and German draught and bottled beers in the city, it’s a gem of a free house. They also
TREAT YOUR FAMILY ON A SUNDAY FOR £21 (2 adults & 2 children under 4 yrs)
A free bottle of bubbly for all Hen & Stag parties
OUTSIDE CATERING Weddings & Social Clubs, home etc......£4.50 pp (Minimum 20 people)
We do not accept cheques. Children under 4.5ft eat for HALF PRICE OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR
★★★★
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat Ben Garner at the Ship & Mitre pub in Dale Street, and, right, Abi Harding of The Zutons
do superb pub food at great prices. It’s a regular winner in Camra Liverpool and Districts' reigning Pub of the Year contests and stages regular beer festivals, which each offer in the region of 60 different brews, and attract countless beer hunters from across the north west and beyond. ● The Ship & Mitre, 133 Dale
Street, Liverpool, 0151 236 0859, www.shipandmitre.co.uk
Tucked away down Trueman Street, just down the road from the Ship and Mitre, the BadFormat Social Club has a real buzz about it. One of the city’s newest venues, it’s only been open since August, but already it has a loyal fan base.
Its roots are in social clubs of times past, which were developed in order to educate and provide space for activities for workers and the underprivileged. The venue puts on some great live shows, DJ sets, music lectures, cinema and cabaret evenings. They also offer free wi-fi, printing services, computer hardware and software support, as part of a coffee culture workspace. They’ve just started Greasy Lips, a club night to promote new bands, under the guidance of Alan McGee, the man who discovered Oasis. ● BadFormat Social Club,
Trueman Street, Liverpool, 0151-227 5833.
Indian Restaurant Friendly atmosphere
Great food
BOOK FOR FOR VALENTINES DAY
15-21 Lark Lane Reservations: 0151 728 9728
21
22 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
AFTER DARK .... your guide to the city's nightlife . . .
A
WAY from the city centre, Merseyside is packed with great bars, restaurants, music venues and clubs. We can’t hope to feature them all here, but here’s a little flavour of some that you might not have tried. Lark Lane is a hive of entertainment throughout the week. Pistachio is a regular hangout for the Hollyoaks cast and Liverpool players. They do a dreamy hot brandy coffee with cream, and pink Prosecco Casagheller Rabosa (£6.20). Exec chef Graham Mahoney does smoked mackerel fillet with new potatoes and salsa (£7.95) and Moroccan spiced lamb kebabs served with pitta bread, coriander cous cous and Greek yoghurt (£11.95). Lark Lane Jazz Band perform every Monday night exclusively for diners. ● Pistachio, 88 Lark Lane,
LET’S
Liverpool, 0151-726 0160. Nearby, Red Fort is the perfect
A goats cheese croquette, at Pistachio’s in Lark Lane, top; below: the Red Fort restaurant also in Lark Lane; right: Fraiche restaurant in Wirral; bottom: the Bacchus Taverna on the Dock Road
place to enjoy an evening of good company and fine authentic Indian cuisine. With an extensive selection of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes, every taste is catered for. Indulge in the freshest ingredients, cooked to perfection by their experienced gourmet chefs. Try their Red Fort Special (£11.95), it is packed with delicious tomatoes, fenugreek leaves and medium blend of spices and herbs cooked with Tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, lamb tikka and king prawn tikka. Inside, you'll find a friendly, attentive welcome. So whether you're looking to celebrate with friends and family or book a romantic evening for two, look no further than the Red Fort. ● Red Fort, 15-21 Lark Lane,
Aigburth, Liverpool, 0151 728 9728, www.redfortlarklane.com. Jalons on Smithdown Road is a
hub of live music seven days a week, with artists such as Paul Brooks, complementing the international cuisine on offer from the restaurant. They’re open daily from 5pm until midnight, with great offers including a starter and a main course for £12.95 before 7pm every day. Their wine list is impressive too, with Champagne starting at £4.95 a glass. ● Jalons Restaurant, 477
Smithdown Road, Liverpool, 0151 734 3984, www.jalons.co.uk There’s plenty to enjoy north of
the city too. On Waterloo Road, Bacchus Taverna is renowned for its mouthwatering menu of fresh cooked Greek dishes. Diamond, the owner, makes traditional Greek specialities with his expert eye for top quality produce. The Moussaka (£13.50) made with layered potatoes, aubergines courgettes and mincemeat is superb. ● Bacchus Taverna, 14 Waterloo
Road, Liverpool, 0151-255 1661. In Waterloo, La Barbacoa offers
a restaurant, bar, function rooms and much, much more. Between salsa classes, quiz nights and live entertainment cabaret nights, there’s always something going on. In the bar, they serve a good range of beers, wines and spirits. The bar menu features two hearty
Jalons Bridewell Restaurant
Jalons Restaurant
Live Music from our Boston Piano every Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat
~ Monday Night - A Night of Sinatra
Campbell Square • L1 5BL 0151 709 4195
Traditional Sunday Lunch Starter & Main (early doors) £13.95 every day up till 7pm
Smithdown Road • L15 5AE 0151 734 0329
~ First Tuesday of every month Gary Potter ~ Sunday - Wednesday Starter & Main £12.95 all evening
www.jalons.co.uk ~ www.myspace.com/jalonslive
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
23
... the best bars, clubs and places to eat
GET OUT AND ABOUT . . .
A Ladies Day Breakfast at La Barbacoa in Waterloo meals for £10, with good home cooked food, and friendly service. For bigger events there’s the Blundell Room on the first floor, where the Sunday carvery takes place. This Friday they’re doing a three course Valentine’s menu and a Brian Ferry tribute band for £23 a head. ● La Barbacoa, 47-51 Mersey
View, Waterloo, 0151-924 0445
Over the water, Wirral has a thriving scene, particularly for live music and for food and drink. Revolver in Birkenhead takes everything you loved about the Hotel California wrapped up in a shiny new package with some extra features, They’ve got new decor, great bands and some new events. Fridays see the massive
rock nights and Saturdays often have a big covers band. The sound is great, and the atmosphere friendly. ● Revolver, formerly Hotel
California, 2 New Chester Road, Tranmere, Wirral. www.revolver-rocks.com/ The Latin Quarter and Bambuddha Lounge in Birkenhead
is split into four main rooms across two floors. Each Room plays its distinctive sound of funky house, electro, house and R’n’B. Resident DJs Andy Potter and DJ Kwame always get the party mood going, and drinks promotions along the way mean the atmosphere stays vibrant throughout the week. ● The Latin Quarter and
Bambuddha Lounge, Conway Street, Birkenhead. Jack Rabbit Slims in Hoylake has great live music most Fridays and Saturdays and this Sunday there’s a Valentine burlesque special. China Crisis, Hudson Fall, Insanity Beach, The Kappa band, Wave Machines and Alexis Blue have all played there. Open 8pm-midnight. ● Jack Rabbit Slims, Grosvenor
Road, Hoylake, Wirral, CH47 3BS, 0151-632 7545. To celebrate all the successes and achievements of Wirral’s food and tourism industry, 2010 has been declared Wirral’s Year of Food – a year-long celebration of fantastic food on the peninsula. Everywhere you go, it seems
there’s great food just around the corner. Fraiche in Oxton has a much deserved Michelin star, and has just been awarded the best wine list of any UK restaurant by the Which Good Food Guide 2010. Book early, as tables are in demand. ● Fraiche, 11 Rose Mount,
Prenton, 0151-652 2914, www.restaurantfraiche.com Da Piero, a fantastic Italian
restaurant in Irby, was recognised as the best new entry in the whole country in the 2010 Which Guide, and has been described as serving “food that fills you with joy”. They’ve also been mentioned in the new Michelin guide, and are well worth a visit, but, like Fraiche, make sure you book well
Picture: GAVIN TRAFFORD
in advance, as their reputation proceeds them. ● Da Piero, 5 Mill Hill Road, Irby,
Wirral, 0151-648 7373, www.dapiero.co.uk The new Peninsula Dining Room
in New Brighton has a great menu. Look out for their Vino Monday which offers wine and two courses for £16 a head, which includes a bottle of house wine per table of two. This weekend they are doing a special Valentine’s Menu using local produce for £30 a head. ● Peninsula Dining Room, 3
Grosvenor Road, New Brighton, Wirral, 0151-639 8338, www.peninsula-dining-room.co.uk
The Crocodile • 19 HARRINGTON STREET, L2 • 0151 255 1731 •
Friday & Saturday open til 2am — Sunday open til late
Fri 12th February Sat 13th February Sun 14th February Mon 15th February -
Jimmys Karoake from 8pm Anna Lee from 7pm Richie from 10pm Karaoke with Jimmy from 8pm Open Mic Night All singers and musicians welcome. for more info call Jimmy on 07545 773955
The Baby Croc
Thurs 11th Feb Fri 12th Feb Sat 13th Feb Valentines Day -
The Baby Croc is now available for private functions between Sun - Thurs - 0151 225 1731
Golden Oldie Karaoke from 8pm GUY KING from 7.30pm Alan Lee from 11pm Golden Oldie Karaoke from 8pm Randy King at 7pm
HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-THURSDAY 11-8pm FRIDAY 11-6pm ALL DRINKS REDUCED INCLUDING & BECKS KRONENBOURG BOTTLES £1.50 £1.60 CARLSBERG BOTTLE (terms & conditions apply)
ALL LIVE SPORTS SHOWN HERE Sheltered Smoking Area in Courtyard with Outdoor TV
24 LIVERPOOL AFTER DARK
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
★★★★
“liverpool’s swankiest new eaterie” OK Magazine