best of liverpool magazine - january 2014

WINTICKETS TO SEE

‘STRICTLY’ STAR

ANTON DU BEKE

S U P P L E M E N T

SOUL SISTER

BURNS BABY BURNSHaggis with a twist

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

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

CHARITY SHOP CHICFrugal but funky fashion

RISE & DINE

Breakfast in the city

RESTAURANT REVIEWS//SHOPPING//HEALTH//WHAT’S ON FAMILY FUN//TRAVEL//HOMEGROWN TALENT//SALON SPOTLIGHT

Rebecca Ferguson on her new album

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

Start the year afresh

JANUARY BLUES

Stylish homewares

FAB FOR 14City celebs reveal their resolutions

02 BEST OF LIVERPOOL

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With so much on

offer at Lifestyles

treat yourself to the

best gift this season.

For more information, pop into

your local Lifestyles Fitness Centre,

call 0151 233 5433 or

visit Liverpool.gov.uk/Lifestyles

Lifestyles Fitness Centres

@LifestylesGym

Now somethingfor you?

MERRY New Year! You can blame Fact’s seasonal screening of Trading Places last month for filling my head with phrases from the cult 80s film. Eddie Murphy’s delightfully wrong

turn of phrase, ‘Merry New Year’, has been stuck in my head for weeks now. Having taken the phrase to heart, this month’s Best of Liverpool is packed with ways to banish a dose of the January blues and brighten up what is traditionally the bleakest of months. Nothing puts a dampener on your spirits more than being skint or err, cold. So, on pages 6-7, we find cosy clobber to help you wrap up warm this January. And, on page 9, we find that charity shop chic is no longer a contradiction in terms with frugal but fabulous fashions from Claire House charity shops in the city. January is the season for reinvention and, on page 8, Sue gets expert advice on how to detox your wardrobe, while on page 18 Paul finds that the city’s celebs are a contemplative and rather cheerful bunch as they reveal their New Year’s resolutions. We especially like comedy legend Ken Dodd’s approach to resolutions, as the Squire of Knotty Ash wants to go to more parties as well as; “Start a fitness regime – I’m going to stay in bed for three days!” Now that’s our kind of fitness regime! After all, who doesn’t love a lazy way to stay fit?!

If getting fit is your aim for the year ahead, Sarah finds that fighting the festive flab doesn’t have to be boring as she takes a look at the latest fitness crazes on page 13. While, on page 21, I meet the Waterloo woman who the city’s WAGs turn to when they want to detox. Detoxing isn’t for everyone though so, on pages 22-26, we have foodie news, recipes and reviews to tantalise your tastebuds. And, best of all – there’s not a turkey in sight! We also catch up with Anfield’s answer to Aretha Franklin – Rebecca Ferguson – on page 17. As she prepares to release an emotionally-charged second album, Rebecca talks to Emma about growing up in Liverpool, why writing her own music is so important and how going through pain in life means you sing from the heart. There’s plenty going on this month and we bring you our shortlist of concerts, plays and events on page 19. Plus, we have stylish yet snuggly homewares on page 28, and last, but by no means least, we take a look at some January travel ideas on pages 30-31.Enjoy!

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

FASHION06-07 SHOPPING FOR HERCosy clobber 08-09 CHARITY SHOP CHICFrugal but fabulous outfits 10-11 SHOPPING FOR HIMCover up in style chaps

HEALTH & BEAUTY12-13 FITNESSGet kitted out 14-15 SKIN SAVIOURS Hot products and a Lush experience 20-21 JUICY STUFF Seasonal suggestions to feel great

ENTERTAINMENT16-17 HOMEGROWN TALENT Roja and Rebecca Ferguson 18 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS City celebs’ wish-list for 2014 19 WHAT’S ON Your guide to the month’s events

FOOD & DRINK 22 BURNS BABY BURNS Top recipes to celebrate in style24 RISE & DINEBreakfast in the city25 RESTAURANT REVIEWEast Village Arts Club 26 HIDDEN TREASURESSmugglers’ Cove

CHILDREN27 BROLLIES NOT REQUIREDDon’t let rain stop play

HOMES28 JANUARY BLUESStaying in has never been so stylish

OUT & ABOUT29 WIRRAL WONDERA taste of Hoylake 30-31 TRAVEL Jet away this January

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

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

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Katie McLoughlinBest of Liverpool Deputy 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

PA Pictures

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.

JANUARY 14

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Talk of the town

PERFECTING OUR PEEPERS

PARTY season can wreak havoc on your eyes – with all those late nights leaving trademark dark circles on tired peepers so this month we’re loving Origins Dr Andrew Weil Dark Circle Minimiser.The innovative eye cream, which hit beauty counters on Boxing Day, takes a three-pronged approach to help correct the appearance of dark circles, strengthen delicate skin and instantly brighten the under eye area. Dr Andrew Weil Dark Circle Minimiser is priced at £32 and available from Origins counters in department stores.

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

ANDaboutOutFILL UPPA YOUR FACEAFTER well over a year of building work on the corner of Aigburth Road and Mersey Road, the highly anticipated Est Est Italian neighbourhood restaurant was finally revealed in December. Managing director Stephen Garrity welcomed

guests, including Best of Liverpool, to a VIP launch with executive chef Ian Crosby serving creative Italian canapés made from the finest Italian ingredients. Crooner Alan Cross entertained the party with a live swing set and a mixologist created a unique Est Est cocktail for guests to toast the new restaurant.

BATALA Liverpool raised a whopping £5,000 for the Philippines last month. Thousands of Christmas

shoppers stopped to join in the fun and threw donations into buckets as the samba band performed live in the city on the weekend of the Santa Dash, to raise money for the disaster stricken country.Fundraising co-ordinator for

Batala, Juliana Landim says: “The atmosphere was fantastic! Liverpool was packed but everyone was so supportive and accommodating. “People were dancing along

with us and it’s just great to see the reaction on people’s faces! I should say a big thank

you to the stall-holders at the Christmas markets for allowing us to parade in front of their stalls!”Band member Gary Collins

adds: “We could only be a small band on Saturday because of space limitations, but the whole band turned up and we took turns to drum and take the buckets into the crowd. “I couldn’t believe the

amount of money people were donating. From £20 notes to people emptying the change from their purses. All at a time when money is tight – and also the most expensive time of the year. It made me so proud to be a Scouser and very proud to a part of this amazing band.”

THE city’s inaugural Urban Winter Village – a festive market made from former shipping containers in Williamson Square – proved a resounding hit last month with shoppers flocking to see the local independent stall-holders. From local hand-made cards to beauty products,

art and more, the market had plenty to offer festive shoppers. It also played host to a flurry of festive performances from local bands as well as camels, kings, giants puppets, drummers and a sea of Santas made their way through Williamson Square last month to keep shoppers entertained.

MAKING ITS MARK

TOWIE star Joey Essex made his first daytime appearance since leaving the jungle at Liverpool ONE on Saturday, December 14. The reality TV star, who

recently appeared on I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, was in town to sign his 2014 calendar and new male fragrance ‘Fusey’. The 23-year-old star also took to the ice in Liverpool ONE’s ice festival during his appearance in the city.

JUNGLE STAR ON ICE

LIGHTER LUNCHES

JANUARY can be a depressing month, so we’re loving indulging in comfort food without the guilt at Pizza Express this month. The pizza chain has launched a new range

of skinny pizzas which contain fewer than 500 calories. Inspired by a classic fresella from Naples, an Italian bread

with a hole in the middle, each pizza in the new Leggera range is made from a ring of dough with the centre filled with fresh salad dressed with PizzaExpress’ light house dressing. The tasty range includes an American Hot pizza which has just 396 calories, which is laden with pepperoni, light mozzarella, tomato and a choice of hot green, roquito or jalapeño peppers. We especially heart the Padana Leggera, a vegetarian delight which is topped with goat’s cheese, caramelised onions, spinach, red onions and garlic oil yet has just 415 calories. To finish your meal on a sweet note without blowing your

diet, there’s also a range of mini-desserts, including a gluten-free brownie, which has 215 calories.

SCENT OF SUCCESS

JO Malone’s new ‘Just like Sunday’ home candle collection by legendary style editor, Charlotte Stockdale. Quintessentially British, the range

is inspired by Charlotte’s idea of a perfect Sunday with four beautiful candles designed to evoke a sense of Sundays spent leisurely at home. The range includes a calming and

aromatic Lavender & Lovage candle which smells of crisp, white sheets with lavender and a Green Tomato Leaf candle which reminds us of leisurely walks in the garden. There’s an indulgent Sweet Almond & Macaroon candle

which smells of traditional baked treats with almond, coconut, vanilla and cherries, and a comforting Incense and Embers candle, which reminds us of spending lazy afternoons lounging by an open fire. Available on Jo Malone counters from January 1, the Just like Sunday collection is priced from £39.

Ph

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: Dave

Elliso

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We’re loving...

DRUMMING UP SUPPORT

A LOCAL chef saved Christmas for 150 children at St Nicholas’ Primary School, in Liverpool city centre, after strike action meant the cancellation of their Christmas party. Adam Franklin, owner of Yacht Club Liverpool, was contacted by parents from the school and decided to come to the rescue of the children’s Christmas party. He says: “The kids were the only ones losing out, so we put in a few calls to other local businesses and everyone was happy to lend a hand to save Christmas.” Julie Mogan, partner at DTM Legal, who also stepped in to help, adds: “Adam called

to ask if we could lend a hand and we were more than delighted to add a little festive cheer to the party. “We sponsored a present for each child to

make sure that they have a memorable day at the Yacht Club and our team joined in to help on the day.”Vanessa Nice, headteacher of the city

centre primary school, adds: “We’ve been so moved by the support of parents and local businesses like Yacht Club Liverpool and DTM Legal. “We are overjoyed that we were able to

enjoy a fantastic party thanks to Yacht Club Liverpool.”

05BEST OF LIVERPOOL

JANUARY 14

PERFECT BLEND MUSEUM MERRIMENT THERE was plenty of festive cheer in Costa, in Liverpool ONE, on Saturday, December 14 as the coffee shop teamed up with UK children’s charity Youth Music to treat shoppers to some Christmas songs with a difference.Talented young people from the local

Merseyside Youth Organisation, supported by Youth Music, came together to form a specially-crafted Christmas singing group and entertained customers with a variety of Christmas music, revamped with a modern twist.The group of eight talented musicians from

across the city, who have been working with the Youth Music project developing musical talent in children from disadvantaged backgrounds across Liverpool, came together to deliver a spectacular set of Christmas classics with a twist.

ALL THAT GLITTERSONE very lucky party-goer won a stunning pair of diamond ear-rings worth £2,000 at a special event hosted by Wongs Jewellers, in association with Tivon Fine Jewellery last month. As well as the dazzling prize

giveaway, the event, which was held in Wongs’ city centre showroom, also saw guests enjoy Champagne, canapes and a live performance from Stephen Fletcher as they marvelled at the extensive watch and fine jewellery collection on display, including some extra-special Tivon coloured stone jewellery.

THINK you had it tough cooking Christmas dinner? Well spare a thought for National Museums Liverpool’s head chef Ben Sheeran and his team who cooked 15,000 roast potatoes, 18,000 Brussels sprouts, 5,000 Christmas puddings and 5,000 Yorkshire puddings throughout the festive period!More than 5,000 people celebrated

Christmas with National Museums Liverpool, with party nights taking place at Merseyside Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool and World Museum. Melanie Lewis, director of commercial

operations at National Museums Liverpool, says: “Our venues are unique – where else can you enjoy great food and

service in the unrivalled atmosphere and setting of a national museum?“At a time of severe funding constraints

this growth in event bookings is particularly welcome. Profits from these kind of events go straight back into supporting our museums.”

OPERATION CHRISTMAS

READY, STEADY, COOK! A BOOTLE hotel school played host to some of the UK’s rising culinary stars last month, when it held the prestigious Pro Chef Dinner Awards 2013. The event took place in L20 Hotel

School’s flagship restaurant, which opened to the public just four weeks earlier at Hugh Baird College in Bootle.After an extensive search to find the

UK’s top culinary stars of tomorrow, nationwide heats took place before the final nine chefs competed in the finale at L20 Hotel School. Organised by VisionaryDining.

com, the final saw the protégé chefs assigned with a top professional chef to mentor them for the competition, then preparing a lavish 10-course fine dining meal which was judged by 90 guest diners. The winning chef was named as

Tom Jarvis from Wetherby, who was mentored by double Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson.A highlight in the hospitality industry

calendar, this is the first time the annual event has been held in Liverpool. As well as the culinary competition, the

event featured a charity auction, raising £7,000 for Radio City’s charity - Cash for Kids.

THEATRE staff at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust decided to give up their usual ‘Secret Santa’ gifts last month – to buy presents for children who would otherwise go without. Health care assistant Jan Jones heard about Radio City’s Mission Christmas, which is organised by the station’s Cash for Kids charity, and suggested that the team take part instead of buying gifts for each other. She says: “We were all talking and said we should give Secret Santa a miss this year and donate presents to the charity instead. The whole of the Trust’s theatre

team got involved and it has given us much more pleasure than buying each other a present ever could.” Staff from the Trust’s Neuroscience Research Centre and the Research, Development and Innovation team also donated £100 worth of Disney gifts to the charity. Radio City charity manager, Carol Clare adds: “We give the toys to social services and organisations which help children who are in difficult circumstances and unlikely to receive gifts at Christmas. The teams have donated some great gifts for the children and we’re very grateful.”

CHEF COMES TO THE RESCUE P

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Shopping for her

COLD weather combined with a dose of January blues can mean we all want to swaddle ourselves in oodles and oodles of layers at this time of year. However, layering up to keep out the chill doesn’t have to mean wearing all of your clothes a la Joey Tribbiani or sporting bulky layers in a style akin to the Michelin Man. To add warmth and style to a layered ensemble, mix and match textures to add interest to your attire, with a sheer shirt worn under a chunky, Argyle jumper and leather trousers for night or skinny jeans for daytime paired with chunky boots to keep your feet cosy too. Prints or a statement piece in an on-trend hue can also help to break up a layered outfit. On-trend hues include cobalt, mustard, pastel pink and deep ox-blood red, while must-have prints this season are tartan and winter florals. To complete any layered ensemble, a statement coat is a

must – from cosy faux fur to parkas, wrap coats and retro car coats – there’s no shortage of ways you can wrap up in style this winter.

It’s a wrapMaster the art of layering and stay warm, snug and stylish this January, says Katie McLoughlin

Coat, RRP £199 outlet price £139, from Phase Eight at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Ted Baker ‘Madigan’ draped front coat, in camel, £299, from John Lewis

Navy hooded duffle coat, £99; teal cable jumper, £40; rinse-wash skinny jeans, £45; purple ‘Jenna’ shoulder bag, £45; and dogtooth scarf, £25, all from Therapy at House of Fraser

Mauve cotton rib sweater, £49; burgundy cotton cord skirt, £49; and pink leather tote, £69, all from the Weekend Collection at John Lewis

Leather-look skirt, £20, from BHS

Baroque skirt, RRP £69 outlet price £48.50, from Phase Eight at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Worn all together, or as separates, this thermal three-in-one coat with detachable gilet is perfect for erratic British weather, £150, from Per Una at M&S

Polo-neck, RRP £95 outlet price £57, from Reiss at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Jumper, £37, from Miss Selfridge

07BEST OF LIVERPOOL

JANUARY 14

Barbour tartan lambswool scarf, £30, from House of Fraser

Complete the look...

Autograph jumper, £55; Autograph skirt, £199; scarf, £22.50; bag, £35; and belt, £12.50, all from Marks & Spencer

Pink jumper, £28, from Dorothy Perkins

Faux fur leopard print coat, £79, from Dorothy Perkins

Indigo coat, £79; Indigo skirt, £29.50; Indigo lace top, £22.50; Indigo shirt, £27.50; bag, £39.50; belt, £12.50; and boots, £99, all from Marks & Spencer

Grey wool biker, £65; leopard wing zip tote, £28; grey ribbed skinny jean, £28, from Dorothy Perkins

Somerset by Alice Temperley cashmere beanie, £40, from John Lewis

Dickins & Jones gloves, £39, from House of Fraser

‘Learing’ gloves, £39, from Dune

Pink fairisle knit earmuffs, £22, from House of Fraser

Beanie, £14, from Miss Selfridge

Long boots, £120, from Next

Ear-muffs, £18, from Miss Selfridge

Brown high heel boots, £89, from La Redoute


Shopping for her

With New Year upon us and the January sales in full swing, now is the time to get your wardrobe in order. Sue Kelbrick meets personal stylist and wardrobe genie, Maria Blanchard of Stylista

TWO children in and a number of highly dubious fashion trends later, and I’m officially stuck in a wardrobe rut. Despite having a wardrobe bulging at the seams, I just seem to rotate the same few outfits, so when personal stylist Maria Blanchard offered me a wardrobe makeover, I jumped at the chance. Little did she know what she was

letting herself in for, as I am, by my own admission, a complete hoarder. Whether I would actually be able to

part with any of my clothes (you never know when I might need that size 8 sequinned boob tube...) was going to be a challenge in itself. I met Maria for a coffee so she could

talk through the process. She gave me a questionnaire to fill out and asked me to send her some before shots of my wardrobe, before coming to my house and spending three hours going through my clothes. It was hard work to begin with because I didn’t want to let go of anything but, as time went on, it became easier. By the end of the session I was getting

rid of clothes I thought I’d never be able to part with and had rediscovered clothes I’d forgotten about that had

been languishing at the back of my wardrobe. It was a deeply cathartic experience. Warm and friendly, Maria certainly

didn’t pressurise me into getting rid of anything and to call her a wardrobe ‘genie’ is no understatement. She seemed to have a genuine instinct for what would suit me and what wouldn’t. She made me try on a few outfits, then took pictures of me wearing them. It was interesting to see which actually

looked good on me and which didn’t. Seeing Maria use my clothes to put together outfits that I never would have thought of, made me rethink my whole wardrobe. I’m finding that even though I now have fewer clothes, I actually have a greater number of wearable and flattering outfits which I can pick out quickly and easily. Maria followed up our meeting with a

detailed style report making a number of recommendations.The challenge now is to stick to it and make sure I keep my wardrobe neat and tidy. Now, where did I put that boob tube..?

Visit www.stylistauk.com or call Maria at Stylista on 0777 928 2499.

Zabetta Camilleri, co-founder of Sales Gossip

HOW many times have you missed out on a bargain in the sales? Whether it’s a friend bragging about

the latest designer outfit they got at a fraction of the price, or getting to the shop just a few minutes too late to bag that bargain, there’s nothing more annoying than feeling you’ve missed out. Sales Gossip is a new website that

locates and curates all the best sales on the high street and online, allowing users to search and discover high street sales online and on their mobile. According to the people behind the

brand, this is the first-ever tool that collects all information about sales direct from both high street and online retailers and allows shoppers to search and discover the sales according to their location, the brands they love or the outfits they’re hunting for. Zabetta Camilleri, co-founder of

Sales Gossip, explains: “Looking good doesn’t need to cost the earth, but sales shopping can be a nightmare. “The queues, the crushes, the

spontaneous purchase you never end up wearing; all of this is now a thing of the past as we’ve taken the best bits of sales shopping and removed the hassle.” To help you even more with your

shopping, Zabetta shares some tips for sales shopping:

l DO think what items you need to update your wardrobe and make those the focus. It’s always good to pick out classic pieces in sales.

l DON’T wait for the last day of the sale. Get there early to increase the probability of getting exactly what you want.

l DO keep monitoring the sale – just because that dress isn’t on sale today, doesn’t mean it won’t be tomorrow. l DO put everything you think you want in your online shopping basket, then save it, have a cup of tea and if you still think all those things are great when you come back then go for it! l DO detox your wardrobe by taking your old clothes to a charity shop, so you can fit in all of your new sale items.

GET SALE SAVVYSue Kelbrick gets some insider fashion advice from the experts at Sales Gossip...

Monsters in my closet...

JANUARY 14

09BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Sue Kelbrick finds frugal but fabulous fashion in a Liverpool charity shop, because it’s not just on the high street where you can bag a bargain...

Charity shop chicIT’S a win-win situation. Not only do you get to pick up some incredible bargains from charity shops, you also help worthy causes and experience a warm, fuzzy feeling from knowing you have made a difference simply by buying something. Claire House Children’s Hospice

provides respite and care for children and young people with life limiting medical conditions from Merseyside and beyond. The charity currently has 26 shops in the region which raise £400,000 every year for the hospice. All the staff and volunteers at Claire

House shops pride themselves on their fashion credentials, so it is worth keeping an eye out for designer and vintage buys. Simon Dodd, head of retail at Claire

House, says: “Supporting a charity shop is the ultimate in thrifty shopping; you can grab absolute bargains for a fraction of the retail price, as well as support a local charity like Claire House. “Our customers often spend an entire

afternoon rooting the rails in our shop and the others along the row, they get such a buzz out of finding something fantastic! “At Claire House shops, our staff and

volunteers always keep their eyes out for designer items being donated. We’ve had some fantastic stock come in, such as Barbour jackets, vintage fur coats and designer shoes, which are all sold at a fraction of the retail price. “It’s always worth having a really good

root through the rails and seeing what you can find and, if you’re looking for something specific, just ask the staff. “They may have something in the stock

room or could keep an eye out for you in case something comes in.”

All clothes from Claire House Children’s Hospice charity shops.Photos: Amy Faith


Shopping for him

Vintage-inspired wool coats are de rigueur for the stylish man about town this January, while parkas and bomber jackets provide versatile weekend options, says Katie McLoughlin, as she finds this season’s must-have coats for men...

Shirt, £99; jumper, £149; coat, £299; from Marks & Spencer

Chill out

Camel coat, £85, from Burton

Rocha John Rocha coat, £160, from Debenhams

Hammond & Co ‘Nelson’ coat, £160; roll neck, £45; jeans, £60; and Grassmore boots, £175, from Debenhams

J Jeans by Jasper Conran jacket, £135, from Debenhams

Reiss Hove leather bomber jacket, £495, from John Lewis

Hackett London check wool rich peacoat, £495, from John Lewis

Tucker jumper in all spice, £60, from House of Fraser

Red Herring bomber jacket, £75, from Debenhams

11BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Fairisle bobble hat, £12, from Next

Aston shoes, £85, from Bertie

Barbour Melrose Fairisle scarf, £54.95,

from John Lewis

Harris tweed messenger bag, £125, from John Lewis

JANUARY 14

FINISHING TOUCHES

Red tartan scarf, £38, from House of Fraser

Red Herring hat, £15, from

Debenhams

Contrast sleeve baseball jacket, £35, from Boohoo.com

Coat, £35; jumper, £15; jeans, £15; and hat, £3, from Primark

Autograph coat, £135; Autograph suit, £149; Autograph shirt,

£32.50; beanie, £15; and shoes, £69, from Marks & Spencer

Coat, £40; shirt, £8; trousers, £15; boots, £15; and belt, £5, from Primark


Fitness

Charity challenges

Give your fitness a new purpose in 2014 and get involved in one of these sporting events...

Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon and Half MarathonDUBBED as the music capital of the UK, it’s only fitting that Liverpool will be playing host to a Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon and half marathon on May 25. The course features a scenic tour of the city centre, starting and finishing at the waterfront, with live bands playing music along the way. From classic rock, punk, funk and blues, music is at the heart and ‘sole’ of this event. There’ll also be a live concert at the ECHO Arena after the races. Registration costs £50 for the marathon and £33 for the half marathon if you sign up before April 15. The event’s official charity partner is The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. Visit uk.competitor.com/liverpool.

Race The Sun Lake District 2014THE challenge is on for teams of four to compete in the 11th year of this exciting triathlon-style challenge on August 30. The course includes a 50 mile cycle, a hike to the summit of England’s second highest mountain, Helvellyn, and a 3km canoe across Lake Thirlmere – starting just before sunrise and aiming to finish before sunset. Registration costs £195, and teams need to raise a minimum of £2,000. All funds raised will support the work of Action Medical Research. Places are limited for the event, and you can register at www.actionforcharity.co.uk.

Tough MudderHARDCORE obstacle race, Tough Mudder, is back at Cholmondeley in Cheshire on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14. The event – set out over rigorous terrain – sees participants haul themselves through a 10-12 mile course peppered with obstacles designed by the UK’s special forces. Details for 2014’s course are still top secret, but some of Tough Mudders most ‘bad ass’ obstacles include the Arctic enema, boa constrictor, fire walker and electroshock therapy. Open to men and women over 18 years, the event raises mon-ey for Help for Heroes. Last year over 3,000 people crossed the finish line at the North West event.Visit www.toughmudder.co.uk for details. Registration costs £79 on Saturday and £69 on Sunday for those that sign up before May 1.

Exercise essentialsIf you’re braving the elements to exercise outdoors this winter, make sure you get kitted out says Sarah Hooley...

BETWEEN the icy winds, dark nights and cold temperatures, exercising outdoors in the winter can be a real challenge. But, as the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing – and with a few choice items you’ll be ready and raring to go. Think wind-proof leggings, hats and gloves with flourescent stripes, and tops with heat regulating properties. Here are a few must-haves...

New Balance Women’s W880SP2 Running Shoe, £49.99, from Get The Label

Ronhill Vizion 5” shorts, black/fluo yellow, £25, from John Lewis

Adidas Climacool® long sleeve T-shirt, red, £32, from John Lewis

Sport top, £14.99, from H&M

Ronhill beanie and glove set, black/pink, £17, from John Lewis

Azzurri performance reflective jacket, £15, and Azzurri

compression performance bottom,

£13, from Heatons

Ronhill Trail Tempest jacket, alpine/black, £140, from John Lewis (online exclusive)

Karrimor reflect running vest, £9.99, from Sports Direct

Grey leggings, £19.99, from H&M

Lightweight W Kenosha HT running shoes featuring Helly Tech® Performance waterproof membrane, £90, from Helly Hansen

JANUARY 14

13BEST OF LIVERPOOL

It’s time to tear yourself away from the sofa and work off those mince pies. Sarah Hooley looks at the latest fitness crazes for 2014....

Krav MagaWITH celeb fans said to include Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Jason Statham and Daniel Craig, Krav Maga is being tipped to become one of the biggest fittest crazes this year. A form of close quarter self-defence, classes teach participants how to deal with threats and physical attacks. Used by Israel’s Armed Forces, as well as many SWAT, law enforcement and military units across the world, it’s a great way to lose weight, keep fit, improve your confidence and learn how to defend yourself. Where? Krav Maga Systems run classes for men, women and children in the basement of the Contemporary Urban Centre, 29 Parliament Street, L8 5RN. Quote BEST OF LIVERPOOL to get a free trial class (usually £10), and 50% off the first month’s membership. Prices start at £48 per month. www.kravmaga-system.co.uk

New year, new (fitter) youKrav Maga Nia Technique CrossFIt

YogaYUP, okay, it’s not strictly a new craze, but yoga is predicted to see yet another surge in popularity this year. Credited with improving strength, flexibility and balance as well as fighting things like loss of bone density, yoga is believed to be beneficial for a whole host of people. For instance, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, and aches and pains, or depression and stress. And, thanks to the likes of Ryan Giggs who recently praised yoga for helping him extend his footballing career, more men are taking it up too. Where? Your Yoga on Wood Street, in Liverpool city centre, offers a range of cool and hot yoga classes. Prices start at £8 per session (students £6.80), with monthly or yearly unlimited deals available. www.youryogastudio.co.uk

Nia TechniqueMUCH more than your average exercise class, Nia aims to connect the mind, body, emotions and spirit. A fusion of nine different movement forms from the dance arts, martial arts and healing arts, each class is taken barefoot to diverse and inspiring music. A combination of 52 moves which correspond to the base, core and upper body are used in every hour session with a focus on body-centred awareness. Patricia Mackrell, who runs Nia classes in Liverpool, began training at the age of 52 after experiencing a stress related illness. Now 60, she has dropped three dress sizes and says she has a higher level of energy and fitness than when she was in her 30s.Where? Patricia offers a free taster session for all newcomers. Classes are held at her base in Bootle and other locations across Liverpool. Prices: £6 /£4.50 for block bookings/concessions, call 07947 480180 or visit www.facebook.com/RadiantLivingLiverpool for details. Suitable for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

CrossFitOFTEN described as addictive, CrossFit is an intense exercise programme that challenges the whole body. Already a phenomenon in the US, the class is now becoming one of the fastest growing forms of exercise here in Britain. The work-out is designed to strengthen and condition the body by testing a different area each time and is equally as popular with men and women. Expect a mix of movements like handstand press-ups, squats, box jumps and other pain-inducing exercises to push you to elite fitness. Where? CrossFit Liverpool, Unit 18&19, Love Lane, L3 7DD offers a range of classes, including beginner sessions. The first beginner class or 1-2-1 assessment is free, and prices start at £7 per class with monthly/yearly memberships available. www.crossfit-liverpool.com

Photo: Nia Technique www.nianow.com

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Beauty

Winter wondersIt’s time to banish dull skin, chapped lips and cracked hands with these skincare essentials, says Sarah Hooley

Skincare secrets

Smask Caviar Film Masks give skin an instant luxurious boost that leaves skin looking immediately hydrated, rejuvenated and softer while smoothing out the appearance of fine dry lines. A pack of three masks costs, £14.95, available exclusively at www.skinshop.co.uk

The Origins Drink Up overnight intensive mask, £22, is packed with thirst-quenching ingredients such as Avocado and Mango. Available from Origins at Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hands reinforcing barrier cream, £6.50 for 50ml, from www.escentual.com

Bois d’Orange Crème Sublime Hand Cream

from Roger&Gallet, £8, at Marks and Spencer

Combat red skin with this CC Color Correcting

Cream with SPF 20, £30, from Boots and

www.stila.co.uk

Oriflame Tendercare is a versatile pot of magic containing bees’ wax and vegetable oils. Use on eyes, lips, face, cuticles or any area which is dry, sore or roughened to instantly restore softness. £7.95, from www.oriflamestore.co.uk

Grahams Natural Bath Oil, £17.50, and Natural Body Wash, £16.50, contains manuka oil and honey as well as natural oils to cleanse, replenish, nourish and protect the skin without drying it out. Available from www.grahamsskincare.co.uk

Give skin an instant glow with Merumaya Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel, 50ml, £17.50, from John Lewis

Clinique Moisture Surge

Face Spray with active aloe

replenishes skin’s moisture

levels and restores balance,

£20 125ml, from John Lewis,

Debenhams and Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols

Clarifying Vitamin Shampoo, £9.95, is a

gentle detox shampoo for all hair types to

add shine. It also adds volume to fine, flat and flyaway hair and lifts your mood

with essential oils of Mandarin and fairly

traded Bergamot Oil. Available from

www.greenpeople.co.uk

The award-winning Bio-Oil, £8.95, is packed with nourishing vitamins like A and E, and is a skincare staple to the likes of Helena Christensen, Tess Daly and Denise Van Outen. Available from Boots stores nationwide

Just like the ocean itself, these Dead Sea products are said to work wonders on dull, dry skin. Prices start at £3.75, from www.deadseabathcare.co.uk

IF the harsh winter weather’s been playing havoc with your skin, Charlie Ann, manager of Origins at Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols, has some top tips...

l “Exfoliation is a great winter skin brightener and probably the most important – but often one of the most forgotten – elements of your skincare routine,” Charlie Ann explains. “Our skin has a constant build up of dead skin cells which can show itself in flaky patches and form a barrier to the rest of your skincare products, re-sulting in reduced benefits. Exfoliating regularly will ensure all your products, particularly your moisturiser or serum, can penetrate to their full capacity. Therefore giving you the maximum benefits and the full nourishment that your skin is in need of this time of year.”

l She adds: “Exfoliation will also encourage cell regeneration within your skin keeping it healthy and looking younger for longer. And of course, the most instantly noticeable result is your skin looking radi-ant and glowing, and feeling beautifully silky soft and smooth.”

l “At this time of year the weather and central heating can literally sap your skin of luminosity giving moisture, so it’s important to keep hydration levels up,” Charlie Ann explains. “Keep on with drinking your two litres of water, and then give your skin an intensive treat with a super hydrating mask.”

l “Lastly, review your current moisturiser,” says Charlie Ann. “The one you loved in the summer may not now be nourishing enough for the environmental challenges your skin faces this time of year. Your skin produces less oil in the winter compared to the summer. This, coupled with the cold and central heating, means a richer mois-turiser is often needed. And don’t forget your lips! Make sure you protect them well from the cold with a good oil based balm to help prevent them chapping.”

IT’S been a hard day’s night, and I’ve been working like a dog. But, when I get home, I find the things that I’ve done have made me feel less than alright, as December was a rather hectic affair filled with a never-ending merry-go-round of family parties, nights out and more.

So I thought I’d treat myself to something Lush to perk me up this January. A treatment in Lush Spa to be precise. You know the ones, those purveyors of pretty hand-made soaps and perfumed products on Whitechapel?

Well, last year they launched a spa. A spa which offers a new stress-releasing, Beatles-themed massage. That includes pyjamas. Yes, that’s right – pyjamas! Oh, and the massage has a soundtrack. A psychedelic, folk-inspired, Beatles lyrics filled soundtrack.

If this treatment didn’t make me relax, at the very least it would make me laugh, I thought, as I made my way through a throng of sales shoppers to Lush’s shop, in the city centre.

A haven of homely tranquility, the spa, which is above the shop, is decorated in a quirky, vintage Eng-lish style which, my therapist Emily says, is designed to feel warm and welcoming like someone’s home.

A Liverpool girl, Emily, who has worked for Lush for a year, is rather excited about the new Hard Days Night treatment. And, as she guides me into the spa, she tells me how the treatment, which is exclusive to the Liverpool spa, is the company’s most unusual

treatment yet. And Lush treatments are rather differ-ent to begin with.

That’s because Lush’s founder, Mark Constantine, has a condition known as synaesthesia, which means two of his senses mix in unusual ways. The condition affects everyone differently but, for Mark, it means he understands smells in terms of shapes.

With this in mind, Lush’s treatments are designed to be sensory experiences which use sound as well as touch and smell. Treatments are accompanied by bespoke soundtracks created by Simon Emmerson, a fellow synaesthesiac who sees certain colours when he hears different sounds.

Simon, who is also a member of the folk/roots music collective The Imagined Village, is the musician behind all the Lush spa music. He’s cleverly reworked Beatles covers and worked with Liverpool-band Steal-ing Sheep to create the soundtrack for the new Hard Days Night treatment.

“The treatment is designed to relieve stress from your body and remove tension from your muscles, with the movements timed to a soundtrack of Beatles covers,” explains Emily.

The treatment begins with Emily asking me to change into cosy pyjamas, which were warmed by a hot water bottle, and get under the covers of the heated treatment bed.

Designed to relax body and mind, the full-body treat-ment uses a combination of firm massage to manipu-

late the muscles and gentle passive stretches, which were a bit like yoga moves – only I didn’t have to move, just lie there.

All of the movements were timed perfectly to the dis-tinctly Scouse soundtrack which, along with Beatles covers, features vocals from Stealing Sheep; sitar riffs; Indian yoga mantras; uplifting bird song and news sound clips about Liverpool in the 1960s, the docks and the Beatles.

Initially, the soundtrack was nothing more than a distraction from the first pummelling then more relaxed massage technique but, as the treatment pro-gressed, the combination of the almost ethereal vocals, surreal mantras, uplifting sitar riffs and gentle sooth-ing rhythms meant I soon lost myself in the treatment and was lulled into a meditative state.

I was so relaxed that I could barely open my eyes. Sleep seemed inevitable and, as Emily stood over me and whispered; ‘let it be, let it be, let it be’, it took me a minute or two to realise that I was supposed to say the words with her too. Nevermind, at least the treatment worked its magic. And you know I feel alright.

Lush is a homely place and, after a few minutes to meditate on my own after the massage, the treatment ends with a lovely pot of tea, a Jammy Dodger or two and a chat with your therapist.

It was a lovely albeit surreal experience, but once you let go, give in to the music and just go with the concept – you’ll hang your troubles at the door and leave feel-ing fine and free as a bird.

JANUARY 14

15BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders, says Katie McLoughlin, as she puts a stress-releasing massage with a distinctly Liverpool twist to the test...

WHERE IS IT?Lush Spa is the heart of the city centre, on Whitechapel, just off Lord Street.

WHAT DOES IT DO?A quirky range of massage and facial treatments designed to invigorate, relax and stimulate the senses. The Hard Days Night is a full body massage, which lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes and costs £85.

CONTACT:Visit: Lush Spa, 9-11 Whitechapel, Liverpool, L1 6DSCall: 0151 236 6952. Email: [email protected] Online: www.lush.co.uk/spa

A rather Lush experience

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Homegrown talent


IN the early noughties, Liverpool post-grunge band Marlowe released two albums, played gigs around the world and got some serious airtime on the likes of XFM and BBC radio. “We played at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, alongside the likes of Franz Ferdinand and Kasabian,” says lead singer Simon Bradshaw. Marlowe’s signature style of lo-fi noir rock, paired with dry lyricism, saw the Liverpool-based eight-piece gain popularity with critics, as Si, from West Derby, adds: “We did a Peel Session and played live for Tom Robinson, Gideon Coe and John Kennedy at XFM, as well as getting plays from Zane Lowe, Hew Stevens and Jo Whiley.” Alongside radio plays, their second album received high scores and rave reviews when it was featured in NME and Q. And yet, despite praise from critics and plenty of radio time, Marlowe failed to sell records and become a commercial success. Now, the eight original members of Marlowe are back, with a new name, a new style and a new album.

And, in a distinct move away from the post-grunge style of Marlowe, they’re playing an inventive style of music which they’ve dubbed ‘modern mariachi’. Inspired by Italian composer and trumpet player Ennio Morricone, Mariachi El Bronx – the mariachi side-project of American punk band The Bronx, and Spaghetti Western soundtracks, Roja’s sound features triumphant brass with sweeping strings, flamenco acoustic guitars and darkly-delivered lyrics. “A love of Spaghetti Western soundtracks and over-dramatised lyrics meant the basics of Roja came together quickly,” adds Si. “Frankly, it’s incredibly enjoyable to write for this style of music – horns, strings, accordions, interesting time signatures and instrumentation. It’s been a pleasure.”

Roja released their debut album, Promises I Should Have Kept, on Probe Plus Records in October and have spent the past few months performing with post-punk luminaries Half Man Half Biscuit across the UK, including gigs in Birmingham, Brighton and London. The first track on the album, The Evil Stands High, sets the scene for the 11-track album, with stirring mariachi trumpets and scorched guitars coming on like an out-take from the Kill Bill soundtrack. The lyrics draw the listener in, before the melody-soaked chorus explodes into life. Released in October, Roja’s album has been well received, with music blog The Sound of Confusion saying: “It’s highly atmospheric, deeply brooding, smouldering even, and all coated in mariachi horns and other cinematic orchestration. Opener The Evil Stands

High is something of an epic – a bit like an alt-rock band soundtracking The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” While BBC Radio 2’s Nick Toczek said of the band: “Don’t dismiss Roja as mere pastiche. They carry the role with as much cool style as a latter-day Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach all rolled into one taciturn figure riding into the desert sunset. Add words like Tex-Mex and mariachi and well-wrought narrative lyrics and you get some sense of the convincing sweep of their singular groove.” With deliciously dark narratives of narrow escapes and turbulent romance, the band’s debut album is a thrillingly inventive work from a group of musicians who’ve played together for nearly 20 years. And, with critics loving their debut album, here’s hoping that Roja achieves the commercial success that Marlowe never could. Promises I Should Have Kept is available in all good record shops and online on iTunes and Amazon. You can also listen to a free, four track album sampler online at https://soundcloud.com/rojamusica and watch the video for debut single, The Evil Stands High, on You Tube.

Katie McLoughlin meets Roja, the Liverpool band who have swapped grunge for mariachi

“A love of spaghetti western soundtracks and over-dramatised lyrics meant the basics of Roja came together quickly.”

Masters of mariachi

17BEST OF LIVERPOOL

JANUARY 14

SOUL SENSATIONWITH the release of her second album, a new single and an upcoming UK tour, Rebecca Ferguson’s finally living her dream. It’s been three years since the husky soul singer from Anfield wowed us all on The X Factor, but she’s still as busy as ever, having recently performed on the hit ITV show where she made her name, as well as jetting off to Dubai to sing at the IWC film festival. Finishing as the runner-up to Matt Cardle in 2010, Rebecca soon got to work on her first album, Heaven, releasing Nothing’s Real But Love as her debut single in 2011. The following two years flew by, with tours of both the UK and US to contend with, not to mention the release of a deluxe version of Heaven, which included an extra single – Backtrack. Rebecca says: “It seems to everyone else that I’ve been quiet for a while but, once the last tour finished, I recorded Backtrack then moved straight on to writing the second album and recording in the studio. So, for me, it seems like I haven’t stopped.” Pushing aside her shyness, Rebecca didn’t want ready-made songs handed to her and was passionate about earning her right as an artist. She says: “From the start I insisted that I co-wrote the songs so I can really connect with the lyrics. I need to believe what I sing so my fans believe it too. “Sometimes I can be walking around and words will just pop into my head, so I always record them in my phone, although my phone has just broke – so hopefully there weren’t any good lyrics saved in there,” she laughs.

So, with an album full of great songs, how do you choose what gets released as a single? “Well, my favourite song is Fake Smile and I really like My Freedom. But, when we’re choosing the first single, there’s always a team discussion to find the right one, it has to be radio friendly! Songs are so fast on radio these days, so that’s a big factor in what’s released first. I think Adele has managed to get away from that, but it’s hard, because you want your songs to get air-time so more people hear them.” Rebecca’s latest single, I Hope, was released on November 24, 2013, which

she performed back on the fabled X Factor stage. She says: “I really tried to enjoy the performance on X Factor but it was still nerve-wracking being on that stage! I don’t know why, because I perform all the time, maybe it’s because you still feel like you’re about to get judged. But I love it, it’s a great experience.” The mum-of-two continues: “My little girl [Lillie] loves watching me perform and she was made up I was on X Factor, but to my little boy [Karl] I’m just his mummy going to work and he’s happy to just sit and play on his game. He’s just a typical little boy!

“They love it once they’re there though and really get into it. My little girl is always walking around singing all my songs, so she knows them as well as I do.” She adds: “They came along to the album signing I did at HMV in Liverpool before Christmas, they queued up and got me to sign some stuff for them, so they’re having fun and enjoying it all too.” Life for the Liverpudlian singer can be a bit of a whirlwind, particularly now with a new album to promote and, like any working mum, Rebecca admits that juggling work and home life can be difficult.

“It can be hard to balance family time and [my] work schedule,” confides Rebecca. “But I think you have to be strict, especially in this industry, and just say; ‘No, today going to the park with my kids is more important’. I’m lucky I’ve got good family support and, to me, my kids have to come first.” Rebecca has had her fair share of ups-and-downs with a difficult childhood, growing up in Liverpool, as her parents separated and the family had little money. She always had a dream of becoming a singer. And, having had unsuccessful auditions for P Diddy’s Starmaker in New York, The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, Rebecca had one last go at The X Factor and this shy yet beautifully raw, talented singer captured us all – and the judges – with her emotional, soulful voice. Now aged 27, and with a lot more confidence, Rebecca reveals: “My voice has matured a lot and I think soul music isn’t from a particular part of the world, I think it comes from living the stresses of life, it’s from the pain you’ve been through so you can really sing from the heart.” With her UK tour set to begin in March, promoting the uplifting and emotional album Freedom, Rebecca’s looking forward to performing to a home-crowd on Sunday, March 23. She says: “I really love doing the Liverpool shows, I can’t wait, the crowd are always good fun! I just wish it could have been on a Saturday so people can enjoy a few drinks afterwards, but it’s on Sunday so hopefully everyone can still enjoy themselves in the city. It’s nearly selling out so I’m really pleased about that, everyone in Liverpool is really supportive.” In April Rebecca’s tour is heading over to Germany and there are plans to return to America. She says: “It was great going over to America on the last tour, I had a big fan-base in Washington, which I didn’t expect, and I had a amazing time over there.” Rebecca Ferguson’s album Freedom is out now along with her first single I Hope. She’ll be on stage at the ECHO Arena (ECHO Two) on Sunday, March 23, 2014, log on to www.echoarena.com for tickets.

As she prepares to embark on a UK tour, Rebecca Ferguson talks to Emma Thompson about music, motherhood and broken mobile phones...

“Soul music isn’t from a particular part of the world, it comes from living the stresses of life, it’s from the pain you’ve been through so you can really sing from the heart.”

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Hopes and dreams for 2014


New Year 2014

Ian Prowse, singer with Amsterdam:“In 2014 I’m going to get back on my musical horse and play as many shows as possible, playing my first ever solo album. Not one town will be left unvisited!”

Dave Kirby, writer:“After ‘Dreaming of a Barry White Christmas’ I’m now dreaming of a great 2014. I’m finally fulfilling a resolution to write a gritty piece of musical theatre for schools while also penning another comedy stage show. To connect and bring joy to others is the greatest joy of all. That’s my New Year message to everyone – bring joy to others any way you can this year.”

Louis Emerick, actor:“My wish for 2014 is that it’s the last year of this Con-Dem government and the NHS can survive intact! Let’s have real and positive opportunities for our young!”

Claire Simonson, Radio City presenter:“My resolution is the same as always... To always remain positive no matter what happens – and to try and bring a smile to everyone’s day! (and a shed load of glitter!)”

Ian McNabb, singer:“To soar with eagles and not to dive with sparrows. To treat people with exactly the same amount of respect, or lack of, that they treat you. To not give third or fourth chances to people who have form in disappointing you.”

Ray Quinn, performer:“What’s my new year’s resolution? It’s a hard question as I never make them! Normally within a few weeks I break them! So I’ll just try to do what I always do and that is to work hard, enjoy my family time and stay true to myself.”

Miguel Doforo, dancer:“In 2014 I aim to bottle the passion of the people in the city region through my Emotions project. To be respected and recognised for discovering the rough diamonds within our community, and improving their lives through creativity. That’s my New Year.”

Garry Christian, singer with The Christians:“Exercise every day. Write, record and tour with a new album for The Christians. Continue training my springer spaniel Bertie to sing along with my harmonica playing (he’s pretty good already).”

Leanne Campbell, actress:“Last year welcomed my daughter Annabelle into our family, a sister for my son Joseph, so my New year’s resolution will include ‘making plenty of time for family’ and ‘staying sane’.“Now my family is complete I would like to focus on my career and buy new things. My husband will be running the New York marathon next year so I will leave the ‘exercise more’ resolution to him.”

Lizzie Nunnery, writer and musician:“To write a musical! I’ve written plays and songs, but hopefully this year I can put the two firmly together. [Also] to do a lot more running around beautiful Sefton Park in the mornings... whatever the weather!”

Pete Price, Radio City and City Talk presenter:“My New Year’s resolution and wish is that Liverpool continues to grow, with its reputation becoming bigger and bigger throughout the world. Although we have financial problems ahead, all of us need to pull together to get through it.“I work in the [Radio City] tower five nights a week and look down on this amazing city. In some ways we are bucking the trend because we find a strength as Merseysiders not to be defeated.“On a personal level I want to continue working in radio, my column in the Liverpool ECHO and pantomime at the Empire, as it gives me so much pleasure and joy. I hope you all have a wonderful 2014.”

Ken Dodd, comedy legend: “To study wildlife and go to more parties. To study the great philosophers – particularly those who have lived to be over 120...

To learn how to work a computer and stop swearing. To start a fitness regime – I’m going to stay in bed for three days!

To help other people – know when to shut up and mind my own business! To wish everybody a very happy and healthy new year. All the best for 2014.”

It’s that time of year when we mull over our plans and goals, then set out paths to follow throughout the coming year. If you’re looking for a little helpful inspiration, read on, as Paul Baker asks Mersey celebs about their New Year’s resolutions for 2014...

19BEST OF LIVERPOOL

JANUARY 14What’s on

BY NIGHTBY DAY

Explore Merseyside’s January delights with Emma Thompson...

FAMILY FUN WEEKEND

THIS fun two-day event at the BT Conven-tion Centre (ECHO Arena) will have a variety of entertainment on February 1-2. The Family Fun Weekend includes fun-fair rides, interactive activities, bouncy castles, clowns, storytelling and character mascots roaming about the site. Creative little ones can try their hand at crafts, face painting and cupcake decorating. Also included in the ticket price is free

entry for all the family to the UK Baby & Toddler Show, in association with Channel 5’s Milkshake, which offers heaps of advice and there’ll be Bop Box live performances.Adult tickets £12, under 16’s go free.

www.echoarena.com

WORLD MUSEUMTHERE are a range of hands-on activities taking place throughout January at the World Museum on William Brown Street.

As part of the Magic Worlds exhibition, children can enjoy Magic for Beginners on January 18, 19 and 25, from 11am to 4pm. Drop in and learn from members of the Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle how to wow your friends and family with amazing magic tricks, they will guide you through easy ‘make and do’ tricks for all ages. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

WEDDING SHOWIF your ‘someone special’ recently popped the question, book your tickets to the Liverpool Wedding Show. Taking place on

January 11-12, this two-day event at Knowsley Safari Park brings together the best local, national and international wedding specialists to help make your day fabulous. Open from 10am to 5pm, you’ll find

designer wedding cakes, stunning jewellery and amazing photography, beautiful venue details and, of course, your dream wedding dress and more. There will also be three fantastic bridal catwalk shows per day.www.theliverpoolweddingshow.co.uk

CHINESE NEW YEARLIVERPOOL’S Chinatown is galloping towards the Year of the Horse as celebrations are set to take place on February 1-2, 2014.

To help celebrate Chinese New Year, there’ll be a great range of arts, cultural and family events. The main event is on Sunday, from 11am, with a Taste of China street market and a fun-fair on Great George Street, plus a dragon, unicorn and lion street parade taking place in Chinatown at 11.30am and a firecracker display in St George’s square at 1pm.www.visitliverpool.com

STRICTLY LIVE TOUR IF you’ve loved every sensational step and turn from Strictly Come Dancing then the 2014 live tour at the ECHO Arena on January 23 is not to be missed.

Liverpool’s very own model and dancing sensation Abbey Clancy has joined the live tour line-up along with Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid and Westlife heartthrob Nicky Byrne. They will join former England Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen; Coronation Street’s Natalie Gumede; and actor and funny-man Mark Benton on this much-loved tour. www.echoarena.com

SENSATIONAL 60sENJOY this must-see 60s extravaganza at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on January 24.

Starring The Marmalade, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Chris Farlowe and Steve Ellis’ Love Affair the show’s packed with hits.

Hosted by Alan Mosca from Freddie & The Dreamers, The Sensational 60s Experience includes The Marmalade’s Ob La De Ob La Da and Falling Apart At The Seams; The Swinging Blue Jeans’ Hippy Hippy Shake and Good Golly Miss Molly; Chris Farlowe’s Out Of Time and Handbags and Glad Rags; and Steve Ellis’ Love Affair’s Everlasting Love and Rainbow Valley. There’ll be over 25 hits performed.Tickets cost from £24, visit www.liverpoolphil.com for details.

MUST DO TICKETS TO ANTON DU BEKE – BALLROOM TO BROADWAY!

ANTON Du Beke is set to embark on a major UK and Ireland tour with a spectacular new production, Ballroom To Broadway.

Showing at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on January 28, Ballroom to Broadway will see the witty, charismatic and natural entertainer Anton extend far beyond his exceptional ballroom talents. The show will see him present and perform a collection of show-stopping numbers that epitomise the glitz and glamour of ballroom magic.

Featuring classic hits such as Anything Goes, Rhythm of Life, Impossible Dream, Hushabye Mountain and Begin The Beguine, Anton will be joined on stage by special guest West End star Summer Strallen (Top Hat, Love Never Dies and The Sound of Music), superb singer Lance Ellington, world-class ensemble dancers including Faye Huddleston (Burn The Floor) and the Raymond Gubbay Big Band Orchestra . For tickets call the box office on 0151 709 3789 or visit www.raymondgubbay.co.uk

Best of Liverpool has two pairs of tickets to give away to see Anton Du Beke at the Philharmonic Hall on January 28. For a chance to win answer the following question:

What is the name of Anton Du Beke’s show?

Send you answer on a postcard, along with your name and phone number, to Best of Liverpool, Liverpool ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Closing date for entries: January 15, 2014. Maximum one entry per person.

MUST DO...YOUR best to solve a murder in the fun Murder Mystery events at Croxteth Hall, on January 17, and the Adelphi Hotel, on January 25.

Organised by LoveHistory, Croxteth Hall will play host to a Murder Mystery evening, set in Victorian times and held in the austere oak panelled library.

A daytime Murder Mystery dining experience will take place in The Adelphi from noon to 5pm, filled with deception, intrigue and murder. For both events you’ll ponder, speculate and try to catch the killer. www.lovehistory.co.uk

MUST TRY...A NIGHT in the cells at the Liverpool ONE Bridewell as part of the Whines and Spirits paranormal investigation.

On Sunday, January 19, in conjunction with Nightvision Investigations, the Bridewell is hosting an after-hours ghost hunt. Starting at 11pm and running until 2am, you’ll be part of a paranormal investigation. Tickets are £20 and available from www.nightvisioninvestigations.co.uk

MUST SEE...THE wonderful Liverpool String Quartet at The Bluecoat on Friday, January 10.

From 7pm to 9pm the quartet plays what promises to be a glorious evening of music and merriment for Linda McDermott’s BBC Radio Merseyside Gala Concert, Under the Duvet Club.

Liverpool String Quartet consists of Kate Marsden (violin), Sarah Hill (violin II) Daniel Sanxis (viola) and Nick Byrne (cello). Tickets cost from £10. www.thebluecoat.org.uk

MUST REMEMBER...TO celebrate Burns Night and dance your tartan socks off at St George’s Hall’s popular Burns Night Ceilidh on Saturday, January 25.

In the Great Hall, you can enjoy music from Ceilidh band Gallimaufry, a buffet Burns supper. A bar and whiskies are available to really celebrate in true Scottish style. The evening starts at 8pm until 11pm, tickets cost from £10 (in advance).liverpoolcityhalls.co.uk

WIN

KEITH CARTERIF you want a good laugh then check out Liverpool’s best-loved scally Keith Carter as ‘Nige’ at The Slaughterhouse on January 30. Nige’s last show at The Slaughterhouse was a sell-out, and this one promises great one liners, intelligent routines, music and songs, silly and surreal stories and, most importantly, a good laugh!Visit www.laughterhousecomedy.com for details, where you can also order the recently released Keith Carter DVD Live On Stage.

TONIGHT’S THE NIGHTENJOY the all-singing, all-dancing smash hit West End musical comedy Tonight’s the Night at the Liverpool Empire from January 27 to February 1.

Inspired by the songs of Rod Stewart, and written by Ben Elton, you can rediscover the magic of timeless classics from Maggie May to Baby Jane.

Starring Sugarbabe’s Jade Ewen as Dee Dee, Tonight’s the Night is a story of a young man too shy to declare his love – unlike his hero Rod Stewart. Visit the Empire Theatre on Lime Street or www.liverpoolempire.org.uk

Photo: Mad Panda Photography

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BEST OF LIVERPOOL20

Health

Perk yourself up

A HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Got a dose of the January blues? Feeling run down after Christmas, or fending off coughs and colds? A supplement could help you look and feel your best again this January. Katie McLoughlin gives you some seasonal suggestions...

FOOD and health expert Elizabeth Peyton-Jones, author of Eat Yourself Young, which Hollywood actress Thandie Newton is said to be a fan of, reveals her top tips for staying healthy in 2014:

l Instead of excluding things from your diet, try adding some things, such as a morning juice (try spinach, kale, celery, ginger, apple, lemon) or a parsley or ginger and lemon tea.l Make sure your breakfast contains some protein, such as egg, fish, a few nuts or seeds, so you won’t feel hungry and want to snack mid-morning.l Avoid sugar by making dates your treat instead of chocolates, they’re just as sweet but more nutritious.l Swap coffee (even decaf) for herbal teas which are also therapeutic, like mint for digestion, rosemary for memory, chamomile for bedtime, sage for hot flushes and licorice to ease stress.

l Going out drinking? Try dipping some rye bread into a little olive oil beforehand to line and protect your stomach.l Downsize your plate and cutlery size and eat slowly.l Take an Epsom salts bath: it’s alkalizing, skin-soothing and helps your body get rid of toxins.

l To make yourself feel more vital, energetic and younger, eat something anti-inflammatory (ginger, turmeric, omega fats), antioxidant (bright vegetables, reds, oranges and blues especially), and alkalizing (anything green or lemon/lime).l Snack raw: eat 25% raw fruit and veg if you can – as well as apples, carrots and celery try pumpkin, squash, green beans, cauliflower, beetroot and cabbage, which are fabulous for skin, hair and your waistline so you’ll start 2014 in the greatest shape ever.

Recently updated and reprinted, Eat Yourself Young (Quadrille, £12.99) is available from good bookshops or from www.epjhealth.com

FRESH FACEDDETOX inside and out with these facials, says Sarah Hooley...

Dr. Murad Detox FacialWHITE Haus Hair & Beauty, located on Cleveland Square in the city centre, has just launched a brand new detox facial from renowned dermatologist, Dr Murad. The one-hour treatment includes a

glycolic peel to intensely exfoliate the skin, as well as antioxidants that fight free radicals and neutralise toxins. Celeb fans of Dr Murad’s treatments

are said to include Nicole Scherzinger and Fearne Cotton. The facial costs from £55, call 0151 709 7604 or visit www.whitehaushairandbeauty.com

HydraFacial Skin DetoxGIVE skin a deep clean with a HydraFacial Skin Detox treatment at Karidis Medispa in Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols. Said to be a favourite of Alex Gerrard’s, the facial is designed to detox skin from the inside out. According to the experts who created the treatment, the face contains a number of key lymph nodes which can be stimulated to encourage fresh, healthy, clean skin. The HydraFacial is designed to do exactly this, as well as purify and de-puff, and help skin cells work to their full potential. The facial costs from £115. Call Karidis Medispa on 0151 709 8593 or visit www.karidis.co.uk

Photo: Ian West/PA

Twinings Green Tea with Ginger – packed with antioxidants, green tea helps with digestion and is great for those looking to detox after festive excesses. This new blend from Twinings contains only four calories a cup. RRP £1.39 for 20 teabags, from supermarkets

Vitamin D – In the depths of winter we can be lacking in Vitamin D, which our bodies get from sunlight. Vitamin D supplements can help with bone health and hormone balancing. £3.55 for 100 tablets, from Holland & Barrett, Liverpool

Ginseng & Guarana – a natural energy booster, ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to benefit people who’re feeling fatigued or stressed. Combined with guarana, which is said to contain more caffeine than coffee, this supplement can help you to feel re-energised when taken twice daily. £12.99 for 100 capsules, from Holland & Barrett, Liverpool

Help: Revitalise My Skin – to help keep skin in tip-

top condition, this apple-flavoured gel

supplement contains CoEnzymeQ10, said to have anti-ageing properties, and aloe

vera, which aids skin regeneration. RRP £9.99, from Boots,

Waitrose and Superdrug

Effervescent Vitamin C & Zinc – a daily dose of Vitamin C can help

to fend off common colds and flu as it’s

great for immune boosting and fighting

infection. £3.29 for 20 tablets, from Holland &

Barrett, Liverpool

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 21

Katie McLoughlin meets Kassi Roach, the Waterloo woman who Liverpool’s celebrities turn to when they want to detox

JANUARY 14

My detox diary

THE juice detox process began with a phone consultation with one of Oh My Goodness’s consultants, who explained that a box of 12 juices would be delivered to my door, with four juices a day – each labelled with a time to drink it at. She explained that I should leave a three-hour

gap between each juice to help with weight loss, cut-out all caffeine (no easy feat for a caffeine-fiend such as myself) and start each day with a cup of hot water and fresh lemon to kick-start my metabolism. I was also advised to drink plenty of water and caffeine-free herbal teas to stay hydrated and that I may feel sickly and have headaches, but was assured this is normal. Day one and, after weighing myself so I can

measure the results, I began with a hot water and fresh lemon, then an apple, pineapple, spinach, avocado, celery, cucumber and lemon juice at 9am. It tasted better than it sounds, aside from the small pieces of avocado (I hate avocado). Drink two, at noon, was another of the same.

Drink three, at 3pm, was a beetroot, carrot, lime and apple juice, while drink four, at 6pm, was the nicest of the four with blueberries, pineapple, strawberries and apple. Day one went surprisingly well. Buoyed up by the

novelty, I didn’t feel hungry until teatime when I spent the majority of the evening feeling rather sorry for myself while watching the family eat tea. Day two, I woke with a headache, tired and an

over-riding sense of queasiness, which made drinking the first avocado rich drink rather unappealing. Day three and I feel much better, a bit lacking in energy but no sickness or headache. Results? Well, I felt pretty unpleasant on day two

but otherwise OK and I slept like a proverbial log throughout the detox. After three days, I feel less bloated, my skin looks brighter and I’ve lost 9lbs. Is it worth it? Yes, but it takes a whole lot of

willpower to persevere for the three days.WHEN she developed a chronic illness, Kassi Roach looked for alternative remedies to improve her health. She got into juicing and now, just 12 months after starting

her juice detox firm, Oh My Goodness, Kassi counts some of Liverpool’s most glamorous celebs among her clients. Kassi, from Waterloo, explains: “I used to be a buyer

for Matalan and I found the job was quite stressful. I was travelling to the Far East once a month for work, I was stressed and I developed a chronic illness – vertigo.” She decided to leave her job to focus on her health and

that’s when she discovered juicing. “When I was ill, I was looking at other ways to improve

my health so I started doing juice fasting,” explains Kassi. “I started doing seven-day juice detoxes, but doing seven-days back-to-back was a bit intense, so I started to do three-days.” Kassi designed her own three-day raw fruit and vegetable

juice plan and Oh My Goodness was born once people saw her results. “A few of my friends asked me to do juice detoxes for

them and it grew from there really. It grew from an interest and a passion of mine into a business,” adds Kassi, who initially launched the business online 12-months ago, before opening a juice bar in Crosby in June 2013. In the last year, Kassi has seen client numbers grow

and her three-day juice cleanse has proven a hit with celebrities such as Coleen Rooney and Alex Gerrard who have even Tweeted about the products. “A friend of mine had been doing the juice detox and had

fantastic results. She was at a party with Alex Gerrard and got talking to her about it, then Alex and Coleen tried it,” explains Kassi. “Since then we’ve had quite a lot of other celebrity clients – Sheree Murphy, Amanda Harrington, Nicola Carragher and Darren Gibson’s wife, Danielle Carter, have all used the juice detox a few times.” Designed to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, Kassi’s three-

day juice cleanse can help those who’re feeling sluggish and bloated, lack energy, feel stressed or are struggling to sleep. It works by replacing solid food with four raw fruit and

vegetable juices a day, along with fresh water to flush out toxins. The detox helps to eliminate bloating and boost energy,

with other results reported by Kassi’s clients including glowing skin, brighter eyes, clearer mind and weight loss. “Initially, people get in touch with us for weight loss but,

as awareness of the health benefits of juicing has grown, more people approach us because they’re feeling sluggish and want to do the detox to feel refreshed and energised, less bloated and have better skin, hair and nails,” says Kassi. “We’ve also had people who’ve done it for insomnia, as

people sleep better too [as a result of the detox].” Prices for the juice programme start at £79, for more information visit the Oh My Goodness Juice Bar at 64 Liverpool Road, Crosby, L23 5SJ, call 0151 932 0161 or log onto www.ohmygoodnessme.co.uk

JUST JUICE

By Katie McLoughlin


Paul Baker consults top Liverpool eatery 60 Hope Street on preparing a celebratory Burns Night haggis supper with a twist...

Food & drink

Burns baby, Burns!

Ingredients:l 250g raw haggisl Quarter of a turnip per personl 1 potato per personl 500g ready-made puff pastryl 1 egg, beaten and mixed with a splash of milk

Method:l Roll out the pastry, then take the haggis and wrap the pastry around in a roll, brushing the edge of the pastry with a little egg mixture to seal.l Brush the top of the pastry with the egg mixture so that it gets a nice, golden finish then place in a pre-heated oven at gas mark

6/200°C/400°F (reduce heat for fan oven) for 15 minutes. l Meanwhile steam cook the turnip and potato for 15 minutes, then mash your neeps and tatties, slice up the haggis rolls into portions and serve.

HAGGIS SAUSAGE ROLLS, NEEPS AND TATTIES

Ingredients:l 250g raw haggisl 6 tbsp diced potato, pre-cookedl 6 tbsp diced carrot, pre-cookedl 6 tbsp diced swede, pre-cookedl Rapeseed oil, for deep fryingl Plain flour, for dustingl 3 large free-range eggs, beatenl 150g good-quality white breadcrumbsl 2 apples, choppedl 1 bag of sultanasl 175g granulated sugarl 2 shallotsl 100ml cider vinegarl Half tsp all-spice Method:l Take the raw haggis and mix with the pre-cooked potato, carrots and swede.l Shape the mixture into ping pong-size balls, roll in the flour, shake off any excess, then dip in the beaten egg and coat with the breadcrumbs.l Heat the oil in a deep-pan to around 150°C/300°F then deep-fry the haggis for around five minutes, or until golden and cooked through. l To make the apple chutney, sweat the shallots until soft then add the all-spice, vinegar, sugar, chopped apples and sultanas to the pan and bring to the boil, then simmer on a medium heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick and pulpy. Allow to cool before serving.

HAGGIS WITH APPLE CHUTNEY

IT just wouldn’t be a Burns Night supper without a drop of single malt Scotch. Here are four of the best to take either with your haggis or to accompany a Burns-inspired toast.

FANCY A WEE DRAM?

ON Saturday, January 25, people the world over will be celebrating the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns, with a little of his verse, a wee dram of whisky and a haggis supper. But, as Burns wrote: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley,” so make sure your best laid plans don’t go awry this Burns Night and follow our three simple but

original recipes for a haggis buffet to savour. Gary Manning, co-owner of city restaurant 60 Hope Street, prepared the menu and says: “People should eat haggis on Burns Night as it’s a traditional supper to bring in the festivities. I strongly recommend a Highland single malt whisky as an accompaniment too.”

Ingredients:l 250g raw haggisl 4 packs of pre-prepared gyoza pastry sheets (you can buy this in Chinese supermarkets)l Rapeseed oill 150g kumquats, slicedl 100g sugarl 250ml waterl 1 cinnamon stickl Tot of whisky

Method:l Roll out the gyoza pastry sheets and cut out into rounds. Place a heaped tablespoon of the haggis into the centre of each pastry round, brush the edges with a little beaten egg then fold the pastry and seal the edges to make small pasties.l Heat the rapeseed oil in a deep-pan, then deep-fry the pasties for around five minutes, or until golden, crisp and cooked through. l Add the sliced kumquats, sugar, water and cinnamon stick to a pan, bring to the boil and reduce to a syrup. Finish with a tot of whisky, and allow to cool before serving alongside the pasties.

HAGGIS WITH KUMQUATS AND WHISKY

THE GLENROTHES SELECT RESERVEThe Glenrothes single malt is a marriage of ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice. A perfect winter tipple, great for accompanying your haggis and toasting alike. Priced £38.41, from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda and whisky specialists.

THE MACALLAN GOLDA Speyside whisky, it’s a sweeter treat for after your main course. This single

malt offers notes of vanilla followed by dark chocolate – perfect for a winter’s night in front of the fire. Priced £35.99

from most supermarkets.

TALISKER STORMA famed distillery on the Isle of Skye, Talisker is known for its smoky, maritime character. This new whisky, Talisker Storm, is a tempestuous drop that combines rich wood and brine notes to create a Storm in a glass. Expect a heady toast. Priced £39.50 from whisky shops and selected Waitrose and Tesco stores.

LAPHROAIG 10 YEAR OLDOne of the great Islay single malts, this classic whisky combines a bold smoky taste with a hint of seaweed and a surprising sweetness. Its peaty character makes it the perfect choice to toast Rabbie Burns himself. Priced £35.10, available in most supermarkets.

Francos Restaurant is situated at 48a Castle Street in the heart of Liverpool. Open daily for lunch and dinner - until 11pm on Saturdays

FrancosTHE BEST IN ITALIAN FOOD

0151 236 [email protected]

www.francosliverpool.com

A True ItalianExperience

EveningMenu

Special Menuavailable

every evening£20.95 incHalf Bottle ofHouse Wineper couple

Early DoorsMenu

Tuesday-Friday5.30pm - 7pm only

NEW TAPASMENUNOW

AVAILABLE

JANUARY 14

23BEST OF LIVERPOOL

COUPLES can now exchange their wedding vows in a candle-lit twilight ceremony at one of the UK’s most famous sports grounds.

Goodison Park, home to Everton Football Club, is one of Liverpool’s premier wedding venues with a wide choice of function rooms, all of which are licensed to hold ceremonies and civil partnerships.

Now the stadium, at Goodison Road, Liverpool, has launched two new wedding packages for couples wishing to tie the knot in a sophisticated ceremony as the sun sets over the hallowed turf.

Both the Sapphire and Diamond Twilight packages are for ceremonies starting no earlier than 5pm and offer couples and up to 60 guests a range of stylish decorations with a romantic candle-light theme.

Not only will the top table be lit by an elegant candelabra, but each reception room table will be dressed with a glittering display of tea lights, crystals and mirrors.

Those opting for the Sapphire package will be served a delicatessen-style buffet of hot and cold dishes, while the Diamond package offers a formal, three-course wedding breakfast prepared and cooked by the award-winning chefs from Sodexo Prestige, which manages catering and events at the ground.

The Sapphire package costs from £1,995 and the Diamond package starts at £2,650. Bespoke Twilight packages are also available for parties of more than 60 people or for those who wish to adapt the food and drink choices.

There will be a free wedding open evening at Goodison Park on Thursday January 30 from 5pm until 8pm, when visitors will have the opportunity to view the suites.

For further information about weddings at Goodison Park call 0151 530 5251 or email [email protected]

Say ‘I do’ by candlelight at Everton FC…

ADVERTISING FEATURE


To celebrate Farmhouse Breakfast Week from January 26 to February 1, Emma Thompson checks out some of Liverpool’s best early bird eateries...

Food & drink

LUNYAIF you fancy something a bit different for breakfast then the multi award-winning Lunya has plenty on offer. This Catalan deli, bar and restaurant in the heart of Liverpool ONE is set in a beautifully converted 18th century warehouse, on College Lane, and offers a great selection of Spanish breakfast fayre. There’s griddled Catalan sausage with fig and cinnamon relish to a ‘full Catalan’ which includes grilled chorizo, morcilla, Maynard’s Farm treacle-cured bacon, fried free-range egg and grilled tomato. Lunya also gets some of its produce locally such as free-range eggs from The Lemon Tree in Crosby, delicious breads and pastries are delivered fresh from The French Corner bakery in Aintree and lovely treacle-cured bacon from Maynard’s Farm in Shrewsbury. Log on to www.lunya.co.uk to see the full breakfast menu.

MOOSE COFFEESET up in 2006 by two people who wanted to capture the American and Canadian attitude towards breakfast, this warm and welcoming café has a vast breakfast menu. With over 25 delicious options you’re spoilt for choice. There’s everything from granola to hot Moose waffles or, my favourite, home-made American pancakes with a choice of toppings such as streaky bacon with maple syrup. A good choice of hearty breakfasts are available too including the Lone Star Moose, which has minute steak, gourmet chipolata sausages, home-made potato hash and two free-range over easy eggs with Dijon mustard. Or, why not try the Liberty Moose, which is creamy free-range scrambled eggs mixed with pesto, garnished with pine nuts and fresh basil on a toasted bagel? Visit Moose Coffee on Dale Street, Liverpool or College Road in Crosby, or log on to www.moosecoffee.co.uk for a full menu.

THE QUARTERTHIS contemporary and friendly independent restaurant on the cobbles of Falkner Street looks out over Liverpool Cathedral and offers a great choice of delicious breakfast options. Picked by The Times for being one of the Top 20 Coolest UK Restaurants, there’s everything from Pinks

award-winning Cumbrian sweet-cured bacon bap to eggs Benedict or salmon and tasty scrambled egg on toast. Of course if you really need a good hearty breakfast then The Quarter has a delicious ‘full breakfast’ of bacon, sausage, hash brown, mushroom, black pudding, tomato, fried eggs and toast. What’s more, all the bread

is sourced from Wirral from artisan bakers, the Hollywood family. And they use locally sourced mushrooms, tomatoes and organic free range eggs. Visit www.thequarteruk.com

LEAFHERE at this independent tea-shop and bar you can relax soaking up the creative vibe, or simply just tuck in to a delicious breakfast! Leaf, on Bold Street, has some tasty offerings for your morning treat including home-made granola with natural yoghurt and fresh fruit or cinnamon toast with crème fraiche and mixed berry compote. For something a little different there’s smoked kippers with scrambled eggs and, of course, a full English breakfast with bacon, sausage, tomato, mushroom, breakfast croquet, baked beans and toast. Vegetarian and pescatarian breakfasts are also available. Log on to www.thisisleaf.com for details.

Two eggs baked in a cazuela with sofrito (tomato and onion sauce), seasonal vegetables, Serrano ham and chorizo. Serves 1

Ingredients:l Half a red onionl Half a red pepperl Half a chorizol 1 slice Serrano haml 4 tbsp sofritol 2 eggs Method:l Chop then sauté vegetables, chorizo and Serrano ham in a pan until the vegetables are soft.l Add this to an ovenproof cazuela (little cooking dish).l Add the sofrito (tomato and onion based sauce) and top with the eggs.l Bake in a moderate oven for approximately 8 minutes until the whites of the eggs are cooked but yolks are still runny.l Serve with toasted sourdough bread.

BAKED EGGS FLAMENCO CATALAN MIGAS

Try out these delicious Spanish recipes from Lunya to perk up your breakfast...

Traditional country Spanish breakfast: chorizo, morcilla and pancetta sauteed with breadcrumbs, onion and garlic, topped with a poached free-range egg.

Ingredients:l Half an onionl Half a red pepperl 1 clove of garlic, coarsely choppedl Half a chorizol Morcillal 1 slice of pancettal Handful of breadcrumbsl 1 egg for poaching Method:l Sauté finely diced chorizo, pancetta and morcilla (Spanish black pudding) in a frying pan in a little olive oil until the pancetta is golden brown and the chorizo has released its oil.l Add onion, red pepper and garlic and sauté until the onion has softened.l Add breadcrumbs and then toast until golden and it’s coated in the oils released from the chorizo and pancetta.l Serve with a poached egg.

Rise and dine Breakfast at Moose Coffee

JANUARY 14

25BEST OF LIVERPOOL

BATTLE OF THE BURGERSADAM Richman has a lot to answer for. The nation’s colossal appetite for Man v Food has seemingly coincided with the reinvention of American food here in Britain. Once a rather obscure show on the Food Network, Man v Food has become cult viewing and gourmet takes on American diner classics are springing up everywhere. No longer will a quarter pounder with

cheese do as fast food goes gourmet. Menus in Liverpool seem to be awash

with chilli dogs, triple-stacked burgers big enough to satiate even Adam’s gargantuan appetite and trendy sides ranging from suped-up nachos to mac and cheese. The trend is particularly prevalent in

Seel Street, a part of town frequented by the city’s hipster crowd, where the American food venues includes purveyor of magnificent margaritas and chilli dogs, Salt Dog Slims; Mancunian burger masters – Almost Famous, which opened its first outpost in Liverpool last year, and East Village Arts Club (EVAC). Formerly known as the Masque, the

iconic Seel Street venue is the newest addition to the city’s battle of the burgers – having only introduced food last year. A new food menu was added to the venue

when it reopened last April, following a £1.5m refurbishment which saw the building’s original features restored, new sound, light and bar facilities added and the creation of a new kitchen area. Serving hand-crafted food with a

distinctly Amercian vibe, the kitchen is decorated in an eclectic, artsy style befitting one of the city’s best-loved music venues, with a stylish array of mis-matched furniture, cosy leather couches and art, from a local artist, adorning the walls. Burgers dominate the American-themed

food offering, which has a focus on fresh ingredients, quirky takes on diner classics and making everything from scratch, where possible. The bread used on the burgers, for example, is freshly made in-house every day and the burgers are made fresh with carefully-sourced meat, rather than bought-in. Starters, or small plates as the venue has

dubbed them, range from chicken wings slathered in a choice of three sauces – buffalo with blue cheese dip (£4), sticky BBQ sauce (£4) and suicide wings (£5), which the menu decribes as a ‘menacingly hot sauce.’ Along with wings, small plates also

include a chilli dog (£5), mac and cheese (£4), chilli cheese fries (£5) and crispy calamari with Thai mayo (£5). For mains, there are some seven

burger variations, as well as vegan and vegetarian burgers, plus a few more substantial main options, like steak chilli with basmati rice and corn bread (£8); 28-day aged rump steak with fries and a choice of sauce (£12); BBQ pork ribs (£10) and Southern-style fried chicken (£9), which comes with mash, gravy and home-made American biscuits. And, in a break from the American

theme, the menu also has a few left-field options thrown in for good measure, such as a Chicken Katsu Burger (£7) complete with katsu sauce and daikon pickle; and an Indian-inspired Sheepish Burger (£9) featuring a lamb patty with fennel and mint yoghurt. Aside from the wings and calamari, most

of the starter options seem like side orders or snacks to my eye, the idea being that they’re ideal for sharing over a drink or two. With that in mind, we ordered drinks

(a French Martini for my sister and a Sauvignon Blanc for myself) and a portion of crispy calamari with Thai mayo (£5) to share as a starter. Badly cooked calamari can be chewy,

rubbish and altogether unpleasant, so it’s always a bit of a gamble when you order it but this was perfectly cooked – with crisp tempura batter on the outside and tender squid inside. It came complete with a lemongrass-scented mayo and some seriously spicy chunks of yellow pepper and onion. Delicious, we declared, as we both scrambled to grab the last scrumptious piece of squid. Luckily, our mains weren’t far away,

and it wasn’t long before two humongous burgers arrived. I plumped for a Truffle Shuffle burger (£8), while Beth went for the San Gennaro burger (£9). A huge hunk of juicy beef topped with

chorizo slices, a roasted red pepper, crispy pancetta, cheese and a slather of sweet chilli sauce, Beth’s San Gennaro burger was delicious. And after persuading her

to give me a (rather large) bite, I agreed it was superb, although we both thought the sweet chilli sauce was an odd addition. A slather of garlic mayo or a hot chilli sauce would have worked much better. My Truffle Shuffle burger was equally

good – with a juicy burger piled high with succulent pulled pork, cheese and a perfect over-easy fried egg. Gooey, moreish and delectable, we both thought it the better of the two. Both burgers were garnished with baby

gem lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and gherkins and served on one of EVAC’s home-made buns, which were a bit like brioche but slightly less sweet. What they didn’t come with, however,

were fries. This seems to be the trend these days, with huge burgers served sans chips. So, being the gannets that we are, we

ordered a portion of chilli cheese fries to share before gorging ourselves on desserts – New York cheesecake for me and an ice cream sundae for Beth. The food was delicious and, in the battle

of woman v food, we most definitely won this time – having taken down a gargantuan feast worthy of Adam himself. Mr Richman, you may have some competition on your hands.

East Village Arts Club is at 90 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4BH. Tweet @evArtsClub_mama or visit facebook/mamaco.evArtsClub

American dining gets the Seel of approval from Katie McLoughlin... Photo: Michelle Roberts

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Food & drink

FROM the moment you walk in to Smugglers’ Cove you’re transported to a place that wouldn’t be out of character in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Located at the Albert Dock, this rustic pirate-ship themed restaurant and bar is full of charm and character with big barrels and long wooden tables, elaborate light features such as candle-lit lanterns, massive ‘sail’ curtains and a whole menu of rum cocktails! Taking refuge from the rough seas (it actually was weather warning gale-force winds outside!) we settled into the dimly-lit cove and checked out the menu, which unfolds almost like a treasure map. There’s a good choice of home-comfort food such as fish and chips with mushy peas, bangers and mash, roast gammon joint, rotisserie chicken alongside burgers and ribeye steak. To start, I chose the Cumberland and pork chipolatas with honey-grain mustard, while my fellow diner (my mum, although she likes to claim we’re sisters) opted for the calamari with lemon mayonnaise. The calamari was delicious, perfectly cooked and coated in a crispy, flaky batter that was full of flavour, while the chipolatas came served in a novelty skull and tasted lovely dipped in the sweet and warming honey grain mustard sauce. With a fruity glass of rosé in hand, we found Smugglers’ Cove an easy place to relax with a friendly and cosy atmosphere and, by the looks of other diners, I’m sure they’d agree. Our mains arrived and my mum had chosen the steak, cheddar and sweet onion pie with chips and gravy, plus a side of braised winter vegetables. The pastry was soft and light, full of big

chunks of beautifully succulent steak and a hint of cheddar. The ‘properly-seasoned-chips’ were delicious, while the lovely buttery veg was perfectly cooked. After eyeing up another diner’s food, I had selected the chicken hanging kebab with chips and an extra side order of mustard-seed and red cabbage coleslaw to go with it. After being given some advice from a neighbouring table on how to get it off the skewer without making a mess, I tucked into the succulent chicken which had a sweet and slightly sticky glaze that was delicious. I loved the crunchy red cabbage coleslaw too – which was delivered in a giant sea shell – paired with the tasty chips. For dessert I decided to try something different, coconut and banana bread and butter pudding with salted caramel sauce! It looked nothing like the usual crusty bits of triangle bread that we’re used to seeing, it was a warm, chunky slice of soft-soaked bread pudding with delicious hints of banana and a coconut middle, all surrounded by a sweet sauce and surprisingly very yummy. My mum was pleased when she spotted a good old classic dessert on the menu – baked vanilla rice pudding with spiced plum jam. It was lovely and creamy with a ‘skin’,

which she said was the best bit, and a little pot of rich jam on the side, which worked beautifully with the rice pudding – it was gone in no time! With music playing and Smugglers’ Cove filling up nicely, I turned my attention to the impressive menu of rum cocktails – I opted for the recommended Smugglers’ Pornstar.

Made up of Appleton Estate V/X, Velvet Falernum, lime juice, pineapple juice, vanilla syrup, fresh passion fruit and Prosecco, it was fresh, sweet and gorgeous – certainly worth returning for! The inner child in me loved all the

themed details, and teamed with great food and an impressive drink selection the adult in me loved Smugglers’ Cove too! What more can you ask for? Well maybe

a sing-along on a Thursday from 9pm and a few more rum cocktails, but that I will have to check out on another expedition! Visit www.thesmugglerscove.uk.com for more details.

Emma Thompson discovers some shipshape grub and grog at the latest restaurant and bar to dock on the waterfront...

Hidden treasures

JANUARY 14

27BEST OF LIVERPOOL

Sunshine on a rainy daySOCCERLOCOIF your little ones are football crazy, dribble your way over to Soccerloco in Bromborough. The indoor centre has a whole host of soccer related games for four to 13 year olds. There, they can try their luck at football crazy golf,

for instance, or have a go at penalty shootouts, target practices, football tennis, football basketball and speed shots. There’s even a toddler zone for little ones, and mums and dads can join in too. During term time, Soccerloco offers ‘Toddler Time’ between 9am - 3pm Monday to Friday. Admission is free for under-ones, and starts from £3.50 for under-fours and £4.50 for all other players. For details and opening times visit www.soccerloco.co.uk

CHINA BUTTERFLYFOR kids that love nothing more than letting their creative streak run wild, check out China Butterfly in Formby. The pottery painting studio,

on Brows Lane, offers a range of crafts for all ages from toddlers to grandparents. The activities on offer include, acrylic painting, pottery painting, jewellery making, mosaics, card making and bag decorating with prices starting at £2.50. Children can also have a go on the potter’s wheel and hand-build original pieces of art with clay (these sessions must be booked in advance). Call 01704 831709 or visit www.chinabutterfly.co.uk

AWESOME WALLSTHERE are few things in life that seem to give kids as much pleasure as clambering over furniture. And if your little monkeys are fed

up with being cooped up at home, a trip to Awesome Walls in L5 could be in order. The indoor climbing centre – based in the 150 year old St Alban’s Church – has over 1,000sq metres of climbing walls and hundreds of routes to explore. Both beginners and experienced climbers are catered for, plus the centre runs a Little Angels Kids’ Club. Open to seven-16 year olds, the club offers two hours rock climbing with an experienced instructor for £9.50. Call 0151 298 2422 or visit www.awesomewalls.co.uk

UNDERWATER STREETSWAP high-tech gadgets for good old-fashioned hands-on play at Underwater Street. Created for children aged two to 10 years, Underwater

Street has six exciting zones with numerous activities like a real car that you can paint, slime workshops, digging for fossils and a giant bubble area. There’s also an ‘Imagination Village’ where kids

can dress up and go to work in the village shops. Underwater Street is located in The Cunard Building, Water Street, L3 1DS. Admission costs £10.95 for children over 4 years, £8.95 for under-fours, £5.95 for under 2s, and free for under 1s. Call 0151 227 2550 or visit www.underwaterstreet.com

YELLOW SUBHOME to one of the largest play frames in the UK, Yellow Sub in Brunswick Business Park has just reopened following a major refurbishment. A favourite with families across the city, Yellow Sub

caters for children aged up to 12 and boasts an astra slide, a four-level play frame, a helter skelter, and a football pitch – not to mention a new Spiders’ Web Crawl through.

There’s also an impressive toddler area over three levels with big Lego, interactive wall computer, slides and a bike track. While the children burn

off energy, mums and dads can also relax with some peace and quiet in the onsite restaurant and coffee shop which has been highly commended for its food. Call 08444 120 850, or log onto www.yellowsub.co.uk

A FAMILY TICKET TO PEPPA PIG’S BIG SPLASH!

BEST of Liverpool is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a VIP family ticket for Peppa Pig’s Big Splash at the Liverpool Empire on January 18! The fantastic prize includes tickets to see the production, as well as the chance to meet Peppa and friends afterwards. A brand new show, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, sees Peppa and friends set up a fete to try and raise money to fix the nursery roof. There’s plenty of fun to be had as Peppa, George,

Mummy and Daddy Pig, as well as Danny Dog, Pedro Pony and Suzy Sheep put up bunting, run stalls and organise a great day out. Plus, there’s a champion puddle jumping

competition judged by Mr Potato where everyone gets wet and Peppa needs to find her golden boots. Peppa Pig’s Big Splash is at the Liverpool Empire on 18 January at 10am, 1pm and 4pm.

For further show information and tour dates visit www.peppapiglive.com

For your chance to win the VIP family ticket to see Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, and meet Peppa and friends at the Liverpool Empire on Saturday, January 18 at 4pm, answer the question below:

What is the name of Peppa Pig’s new show?

Send your answer on a postcard to Best of Liverpool, Liverpool ECHO, PO BOX 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Closing date: January 8. One entry per person.

A family ticket is for four people, minimum one adult. The tickets are non-transferable. There are no cash alternatives, accommodation or travel included in this prize. The Meet Peppa & Friends event happens after the performance.

Don’t let the weather rain on your parade – Sarah Hooley checks out some of the best places for undercover family fun

WIN

Soccerloco

Underwater Street

Children

THIS year the winter blues are something you really will want to have.The beauty of blue is undeniable, and

that’s why interior design trends in 2014 are pointing the way to your living spaces swimming in luxuriant azure tones.Update your rooms with rich blue

shades set off with highlight golds or whites. Mix different shades like blue greys, petrol blues and crushed turquoises for stunning results.

BEST OF LIVERPOOL28

Homes

Paul Baker’s digging the blues to highlight one of the big New Year home-style trends...

January blues

Buckingham fabric small sofa, £399; tie-dye cushion, £10; denim cushion, £10; chevron rug, £10, from Tesco

Dorset dining table, £149; Dorset pair of dining chairs, £99; indigo dip hi-ball glass, £3.50; blue rain dinner plate, £6; metal and glass red lantern with rope handle, £12; round glass white lantern, £10; organic fish bowl, £7.50, from Tesco

Blue Mosaic vase, £9, from ASDA.com

Plant shade, £19, from www.chiveuk.com

Jali turquoise and brass boxes, £14, www.berryred.co.uk

Midnight blue Pantone coffee maker, £25, from www.berryred.co.uk

Octagonal pottery dinner plate, £15.95, from boutiqueprovencale.co.uk

Ritchie three-seater scuba blue, £599, from made.com

Georgina vintage chest of drawers, £449, from livingitup.co.uk

Dome lamp, £18, from Littlewoods.com

Navy rope espresso cup, £3, from Tesco

Fearne Cotton Melrose chair, £499, from Very.co.uk

Vitrina tall cabinet by Hierve Diseñeria, £2,299, www.casefurniture.co.uk

Azure blue mirror, £185, from The French Bedroom Company

Japanese water blue cushion, £85, from barbaracoupe.co.uk

BEST OF LIVERPOOL 29

Talking ItalianMichelle Rushton heads to Hoylake for a taste of Little Italy...

JANUARY 14Travel

ALTHOUGH it’s been open since last summer, I had been dying to sample Marco Pierre White’s latest venture in Hoylake. The celebrity chef’s stylish steakhouse,

in Liverpool city centre, is one of my favourite haunts and I am a big fan of Italian cuisine, so I had high hopes for Marco’s New York Italian. But, with the children at that stage

where it’s difficult to eat out, I had to hold-off until my parents offered to look after the kids for my belated birthday treat. So with babysitting secured, my partner Mike and I decided to treat ourselves to a meal at Marco’s followed by a night at the adjoining hotel, Holiday Inn Express Hoylake. How decadent! And it didn’t disappoint. The Wirral

venue was formerly Frankie’s Bar & Grill but was re-branded. The Michelin-starred chef worked alongside a team of experts to evolve the New York Italian, with the aim of introducing more theatre to the overall dining experience. The result is a cool, classy interior with

beige leather chairs and plain white tablecloths punctuated with elements of an authentic Italian-American diner,

such as the red and white checked napkins and tiled floor. There’s a fabulous outdoor area too, which would be perfect for dining alfresco in the summer. Our warm and friendly waitress showed

us to our table and wasted no time sharing her recommendations with us. The menu is simple and unpretentious featuring all the Italian-American favourites you would expect – from hand-made pizzas, fresh pastas and risottos to 28-day matured steaks, BBQ ribs, burgers, hot-dogs and freshly-caught seafood. To start, Mike ordered plum tomato and

rocket soup (£4.95), while I opted for the garlic and lemon prawns with toasted rustic bread (£7.75). Mike’s soup was so sweet and tangy it

made your tastebuds dance and worked well with the peppery rocket. My prawns, meanwhile, were large and meaty, with a delicate flavour of lemon and a generous chunk of garlic bread to sink your teeth into – delicious! For our mains, it was a foregone

conclusion that we would treat ourselves to a steak. There were a few to choose

from – from fillets to rib-eye – but our waitress heartily recommended the 10oz rib-eye steak alla rosmarino (£19.95), so we both went for that as she sold it to us so well. We enjoyed a fruity bottle of Italian

Merlot Rosé, Borsari (Venezie, Italy 75cl, £14) while we eagerly waited for our steaks to arrive and, before long, we were feasting on our succulent steaks, superbly cooked medium-rare and much to our liking. The waitress was right – the rosemary

adds a lovely aromatic punch to the steak. I have to admit, mine hardly touched my plate and I am ashamed to say I ate it so fast, I could have devoured another one. It wasn’t a miserly portion or anything,

just so damned tasty! I tried giving Mike some hungry puppy dog looks, hoping he would share a bit of his, but he was too busy scoffing his own. Note to self: next time, savour each mouthful instead of wolfing it down! Luckily, the steaks came with a garlic

roasted tomato, plus melt-in-the-mouth fries and a side-order of onion rings, which were humongous but lovely and crisp.

Suitably stuffed it was hard to find room for dessert but our waitress had raved so eloquently about them, it seemed rude not to! On her advice, I chose the double

chocolate truffle cake which, true to its name, was indulgently rich and chocolaty. Meanwhile, Mike’s panna cotta was delicious – light, creamy and drizzled with a tangy raspberry coulis. Overall, it was a fabulous meal. Simple

and wholesome food, elegantly presented and served by warm, attentive staff. We ventured into Hoylake to sample the

local nightlife and enjoyed a few drinks in a nearby wine bar with live music before returning to our hotel to retire for the night. Our room was basic but clean and

comfortable, with an en-suite and flat screen TV. In the morning we enjoyed a continental breakfast, feeling relaxed and refreshed and ready to face the world – and the kids!

Marco’s New York Italian, The King’s Gap, Wirral, CH47 1HE, call 0151 632 2073 or visit the website at www.marcoshoylake.co.uk


Travel

If you’re looking for a cosy winter bolt-hole or sun-soaked

beach holiday, Sarah Hooley finds

the best places to get away from it all

this January...

Winter wonderlands

LITTLE PALM ISLAND, FLORIDA KEYS

DESCRIBED as a hidden treasure for adults, Little Palm Island is a boutique four-star resort in the Florida Keys. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the resort is made up

of 28 thatched-roof bungalow suites and two Island Grand suites each looking out to sea and discreetly nestled among leafy palm trees. It also offers guests a world-class spa, a swimming pool, an

acclaimed restaurant, and endless sporting opportunities above and below water. Average temperatures in the Florida Keys in January are around 21 degrees. For more information visit www.littlepalmisland.com

THE HIGH CABIN, CONWY

TUCKED away in a remote location, this luxury cabin has been made for two. Inside you’ll find a king size bed, a luxurious bathroom and a kitchen, as well as a TV and DVD player with a library of films – everything you could need to lock yourself away for a few days. It even has an outdoor hot tub with mesmerizing views overlooking Snowdonia. The High Cabin is priced at £195 per night, Sunday to Thursday and £245 on Friday and Saturday (minimum two night stay). For details visit www.groesinn.com/the-high-cabin

31BEST OF LIVERPOOL

JANUARY 14

THE DRUNKEN DUCK, AMBLESIDE

WITH its rugged mountains and unspoilt natural beauty, the Lake District is perfect for winter getaways and The Drunken Duck is an ideal base. Set high above the quaint town of

Ambleside, the Duck boasts 16 rooms as well as a restaurant and bar which stocks its own award-winning ales. Prices start at £105 per room per night.

This includes an afternoon tea of scones, jam and cream on arrival, free use of the leisure facilities at the Langdale Country Club and a full English breakfast. We particularly love the Garden room

with its super king size bed, large fireplace with woodburner, and roll-top bath. Visit drunkenduckinn.co.uk

THE GRANARY, DIGBY IF Carlsberg were to make a holiday cottage, The Granary in Lincolnshire would probably be it. Nestled in the pretty chocolate box

village of Digby, the charming barn conversion has been lovingly renovated to offer guests the utmost in luxury. Its cosy lounge has a rustic wood burning stove, and there is a country-kitchen, a spacious bedroom with exposed beams and an indulgent bathroom which boasts a huge copper bathtub. If that wasn’t enough, the village pub is also a two minute walk from the front door. What else could you need? Prices start

at £285 for a three night weekend or four night midweek break, including a welcome basket full of local goodies. Visit www.digbygranary.co.uk

BANYAN TREE SAMUI, KOH SAMUI OVERLOOKING the sapphire waters of Lamai Bay, in Thailand, this luxury resort boasts 78 cliffside villas – each with their own pool – nestled on a private hill cove. Guests can spend their days relaxing on the beach,

taking part in yoga classes, or being pampered in the wellness spa. The resort also offers kayaking, snorkelling and sailing, and has a number of acclaimed restaurants. Average temperatures in Koh Samui in January are a toasty warm 26 degrees. Visit www.banyantree.com/en/samui

IBEROSTAR GRAND HOTEL EL MIRADOR, TENERIFE

IF you don’t fancy flying long-haul, how about a trip to Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador on the sun-soaked island of Tenerife? The five-star hotel is located in an

exclusive part of Costa Adeje with views over La Gomera and El Duque beach. The adult-only hotel boasts two

swimming pools, three stylish restaurants, a spa and 120 elegant suites. All that’s left for you to do is unwind,

with a page-turner and cocktail in hand. Tenerife soaks up eight hours of sunshine a day in January with average highs of 21 degrees. Visit www.thegrandcollection.com

PHIL McINTYRE ENTERTAINMENTS, ARNOLD STIEFEL AND AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP PRESENT

ʻDID I THINK IT WAS SEXY? YOU BET!ʼDAILY MIRROR

25 OF ROD STEWARTʼS BIGGEST HIT SONGSONE SMASH HIT MUSICAL

TTNtheMusical

TonightsTheNightTheShow

Written by Ben Elton27 JAN - 1 FEB 0844 871 3017*

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool** Tickets subject to booking/handling fee. www.TonightsTheNightOnTour.co.uk

Maggie May • Baby Jane • Hot Legs • Sailing • Do Ya Think Iʼm SexyOoh La La • Some Guys Have All The Luck • Tonightʼs The Night

best of liverpool magazine - january 2014

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