The Navigator, issue 22

N T HE VIGATOR

10 MINUTES WITH Gabrielle

DISTRICT GUIDE Lark Lane

GIFT GUIDE Liverpool Makers

Maritime Museum

The Nest

The Beatles Story

Welcome to Titanic Hotel Liverpool’s newspaper The Navigator, which has been created to guide our guests around the best of what Titanic Hotel, the city of Liverpool and surrounding areas have to offer.

Liverpool has so much for visitors, and for everyone lucky enough to live here, to see and do. We have all of Liverpool’s culture, events and leisure on our doorstep and want to show you the varied and vast offerings so that you can make the most of your stay here.

At this time of the year, there’s a buzz about the city, the football season has kicked off again and we’re all building up to the festivities. Festive celebrations in Rum Warehouse, West Bay and Stanley’s

Bar & Grill include 'A Titanic Christmas' Party Nights, Christmas Day Lunch, a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and much more.

All of our guests love sightseeing in the city, and it’s our pleasure to introduce even those who come here regularly to somewhere they’ve never been before.

The Navigator is here to help you make the most of your stay whether you’re looking for a different restaurant to try, a day out or even luxury pampering suggestions. There’s always something happening in Liverpool!

Please enjoy this issue of The Navigator, we hope it makes experiencing our beautiful city even more special.

WHAT’S ON...

October November

GABRIELLE

October 20 • Philharmonic Hall

Singer Gabrielle’s been at the top of her game for an incredible three decades now, and she’s built up a huge back catalogue of hits including Rise, Sunshine, Out of Reach and Give Me A Little More Time. Celebrating that success, and the 1993 release of her album Dreams, she brings her 30 Years of Dreaming Tour to the Phil for a special anniversary gig.

CREAM CLASSICAL

October 27 & 28 • Liverpool Cathedral

The city’s biggest club legend Cream returns to the stunning setting of Liverpool Cathedral for a weekend of shows attracting dance music fans from across the country. Massive dancefloor anthems will be performed by the 50-piece Kaleidoscope Orchestra and vocalists, directed by acclaimed conductor and arranger Tim Crooks and curated by DJ/producer duo K-Klass.

FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK

November 4 • Liverpool Empire

Direct from the West End and after two sell-out tours, the ultimate feel-good Irish-inspired Christmas show returns with an even bigger production. It features an international cast of singers, musicians and dancers and includes favourite Christmas songs like Driving Home for Christmas, White Christmas, Oh Holy Night, Winter’s Tale, Silent Night and of course, Fairytale of New York.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

October 23-28 • Liverpool Empire

In one of the most unexpected theatrical announcements of the year, Julian Clary heads the cast as Herod in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s spectacular musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Coming to Liverpool for one week, this is a reimagined production of a show that’s become a global musical phenomenon that won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

RIVER OF LIGHT

October 27-November 5 • Outdoor city centre trail

Liverpool’s free outdoor illuminated gallery of artworks is back, featuring a trail of light and sound installations, including brand-new commissions, created by local, national and international artists. This year’s theme, following on from hosting an incredible Eurovision Song Contest in May this year is United by Light, as a continuation to Eurovision’s United by Music.

SOUL II SOUL

November 7 • Eventim Olympia

Founded by Jazzie B in London in the late 80s, Soul II Soul went on to become one of the most successful bands in the UK, selling more than 10 million albums, winning two Grammys and five Brit Awards, with hits like Back to Life and Keep on Movin’. After a summer of festivals, the band is getting out into venues for a UK tour.

From concerts to comedy tours, Liverpool is home to a bursting selection of events over the next three months.

December

CANDLELIGHT: 100 YEARS OF WARNER BROS.

November 18 • St George's Hall

St George’s Hall is one of Liverpool’s most jawdropping locations and this autumn it’s hosting a series of candlelight concerts creating a live, multisensory musical experience. 100 Years of Warner Bros. celebrates some of the most iconic music in movie and TV history from Casablanca to the Hogwarts Anthem from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR

December 2 • Philharmonic Hall

It’s been an amazing 2023 already for Sophie Ellis Bextor, selling out shows up and down the country and doing a fantastic afternoon set on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury. After the huge success of her Kitchen Disco, Sophie is the new queen of pop and there’s sure to be plenty of dancefloor moves as she brings hits and festive classics with a disco twist.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 15-16 • St George's Hall

Performed by Charles Dickens' great-great-grandson, Gerald Charles Dickens, this unique show returns to St George’s Hall for its 14th year. Audiences are transported back in time as talented actor and storyteller Dickens brings to life the wonderful characters of a timeless classic in the same auditorium where his famous ancestor stood to give his penny readings.

LUCY BEAUMONT

November 24 • Playhouse Theatre

She’s probably best known as half of Britain’s funniest couple - the Richardsons - along with her comedian other half Jon Richardson. They’ve won awards for shows like Meet The Richardsons and Jon & Lucy’s Odd Couples, but now Lucy’s on her own stand-up tour. With some of the sharpest comic timing on the circuit, this is a laugh-out-loud one not to be missed.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

December 5-30 • Playhouse Theatre

If you love a festive chiller that’ll have you nervously watching the stage from between your fingers then this is the show to see. The Woman in Black is a Christmas ghost story that returns to Liverpool after a 33-year run in the West End. It’s atmospheric, thrilling and nerve-jangling in equal measures and sure to have you on the edge of your seat.

CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL HOUSE PARTY

December 26 • Content, Baltic Triangle

RSVP an invitation to the ultimate funk and soul house party on Boxing Night in the capable hands of your host Craig Charles, one of the best rhythm and soul DJs in the business. This all-new DJ show for 2023 invites fans to enter Craig’s living room as he delves into his extensive record collection for a set packed with groove bangers.

DISTRICT GUIDE

Go further afield than the city centre and Liverpool’s suburbs can be a great place to discover some of our best independents.

Sefton Park to the south is one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces and Lark Lane, which leads to it, is a must-visit day or night for its eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes and shops.

There’s always plenty going on, including regular flea markets and events at the Old Police Station, so here are The Navigator’s picks of where to go…

MINNA

If you’re looking for a lovely spot for breakfast or lunch then Minna is it, with the bonus of outdoor seating at the front to people watch, and in its rear courtyard. Try the seasonal French toast with a latte – even the milk is locally sourced from Peckforton Farm Dairy.

MILO LOUNGE

Milo is one of a pair of Lounge’s in Liverpool, big sister to Brasco at Mann Island, replicating the group’s design of cosy grandma front living room chic with its squishy sofas and retro artwork. Milo is a top pick for casual all-day eating, and has dedicated gluten-free and vegan menus.

PRESS BROS COFFEE

After starting life at Baltic Market, the brothers behind Press Bros moved onto the lane much to the joy of coffee aficionados who love a pastry or a sandwich on the side. The espresso martinis, a contender for best in the city and classic or flavoured, are not to be missed.

POLIDOR 68

Another one with outdoor seating front and back, Polidor has a relaxed French-style bistro/wine bar atmosphere with stripped brick walls and cool bare bulb lighting. Open until late for brunch, lunch and dinner small and large plates, it’s got a very decent wine and cocktail list too.

HAFLA HAFLA

Middle-eastern inspired small plates, mezze and kebabs are the go-to at Hafla Hafla, which first made a name for itself – and its amazing halloumi fries – with a Baltic Market residency. Now a big favourite on the lane, it’s open from lunchtime until 10pm most nights and usually packed out.

FREIDA MO’S

Just along from Hafla is Freida Mo’s, a female-led shop which serves up a quirky combo of vinyl, vintage, coffees and teas, and some absolutely gorgeous cakes (with plenty of them being gluten-free or vegan) homemade upstairs by owner Sally. It also has a lovely little garden at the back to take a breather in.

LARKS

If you’re looking for unique gifts and cards, homewares, jewellery and some fabulous indie fashion including vintage, then look for the pretty in pink frontage opposite Freida’s and set aside plenty of time to go mooching around the little treasure trove of Larks.

BOOKBINDER

You’re just as likely to find mates playing chess or old school board games, or just having a read, in between lunch or dinner here. It has a laidback feel so anything’s fine, it’s super-dog friendly, the food –especially the Sunday roast - is excellent and there’s regular live music.

LUNKO

This bakery is a relatively new arrival, but it’s been a huge hit since it opened in summer. It’s just off the lane on Little Parkfield but there’s no missing it thanks to queues which often stretch way out. From the Butterholic bakers, there’s an array of just-out-of-theoven pastries including their famous cruffins.

10 MINUTES WITH

Credit: BBC Pics

It seems incredible that it’s been 30 years since singer Gabrielle’s first single Dreams became the highestcharting debut single from a new artist ever in the UK, shooting to number two in the charts.

Throughout the 90s and early noughties, Gabrielle –born Louise Gabriella Bobb (she owes her stage name to a Soho club booker who suggested it) – was one of the defining voices of her era.

There were so many top 10 hits, not just Dreams and the title track of her number one album Rise, but fan anthems like Out Of Reach which featured in the Bridget Jones’s Diary film, If You Ever (with East 17), Give Me A Little More Time and Sunshine.

Huge success saw her gain a string of major awards including two BRITs for Best British Female and Best British Breakthrough as well MOBO Awards for Best Single for Give Me A Little More Time and Best Album for Rise. In 2008, after being nominated five times, she finally won her first prestigious Ivor Novello Award.

After taking some time out in the late noughties to focus on her family, she won over a new generation of fans with some show-stealing performances on ITV’s The Masked Singer in 2021.

Now 54 and with a six-month-old grandson, Gabrielle’s renaissance continued when her album Do It Again went into the charts at number 4. She’s become hugely popular on the festival circuit and this autumn she’s out on her own 30 Years of Dreaming tour across the UK.

With a date bringing her to Liverpool in October, The Navigator found out more about the enduring talent and success of one of our greatest female vocalists … Dreams was your massive debut hit, do you ever get tired of singing it?

I’ll always have fond memories of that song, to the point that I always still love singing it. Most people get to my time in life and they’re like, ‘The first song that launched me? I don’t want to know anything about it’. But not me. And I think my audience would kill me if I decided never to sing it again. So, no, it’s like my first love.

You have a real connection with the crowd when you perform live, is that important to you?

Dreams came out in 1993 and for me to still be here is amazing as there aren’t many from that era still

around. It is a feat that I couldn’t do on my own because the audiences have been phenomenal. They are not bored yet so I am still able to do what I love doing. I just love going around the UK on tour. I’m British and I love my country. I love each and every place that I go to.

Is it true that Out Of Reach gets the biggest crowd reaction live, and not just from typical chick flick fans?

People go nuts! When you come to my shows and you see the audience – you’ve got big bearded men singing Out Of Reach at the top of their voices! When you're singing and you see people in the crowd standing up singing your songs, feeling their feelings. I'm like, wow - I love it, I love it. I love that music can bring everyone together.

Lots of other artists have named you as their inspiration, including Adele. How does it feel to inspire people, in and out of the industry?

I never felt that being a singer was a dream I could have because with having a lazy eyelid, as much as I wanted to sing and as much as I was confident, there was no one like me in pop music; no one to represent this girl with a lazy eye who has not got this pictureperfect face. I never thought it would become a reality. And now I say to everybody who has a dream, who’s passionate - it doesn’t matter if you don't have representations of yourself - you could be the first. Just because it hasn't happened before, it doesn't mean it won't happen. I’m a testament to that. You can do it too.

Your album Do It Again features classics including songs you sang on Masked Singer – was it tough to decide what to cover?

Over the years I’ve listened to so many different pieces of music and I’ve loved so many different songs. There are thousands to choose from but to whittle it down, they are songs that I had known and wished I could sing but just to do my own little version in comparison to the great Sam Cooke and Tina Turner and people like that. Do It Again is not because they need to be done again, but it’s having fun and doing them again because I just love them that much.

You’ve been gigging for three decades and are about to go out on tour again, what’s been the stand-out show in all that time?

I’ve played some incredible shows around the world but the best was probably at the Acropolis in Athens. I’d only ever seen it on TV and suddenly I was playing there. Marti Pellow and Lionel Richie were playing and there was a fantastic atmosphere.

Gabrielle’s 30 Years of Dreaming Tour comes to Liverpool Philharmonic on October 20.

There’s no bigger, more exciting time in the city’s calendar than the months leading up to Christmas, when Liverpool is buzzing with events guaranteed to get everyone feeling festive.

From outdoor markets, perfect for original gift shopping and soaking up the atmosphere, to Christmas shows in some of our landmark venues, there’s something to bring a bit of sparkle to the season for everyone.

LIVERPOOL CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Nothing gets you in the Christmas mood quite like a continental-style Christmas market, and there’s no need to fly off to Europe to find one. This year, Liverpool’s market is returning for five weeks from November 18 until December 24 on St George's Plateau and neighbouring William Brown Street. Alongside independent traders selling hand-crafted gifts and delicious food stalls, there’ll be an array of themed bars, the popular karaoke ski-lifts, big wheel and more.

SLEEPING BEAUTY AT THE M&S BANK ARENA

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without getting involved in audience participation at a traditional panto and Liverpool has a few to choose from this year, including Sleeping Beauty at the Arena. Heading up the cast is reality star and model Katie Price, playing evil Carabosse who puts a curse on the beautiful princess that sees her fall into a deep sleep which can be broken only by her true love. A fabulous fun show for adults and children, Sleeping Beauty features great sing-along songs from a live band, dazzling dance routines and some spectacular special effects. It’s on over the Christmas holiday period from December 16 to 30.

ROYAL ALBERT DOCK LIGHT TRAIL

The dock will be lit up once again with more than one million twinkling lights in the run-up to Christmas as its popular waterfront Light Trail returns on Friday 17 November. Visitors can enjoy an array of illuminated characters and nautical installations representing the dock’s rich maritime history, offering a fun, free activity for all ages to take part in over the festive period. Highlights include a giant yellow submarine by the entrance to The Beatles Story, a family of dazzling jellyfish as well as Neptune and Poseidon standing tall on each side of the dock’s entrance.

THE LIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL

After the huge success of last year's event, The Light Before Christmas is returning for Christmas 2023, transforming the cathedral's magnificent interior into a canvas for a sequence of dazzling light and sound artworks. Award-winning artistic collaboration Luxmuralis are back with Light Before Christmas: The Manger, the second of the series. This immersive experience will take visitors on a journey through the Nativity story celebrating the magic of Christmas. It will fill the main space from December 1 until December 8, between 4.30pm and 8.30pm each evening.

LOVE ACTUALLY IN CONCERT AT THE PHILHARMONIC HALL

There are so many classic films that are must-sees around Christmastime and Love Actually is definitely one of those, especially if you’ve got a romantic sentimental streak. Richard Curtis’s rom-com of interweaving love stories features an all-star ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley and many more. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Phil is giving fans a chance to see it in a way they haven’t before – on the big screen and accompanied by a full live orchestra on Monday 27 November.

N E Y E A R

NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA DINNER

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel Liverpool. Our Gala Dinner will be a spectacular evening to welcome in the New Year.

Join us for prosecco and canapés on arrival, stunning décor, enchanting entertainers and a delicious four course gala dinner, followed by an amazing night of live music from The Toni James Band and dancing.

Ju s t b e f o r e t h e c l oc k s tr i ke s 1 2 , j o i n u s o n o u r

b r e a t h t a k i n g dock s i d e wi t h a g l as s o f

C h a m pagn e an d a bea u ti f u l fi r e w o r k d i s p l a y t o

t oa s t t h e N e w Ye a r .

£120 per person | Adults only (Over 18s)

To secure your booking a non-refundable £20 per person deposit is required and full pre-payment no later than 28 days prior.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ACCOMODATION PACKAGE

Why not make a night of it and book our New Year’s Eve Accommodation Package, which includes Overnight Accommodation, New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Breakfast in Stanley’s Bar and Grill, prices start at £505 per couple in a superior room.

Terms and conditions apply, full payment is required by 1st December, this will be non-refundable or non-transferable.

NYE ON THE DOCK

Welcome in 2024 in Stanley’s Bar and Grill and enjoy a delicious dinner from our a la carte menu with your family and friends. Just before midnight join us on our dockside for a beautiful firework display to welcome in the New Year.

To secure your booking a non-refundable £20 per person deposit is required.

Liverpool is known for being one of the most creative cities in the UK – we’d argue THE most – so there’s no shortage of places to buy unique locally-made arts and crafts.

Whether you’re looking for Christmas ideas, an original keepsake of your visit to the city, or just a gift for someone (including yourself), here are our top tips for where to find them.

LIVERPOOL GIN DISTILLERY

Liverpool Gin is now known and loved by gin drinkers all over the country, but the distillery is right here in the city centre on Castle Street, so if you want some go straight to the source. A range of organic gins are produced on-site in a custom-built 60-litre copper still so you can watch the distillers in action, sample then buy and collect bottles from the bar.

MERSEYMADE

In Chancery House, opposite Liverpool ONE, MerseyMade has created a home for all things creative, so you can not only buy from the makers you can see them at work too. The shop has everything from gin and jewellery to artwork and clothing. There’s also a mezzanine area housing 10 open studio spaces for artists to work, and its Scribble Café serves bespoke blend coffee and homemade cakes.

THE ART QUARTER

The Art Quarter, on the ground floor of the Metquarter shopping centre, is a collective of local artists who originally formed in 2015 for the award-winning ‘ONEart’ in Liverpool. They exhibit in galleries around the country but shoppers will often find them behind the counter here, telling more about the inspiration behind their paintings, illustrations, glasswork and photography.

TATE LIVERPOOL

Tate is temporarily moving to its new home at Mann Island from the end of October while its gallery at the dock undergoes a huge transformation. But the good news is it will still have art items including prints, mugs, books and other quirky buys, including lots associated with past and current exhibitions, on sale at a new shop opening inside the landmark RIBA North building.

THE NEST

On the waterfront at Royal Albert Dock, there’s a Liverpool born and bred haven packed with all kinds of pieces from local designers and makers, carefully curated by owner and artist Katherine Caldwell. The Nest supports more than 35 small businesses producing tote bags, decorations, artwork, jewellery, cards, prints, stationery, ceramics, candles and lots more.

UTILITY

Utility is one of Liverpool’s homegrown design success stories. Launched in the city more than 20 years ago, it now has two hugely successful shops in the city centre – in Liverpool ONE and on Bold Street. Among a range of cool homeware, gifts and cards you’ll find lots of Liverpool-themed designs on everything from coasters, totes, magnets and baubles to replica mini purple wheelie bins!

THE FAB4 STORE

Still down at the dock, The Beatles Story’s Fab4 Store is the number one place to go for Beatles memorabilia – it’s got a huge range of T-shirts and collectables – and it’s recently got a new addition that’s perfect for gin lovers. Liverpool family-run distillery Murphy’s Gin has developed a range of four fab flavoured gins, including the sweet and punchy Strawberry & Sgt Pepper.

TOBACCO WAREHOUSE LIVERPOOL

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE STUNNING

WAREHOUSE HOMES WITHIN STANLEY DOCK'S LANDMARK TOBACCO WAREHOUSE

Located opposite the Titanic Hotel, the new waterfront neighbourhood features New York loft-style apartments ranging from 900 to 2,700 sq ft with up to three bedrooms.

GRADE II LISTED TOBACCO WAREHOUSE, built in Liverpool in 1901 as “the biggest warehouse the world had ever seen”, is being converted as part of the Stanley Dock regeneration. Phase One of the project is complete and the warehouse apartment homes have loft-style features such as exposed brick walls, cast-iron columns and double-height spaces. They are just across the dock from the Titanic Hotel and close to several hip cafes and creative businesses in the fashionable Ten Streets district.

Developers have released new images from inside the finished show apartments being marketed by Logic Estates. The four large dressed show apartments in the landmark building provide a homage to The Beatles, Liverpool’s most famous rock band, with different rooms featuring speciallycurated limited edition Beatles artwork. Tobacco Warehouse is being transformed into the city’s most exclusive new residential address providing 550 exceptionally spacious and airy one, two and three bedroom Manhattan loft style apartments, including penthouses, complete with 100,000 square feet of dock level commercial space and lifestyle amenities.

In order to dress the Tobacco Warehouse show apartments with Beatles artwork Stanley Dock Properties purchased many of the limited edition pieces at ‘Double Fantasy – John & Yoko’, a 2019 Beatles Exhibition that was held at the Museum of Liverpool. This exhibition drew on artwork from Yoko Ono’s own private collection, some of which had never been displayed before.

In dressing the four show apartments the developers envisaged that each could provide a funky Manhattan style pad for one of the “Fab Four” (John Lennon actually lived in New York). This creative inspiration has resulted in a series of visually striking, highly individual, dressed apartments that are rich in character and colours and combine iconic Beatles artwork with Art Deco style furniture, sculptural light fittings and vintage and contemporary accessories.

With apartments now available for immediate occupation and prices starting from £235,000 viewings can be arranged with Logic Estates, 0151 920 2404.