Liverpool
I’m quite ashamed to have reached my age without having visited a number of Britain’s best cities, and until recently, that list included Liverpool.
What a marvellous city it is, with probably one of most recognisable waterfronts, stretching along the River Mersey and featuring the grand buildings known as The Three Graces – the Royal Liver building with its iconic Liver Bird statues, the Cunard building and the Port of Liverpool building – and the two magnificent cathedrals.
We had trouble fitting in everything we wanted to see in a weekend, as there’s much not to miss.
First stop had to be Tate Liverpool in the Albert Dock, home of the national collection of modern and contemporary art in the north of England. Coming up in June is Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots.
Liverpool city centre has many great museums, but don’t miss the fascinating Port Sunlight Museum And Garden Village a short drive away. The village was built by the soap baron William Hesketh Lever in the 1880s for his workers, and it’s a fascinating story.
Of course, you have to do The Beatles Story in Albert Dock and visit the worldfamous Cavern Club. There was a lot of debate over whether it’s the exact same club, but I tell you what, we had the best night ever in there – or should I say afternoon and evening.
Entrance at around 5.30pm costs a miniscule £2.50, we left at 10.30pm, and in between listened to two great bands, one playing general music from the 1960s, the other an extremely good Beatles tribute band, whose name escaped us, sadly.
We also took a ferry ’cross the Mersey, with Mersey Ferries of course, and learnt about the history of Liverpool and took some great shots of the iconic buildings.
All of which left us very hungry. Not surprisingly, there’s a huge number of places to eat. One of our favourites was The Art School Restaurant under head chef Paul Askew. I loved the fine dining experience without the faffing around and the really nice, unpatronising waiting staff.
The range of set menus – from just £23.50 for a limited two-course Prix Fixe – changes according to the season. But if you can, do sample the sublime Milk and Honey – heather honey tart, milk sorbet, milk panna cotta and honey soufflé. Heaven on a plate.
Our after-dinner treat was a 90-minute ghost and history tour of Liverpool with Shiverpool. It was utterly brilliant, I can’t remember when I last laughed so much. I don’t want to spoil the surprises, so can’t say much more.
Talking of surprises, do stay at luxury bed and breakfast 2 Blackburne Terrace while you’re in Liverpool. Behind the stately town-house exterior you’ll find four chic and gorgeously furnished bedrooms, with every comfort as well as wonderfully quirky art – we loved it.
It’s also brilliantly located close to the city centre so not too far to walk home after another night bobbing at the Cavern Club.
Tate Liverpool: www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool
Port Sunlight Museum: www.portsunlightvillage.com
The Beatles Story: www.beatlesstory.com
The Art School Restaurant: www.theartschoolrestaurant.co.uk
Shiverpool: www.shiverpool.co.uk
www.visitliverpool.com
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
Prices are correct at the time of going to press.
What a marvellous city it is, with probably one of most recognisable waterfronts, stretching along the River Mersey and featuring the grand buildings known as The Three Graces – the Royal Liver building with its iconic Liver Bird statues, the Cunard building and the Port of Liverpool building – and the two magnificent cathedrals.
We had trouble fitting in everything we wanted to see in a weekend, as there’s much not to miss.
First stop had to be Tate Liverpool in the Albert Dock, home of the national collection of modern and contemporary art in the north of England. Coming up in June is Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots.
Liverpool city centre has many great museums, but don’t miss the fascinating Port Sunlight Museum And Garden Village a short drive away. The village was built by the soap baron William Hesketh Lever in the 1880s for his workers, and it’s a fascinating story.
Of course, you have to do The Beatles Story in Albert Dock and visit the worldfamous Cavern Club. There was a lot of debate over whether it’s the exact same club, but I tell you what, we had the best night ever in there – or should I say afternoon and evening.
Entrance at around 5.30pm costs a miniscule £2.50, we left at 10.30pm, and in between listened to two great bands, one playing general music from the 1960s, the other an extremely good Beatles tribute band, whose name escaped us, sadly.
We also took a ferry ’cross the Mersey, with Mersey Ferries of course, and learnt about the history of Liverpool and took some great shots of the iconic buildings.
All of which left us very hungry. Not surprisingly, there’s a huge number of places to eat. One of our favourites was The Art School Restaurant under head chef Paul Askew. I loved the fine dining experience without the faffing around and the really nice, unpatronising waiting staff.
The range of set menus – from just £23.50 for a limited two-course Prix Fixe – changes according to the season. But if you can, do sample the sublime Milk and Honey – heather honey tart, milk sorbet, milk panna cotta and honey soufflé. Heaven on a plate.
Our after-dinner treat was a 90-minute ghost and history tour of Liverpool with Shiverpool. It was utterly brilliant, I can’t remember when I last laughed so much. I don’t want to spoil the surprises, so can’t say much more.
Talking of surprises, do stay at luxury bed and breakfast 2 Blackburne Terrace while you’re in Liverpool. Behind the stately town-house exterior you’ll find four chic and gorgeously furnished bedrooms, with every comfort as well as wonderfully quirky art – we loved it.
It’s also brilliantly located close to the city centre so not too far to walk home after another night bobbing at the Cavern Club.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Rooms at 2 Blackburne Terrace cost from £160 per night: 0151-702 4840, www.2blackburneterrace.comTate Liverpool: www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool
Port Sunlight Museum: www.portsunlightvillage.com
The Beatles Story: www.beatlesstory.com
The Art School Restaurant: www.theartschoolrestaurant.co.uk
Shiverpool: www.shiverpool.co.uk
www.visitliverpool.com
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
Prices are correct at the time of going to press.