best of liverpool magazine - february 2014

WINA TRIP TO ITALY

COURTESY OF

IL FORNO!

S U P P L E M E N T

CRIME OF PASSION

SWEET LIKE CANDYSorbet shade fashions that are good enough to eat

O F L I V E R P O O LFEBRUARY ISSUE 2014

FASHION l BEAUTY l FITNESS l CHILDREN l TALENT l CULTURE l EVENTS l FOOD

CRÊPE EXPECTATIONS

It’s nearly Pancake Day!

POP THE QUESTIONHow to propose in style

LOVELY LINGERIE//FASHION FOR HIM//COOL SKIWEAR//WHAT’S ON FAMILY FUN//RESTAURANT REVIEWS//BUGGED OUT//SALON SPOTLIGHT

Lovehistory stages a murderous Victorian Valentine’s mystery at St George’s Hall

LAUGHING GIRL

Comedian Laura Doyle

VALENTINE’S SPECIAL

Love is in the air...

FLYING HIGHAirborn Academy

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GONG XI FA CAI! The city celebrated Chinese new year last weekend with a colourful fun-filled parade featuring lions and dragons and firecrackers, and now we are galloping into the Year of the Horse, let’s hope this year is a real winner. We have lots to look forward to this

month. With Valentine’s day fast ap-proaching, Best of Liverpool has been getting in the mood for love. We bring you lots of ideas from dressing to impress to where to take your hot date. Katie arranged a fashion shoot, on pages 8-9, featuring the latest sorbet shades guaran-teed to make your significant other sweet on you. And for the blokes, Paul combines the latest tonal trend with football so you can turn heads whether you’re a red or a blue on page 12. Read Emma’s round-up of romantic

rendezvous on page 20 and Sue’s guide to gorgeous Valentine’s gifts on page 22. See Sarah’s ideas on how to create a love

nest on page 23, while Emma serves up some heart-felt recipes to tantalise your intended on page 26. Perhaps you’re thinking of popping

the question? See Katie’s idea on how to do it in style on pages 24-25 or if you’re feeling lonely this Valentine’s Day – why not have a go at speed dating? See Paul’s feature on the fast way to find love on page 21. There’s a fine line between love and

hate, as Paul finds out as he talks to Judy McLean, founder of local theatrical

events company Lovehistory, who will be bringing tales of murderous passions to life in Liverpool at St George’s Hall – see page 16. Meanwhile, for bit of light relief, Sue

meets Laura Doyle who is delivering medicine in the form of laughter with her new comedy night on page 17. As usual, we have compiled a check-

list of the most exciting events to look forward to this month – see our what’s on guide on page 19.And as the schools break up, we have

some great ideas of how to stop cabin fever setting in on page 15. Why not take them along to Airborn Academy? This new freerunning and urban sports centre offers a fantastic range of activities for kids – find out more on page 14. Or teach them how to make pancakes in

preparation for Shrove Tuesday? See our recipes and tips courtesy of La Crepe Rit on page 27. Food is always the way to Best of Liver-

pool’s heart, read our reviews of the Fa-zenda, the new Brazilian rodizio on page 28 and Sarah’s trip to a cosy Cotswolds inn on page 30. And don’t miss the chance to win a trip

to Italy to see where Il Forno sources its fabulous produce on page 29.

Happy Valentine’s!

03BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Contents

Welcome...

O F L I V E R P O O L

BESTGET IN TOUCH

NEWS04-05 TALK OF THE TOWNCity soirees, launches and news

FASHION08-09 FASHION FOR HERPretty pastels and sweet shades 10 LOVELY LINGERIESeductive sets to flatter any shape 12 FASHION FOR HIMSet the right tone with blues and reds 13 COOL SKIWEARHit the slopes in style

HEALTH & BEAUTY11 SALON SPOTLIGHTA mucky treatment for two

CHILDREN14 AIRBORN ACADEMY New urban sports centre takes off 15 BOREDOM BUSTERS Half term family fun

ENTERTAINMENT 16-17 CRIMES OF PASSION Tales of love and hate in the city18 BUGGED OUTClub night celebrates 20th birthday 19 WHAT’S ONYour guide to February’s events

VALENTINE’S SPECIAL20 ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUSHow to impress your date 21 FAST LOVESpeed dating in the city 22 GIFT GUIDEThe way to your Valentine’s heart 23 LOVE NESTSSet the scene for a romantic night in

WEDDINGS24-25 POP THE QUESTIONHow to propose in style

FOOD AND DRINK26 FOOD OF LOVERecipes for a romantic meal for two 27 FLIPPING FANTASTICHow to make perfect pancakes 28 RESTAURANT REVIEWNew Brazilian, Fazenda 29 THAT’S AMOREFood from the heart at Il Forno

TRAVEL30 WINTER WONDERLANDA cosy Cotswolds retreat

STORIES 0151 330 5035EMAIL [email protected] 0151 330 5039

WEBSITE www.liverpoolecho.co.ukFOLLOW US twitter@BestofLpool

1614

08

Michelle RushtonBest of Liverpool Editor

LIVERPOOL ECHO EDITOR Alastair Machray

MAGAZINE EDITORMichelle Rushton

DEPUTY EDITORKatie McLoughlin

WRITERS Paul Baker, Sarah Hooley,

Sue Kelbrick, Katie McLoughlin, Emma Thompson

PHOTOGRAPHY Trinity Mirror photographers

COVER SHOT

Andrew Teebay

DESIGNVicky Andrews Colin Harrison

COMMERCIAL FEATURES EDITOR

Sally Jones

SALES MANAGER Ros McGuire

COPYRIGHTBest of Liverpool is published monthly by

Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales/Liverpool ECHO. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of

the publisher.

FEBRUARY 14

23

28

NON SURGICAL LIPO SCULPTGROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY

SHAPES YOU BEAUTIFULQUICKLY & EASILY


Talk of the town

FOOD OF LOVE

SPICING up Valentine’s Day with a date at one of the hottest new restaurants in town. Situated on Blundell Street, Balle Balle calls itself a “creative Indian bistro” and certainly offers something a bit different. Local chef Uday Seth promises dishes which are lighter and healthier with minimal cholesterol whilst keeping the intense flavours of Indian home-cooked food. His menu has lots of interesting vegetarian options using seasonal local produce. We love the sound of the Valentine’s menu (£22 per person with a glass of Champagne). Visit Balle Balle Bistro at 57 Blundell Street, Liverpool City Centre, L1 0AJ. Telephone: 0151 709 3060 or visit www.balleballebistro.com

From swish soirées to gatherings, launches and more, Katie McLoughlin and Michelle Rushton take a look at what the city’s glitterati have been up to...

ANDaboutOutPARTYING WITH GUSTOONE of the liveliest lunches in the Liverpool glitterati’s calendar, Carolyn Hughes PR’s annual charity lunch recently raised over £8,000 for two very deserving causes. Held in the stunning setting of Gusto Albert Duck, the event was attended by over 200 glamorous guests who were eager to support Radio City’s Cash for Kids and Wirral Witches. As well as a drink on arrival and sumptuous three course lunch, guests enjoyed a set by Bez Miles, before Tricia McTeague filled the dance floor with a versatile party set. The event was also supported by Barclays, Barclaycard and the Big Event Group which provided a photobooth which certainly amused the guests.

OVER 50 journalists from regional and national press enjoyed a tour of the Albert Dock’s bars and restaurants last month. The Albert Dock’s Media Dock Crawl is organised annually by Moore Media to thank the local press for its support and to showcase what the Dock has to offer. It has become a legendary event for local journos, including the Best of Liverpool team and colleagues from the Liverpool ECHO. But unfortunately, we can’t reveal

too much as we agreed “what happens during the dock crawl, stays on the dock crawl!” However, we can report that the media were treated to fine food and drink at many venues including PanAm, What’s Cooking? The Smugglers Cove, Gusto, Blue Bar & Grill and Vinea and a great time was had by all. Highlights included a vodka train in Revolution, steak samples in Miller & Carter, a magician in Circo and a delicious meal in Spice Lounge.

MIGUEL Doforo, managing director of MD Productions, held a recruitment day at the Olympia on Sunday, January 26 to help young people realise their dreams. In association with Kids Company, MODE Training and Durastic Flooring, the recruitment day was a chance for young people aged between 14 and 25 to audition for the forthcoming Emotions project, which aims to help people achieve their future career ambitions. Local businesses including DTM Legal, Wilson Henry LLP, World Merit, MODE Training, and Kaplan Adult Employment were on hand to give careers advice to budding young entrepreneurs. Over 200 people registered with 50 participants

selected for the Emotions show in Summer 2014.

INSPIRING YOUNGSTERS

YOU could never accuse John Bishop of not eating his greens. The Scouse comic, who has been meat-free for nearly 30 years, has been named one of Britain’s Sexiest Vegetarians of 2013 by animal rights charity PETA. The charity named Bishop, alongside model Lily Cole, for their efforts to promote compassion for animals. The accolade has previously been awarded to Leona Lewis, Anthony Kiedis, Eliza Doolittle, Jay McGuiness and Russell Brand. Bishop starred in one of PETA’s most popular pro-vegetarian campaigns – ‘Chicks Love a Vegetarian’.

COMIC NAMED SEXY VEGGIE

MARVELLOUS MOCOCO

OGLING longingly at the bling in the new Mococo jewellery store. The new jewellery Mecca opened just before Christmas in Liverpool’s Metquarter and stocks a huge range of top designer brands including Shaun Leane, Thomas Sabo, Pandora, Swarovski, Diamonfire and Nomination. As well as a dazzling array of jewellery, the store stocks the ultra cool arm candy brand Chlobo and boasts a fabulous Champagne and coffee bar, where Mococo customers can book in to view the collections.Visit www.mococo.co.uk

POP-UP ROMANCE

WE’VE long been admirers of The Chocolate Cellar, so expect us to be first in the queue on February 14 when the independent Liverpool chocolatier opens a pop-up shop.Open for one day only, The Valentine’s Pop Up Shop

will be at Princes Dock from 11am until 3pm on February 14. A joint venture between The Chocolate Cellar and Alright Petal, it will feature a pop-up café serving The Chocolate Cellar’s indulgent hot chocolate, a pop-up chocolaterie with Valentine’s Day truffles and macaroons, and a pop-up flower shop selling fresh red roses and beautiful bouquets by Alright Petal. And who said romance was dead?

We’re loving...

DOCK CRAWL

LEGENDARY footballers Peter Reid and David Fairclough, who played in the all-conquering Everton and Liverpool sides of the 1970s and 80s, have put their allegiances aside to raise awareness of organ donation. The pair visited The Walton Centre in Liverpool and called for families and friends to speak to one another and pass on their organ donation wishes. David Fairclough, whose wife Jan died at

The Walton Centre in 2011, said: “Organ donation is an amazing thing. People should speak to their loved ones about it and make it clear what their wishes are. Although we’d discussed it, when Jan passed away I didn’t know she had registered. It’s a very emotional thing but Jan has changed the lives of eight people. “All of my family are on the register now.”

You can sign up to the organ donation register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk

05BEST OF LIVERPOOL

FEBRUARY 14

HEROIC HALF TERM SET YOUR LOVE IN STONE CHILDREN have been invited to become superheroes this February Half Term at Liverpool ONE. To mark the launch of The Lego Movie, Liverpool ONE has designed a host of superhero activities in The Dome, on Chavasse Park starting on Saturday, February 15. A series of daily events and activities will be held throughout the week combining costume and cape workshops, cake decorating classes and even science experiments. Marketing and business performance director, Donna Howitt says: “The excitement is building for launch of the Lego Movie and the creative fun workshops here at Liverpool ONE will certainly help bring out the inner-superhero in children during the half term holiday.” For details of activities at Liverpool ONE visit www.liverpool-one.com/events

VIVA LA REVOLUTIONA CITY centre bar was the setting for a glitzy VIP party on January 11, to celebrate its relaunch following a six-figure investment. Revolution, in the Cavern Quarter,

was officially reopened last month following a complete overhaul which saw a brand new bar created and a dedicated restaurant area introduced. The VIP relaunch party showcased

Revolution’s largest-ever cocktail menu to date, with expert mixologists inviting the glamorous guests to take part in a mini-cocktail making master class. The event also saw guests dance late into the night in the new-look bar area with cocktails, canapés, DJs and entertainment.

IF your mum is a real brick, then why not buy her one to show her you care this Mothers’ day? Members of the public can order a brick to be featured in Liverpool Cathedral’s People’s Path, which features 633 personalised bricks, marking all kinds of occasions such as Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, weddings, baptisms, graduations and even marriage proposals. All money raised from the bricks goes to the Cathedral Foundation to keep the cathedral free to visitors and supports the cathedral’s development and work in the community. Order your Mothers’ Day brick by February 14 from just £50. Contact [email protected], call 0151 702 7226 or visit www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

TAVERN SCOOPS BEST BREKKIE AWARD

BROOKLYN STYLE COMES TO HOPE STREET FREDERIKS, a Brooklyn-style bar and eatery, has opened on Hope Street in the former home of Korova. Designed by the team behind Camp and Furnace, Frederiks is the epitome of contemporary cool with sleek teak panelling above a slick concrete plinth and cosy fireplace, inviting sofas, an original yellow brick Victorian wall and a long bull nose zinc bar complete with beer font. The bar, which has a late licence, serves a selection of wheat beers, craft ales, cocktails, carefully selected wines, whiskeys

and gins alongside creative plates of transatlantic fayre. The menu at this new Hope Street hangout pays homage to the good old US of A, with dishes including the likes

of mac ‘n’ cheese, pulled pork, pretzel-fried spiced chicken and Frederiks’ signature dish – oysters Rockefella. As well as the main bar area, Frederiks has a soundproof events, performance and party space, dubbed the Pillbox, which will be used for private parties and house Frederiks’ Film Club with a purpose-built cinema screen.

TAVERN CO Liverpool has been awarded the Best Breakfast Award for its Full English, beating hundreds of venues across the UK. The awards, taking place as part of Farmhouse Breakfast Week, recognise the growing trend of eating breakfast out. The restaurant near Penny Lane serves a Full English with two traditional handmade Lincolnshire sausages, thick cut back bacon, a fried egg, peppered tomato, Bury black pudding, sautéed mushrooms

and baked beans together with extra thick sliced toast made with locally baked bread. TV Chef and breakfast lover, Dean Edwards, visited the restaurant to present the award and try the dish for himself. He says: “I can see why Tavern Co’s breakfast has such backing from their fans. They can count me as a fan now too!” Visit www.shakeupyourwakeup.com to search for Breakfast Week events in your area.

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Fashion for her

Sweet, sugary and oh-so pretty, there’s something quintessentially romantic about this season’s colour palette, says Katie McLoughlin...

SUGAR RUSH

FASHION has come over all sweetness and light this spring as sugary sorbet and fondant shades dominate the season’s colour palette.

Pastel sorbet shades featured prominently on the SS14 catwalks and the look has translated onto the high street, with Liverpool ONE’s shops awash with sweet, sugary and stylish shades.

Opt for delicate lemons, mint, lilac and baby blues or subtle peach, rose and apricot tones paired with a bright fondant-hued accessory for a splash of colour to create a look that’s almost good enough to eat this Valentine’s...

l Photographer: Viktorija Grigorjevaitel Model: Amy Gee, Boss Model Management, Manchesterl Hair: Patrick Wilson at Electric Hair Loungel Make-up: Kristina Kangro at Bobbi Brownl Nails: Nails inc at Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols, Manesty’s Lane, Liverpool ONEl Styling: Laura Jones at Think Publicityl Location: Home Coffee, School Lane, Liverpool ONEl Stockists: Hobbs, H&M, American Apparel, Office, Topshop, Flannels, Cath Kidston and French Connection, Liverpool ONE

Sequin dress, £175, from French ConnectionPurple coat, £195, from Topshop Purple court shoes, £85, from OfficeLilac clutch, £42, from American Apparel

Rose coloured coat, £189, from HobbsBlue pencil skirt, £89, from HobbsPeach bralet top, £24.99, from H&MMint clutch, £42, from American Apparel Blue animal-print satin sandals, £60, from Office

Mint coat, £89, from TopshopPink shirt, £14.99, from H&MLilac circle skirt, £34.99, from H&MPink frill socks, stylist’s ownBlue print sandals, £60, from Office

FEBRUARY 14

09BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Left; White glasses, £35, from American ApparelBlue check jacket, stylist’s ownBlue long-sleeved T-shirt (worn underneath), £35, from HobbsCream textured trousers, £34.99, from H&MGreen stilettos, £65, from Office

Right; Pink crop top, £32, from TopshopPink circle skirt, £48, from TopshopLilac floppy hat, £39, from American ApparelPurple court shoes, £85, from OfficeOrange patent clutch, £475, from Jimmy Choo at Flannels

Below;Peach jeans, £67, from American ApparelBlue biker jacket, £185, from TopshopCream cropped jumper, £55, from American ApparelGreen stiletto, £65, from OfficePaper rose, £4, from Cath KidstonValentine’s card, Cath Kidson, from a selectionPeach glasses, £27, from American Apparel


Fashion for her

Seductive styleSay ‘pants’ to big knickers and shapewear – treat yourself to some pretty lingerie this Valentine’s, says Katie McLoughlin, as she finds beautiful sets to flatter any figure...

F&F Harper lace soft cup bodysuit in black, £12, from Tesco

LADIES, it’s time to forget about super-duper-hold-everything-in style knickers and embrace your figure with flattering but beautiful lingerie which will not only boost your assets but also your confidence this February 14. Because, as Bridget Jones would

say: “This is an occasion for genuinely tiny pants!”

Wire bra, £14.99,G-string, £6.99, from H&M

Savage basque, £50, from Ann Summers

Floozie by Frost French Rose print bra and briefs, from Debenhams

Limited Collection body, £25, from Marks & Spencer

Satin and lace overlay bra, £7, and briefs, £3, from Primark

Silk cami red suspender, £29.50, from Marks & Spencer

Rosie for Autograph floral border print wrap, £125, from Marks & Spencer

Amy cami-suspender, £50, from Ann Summers

Adorned Desire chemise, £40, from Ann Summers

F&F Harper lace non-wired bra in black, £6, and F&F Harper lace Brazilian briefs, £4, from Tesco

Foil print lace padded plunge bra in gold and foil print lace short in gold, from Tesco

A FOUR star hotel nestled in a picturesque village in the Wirral countryside, Thorn-ton Hall Hotel is an obvious choice for a Valentine’s Day treat. But, rather than stay in one of the hotel’s 62 luxury bedrooms, my boyfriend and I were spending the day in The Holistic Spa at Thornton Hall, where we were to have a Rasul Ritual – a mud spa treatment.

Probably not what he had in mind when I said I’d arranged a mucky weekend. A spa treatment that’s ideal for couples, the ‘Twin Rasul Experience’ (£65) takes place in a private, tiled treatment room, with decorative touches which give a nod to the treatment’s Middle Eastern ori-gins, a private steam area, showers and a relaxation area.

It was here that our therapist presented us with nourishing mineral muds to apply, then sit and relax in the warm,

cosy confines of the Rasul, where aroma-infused steam opened our pores to allow the white clay and lemongrass-scented muds to cleanse and condition our skin. Despite being initially uninterested in the whole idea, my boyfriend rather enjoyed the experience. Slathering each other in the different coloured mud turned out to be quite fun.

And, as we sat and relaxed in the steamy Rasul, we couldn’t help but giggle every time we caught a glimpse of each other.

Covered from top-to-toe in mud, we looked, according to Nick, like Brendan Fraser in California Man which, from a bloke’s perspective, was seemingly a good thing – because it was funny. The treatment lasts for around 20 minutes, at which point the ambient mood lighting changes and two monsoon showers in the steam room come on.

With the mud rinsed off and fluffy white gowns and spa slippers back on, the treat-ment finishes with a glass of iced water and a lemon sorbet served in the Rasul treatment area. The Rasul is the latest facility to be added to the thermal zone of the award-winning spa, which also features a sauna, steam room, a fabulously Grecian-styled in-door heated swimming pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and a soon-to-be-opened snow cave. Rasul treatments can be combined with use of the spa facilities and, because a day in the spa can be thirsty work, Thornton Hall has a fine dining restaurant – which

does a pretty special afternoon tea. Priced at £28.95 each, The Great Wirral

Afternoon Tea features a three-tier cake stand laden with dainty finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and artisan jams and a myriad of contemporary cakes and fancies, along with a choice of loose leaf teas and a glass of prosecco each – because what’s a spa day without a few bubbles?

FEBRUARY 14

11BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Katie McLoughlin splashes on the mud for a Valentine’s day out with a difference...

WHERE IS IT?The Holistic Spa is within Thornton Hall Hotel, a four-star hotel nestled in the pretty, semi-rural Thornton Hough area in Wirral.

WHAT DOES IT DO?Thornton Hall Hotel has two spa areas – The Holistic Spa, which offers an array of facials, body treatments, manicures, waxing, tanning and holistic treatments, such as the Rasul Ritual, hopi ear candling and hot stone massages; and The Lodge – Clinical Spa, which specialises in non-surgical aesthetic treatments, such as dermal fillers.

CONTACT:Visit: Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa, Neston Road, Thornton Hough, Wirral, CH63 1JFCall: 0151 353 0116 (spa) or 0151 336 3938 (hotel)Email: [email protected]: www.thorntonhallhotel.com

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IT TAKES TWO

CHILL OUT SPA, KNOWSLEYA LUXURIOUS spa nestled in the grounds of Knowsley Hall, Chill Out Spa offers a host of relaxing spa and beauty treatments, including spa pamper packages. The spa’s half-day Ritual for Two

package is perfect for spending a morning or afternoon with your partner. Priced at £79 per person, the package includes a glass of Champagne in the hot tub, a facial and a back, neck and shoulder mas-sage each. As well as the hot tub and treatment rooms, the spa’s fa-cilities include a tranquillity lounge and a bistro. Chill Out Spa, Stanley Grange, Ormskirk Road, Knowsley, L34 4AR, call 0844 9670 599 or log onto www.chilloutspa.co.uk

FORMBY HALL GOLF RESORT & SPAA SUMPTUOUS treat for two, Formby Hall’s Double Decadence spa day features a rejuvenating facial and full body massage in the spa’s double treatment room – named the Romance Suite. Priced at £130 per person, the

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Shopping for him

Paul Baker looks at colour toning options for men dressing to impress

Between the devil and the deep blueIF you’ve got a hot date lined up for Valentine’s Day, set the right tone from the start with a colour coordinated look.

Tonal outfitting is a big trend that’s set to continue into spring/summer 2014. It’s a superb way to look extremely stylish, without too much stress or imagination needed on your part! What’s great about the tonal look is that you’ve probably already got items of clothing languishing in your wardrobe that will match up great with the look you’re trying to achieve.

Blue is a good starting place for a colour-coded ensemble, particularly when you probably own a lot of blue gear already. Mix shades from light blue-greys through to dark and deep blues. Don’t be afraid to accessorise with scarfs and bags.

Or try mixing your reds for an exciting, romantic, Valentine’s look. Flow from lighter coral pinks to rich maroons to make the look work.

Prepared jeans, £45, from White Stuff

Voi supra denim jeans, midwash, £60, from Jacamo

Printed T-shirt, £8, from Sainsbury’s TU

Blue Harbour blazer, £119, from Marks & Spencer

Epso Fairisle crew, £54.99, from Superdry

Nike blazer mid vintage suede trainers, £55.99, from Kitbag

Satchel bag, £39.50, from Marks & Spencer

Feather shoe, £35, from Mens at Dune

Ted Baker blue satchel, £210, from House of Fraser

Straight Collar Shirt, £29.95, from Lands’ End

Label J V-neck jumper, £35, from Jacamo

Collezione blazer, £99; Collezione cardigan, £79; Collezione shirt, £35; Collezione polo neck, £45; Collezione cord, £45; pocket square, £9.50, all from Marks & Spencer

Twisted Soul cobalt slim fit denim jeans, £32.99, from Blue Inc

13BEST OF LIVERPOOL

FEBRUARY 14

Hit the slopes in styleEmma Thompson packs her holiday bag and selects some stylish skiwear that will impress on the slopes...

AS celebrities recently took on some dangerous and challeng-ing winter sports in Channel Four’s The Jump, we couldn’t help but marvel at their ability to remain stylish on the slopes.

What’s more, as the Winter Olympics gets underway in Sochi, it’s sure to inspire you to dust off your skis.

So, whether you’re snowboarding in Bulgaria or making tracks on California’s Mammoth Mountain, make sure you don’t go off -piste with our selection of cool skiwear.

Whitest men’s ski pants in cobalt, £129.99, from Trespass.co.uk

Mercade men’s ski jacket in cobalt,

£99.99, from Trespass.co.uk

Woman’s Suzi ski jacket in black and pink, £119.99, from

Trespass.co.uk

Enjoy the latest skiwear from Helly Hansen

W Alpine gloves in magenta, £30, from Helly Hansen

Men’s Campri ski gloves, £5.99, from sportsdirect.com

at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets UK

Men’s Nevica thermal zip top, £11.99, from sportsdirect.com

at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets UK

Mission men’s jacket in clementine, £320, from Helly Hansen

Mission men’s cargo pants in clementine,

£200, from Helly Hansen

W Legendary pants in ice blue, £160,

from Helly Hansen

W Panorama jacket in ice blue, £440,

from Helly Hansen

Sinner Empire ski helmet in black, £59, from John Lewis

Sinner Toxic Double Lens ski goggles in orange/grey, £40, from John Lewis

Catrina women’s ski pants, £89.99, from Trespass.co.uk


Children

THERE are little boys leaping into crash mats, grown men swinging from bars, teenagers climbing walls, young girls doing back flips and cartwheels, ladies dangling from the ceiling, and people diving into foam pits, spinning on their heads or performing somersaults on the trampolines... My son Daniel and I are at the grand opening of the new Airborn Academy at Liverpool Film Studios on Boundary Street – the UK’s first-ever dedicated urban sports centre. Today, the Academy has opened its doors for the first time for people to enjoy taster sessions of the many activities it offers from freerunning and aerial circus skills (silks, hoop and trapeze) to tumbling, trampolining, capoeira, breakdancing, cheerleading and taekwondo. Everywhere you look there’s people jumping and flying through the air in all directions. It’s spectacular to see and you can feel the energy and adrenaline pumping through the space. This place is seriously cool with city-scaped walls and state-of-the-art facilities including the first high rebound cheerleading sprung floor in the UK, a freerunning modular block area, sunken trampolines, foam pit landing area and aerial equipment including silks, ropes, trapezes and hoops. My daredevil five-year-old can’t wait to have a go and has signed up for breakdancing, trampolining and freerunning. When I first heard of plans for the Academy, I knew it would be right up his street. Just over a year ago, I was introduced to brothers Ryan and Anthony Doyle, pioneers of the parkour and freerunning scene in Liverpool.

I interviewed Ryan, twice world freerunning champion and Hollywood movie star, about their dreams to move from their temporary base at Park Road sports centre in Toxteth to set up a specialist academy HQ and unite Liverpool’s movement scene including gymnastics and martial arts to trickers, freerunners and cheerleaders. The brothers joined forces with four others who share their vision and passion for parkour and the urban sports and Airborn Academy has become a reality. The directors are Gisele Partridge, Jean Paul Jesstiece, Julia Tsang and Martin Tsang, as well as Anthony and Ryan Doyle. A community company, The Academy has received lots of support from local businesses and residents.”

It has taken a lot of hard work to find the perfect premises and get it kitted out, but now it is open for business, the centre has caused a real buzz of excitement in the city, with lots of young people turning up to the open day to get involved. Director Gisele says: “Words cannot begin to express how we feel – it is truly amazing to see our dream become a reality.

“Our open day has been fabulous with an astonishing turn out! There’s been a great atmosphere and endless amounts of enthusiasm from everybody!” Indeed, parkour, or freerunning, is becoming massively popular in Liverpool, and the new centre will really put the city on the map as Airborn Academy is the first dedicated freerunning and urban sports centre in the UK. The sport of freerunning originated in France around 16 years ago and is the art of moving fluidly from A to B, by swinging, jumping and running, irrespective of obstacles in between. It sounds and looks dangerous but Airborn’s aim is to teach kids to do this as safely as possible and Gisele assures me its senior coaches have over eight years of freerunning teaching and are both fully qualified and insured. “The aim of the space is to provide a safe and inspiring environment to help support young people to learn freerunning. The space along with the highest quality coaching ensures that the students are taught in a safe but engaging manner.” It’s certainly good exercise for kids. Gisele explains: “It’s fabulous for fitness, improving co-ordination and flexibility, promotes agility and helps develop confidence, self esteem and creativity in participants.” And it is particularly good for young people with behavioural problems. “We have found that freerunning

provides a constructive method of engaging and inspiring these young people,” adds Gisele who revealed how the Academy is keen to work closely with local schools and community groups to provide classes and workshops, both

at the centre and in local schools and community venues. The Academy will even be able to host kids’ parties. Daniel, who has boundless energy, certainly enjoyed jumping on the trampoline and mastering a Ninja style roll on a crash mat, although he wasn’t a natural at the breakdancing! But as a mother, I was also impressed by the welcoming, community feel of the Academy. The other parents were really friendly

and it was lovely to see the older teenagers helping the young ones to hone their skills. We can’t wait to go again. Oh yes and he slept like a baby on the way home in the car. Result! Airborn Academy offers classes from age five upwards. For more information and a timetable visit www.airbornacademy.com

Michelle Rushton visits the UK’s first urban sports centre as it gets off the ground

Academy takes a giant leapRyan Doyle

Jean Paul Jesstiece

FEBRUARY 14

15BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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Academy takes a giant leap

CHINESE CELEBRATIONSOVER the half term, National Museums Liverpool has a host of free events and activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Help the little ones to get creative and celebrate the year of the horse by taking part in Chinese New Year arts and crafts at the Walker Art Gallery and Lady Lever on February 18 and 19. For more details visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

SAFARI SO GOODYOUR little cubs will be howling with excitement if you take them to Knowsley Safari Park over half term! The Safari Park has recently welcomed a pair of Iberian wolves named Maria and Morena.The one and a half-year-old sisters came

from Gaia Zoo in Holland and will be the first wolves to live at the park in its 42 year history. This half term, visitors will be able to spot Maria and Morena settling into their own enclosure at the park, adjacent to that of the safari park’s popular tiger enclosure. For more details visit www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk

LADYBIRD LOVEWHAT the Ladybird Heard makes the leap from page to stage, as Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ children’s favourite comes to the Liverpool Playhouse this spring. A barnyard heist to steal the prize cow is foiled by the unlikeliest hero, as the ladybird comes to save the day at the Liverpool Playhouse from Thursday, February 20 to Saturday, February 22. This colourful farmyard adventure features live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs. Tickets cost from £8-£12. For more details call 0151 709 4776 or visit www.everymanplayhouse.com

ROCK AROUND THE DOCKYOUR mini McCartneys and little Lennons can have musical fun at a Yellow Submarine workshop at The Beatles Story on Tuesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 20. Children are invited to come along to make their own music inspired hanging mobile and create a unique piece of Beatle Art between 2pm-4pm in the chillout area. Admission free. Families are also invited to join in a free hands-on workshop at Tate Liverpool working with a team of artists to create responses to works found in the DLA Piper Series: Constellations collection display. The free drop-in sessions will take place from Monday, February 17 to Friday, February 21, 1.30pm to 4.30pm. For more information visit www.tate.org.uk And if that has made them hungry, kids can eat free at Circo over half term plus What’s Cooking? is offering complimentary popcorn for all children throughout half term.

LIFE IN THE FAST LANEFOR some family fun, speed over to TeamSport indoor go-karting track in Warrington. Parents will be able to really test out their driving skills and feel the adrenaline of the course, while kids can put that time spent on video games to good use to try and beat them to poll position. Little Lewis Hamiltons aged eight years and over can also show off their racing skills in specially designed, top-of-the-range ‘cadet’ karts at TeamSport Warrington. For further information visit www.team-sport.co.uk

TICKETS FOR DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS WORLDS OF FANTASY!

DISNEY’S favourite characters will skate in to ECHO Arena Liverpool from April 2-6.Feld Entertainment’s action-packed ice

spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy, whisks audiences on a captivating adventure to four magical locations, including the auto-racing terrain of Cars and a visit to Andy’s bedroom for some fun with the stars of Toy Story 3. This production delights audiences with a journey under the sea to Ariel’s world from The Little Mermaid and then into the mystical land of Pixie Hollow for a presentation of Tinker Bell. To book tickets log on to www.echoarena.com or call the ECHO Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400.

In the meantime, we have a family ticket (for two adults and two children) to gie away to the opening night of Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy on April 2. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question. Who is the star of Disney’s The Little Mermaid?

Send your answers on a postcard, stating Disney on Ice comp and including your full name, address and telephone number to Best of Liverpool, Liverpool ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB. Closing date: Friday, March 14.

As the schools break up soon for February half term, Michelle Rushton has some ideas of how to keep your little scholars entertained...

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Left, Iberian wolves at Knowsley Safari Park. Right, children’s favourite ‘What the Ladybird Heard’ comes to the Liverpool Playhouse

Celebrate Chinese New Year at National Museums Liverpool

Homegrown talent


THE flame of desire, that spark of lust... history tells us that so often there’s but a fine line between love and hate, and passions running wild have been known to erupt into murder! Well, the course of true love never did run smooth, to quote Shakespeare – certainly no stranger to the subject of love tinged with a smattering of death – and this wayward route that lovers the world over have infamously travelled seems to be a source of endless fascination. The macabre interest of the so-called ‘crime of passion’ shows no sign of diminishing, from scurrilous tabloid newspaper exposes, to novels, theatre and Hollywood blockbusters. The crime of passion equals big box office. As with the history of most cities, delve into Liverpool’s judicial annals and you’ll find them littered with infamous crimes of passion. It’s certainly something local theatrical events company

Lovehistory discovered and it sowed the seeds of an idea for a special Valentine’s themed event. Recently, I chatted with Judy McLean, founder of Lovehistory to find out more about the group and where they’re heading, via a Valentine’s event with a sinister twist. Judy set the scene by explaining a little more about Lovehistory: “Well, it’s a theatre company and we always draw upon the history of, mainly, Liverpool. “We don’t do theatre in actual theatres, it’s always in more commercial venues. We try to bring quality theatre to more unique audiences and venues. We like to engage with the history and the heritage, and we do site-specific pieces.” I first came across Lovehistory in 2012 when I took part in one of their walking tours. I was taken on a historic journey around some of the city’s oldest pubs, once popular with sailors and seafarers of the city’s maritime past. The group was led by actors who would spill their

knowledge through stories and songs. Jollity was ensured thanks to a beer in each hostelry. It was a successful event and it’s one that Lovehistory still hosts, though they

have since expanded into more macabre themes, as Judy reveals... “We started off doing smaller tours – we actually started in schools. We had a lot of curriculum-led drama-based workshops in schools and then started doing more promenade pieces. We’re not like an actual tour company, there’s a few now in Liverpool. Ours is more bitesize, we’ve just diversified really, and now we do the murder mysteries!” Aha, murder and mystery. Now that sounds more like it, but before we look into these crimes of passion, how about a bit of background into the lady behind it all.Judy, 42, is from Kirkdale, and is a graduate of Liverpool

John Moore’s University, where she studied English, due to her lifelong love of reading and writing.

She started Lovehistory back in 2011, researching all the local historical places and characters herself, and then turning her storytelling skills to the task of creating a theatrical experience with these elements. “I’ve been writing these things for a while now. I love the history, absolutely love it, and getting to present it in this way, using performance and drama is just brilliant. We’re doing new and different stuff all the time.” Last year Lovehistory left the pubs, squares and alleyways of the city for the rather more prestigious setting of St George’s Hall where they held two successful murder mystery events. The most recent event, Murder at St George’s Hall, dramatised the Victorian murder trials that were held within that grand Georgian building.

Paul Baker speaks to Judy McLean, founder of local theatrical events company Lovehistory, about murderous passions brought to life in Liverpool

“I love the history, absolutely love it, and getting to present it in this way, using performance and drama, is just brilliant.”

Judy McLean, founder of Lovehistory

Actors get into character at St George's Hall

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THEY say that laughter is the best medicine and if that’s the case then an evening at the Laugh Support Machine should be available on prescription. The brainchild of local lass and

rookie comedian, Laura Doyle, this regular comedy night promises something different from the usual offerings on the comedy circuit, as Laura explains through her own story: “After years of talking about having a go at stand-up, I decided the time had come to take the great leap forward, so I got the gist of an act together and off I went to knock ‘em dead in London and Manchester. “Becoming a good comedian is all

about experience. Whereas a musi-cian can practise in their bedroom until they are good enough to per-form live on stage, for a comedian it’s totally different. A comedian has to perform in public to develop so the whole learning process is very public which can be exhilarating at times but also completely soul destroying!”And Laura speaks from experience

after spending years travelling to different parts of the country to perform as she recalls: “Often the

worst gigs are actually the best gigs because you learn the most from them. Gigging made me understand that the only way to get anywhere in comedy is to keep on gigging and get as much live experience as possible.“The reason I had to go outside Liv-

erpool was because it seemed that there just weren’t the opportunities for aspiring comedians here. “So after lamenting the lack of gig

opportunities in Liverpool, I decided to take the plunge and launch my own open-mic comedy night and the Laugh Support Machine was born!” Rather than a ‘gong’ style show

which would put the fear of god into even the most fearless of comedi-ans, the Laugh Support Machine is all about creating an inviting and nurturing atmosphere, where come-dians are encouraged to have a go and won’t be jeered or heckled. “If someone hasn’t performed

before or is new to the circuit, then a gong show where acts literally get like 60 seconds on stage, could destroy their career before they’ve even started,” says Laura. “So I wanted to create an open

mic night with a warm, friendly

atmosphere where comedians are supported and encouraged.”The first Laugh Support Machine

was held in December and was a re-sounding success thanks to the win-ning combination of established acts supporting new acts and a warm and friendly ambience. Laura was delighted with the

response to the night saying: “It cre-ated a real buzz and I was inundated with emails the next day from people wanting to sign up for the next one. We’ve even got a waiting list of acts now it’s proving so popular! I think Liverpool is the perfect place for a night like the Laugh Support Machine because not only have we got such a great sense of humour in the city but we are also supportive, friendly and appreciative of each other, which all adds up to cre-ate the perfect ingredients for my night!”The Laugh Support Machine is on

the first Tuesday of every month at Sound Food and Drink on Duke Street. Entry is free. Facebook: The Laugh Support MachineTwitter: @laffsupport

Sue Kelbrick meets the lady behind the laughter at Liverpool’s newest open-mic comedy night at Sound Food & Drink

Laura leads the laughs

FEBRUARY14

Paul Baker speaks to Judy McLean, founder of local theatrical events company Lovehistory, about murderous passions brought to life in Liverpool

The forthcoming Crimes of Passion event looks set to follow that idea, but the cases involved are all about that old devil called love. “They’re real historical characters again,” explains Judy, “So we use Liverpool cases and some outside of that as well. It’s Victorian themed, but it’s all accurate and all historical. Everybody that’s in it represents a proper character [from history] even the hangman character. Last time we had one, James Berry, this time it’s one called Billington, so everybody that’s in it represents a character from real life.” The event will take place on Saturday, February 15, and sees 13 actors taking on characters from the city’s past, recreating a murder, and then asking the guests to solve the mystery. Around 400 people are expected to descend upon St

George’s Hall to enjoy a three course meal and a spot of amateur sleuthing. If you enjoyed watching BBC’s recent Sherlock TV series, events like this offer a chance to prove you have the crime-solving skills to match the likes of Holmes and Watson. But what I want to know is, how many people tend to finger the real murderer?“You know what? I would imagine there to be more, but

there isn’t. I think people really do engage with it and they really get into it. It’s fun and it’s entertaining, and people do [guess correctly] but I always imagine more people will get it, than actually do. And then some people come out with some really wacky theories...” Once the grisly business of murder is put to rest, Lovehistory will be delving deep under St George’s Hall to show the public around some unexplored and hitherto unopened recesses of the great building, with its brand new catacombs tours.“We’re starting those on February 17,” says Judy. “So our

actors will be the first people to have ever performed in those spaces. “They’re actually below the plateau, they’ve never been opened to the public. It’s just an amazing opportunity and the actors are delighted. “And it will never be like this again because it will [eventually] be renovated and it will be modernised, so no-one will ever get it like we’re getting it now, so that’s really exciting. It’s just the best backdrop ever for theatre and performance.”

A Victorian Valentine: Crimes of Passion takes place at St George’s Hall on Saturday, February 15, 2014. Tickets cost £45 from ticketquarter.co.uk and include a welcome glass of fizz, a three course meal and coffee. You can find out more about Lovehistory and their other events at their website: lovehistory.co.uk

Lovehistory tours take place in different locations across Liverpool

Comedian Laura Doyle

Out and about


THE North West has played an instru-mental role in the history of dance mu-sic, with the likes of Cream, Circus, the Hacienda and Sankeys being influential in shaping both the music and the scene – from the days of acid house raves and the era of the superclub to today.

Bugged Out was one of the club nights to emerge from the North West dance scene in the mid 90s. And, what began as an electro and techno party put on by a cult music mag has gone on to become one of the most prolific clubbing brands of its time.

Now, after two decades of putting on nights in Liverpool and Manchester, as well as London, Milan, Barcelona and Ibiza, Bugged Out is returning to the place where it all began – the North West – to mark its 20th anniversary with a three-day festival in Southport, on March 7, 8 and 9.

Bugged Out started life in Manchester, putting on regular parties in Sankey’s Soap and the Hacienda – the iconic club owned by New Order and Factory Records.

As the region’s dance scene grew, so too did Bugged Out and the likes of Daft Punk, Richie Hawtin, Laurent Garnier and the Chemical Brothers played the early shows.

The late 90s saw Manchester’s club scene beset by trouble as the city’s gangsters took an interest in the likes of Sankeys and the Hacienda. Thankfully, the closure of Sankeys in 1998 didn’t herald the end of Bugged Out – as the night came down the M62 to a new home in Liverpool.

Manchester’s loss was Liverpool’s gain and Bugged Out took up residency in the same venue as Scouse superclub Cream. Bugged Out spent five years in Liverpool, putting on monthly nights in Nation, on Wolstenholme Square, from 1998-2003.

The club’s journey over the past two decades has been an epic one and its time in Liverpool – during the era of the of the superclub – is filled with memora-ble moments.

The fourth birthday, in 1998, paid

homage to the Beatles white album with a plain white flyer. While the seventh birthday, in 2001, saw house DJ Jon Carter make a detour to a second-hand record shop on route to Nation to pick up a copy of My Sweet Lord, which he played at the end of his set in memory of George Harrison, who had died that day.

They had a flair for spotting new talent too, booking the likes of Royksopp, Erol Alkan and Scissor Sisters to play in Liv-erpool when they were still unknown.

Bugged Out will kick-off its 20-year celebrations next month with what has become its flagship event – the Bugged Out Weekender. After initially announc-ing the first wave of acts in September, the full line-up has now been revealed and, in a style befitting such a landmark occasion, it reads like a who’s who of dance music of the past two decades.

Having first played for Bugged Out in 1994, techno heavyweight Dave Clarke was a stalwart of the club night during its Liverpool and Manchester days so it seems fitting that he should play next month’s landmark show. Fellow veteran DJs and legends in their own right, Sasha and Justin Robertson will also grace the decks. Sasha last played for Bugged Out on Millennium Eve in 1999, while Justin Robertson was a Bugged Out resident from the beginning in 1994 through to 2003.

Bugged Out, which won the coveted Best Club Night gong at the 2013 DJ Mag Awards, is also bringing Norwegian producer extraordinaire Todd Terje to Southport for a debut live set, plus Green Velvet, Erol Alkan, Dixon, Eats Every-thing and Paul Woolford.

Other highlights of this stellar line-up include Andrew Weatherall, Joy Orbison, Carl Craig, Claude Von Stroke, Daniel Avery, George Fitzgerald, Heidi, Jackmaster, Julio Bashmore, Justin Martin, Kerri Chandler and Vison-quest’s Seth Troxler to name just a few.

And the setting for such a colossal event in the clubbing calendar? Pontins.

Admittedly, it may seem, at first glance, a rather odd choice for such an event but on-site accommodation means this is a dance festival where no tents are required. Which is surely a good thing? After all, who wants to be traips-ing back to sleep in a cold tent after hours of stomping to the relentless beats of Dave Clarke, Andrew Weatherall et al?

As well as on-site accommodation, there’ll be multiple indoor music arenas featuring Bugged Out’s state-of-the-art production. A host of daytime activities is also planned, including pool parties with some very special guests.

The Bugged Out Weekender 2014 will take place next month – on March 7, 8 and 9 – at Pontins, Southport. For tickets and more information, visit www.buggedoutweekender.net

Katie McLoughlin takes a look at how a Goliath of the UK club scene is marking its 20th anniversary – by returning to its North West roots next month...

THE BEAT GOES ON

HeidiPhoto: Tom Horton

Maceo PlexPhoto: Tom Horton

Andrew Weatherall Photo: Steve Gullick

Green VelvetBenga at the 2013 eventPhoto: Tom Horton

Bugged Out Weekender 2013Photo: Tom Horton

Dave Clarke

Sasha

19BEST OF LIVERPOOL

FEBRUARY14What’s on

BY NIGHTBY DAY

Sue Kelbrick shows you how to get yourself out and about this February....

TURNER ON TOUR

WORK from one of Britain’s most popu-lar and important artists, JMW Turner, is coming to an exciting new exhibition at the Lady Lever Art Gallery. Turner: Travels, Light and Landscape runs from February 14 until June 1, 2014 and comprises some 30 watercolours, paintings and prints which explore Turner’s journey to becoming the leading landscape painter of his genera-tion. Themed chronologically, the exhibition explores Turner’s endeavours to challenge the widely-held assumption that landscapes were inferior to historical paintings. Admission is free. Visit Lady Lever Art Gallery at Port Sunlight, open 10am – 5pm every day or telephone for information on 0151 478 4136.

SPIRIT OF THE SLAVESA POWERFUL installation by acclaimed Jamaican artist Laura Facey is on show at the International Slavery Museum from now until September 7, 2014. Entitled Their Spirits, the installation takes the form of a canoe measuring almost five metres in length, which contains 1,357 resin figures representing enslaved Africans. This is a stunning and iconic work and is a major coup for the museum to get to showcase Laura Facey’s work. Their Spirits exhibition will be located on the ground floor of the Merseyside Maritime Museum. liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/theirspirits

BACK TO THE 80SIN partnership with the Institute of International Visual Arts, Tate Liverpool presents Keywords, an exhibition about the vocabulary of culture and society, which runs from February 28 until May 11, 2014. The exhibition spans a 20-year period from 1976 through the period of Conservative rule, with a strong focus on British art of the 1980s. In a space designed by artist Luca Frei and designer Will Holder, it will include works by artists including Helen Chadwick, Anish Kapoor and Willie Doherty. For more information, telephone 0151 702 7400 or visit tate.org.uk/liverpool

GO RETROCHECK out Pillbox’s vintage fair at Leaf on February 23 from 11am until 5pm. Held on the last Sunday of every month, the fair offers a mix of stalls selling men’s and women’s vintage and retro clothing, recustomised fashions, jewellery, accessories, homeware and collectables as well as retro-inspired cakes and bakes. The fair also features local designers who recustomise vintage clothes with a new twist. For more information follow Pillbox Vintage Fairs on Twitter @pillboxvintage and on Facebook.

BOLD SOCIAL GET yourself down to The Baltic Social on Thursday, February 20, for a fabulous evening of music and comedy as Bold Management showcases some of its best acts, including The Mono LPs, Hootie Ledbetter, Paul Holden, Chris Kearney, Jem, Kyle Corrin and Millie. The evening is being compered by the hilarious comedienne and local lass, Laura Doyle. The evening kicks off around 7.30pm and – even better – it’s free to get in! For more information go to facebook.com/thebalticsocial

REVOLUTIONARY RUSSELLWITH tickets selling like proverbial hot cakes for his forthcoming gigs at the Liverpool ECHO Arena, Russell Brand has now added another date to his tour. Appearing on February 15 and 16, his Messiah Complex tour promises to be a dissection of various social and religious figures and their relevance in the world, or, in Brand’s own words: “I am going to tour the world causing bother and excitment and offering opinions that have not been either solicited or thought through.” We can’t wait Russell. To book tickets log on to echoarena.com or call the Liverpool ECHO Arena box office on 0844 8000 400.

MUST DO TICKETS TO ELLEN KENT OPERAS - NABUCCO / AIDA

LIVERPOOL is being really spoilt this February with a double offering of opera at the Liverpool Empire. Award-winning producer Ellen Kent is bringing not one but two of Verdi’s epic operas to the Empire on February 7 and 8. Starting with Nabucco, a complex and romantic story complete with a love triangle, power play, religion and death, the opera promises amazing stage and lighting effects as well as stunning performances from a stellar line-up of interational opera singers including soprano Elena Dee, Olga Busuioc and Zarui Vardanean and tenor Sorin Lupu, supported by the celebrated Chisinau National Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra. The next night sees the stage taken over by a breathtaking performance of Aida with temple dancers, cages of exotic birds and parrots and an incredible pyrotechnic display, complete with a wall of fire. Ellen is world renowned for her amazing shows which really have to be seen (and heard) to be believed. For tickets telephone the box office on 0844 871 3017 or go online at liverpoolempire.org.uk Best of Liverpool has a pair of tickets to give away to each performance, so to be in with a chance of winning please answer the following question:

What is the name of the orchestra performing at Aida and Nabucco?

Email your answer to [email protected] with the name of the opera you wish to see in the subject box (Aida or Nabucco). Please include your name and a contact telephone number. The deadline for entries is 5pm Thursday, February 6.

MUST DO...SOME toe tapping with the arrival of the acclaimed American musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Liverpool Empire from February 24 until March 1. Starring Dancing on Ice Champion Sam Attwater and Helena Blackman, runner-up in BBC1’s How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, this breathtaking new version of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers promises to be packed with colourful costumes, fabulous sets, special effects and high energy performances, as well as 16 classic showstoppers. To book, call 0844 871 3017 or buy online at atgtickets.com/liverpool

MUST TRY...TREADING the boards at The Florrie, on a new drama course for adults from Tuesday, February 11, from 7–9pm. The course will last for 11 weekly sessions, leading to two nights of performance at the Lantern Theatre in Blundell Street at the end of April. A collaboration between The Florrie, The Workers’

Educational Association and Dingle Community Theatre, the course is free for those on eligible benefits. Otherwise, course fees are £37.20 for the 11 weeks. Telephone 0151 243 5340 to enrol or find out more from The Florrie on 0151 729 2323.

MUST SEE...LIVERPOOL’S dark side with a unique tour of the catacombs of St George’s Hall. Organised by LoveHistory,

the tours promise to give an exciting and chilling insight into Liverpool’s murderous past, with stunning theatrical performances telling the story of the final moments of those waiting to be condemned in the dark cells below St George’s Hall. Tours run in the evenings from February 17-23 and tickets are £15. For further information visit lovehistory.co.uk

MUST REMEMBER...TO check out the second annual Liverpool International Jazz Festival. Running from February

27 – March 2, the event is being organised by The Capstone Theatre, which will play host to some of the brightest stars in jazz, including The Weave, a collection of some of Liverpool’s most established jazz musicians, acclaimed jazz pianist Jamil Sheriff and ACV, an experimental contemporary jazz quintet.Visit thecapstonetheatre.com

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BY GEORGEHOTLY tipped as the next ‘big thing’ of 2014, George Ezra is a young singer- songwriter living in Bristol. Armed with his guitar and influenced by heroes Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, George produces ballads that break and steal hearts in equal measures, all brought together by an incredible voice and raw talent. For the past 18 months, Ezra has been travelling the country performing solo support slots for Willy Mason, Tom Odell, Ben Kweller and Lianne La Havas. George is playing at Leaf on Bold Street on Friday, February 28, at 8pm. Tickets are £8. For more details go to thisisleaf.co.uk or Leaf Tea Shop on Facebook.

REGGAE REGGAEIT’S a reggae double header as the organisers of Africa Oye bring two superstars of reggae – Yellowman and Dillinger – to Liverpool for one night only. Touring together for the first time in the UK, the two heavyweights have a combined career of nearly 75 years so this is set to be a truly memorable evening for any reggae fans. Being held at District (formerly The Picket), on Saturday, March 1, tickets are available at skiddle.com and seetickets.com

Photo: Colin Lane

GHOST THE MUSICAL WHISK your other half off to the Em-pire Theatre and let the smash-hit musical Ghost capture your hearts.Fresh from the West End, this 90s

classic is a timeless fantasy about the power of love and is on the Liv-erpool stage from February 11 to 22.Adapted for the stage by Bruce Joel Rubin from his own

Oscar-winning screenplay for the film, there’s amazing special effects plus the unforgettable song Unchained Melody. Visit Empire Theatre, Lime Street, call 0844 871 3017 or log on to www.liverpoolempire.org.uk

PERFECTLY FRANKLET Perfectly Frank serenade you this Valentine’s Day while you dine at Liverpool ONE Bridewell in Campbell Square. Available on February 14 and 15, for just £20 per person, you can delve into a delicious two course meal with the option of adding a trio of desserts. You’ll be treated to a complimen-tary glass of Prosecco on arrival then make your selection from the Valentine’s Day set menu which includes everything from scallops to steak, seabass to silky risotto. There’ll also be live music from Perfectly Frank, singing Frank Sinatra songs for all you swing lovers. To book a table call 0151 709 7000 or log on to www.liverpoolonebridewell.com for details.

MALENTINES AT MALMAISONFOR a truly romantic weekend, spoil your loved one at Mal-maison. The Liverpool boutique hotel is hosting Malentines at Malmai-son – which ranges from Epic Romance, a luxury VIP package, to a saucy Sunday night stop-over. What’s more, Malmaison has partnered with Harvey Nichols

in Liverpool ONE to offer a range of luxury pamper gifts which can be purchased and placed in your room to make your stay extra special. With lavish bedrooms, delicious cuisine and innovative cocktails, it will make for a truly special Valentine’s night to remember. For more details visit www.malmaison.com

VALENTINE’S CLASSICSTREAT your special someone to a spectacular show of classics as maestro Jaime Martin and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will musically sweep you off to Spain. Eyes flash and passions rise; you can almost feel the warmth of the sun and smell the scent of orange blossom in Chabrier’s España and Bizet’s Carmen Suite. Also performing is Mercury Classics’ guitarist Milos Karadaglic – making his first Liverpool appearance – he whispers sweet nothings in Rodrigo’s tender Fantasía para un Gentilhombre. Then the temperature is turned right up with Falla’s sultry Three Cornered Hat and classical music’s last word in slow-burn seduction: Ravel’s Boléro. Visit Liverpool Philharmonic Hall February 13 and 14 at 7.30pm for this unforgettable show of classics. Call 0151 709 3789 or visit the box office to book.

BURLESQUEWINE, dine and titillate your loved one on February 22 as the vivacious Valentine’s Day themed burlesque show takes to the stage at St George’s Hall. Liverpool’s renowned Martini Lounge Burlesque and Variety Show creates a classy and delightfully ludicrous night of entertainment. You can to delve into a delicious

meal while enjoying special performances prior to the main event, or simply purchase tickets for the main burlesque show. The show features a unique line-up of performers including the smouldering Scarlett Daggers, the glamorous Beau Rocks, with the endearingly silly and daintily sexual Velma Von Bon Bon as compère. Also expect a show stopping routine from Liverpool’s very own Miss Millie Dollar who has effortlessly enchanted audiences internationally with her own famous routines. Log on to www.martinilounge.co.uk for details.

LOVE AT LEVERHULMEFALL in love all over again in the picturesque surroundings of Port Sunlight Village this Valentine’s Day. The stunning Twenty Eight Miles Brasserie restaurant at Lev-erhulme Hotel is lovingly preparing a five course ‘His & Hers’ romantic tasting menu for only £120 per couple. Every course has been designed with each palette in mind. Save the best till last with two courses of desserts including Guinness ice cream for him and every girl’s favourite, choco-late plate, for her. The divine five course tasting menu, a romantic overnight

bed and breakfast stay in the Baby Grand room and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot is £360. For more information call 0151 644 6655 or email

[email protected]

LUXURY HOTELENJOY a night of luxury this Valentine weekend in the styl-

ish surroundings of the Sir Thomas Hotel. On February 14 and 15 you can experience a luxury

three course dinner with a glass of Champagne and live entertainment for just £24.95 per

person. You can also pre-order a bottle of Champagne and chocolates for your ta-ble for just £40. If you want to celebrate your love at the Sir Thomas Hotel you can also book a room for the night. Enjoy a luxury Champagne dinner, bed and breakfast with a bottle of Cham-pagne and chocolates in your room for £200 per couple on February 13 and 14, or £225 on February 15.Log on to www.sirthomashotel.co.uk or call 0151 236 1366.

FREAKSHOWADD a touch of magic and mystery to your Valentine’s Day at Circo’s legendary Freakshow. Featuring astounding aerial trapeze artists, amazing magic acts, freaky malevolent clowns and unbelievable escapologists. Circo’s talented chefs have cooked up a delightful set menu guaranteed to titillate your taste-buds, while the entertainers serve up a veritable feast for your eyes! Dine with Circo in 1770 for £49.95 on February 14 and 15, which includes three courses plus chocolate truffles and a glass of fizz with circus performances throughout the night. Visit Circo, Albert Dock, call 0843 504 3879 or log on to www.circoliverpool.com to book.

LOVE ON THE DOCKSLOVE is definitely in the air at the Albert Dock as its many excellent eateries are coming over all romantic in time for Valentine’s Day. Over at What’s Cooking? there’s a special three course menu for only £24.95 per person on Friday, February 14. The Valentine’s menu at PanAm features lots of tantalising

starters and mains plus an assiette of desserts for two including a Valentine Dodger, honey comb bomb and passion fruit bavarois for £45 per person. Meanwhile, chefs at Blue Bar and Grill have created a special

Valentine’s menu priced £40 per person featuring Love apple soup, sticky bourbon chicken fillet, Thai-infused salmon and much more. If you want to laugh your way into your lover’s heart, treat them to a night at Comedy Central which is hosting hilarious funnymen Dave Twentyman, Steve Shanyaski, Steve Harris and Jamie Sutherland on February 14. It’s £25 per ticket or £55 for a ticket and three course meal at Blue Bar and Grill. Visit www.albertdock.com


Valentine’s Day

Emma Thompson checks out ways to woo your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day with captivating shows, delectable cuisine and magnificent musicians...

L VE IS IN THE AIR...Miss Millie Dollar performs at the Martini Lounge Burlesque

show at St George’s Hall

Milos Karadaglic Photo: Lars Borges/Mercury Classics

Velma Von Bon Bon

FOR us singletons out there, we’re usu-ally quite happy to let Valentine’s Day go by without fanfare.

Passing it off as a commercial cash-in on love, or just another Hallmark holi-day, might be fair enough, but it could also be possible to use that Valentine’s spirit as a springboard to start a new relationship.

Nowadays it seems that most people choose their potential dates online.

The arrival of portable digital technol-ogy was good news for the online daters as they could keep in touch with their virtual paramours on the bus, in the bath, or while dumping their last unsuit-able date.

Of course, the problem with online dating is that we don’t get a good look at the suitor. Sure, anyone can woo to their heart’s content with a keyboard and a book of poetry, but it’s not until two human beings come face-to-face that we really know if the spark is there.

Finding a way for busy people to meet multiple potential dates at once, in the flesh, gave rise to concept of speed dat-ing – where a group of people meet in a certain place at a certain time and spend a few minutes talking one-to-one to each member of the opposite sex.

It was a trend that was big news in the Noughties and it’s never gone away. It’s certainly an option that’s still available to Liverpool’s busy singles.

Signature Living Dating hosts one such monthly speed dating event in the city, and I spoke to its director, Danny Ken-wright, to gain some tips on how to make the best impression on a speed date.

“Be yourself, I’d say. From a male

point of view, I’d let the women lead the talking,” begins Danny. “People seem to make their minds up within the first 30 seconds whether they like someone or not,” he continues. “Don’t come on too strong, talking about marriage and kids.”

Danny’s event takes place at the Signature Living Hotel on Stanley Street in the city centre. They look for an even number of men and women, between the ages of 25 and 45, to sign up in advance, and then they get about five minutes for each ‘date’.

“As far as what people wear... they’re dressed up for a night out. Once the speed dating event has finished, they’re free to mingle in the hotel bar.”

The match-making process works by everyone submitting a card at the end of the night, stating which people they’re interested in meeting again. If any of

those people are interested in them too then they’ll be informed later.

“We either email matches to people, or the adventurous can come back about an hour later to the reception and we’ll give them their matches then,” continues Danny.

The next event is on Valentine’s Day itself and costs £10 to be a part of. It takes place in the hotel’s lower bar, which is reserved exclusively for the speed dating event.

“When people attend our events, we want those who may initially seem tentative about the process to, by the end of the night, have discovered that they have met a lot of really great people and have even clicked with one or two special individuals,” says Danny.

If the romantic in you believes in love at first sight, why not chance your arm this Valentine’s Day in the speed dating arena...?

You can sign up for the Valentine’s Day Signature Living Speed Dating event by emailing [email protected] or via Twitter @signaturedate.

FEBRUARY 14

21BEST OF LIVERPOOL

If you find yourself single this Valentine’s Day, speed dating might be the quick route back to romance. Paul Baker finds out more...

Dating in a dash

CHECK out these other speed dating events in the city...l Alma De Cuba, Wednesday, February 12, 8pm, age 28-39 l PanAm, Thursday, February 13, 7.30pm, age 25-38l Newz Bar, Saturday, February 22, 7.30pm, age 21-35 or 30-45l Circo, Monday, February 24, 7.30pm, age 40-55

‘Last night a speed date saved my life’

Danny Kenwright, director of

Signature Living Dating


Valentine’s Day

Sue Kelbrick comes over all romantic with a round-up of the perfect gifts for Valentine’s Day

FROM THE HEART

Tell someone you love them and tell the time as well with this Love clock, £12, from Asda

Buy your Valentine a great gift and make a donation to a truly worthwhile charity at the same time with the Radley and British Heart Foundation collection from £10 - £209

Something for her - and a little something for you as well with these His and Hers unisex watches, £149, from Rotary

All-Over Body Shimmer from The Body Shop, available at Cheshire Oaks

A practical but fashionable gift for that special lady is this fabulous ruby red purse and phone charger, £79.95, from Cuckooland

Jewellery is most definitely a girl’s best friend so what better way to show her that you love her? Paris love necklace, £44.50, by Mademoiselle Felee at Boticca

Make a gesture of love with this delightful heart mug, £6.50, from Cath Kidston

Spell out your love with the You Complete Me puzzle, £10, from Oliver Bonas

Check out this bold ceramic Love jug, £14, from Next

Say it with flowers – and chocolates! With Love chocolate collection, £15, and a dozen red roses, £60, from Marks and Spencer

Make a statement with this vintage Love sign, £5.95, from Dotcomgiftshop

Heaven sent, the I Feel Love collection from ChloBo from £40-£235, from Mococo in the Metquarter

Come clean about your love with this fragrant Love soap, £4.25, from Lush

WITH a little bit of imagination, even the most boring of bedrooms can be turned into a bona fide boudoir for Valentine’s Day. From crushed velvet cushions and soft faux fur throws to heavy drapes and sleek bed spreads, it’s all about emulating the luxurious feel of a boutique, five-star hotel. Opt for sensual shades like grey, mink, plum and burgundy or flirty pinks and deep reds, and strategically place

scented candles and table lamps around the bedroom to give the room a soft (and flattering) glow. Make sure the space is neat and tidy too. There’s no bigger passion killer than a messy room complete with overflowing laundry basket! Here are a few ideas to help set the

scene for an evening of love. After all, how can anyone be expected

to feel romantic without a chaise longue to drape one’s self over dramatically..?

FEBRUARY 14

23BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Sarah Hooley discovers how to set the scene for a romantic night at home this Valentine’s Day...

Snuggle upFROM THE HEART

Evie Bed (purple), £799, from Living It Up

Moulin satin bench, £399; Moulin satin king bedstead, £999; Edwardian lace bedlinen, from £30; Silver jacquard bedlinen, from £40; Snake print bedlinen, from £25; Luxe silver bedspread, £200; Cream/gold logo embroidered cushion, £45; Cream/gold dotty embroidered cushion, £40; Black beaded cushion, £35; Ivory beaded cushion, £35, from House of Fraser

Pink chair, from Homesense

Hand-crafted paper petals made from eco-friendly paper, £6.95, from Paper Tree

Cut velvet cushion, £25, from Marks & Spencer

Mercury candle-stick holders, £40 (large) and £30 (medium), by Shabby Chic at House of Fraser

Wrought iron hearts,

from FMB Lamps

Mauve ‘love’ heart cushion, £16, from Next

Pink three drawer chest, £349, from Very

Clear heart drawer handle (pink), £5, from Aspace

Lockley chaise longue, £895, from Sweetpea & Willow

Romantic alphabet votive giftset, £26, from Lily and Lime

Ruby Flounce Flock Chandelier, £49, from The French Bedroom Company

Speckled feather-effect fur and soft faux suede throw, £125, from The French Bedroom Company

Hugs & Kisses garland which includes six pop out 3D cupid arrows and 18 different coloured hearts, £7, from Sisters Guild


Proposals

Planning to go down on bended knee this Valentine’s Day? Katie McLoughlin shows you how to add some sparkle to your proposal...

A decent proposal

DIAMONDS are a girl’s best friend and the tradi-tional stone for engage-ment rings. But where to begin? Do you opt for a bespoke ring design like Angelina Jolie? A 15-carat stone to rival that of Kim Kardashian’s rock? Or a vintage ring like Kate Mid-dleton?

For many men, choosing an engagement ring can be as daunting a prospect as the proposal itself, as Ali-sha Duffy, store manager at David M Robinson’s Liv-erpool ONE showroom, reveals: “Lots of men will dread coming to choose an engagement ring but this needn’t be the case, with the help of a professional jeweller and the right advice, it can be an enjoyable experience.”

When choosing a diamond you need to consider the cut, colour, clarity and carat.

“There’s so much information out there on ‘the four Cs’ – but don’t get too weighed down with it, a good jeweller will guide you,” advises Alisha. “When it comes to shape, the most traditional is bril-liantly round, but there are many others such as emerald, heart, oval, princess and marquise.”

Peter Wong, director of Liverpool-based Wongs Jewel-lers, adds: “The most popular

ring style is a single stone with a princess cut or round diamond. The round stone is the most popu-lar but we did notice last year that the princess cut out-sold the round.”

A family-run Liverpool busi-ness started by Peter’s father, Brian, Wongs has been crafting custom-made jewellery since 1979. In recent years, the company has noticed a change in customers’ tastes when it comes to engage-ment rings.

Peter explains: “The rise in popularity of white metal jewel-lery generally has led to a rise in popularity for other precious white metals, with 18 carat white gold and platinum the most popular.”

Alisha agrees: “Platinum is the most popular setting due to its natural hardness and bright white colour.”

Cost is another major factor when buying an engagement ring. Tradition says that engagement rings should cost one month’s salary, but how much do Scousers spend? “Liverpool customers tend to spend about £2,500 on engage-ment rings,” reveals Peter.

Seems that Liverpudlian blokes are a generous bunch when it comes to popping the question. However, no matter what your budget is, to ensure you choose a ring she’ll love, you have to do your research, as Alisha adds: “Listen to what she says – without knowing she will have dropped hints or had opinions on other people’s rings.

“All of this information will help the jeweller to help you find the perfect ring.”

Put a ring on it

Above, emerald cut diamond on a platinum band, £5,000; emerald cut diamond with princess cut diamond set shoulders, £16,750; and emerald cut diamond with princess cut diamond set shoulders, £15,750, all from David M Robinson, Liverpool ONE

Tolkowsky 18 carat white gold 0.5 carat diamond twist ring, £2,250, from Ernest Jones

Platinum 1.00ct brilliant cut diamond ring, £8,895, from Wongs, Whitechapel

Platinum 0.50ct princess cut diamond ring, £3,250, from Wongs, Whitechapel

‘Infinity’ round brilliant cut diamond in a twist style setting, £8,950, from David M Robinson, Liverpool ONE

Platinum 0.80ct brilliant cut diamond vintage cluster ring, £3,795, from Wongs, Whitechapel

9ct white gold vintage-style diamond and aquamarine ring, £375, from Ernest Jones

Above; pear shaped diamond with platinum band, £39,500; round brilliant cut diamond set in diamond halo with diamond shoulders, £6,500; and round brilliant cut with platinum band, £13,750, all from David M Robinson, Liverpool ONE

Left, platinum 0.50ct princess cut diamond ring, £1,995, from Wongs

Leo 18ct white gold halo cluster 1/2 carat I-I1 diamond ring, £2,499, from Ernest Jones

Sterling silver 1/5 carat diamond halo cluster ring, £299, from Ernest Jones

Peter Wong

Alisha Duffy

FEBRUARY 14

25BEST OF LIVERPOOL

UNDERWATER LOVELOOKING to take the plunge this Valentine’s Day? Well, now you can, quite literally take the plunge – into a shark tank – with The Chester Grosvenor, which has launched an unusual package for those looking to propose in a decidedly different fashion. Priced at £1,066, the ‘Dive with Sharks Engagement Package’ includes an overnight stay in a Junior Suite and a chauffeur to drive you from the five-star hotel to the Blue Planet Aquarium, where you can dive into the shark tank and pop the question in the company of 10ft Sand Tiger Sharks. A chauffeur will then drive you back to the hotel to celebrate with Champagne, Rococo chocolates, flowers and a three-course à la carte dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant, Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor. Plus, there’s Continental breakfast the next day. It’s definitely not to everyone’s tastes, but Sophie Vidal, reservations manager at the hotel, believes there is a market out there. She says: “We introduced the

package because we often get requests from grooms-to-be on how we can help them to pop the question in an unusual way. “This experience works well for a

couple who don’t like the traditional idea of flowers, chocolates and bended knee, but still want a dramatic and memorable experience on such an important day.”

Pop the question

AS well as being one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, Liverpool Cathedral’s tower is a pretty awe-inspiring place to propose. Standing at 331ft-high, it offers picturesque views over the city, the Three Graces, docks and beyond. On Valentine’s Day, the tower will be open from 5pm-8pm to offer couples the chance to enjoy a glass of bubbly and beautiful twilight views of the city on the most romantic day of the year.

Kevin Stott, cathedral retail manager, says: “A twilight trip to the tower is a wonderful experience in itself, but it’s also the perfect way to start an evening of Valentine’s celebrations. We have had more than one proposal at the top of the tower over the years!” Tickets cost £5 with Champagne and chocolates available to buy on the night. Book at www.cathedralshop.com, call 0151 702 7255 or visit the Cathedral Shop.

A VIEW TO REMEMBER

Take the plunge at the Blue Planet Aquarium

The Chester Grosvenor

Photo: David M Robinson

FOR an alfresco proposal in one of the city’s most picturesque settings, pack a gourmet picnic and a bottle of Champagne and head to the beautiful Stanley Park. A restored Victorian park, the Grade II Listed, 111 acre Stanley Park has plenty of picturesque places where you can pop the question. You could stroll around the park and pop the question beside one of the park’s lakes, in the rose garden, besides the bandstand or even in front of the stunning Isla Gladstone Conservatory. Visit www.theislagladstone.co.uk for more information.

ROMANCE IN THE PARK

ADD colour to your Valentine’s proposal with a stay in Hotel Indigo.The chic city centre hotel has

a special Valentine’s package available which includes an overnight stay in the stylish hotel, Champagne, chocolates and breakfast. The romantic package also includes a sumptuous meal for two from a special Valentine’s menu in Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill. The Overnight Valentine’s

Package is priced from £220. To book call 0151 559 0111, email

[email protected] or visit Hotel Indigo, 10 Chapel Street, Liverpool, L3 9AG.

DINE IN STYLE

Stanley Park Photo: Colin Lane

Photo: PA / The Mersey Partnership


Impress your lover with a romantic home-cooked meal this Valentine’s Day, says Emma Thompson

Food & drink

COURTESY of Chris Jones, head chef at Hotel Indigo Liverpool and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill.

Ingredients:l 125ml glass Champagnel Dash Cointreaul Dash Chambordl Cocktail cherryl Cotton candy floss

Method:l Pour the Champagne into a Champagne saucer and add a dash of Cointreau, a dash of Chambord (raspberry liqueur), add a cocktail cherry and add a small ball of candy floss to the rim of the glass.

COCKTAIL – Cupid’s Cotton Candy Kiss

DESSERT – Valentine chocolate mousse & strawberries

RECIPE supplied by Gianluigi Sedd, head chef at Trattoria51 on Old Hall Street, Liverpool.

Ingredients per person:l 3-5 king prawns (depends on size)l 6-10 cherry tomatoes (chopped)l 25ml white winel One clove of garlic (chopped)l Pinch of saltl Chopped parsleyl Olive oil (for cooking)

STARTER – Gamberoni Piccanti

Spice up the romance

Method:l In a hot pan, add a splash of olive oil and then add the garlic. Be very careful not to burn it though! l Add the prawns and cook for one minute.

l Add the chopped tomatoes and then, after 30 seconds, add the wine. l When the wine evaporates, add the chopped parsley.

l Taste to see if it needs salt and add if necessary. l Serve on crusty bread with some green salad leaves.Buon appetito!

RECIPE courtesy of Chris Jones, head chef at Hotel Indigo Liverpool and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill.

Ingredients:l 125g egg whitesl 250g caster sugarl 500ml of double creaml 400g dark chocolatel Strawberries (handful)

Method:l Put the caster sugar in a small pan and pour in just enough water to cover, then bring to a soft boil, creating a sugar syrup.

l In a separate bowl whip the egg whites to soft peaks then slowly add in the hot sugar syrup, continuing to whip until you get stiff peaks.l Semi-whip the double cream whilst your chocolate is slowly melting in a bowl over a pan of hot water on a low heat.l Once melted fold in the chocolate to the semi-whipped cream then fold in to the rest of the meringue-style mix and pour into your heart shaped moulds. This makes around four depending on the size of your moulds.l Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, until set. Serve with a couple of sliced strawberries or other seasonal berries.

RECIPE supplied by head chef David Sye at Gusto on the Albert Dock.

Ingredients: (serves two)l 4 x 500g fillets of sea bass l 500g new potatoesl 200g green beans, trimmedl 70g unsalted butter, divided into 2 parts of 50g and 20g l 100ml vegetable stockl Small bunch of fresh parsley, choppedl 1 lemon, halvedl Salt

MAIN Pan fried fillets of sea bass with sautéed potatoes and green beans finished with a lemon butter sauceMethod:l Put your potatoes in a pan and cover with water, add a touch of salt, then bring to the boil.l Cook your potatoes until you can stick a small knife through the centre and it slides off - ensure you don’t overcook. Drain the potatoes and set aside to cool.l Fill the pan again with water and slowly bring to the boil, you will need this shortly.l Take your fillets of sea bass (which you will be able to get from any fishmonger or supermarket) and lightly season with salt.l Put your non-stick frying pan on a medium heat with the slightest bit of oil, once the pan has started to heat up gently place your fillets of sea bass into the pan and allow to cook, after 3 minutes turn your fish over using your fish slice (Be very careful so you don’t break the fillet up). Proceed to cook the fish again for another 3 minutes on a low heat.l Whilst the fish is cooking, take your green beans and add them to the boiling water, these will only take a couple of minutes to cook and then drain in your colander.l At this point you are ready to start your sauce, add your veg stock to the pan with the fish and allow to boil by turning your heat up to a medium heat.l Take 50g of butter and add bit by bit gently moving your pan around - this will allow the butter and stock to mix together to create a smooth sauce. Then add the chopped parsley and squeeze in half a lemon, mix together and taste, then if you would like to, add the other half of lemon ensuring you don’t get the pips in the sauce. Add a touch of salt and pepper to your sauce, ensure you taste so you don’t over season. Leave on a very low heat to simmer.l Put your sauté pan on to a medium heat and add a 20g of butter and allow to foam up. While waiting for this, return to your potatoes and slice into disc shapes. Add these to the pan allowing the potatoes to take colour from the foaming butter and to heat up again, add your beans and toss together and then lightly season.l Divide your potato and bean mix between your two plates and then gently with your fish slice place your fillets of sea bass on top.l Return your sauce to a low heat and gently mix together again, once ready spoon over your dish.

FEBRUARY 14

27BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Crêpe expectationsCOCKTAIL – Cupid’s Cotton Candy Kiss

SHROVE Tuesday is fast approaching on March 4, one of my favourite foodie days of the year.

But I must admit, I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to pancakes. I tend to stick with what I know and love – a good old plain pancake with sugar and lemon sprinkled on top! In a bid to be a little more adventurous, I

decided to seek advice from La Crepe Rit at the Albert Dock, where they can make up to 130 pancakes a day! La Crepe Rit means ‘the laughing

pancake’ and was originally opened by a French professor around 25 years ago serving the French version of the humble pancake – crêpes. Now the bistro has been taken over by Raj Sharma and Arvin Aneja who are gearing up for Pancake Day, one of their busiest days of the year. The bistro offers a range of meals and

snacks, from sandwiches and jacket potatoes to more hearty French dishes, such as Salmon Provencale to traditional British fish and chips and steaks. But their speciality is, of course,

pancakes. During my visit, I was greeted by co-director Raj who explained: “We offer a range of ‘galletes’ – a savoury pancake from Breton, made from a mix of buckwheat flour, eggs, water and salt. “Crêpes are the sweeter version made

from a batter of wheat flour, eggs, sugar, milk, vegetable oil and water. They originate from Brittany, a region in the North West of France. We make them fresh to order and our range of fillings is enormous!”

Indeed, diners can enjoy their crêpes simple with just honey or maple syrup, or the more sweet toothed can opt for Nutella, banana and chocolate or marshmallows and strawberries. For a touch of drama, you can choose

the more decadent flambées (the French term for igniting alcohol), for example, orange and Cointreau or chocolate and Cognac. Said Raj: “We can throw anything

in. If people ask for something specific that is not on the menu, if we have the ingredients, we’ll make it for them.” After showing me around his crêpery,

Raj lead me to the kitchen for a masterclass. He introduced me to his chef Fabrice, who demonstrated how to make a simple sweet crêpe before inviting me to have a go. I have to admit, I haven’t often made

pancakes as my mum makes perfect ones so I tend to leave it to the expert! Fabrice made it look so easy but it

was trickier than I thought. I ladled the batter onto the middle of the galettiere (a special pancake griddle) and spread the mixture to the edges using a special wooden spatula. My first few attempts were a bit sketchy and far too thick to resemble true crêpes. But finally I got the hang of it and my crêpes were just the right thickness. Then I had to master the art of flipping them over – a real skill – to ensure the other side was cooked. We filled the first with simple lemon and

sugar, and the second with strawberries, drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled

with caster sugar. Then Fab made a savoury Turbo Gallette adding in a filling of egg, cheese, ham, mushrooms and tomatoes. It looked like a work of art when he had folded over the edges but it was so quick and easy to make. We took the galette and crêpes through

to the restaurant and wasted no time tucking into them. The Turbo galette was so tasty and filling, a perfect contrast to the sweet crêpes. For an extra treat, Raj brought out

one of the bistro’s specialities, or ‘Les Spectaculaires’ as they say in France.La Rosaria (The Rose Garden) is a giant

crepe featuring a delectable feast of fruit salad, slices of banana and orange on a bed of raspberry sauce with cream and strawberry icecream – sweet heaven! We washed them down with bottles of

cider, which Raj explained, is customary in France and the ideal accompaniment to pancakes. So now I have learned from the master, I

may have a go at my own crêpe creations on March 4 and may even give my mum a run for her money! In the meantime, my fellow pancake

novices can have a go at making them at home with these delicious recipes courtesy of La Crepe Rit. La Crepe Rit is situated on The Colonnades of Albert Dock near Tate Liverpool, and is open daily from 10.30am and 10am on weekends. Telephone 0151 709 9444 or visit www.lacreperit.co.uk

Michelle Rushton learns how to make the perfect pancakes at La Crepe Rit

Ingredients:l 2 medium sized cups of buckwheat flourl 1 pinch of saltl 2 free range eggsl Large bowl of water

Method:l Make the batter by mixing buckwheat flour, eggs and salt in the large bowl of water and continue to mix until smooth.l Add more water if the texture isn’t right and leave to settle for about an hour.l Pour the batter into a frying pan and quickly tilt the pan in all directions to spread the batter all over the bottom of the pan. When cooked, flip the galette in the air and cook the other side for a couple of minutes.l Add fillings of your choice.

Savoury gallettes

Ingredients:l 2 medium sized cups of plain flourl 2 free range eggsl 1 medium size cup of milk powderl 4 medium size cups of waterl Half cup of caster sugar

Method:l Mix the flour, sugar, eggs and milk powder in the water until you get a smooth mix and leave the batter to stand for around an hour.l Pour the batter into a frying pan and quickly tilt the pan in all directions to spread the batter all over the bottom of the pan.l When cooked, flip the crêpe in the air and cook the other side for a couple of minutes.l Add fillings of your choice.

Sweet crêpes

A true Italianexperience

THE BEST INITALIAN FOOD236 3375

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♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥Book now forValentines Day

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Franco’sFranco’s Restaurant is situated at 48a Castle Street in the heart of Liverpool.Open daily for lunch and dinner - until 11pm on SaturdaysOpening TimesFranco’s Restaurant is open six days of the week: Monday-Friday: 11.30am to 3.00pmTuesday-Saturday: 5.30pm to 11.00pm

Welcome valentineschampagne and canapes

including a rosefor your loved one!

3CourseMeal £25.95

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Sarah Hooley discovers both style and substance at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill...

Food & drink

GOURMET GAUCHOS

EVER since rodizio restaurants started popping up in the city a few years ago my other half has been desperate to try one out. But for one reason or another we’ve never quite got round to doing it.

So, with my husband’s birthday on the horizon I booked lunch at one of Liv-erpool’s newest Brazilian restaurants, Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill.

Located in Exchange Flags, the stylish eatery had caught my eye walking past on numerous occasions, and inside didn’t disappoint.

With rustic terracota walls, plush leather booths, stunning lighting and a

sleek wooden bar, Fazenda is effortlessly stylish without being pretentious.

On arrival, we were quickly shown to our table and a friendly waiter came over to explain how it all worked.

For lunch, he said, they serve seven different types of meat – gammon, rump, cap of rump, pork ribs or pork belly, marinated chicken thighs, chicken breast wrapped in bacon, and traditional South American sausage.

All of the meats are roasted in the tra-ditional gaucho way and brought round on large skewers which the waiters carve onto diners’ plates as and when they’re

cooked. You don’t have to eat each one though, every person has a circular card (red on one side and green on the other) which is used to let the waiters know when you’re having a breather or are ready for more.

It’s not all about being a carnivore either – lunch also includes a self-service salad bar. Filled with a huge selection of gourmet salad, fresh vegetables, import-ed cheeses, pasta, cous cous, rice-stuffed vine leaves and artisan breads, to call it a salad bar is really doing it a disservice.

A number of hot dishes like pork in black bean sauce and provencal potatoes were also included, plus dips, sauces and little extras like pork scratchings, nachos and pretzels.

Plates filled, we sat back at the table and it wasn’t long before the waiters started circling the restaurant with the freshly grilled cuts of meat. All seven were beautifully cooked but our favour-ites were the succulent gammon, juicy pork belly glazed in honey and the garlic rump steak (available in a variety of guises, including well-done and rare). My husband also loved the flavoursome chicken thighs. And, in case that wasn’t enough, we were also served a portion of tasty fries presented in a mini-frying pan.

Throughout the meal we’d been conscious of pacing ourselves – having heard tales of Joey Tribbiani-style ‘meat sweats’ from friends who have visited similar restaurants – but even so, we still felt rather full.

Noticing this, one of the waiters recom-mended we try a caipirinha. Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha is renowned for being light and refreshing and was just what we needed.

Before long we felt ready to tackle a pudding. With a good selection of des-serts including crème caramel, marquise

de chocolate, and passionfruit cheese-cake, there was ample choice.

In the end, I opted for warm pancakes oozing with soft, gooey toffee. My hus-band decided to try the trio of sorbet, including cactus, mango/orange, and lemon/lime. Cool and zingy, he wolfed down the citrus flavours but wasn’t quite won over by the cactus.

Leaving for home, I asked my husband if his first rodizio experience had been worth waiting for and he said it’d been even better than he’d thought.

The staff struck the perfect balance of being attentive without being intrusive, the restaurant had a great atmosphere – bustling yet laid back, with a mix of families, couples and groups of friends. And, on top of that, the food was first class – proof that you can have style and substance.

Lunch costs £16.70 Monday to Friday, and £18.70 on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. A vegetarian option and children’s menu is also available.

Fazenda, Horton House, Exchange Flags, L2 3YL. Telephone 0151 227 2733 or visit fazenda.co.uk

FEBRUARY 14

29BEST OF LIVERPOOL

WITH glorious crimson rose petals decorating the mahogany tables, romantic melodies playing and enough Italian charm to fill Sicily twice over, Il Forno is an ideal place to treat your loved one this St Valentine’s Day. Run by two Italian brothers, manager

Donato and head chef Paolo Cillo, Il Forno has handpicked this incomparable duo from the province of Potenza, Basilicata in Southern Italy to bring incredibly authentic Italian dishes to the people of Liverpool. With a firm belief that delicious food

should be at the heart of life, Il Forno prides itself on its outstanding range of modern and classic Italian dishes, offering something for everyone, created from the hearty recipes Donato and Paolo used to spend hours perfecting with their mamma back home on the eve of February 14. Having been a firm favourite on the

Liverpool scene for many years, it is not hard to see why this award-winning restaurant is named in The Times top 10 Italian restaurants in the UK and it is not long before you feel in the romantic mood with a rose in one hand and a glass of pink Champagne in the other. It is also a perfect place to do the odd bit of

celeb spotting if conversation runs dry, with Sugarbabe Jade Ewen and her entourage on the table next to us while we dined. With appetisers including a creamy

pumpkin soup with Fontina cheese from Valle d’Aosta, oven baked Pyefleet Creek oysters served with Zabaglione sauce and Il Forno’s famous Valentine’s Day heart-shaped focaccia, the menu offers just the right amount creativity and aphrodisiacs to get your night off to that all important romantic start. All ingredients are sourced directly from

the finest Italian growers and a team of Italian chefs below the restaurant toil over hot Italian stoves and huge open ovens to prepare every meal using the most

traditional recipes and skills to create the freshest of dishes, bursting with passion and flavour. Mains offer a variety of elegant and

wholesome dishes including a delicious steamed sea bass and salmon (served with asparagus, creamed potatoes on a bed of seafood sauce with prawns, clams and mussels), grilled sliced sirloin steak served with wild porcini mushroom glaze, and homemade sundried tomato linguine pasta served with ricotta cheese bursting with flavour that is sure to take your tastebuds on an Italian adventure. A seductive selection of homemade

desserts and ice-creams are available for dessert, in a Lady-and-the-Tramp-style sharing platter rich in titillating flavours to set the amorous night alight. The Valentine’s menu is a delightfully

tasty three course meal priced at £29.95 per person and is a sure ticket to impress your other half this February 14.

Il Forno, 132 Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 5AG. Telephone: 0151 709 4002 Visit www.ilforno.co.uk Twitter: @IlFornoUK

Michelle Rushton enjoys a romantic meal for two at Il Forno

That’s amore

BEST of Liverpool has joined forces with Il Forno to offer readers the chance to win a luxury trip for two this year to the country of romance. The winning couple will be treated to three days in the Province of Vincenza, Italy, staying in a luxury hotel and enjoying incredible tours of the farmhouses and vineyards Il Forno use to produce their deliciously authentic ingredients. From winery tours, to prosciutto tasting and a day trip to Verona, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes of one of the UK’s finest restaurants to see exactly what it takes to produce traditional Italian food and drink. To enter the competition, simply visit Il Forno and tweet us your favourite dish, quoting @BestofLpool with the hashtag #LoveILForno – entrants will be automatically entered and contacted by Il Forno after the closing date for entries at midnight on February 28, 2014. To view full terms and conditions visit www.ilforno.co.uk

WIN A LUXURY TRIP TO ITALY WITH IL FORNO

WITH its quirky sloping roof and golden stone walls, The Ebrington Arms looks like something straight out of a Disney fairytale.

And its pretty Cotswold setting in the chocolate-box village of Ebrington does nothing to dispel this notion.

Located just two miles from the historic market town of Chipping Campden, the award-winning inn is home to a pub, a restaurant and five boutique B&B rooms.

Dating back to the 17th century, the inn is packed with charming original features like exposed beams, huge inglenook fireplaces and flagstone flooring which gives it a warm and welcoming feeling.

Owners Jim and Claire Alexander bought the business back in 2007 and have spent years restoring the building’s character and charm. As a result, the duo have filled a trophy-cabinet with prestigious industry awards, including CAMRA North Cotswold Pub of the Year, which they’ve won three times in a row.

Our room – overlooking acres of open countryside – was equipped with a king-size, four poster bed, a large flatscreen TV, and a luxurious bathroom.

There were also lots of thoughtful little extras, like a jar of home-made biscuits, fluffy bathrobes and a bottle of sherry to help ourselves to. It was well deserving of its four-star rating.

There wasn’t time to revel in our room for too long though as we’d made dinner reservations downstairs.

Having been awarded two AA rosettes and featured in The Michelin Guide, we’d heard great things about the food in the Ebrington Arms and were excited about our forthcoming feast.

The menu, devised by a team of award-winning chefs, had a good selection of classic pub dishes like beer-battered fish with home-made chips and pork belly and black pudding pie, as well as a daily specials board.

To start, I opted for sweet potato gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, rocket and parmesan; onglet steak served with garlic mushrooms, triple cooked chips, cherry tomates and Béarnaise sauce for my main; and quince and almond tart with vanilla ice-cream for pudding.

My husband ordered pan-fried chicken livers on home-made sourdough toast with wild mushrooms and truffle to start; grilled rainbow trout in a Cornish crab butter sauce with sautéed potatoes and capers for main; and crème caramel with poached, forced rhubarb to finish.

Delicious and well presented, the food was truly excellent and would rival that of many top-class restaurants, let alone pubs. Meal finished, we settled ourselves in front of the roaring log fire in the bar area.

A real hub for the local community, the Ebrington Arms had a down-to-earth atmosphere with a good mix of guests

and friendly locals propping up the bar. It also boasted an extensive wine list and selection of award-winning cask ales – including Yubby Bitter and Yawnie Brown Ale which the owners brew themselves – and we were only too happy to spend the rest of the night sampling them.

The next day, following a hearty breakfast (porridge with honey for me, berry pancakes with maple syrup for my other half and freshly baked croissants with home-made strawberry jam to share), we headed out to explore the area on foot.

The Ebrington Arms is a great base for walkers and has a number of trails on its doorstep, including The Boundary Stones Walk, which is featured in The Nation’s Favourite Walks leaflet by The National Trust.

A 7.4 mile route – or 10.2 miles if you’re as bad at reading maps as we are – the walk winds its way through three villages and a number of attractions, like Hidcote Manor Garden. Just right for a clear, crisp winter’s day.

It also ensured that we felt guilt free ordering a bowl of chips, a doorstep cheese and tomato toastie, and a ham and wholegrain mustard sandwich, both served with creamy home-made coleslaw

and salad, from the lunch menu back at the inn.

The Ebrington offers a good range of light bites, as well as an afternoon tea menu, and we could easily have spent hours cosseted away in front of the bar’s roaring log fire.

But, with some of the UK’s finest towns and villages on our doorstep we felt obliged to explore.

The staff were more than happy to recommend places of interest when we asked, and on their advice we drove the nine miles to the village of Broadway, stopping off in the historic market town of Chipping Campden on the way back.

Often referred to as ‘the jewels of the Cotswolds’, both Broadway and Chipping Campden were filled with stylish boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and delis, as well as tea-rooms, restaurants and pubs. Perfect for a gentle stroll and a spot of retail therapy.

With aching legs after a full day sightseeing though, we were happy to return to the inn a few hours later. And, after treating myself to a long soak in the deep tub, we tucked into another delicious meal before relaxing in front of the fire for the rest of the night.

All in all, The Ebrington Arms was just what we wanted. With oodles of charm, award-winning food, superb service and a picturesque setting, it’s the perfect bolt-hole for a romantic weekend away.

Rooms are priced from £140 per night, bed and breakfast. For more details visit www.theebringtonarms.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL30

Travel

Cotswolds comfortIf you’re looking for a romantic bolt-hole, Sarah Hooley finds a little bit of heaven just under two-and-a-half-hours away...

FEBRUARY 14

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