Act Naturally!
It all begins with an idea.
I was sitting next to a semi-naked native, beads of sweat dripping off our chins. ‘Der Pewl's pyoor det brilliant, pyoor det brilliant!’ he told me enthusiastically, the patois barely fathomable but I nodded nevertheless. ‘Yule lava cushty time in der Pewl, trust me kidda, nay doot boot that!’
I’d been in the Crowne Plaza sauna for about 5 minutes and already knew the best pubs and nightclubs within staggering distance. Liverpudlians are unstintingly friendly and not backwards at coming forward…ff almost impossible to understand.
‘Der Pewl’ is Liverpool. I’d never been to the city before but felt I knew it. Most of us that lived in the 60’s gained an insight into the city backdropped by the wonderful sound and style revolution that started here.
TICKET TO RIDE
Long before the Beatles hit the charts with ‘Love Me Do’ Liverpool was popular in a decadent sort of way. Big money was made from tobacco, slavery and cotton mainly trading with the Americas. The Port of Liverpool became one of the busiest in the world throughout the 19th century and the way into the 1950s.
Then it was the turn of the 60s British pop explosion! Merseyside was celebrated for a whole new set of reasons. Anyone who remembers enough of the 1960s will recall the massive impact the ‘Mersey Sound’ had on it. The Beatles were unprecedented in their worldwide popularity and a host of acts sprang up on their Cuban heals; Billie Fury, Billie J. Kramer, Cilla Black, Swinging Blues Jeans, Freddie & the Dreamers, Gerry & the Pacemakers, I know, I’m giving away my vintage here but I’m quite proud of it!
Then the city lost its spark! Factory closures and unemployment occurred on a massive scale. Liverpool did not however go down the river without paddling. A whole new generation of entrepreneurs and massive cash injections have got it on its feet again and the 21st century city is as dynamic and exciting as it ever was. Culturally, Liverpool has become a leading light of the north, inscribed onto UNESCO's World Heritage List as a World Heritage Site in 2004 and set to become the European City of Culture in 2008. With millions of pounds still being spent on social and cultural expansion along with a plethora of Nuevo-eateries, fabulous accommodation and exhilarating nightlife, Liverpool certainly has got a brand new ‘Ticket to Ride’ and is making the most of it.
GET BACK
Liverpool sees the Open Championship coming back to it’s sandy shores on a regular basis. Royal Liverpool (Hoylake) Golf Club, just south of the city in 2006 and in 2008 the same prestigious event takes place at Royal Birkdale - just a few miles north.
What people don't realize is the amount of world-class golf that surrounds this city. First of all there are the three Royals, Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale and only an hour or so up the road, Royal Lytham & St Annes. In between are superb links courses that on their own, would satisfy the most fastidious links aficionado.
We started off at the venue for this year’s Open situated on the Wirral, a rectangular peninsula on the south side of the Mersey. It's been 29 years since the Open was held at Royal Liverpool but the Hoylake course is no stranger to the event. This will be its 11th Open Championship, the last being in 1967 when the Fab Four were at their height (they split up in 1970). The course was dropped from the Open rota for the usual reasons; insufficient space for the all-important tented village, poor practice facilities and access difficulties. With the acquirement of an extra 10 acres most of Hoylake’s logistical problems are behind it as it takes centre stage for the world's most prestigious golf event.
The Royal Liverpool course is the second oldest seaside links in England, Devon's Westward Ho! claiming pole position. The club was established in 1869 before gaining its Royal title in 1871. It hosted its first Open Championship in 1897 and Bobby Jones won the event here in his commensurate Grand Slam year of 1930.
For the occasion of the 135th Open Championship, Hoylake will be changing its usual routing when the 17th will become the 1st mainly to help accommodate the spectators. This routing will exist throughout 2006.
We played the ‘normal’ way around. My first impression on stepping outside Hoylake's swish, ivy-clad clubhouse is that the course is pan-flat. Don't be fooled! You rarely find an even lie on small, subtle hollows and humps that keep the ball just off-kilter and the golfer forever making minor but critical adjustments.
It's not until the shore holes (which will be the 10th to 15th on the Open circuit) that seaside dunes appear. These holes overlook the Dee Estuary and are among the most memorable - as well as the course’s best tests. The 13th is a short hole while the 14th an excellent Par 4 especially in a breeze. Otherwise Hoylake's bunkers stand out like a bear in a bad mood. These are snarling, straight-faced, rivetted taskmasters and there's only one way to deal with them - don't go in them.
Actually, on a really calm day, playing a defensive game I reckon you could go round Hoylake without too much damage – but only if you avoid the bunkers. Us handicap players can afford to play safe off the tee and look for bump and run shots into the green. But the Open challengers will be looking to fly trouble – so let’s hope it’s not too windy. During the Open there will be two Par 5's among the final stretch making for an exciting finale. The British Open dates are 20 - 23 July, 2006.
Stableford’s Source
The Wirral, so they tell me, has 14 golf courses - which is a goodly supply for such a small area, most being minor club courses or municipals. But the one you don’t want to miss apart from Royal Liverpool is Wallasey Golf Club. Lovingly referred to as the ‘Diamond in the Dunes’, Wallasey is a distinctly linksy rollercoaster which we found more fun than its Royal neighbour. Wind, wispy grass, sandy humps, deep hollows and corduroy fairways make this enormously entertaining.
The course was originally designed by Old Tom Morris and later trimmed up by Alec Herd, Harold Hilton and James Braid. Wallasay’s main claimant to fame however is its own club member, Dr Frank Stableford who first developed the Stableford system of scoring. Dr Stableford became aware of the frustration of high handicappers trying to compete against better players so he devised a simple point system which we all know and love – if it’s going well! The first Stableford competition was played here at Wallasey in May 1932.
Bobby Jones qualified at this course before his Grand Slam win at Hoylake and an oil painting of the great golfer holds pride of place above the clubhouse fireplace, painted by a member of the club who asked Jones to sit for him. The portrait became so famous that Jones had a copy painted for himself to hang in the Augusta Clubhouse. We found Wallasey exceptionally friendly, the club secretary giving us a personal tour of the clubhouse and its considerable memorabilia.
HARD DAY’S NIGHT
Our base for the first part of our week was in the heart of Liverpool staying at the Crowne Plaza near the Albert Dock. The idea was to enjoy the golf through the day and sample the city’s cultural offerings in the evening. Good plan but we took to the nightlife a little too enthusiastically. Liverpool is a party-town every night of the week with dozens of friendly, cosy pubs, superb restaurants and lively nightclubs. You can’t go wrong on-the-town and Liverpudlians make you feel completely at home. The only downside is on the 1st tee the next day. But who can resist? I have a vague memory of asking a resident band in the Cavern if I could join them to play Purple Haze. Maybe it wasn’t the best tune to suggest in this Beatles Trail bastion.
If you have the time - and energy - there are dozens of cultural treats to take in during the day. The Albert Dock pulls several together such as the Tate Liverpool – contemporary art gallery. See the “What Else to Do’ section for more ideas.
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
I know British links courses fairly well and have to say, as far as variety of golf goes, the Merseyside area takes some beating. If you like true links golf the hits just keep on coming.
Formby is certainly different to other nearby courses. It’s links-like but wanders through a pine forest before opening out at the turn then ducking back into the trees again. This is a refreshing change if you have been playing a succession of wide-open links. My favourite section was the 6th, 7th and 8th sheltered in the trees with sneaky winds catching the ball as it rose or swirling round in the bowls of pine-encircled greens.
The 18th, set below the distinctive red-roofed clubhouse and clock tower, boasts an extremely long green, 53 yards long to be precise. "Hey I'm on the green!" “Yes, but you've still got a 150-foot putt!” Formby's greens are as varied as the rest of the course, some flat, others, especially in the trees sloping and undulating. But the 18th takes the biscuit and can call, depending on pin-position for two or three extra clubs.
FIXING A HOLE
I would love to wax lyrical about Royal Birkdale - due to the fact that I shot my best round of the week here. But there's not a lot of point as the course you will see in the 2006 season and 2008 Open will be quite different from the one we played. Significant changes are taking place as I write with new tees, re-positioned bunkers, and indeed entirely redesigned or replaced greens keeping 19th century Birkdale ahead of today’s technology.
The experience for the visitor I have no doubt will still be total class. The fairways are wide and set within dune-lined valleys but you can't afford to stray off them as the rough gets thick and fierce. Basically you get what you see here, a great, fair test of golf. Which are its best holes? Birkdale has one of the toughest starts so get well warmed up. I liked the Par 5 17th as it was an easy 2-strokes to get putting but they're presently dragging the green back another 40 yards (they must have heard of my prodigious near-eagle). Everyone remembers the 12th surely one of the best Par 3's in UK with a big dip in front of green.
FOOL ON THE HILL
Literally next door to Royal Birkdale, Hillside Golf Club is a course that shares some characteristics with its noble neighbour particularly on the back nine; the front half is more open and flat. This doesn’t make Hillside any easier. In fact it is as tough a test as you’ll find, tight, wind-swept and challenging all the way; you don’t have any easy ‘pick-up’ holes throughout a wide variety of playing propositions. Greg Norman reckoned it was one of the best back nines he had ever played.
Most of the holes are deep in dunes; you rarely see other players on adjacent holes. From time to time the views across the water are pleasant – you can even see the Blackpool Tower on a clear day. Hillside is a qualifying venue for the Open though we thought it was good enough to host one. Alright, maybe it’s a tad short and the facilities aren’t right but I reckon this tremendous test would still sort out the wheat from the chaff.
GIVE ME MONEY
We played all the main courses in and around Liverpool over the course of a week and have to say again, this area is hugely under-rated and very much worth sampling. It’s a rather expensive week though as the Royal courses are all well over the £100 mark. Other green fees are between £60 and £75 which is not unreasonable considering the quality. Never the less, in terms of green fees, it’s an expensive week – but I’d say well worth it.
ACT NATURALLY
Another excellent test we found at West Lancashire Golf Club all within this glorious stretch of golf just north of Liverpool. Don’t be put off with the clubhouse; it looks awful from the outside but is quite impressive, comfortable and modern within. Of all the Merseyside courses, West Lancs is closest to the sea which you can see from most holes. The dunes are generally small with less pronounced undulations out on the fairways. Wind however makes West Lancs considerably tougher and being so close to the sea, it’s a permanent feature.
Another nearby must-play is Southport and Ainsdale. S&A is yet another twist on the links theme, as natural a links as you will find but this time with a lot of heather, gorse and wafting fescue. It’s quite tight in places and you have to place your ball otherwise count the cost. The course opens with a long Par 3 which is unusual as is the 16th called Gumbleys, a Par 5 of 508 yards with railway sleepers built into side of sandhill. Once again, we were delighted at every turn at S&A. Category One golfers can play off the white tees and the newly refurbished clubhouse is relaxed and comfortable. We were surprised to learn that the club has hosted two Ryder Cup matches in 1933 and 1937 and a number of other prestigious championships including The British Ladies Open and The British Amateur. It remains a final qualifying course for The Open Championship.
TWIST & SHOUT
I’m tempted to use the old cliché that the best of England’s Northwest was saved to last but the courses we encountered around Liverpool were all different and each as rewarding as the next. For our last round we migrated north towards Blackpool to the leafy avenues of the town of Lytham & St Annes. We had booked accommodation in the club’s Dormy House, a very recommended arrangement (be sure to book well in advance as it is very popular). Small wonder with a such fabulous 5-course dinner at night, exceptionally comfortable bedrooms and a hearty English breakfast to set you up for the day. Tee time priorities are given to Dormy House guests, The overall package comes to £164.50 for one round, dinner B&B or £240 for two rounds with dinner bed & breakfast. That is actually very good value when you consider a normal weekday round here, another Open Championship venue, is £115.00.
I’ll not bore you with the details of yet another round on a truly first-class course. Suffice to say Lytham's front nine is, like Royal Liverpool quite yielding to careful play. The setting is not so inspiring overlooked by old houses, factories and a school. But don’t get too distracted as Lytham’s back nine will jump out of the gorse bushes and bite you! I have never come of the rails as much on any golf course as I did here. Lytham's back nine is notorious and with a breeze in your face the 6's and 7's instantly pile onto the card. For your average golfer I’d say it’s a bit too difficult and therefore not so enjoyable as you watch a good front-nine score twist itself into the rough, the pot bunkers and dastardly doglegs. Still, we were in good company! If you look at past Open events, the tour pros have always had a tough time on Lytham’s back nine - at least some consolation.
HELLO GOODBYE
I’ve taken a serious shine to Liverpool! It certainly offers one of the best collections of links courses in the UK in a compact geographic area. I’ll be back for this year’s Open and again in 2008 for its European City of Culture year. The Open returns to Royal Birkdale that same year. But equally so I’ll be coming back also for the city of Liverpool and its people. It truly is a great city, full of character, warmth, zest and delight. And maybe if I learned some Beatles numbers they’d they let me up to do a turn at the Cavern.
FACT BOXES
Where to Stay
There is the alternative of Southport closer to Royal Birkdale and neighbouring courses but we stayed there previously and found it a bit dated. If you’ve got some extra energy, the heart of Liverpool is the place to stay.
Crowne Plaza
St Nicholas Place
Pier Head, Liverpool
Tel: 0151 243 8080
Email: enquiries@cpliverpool.com
Web: www.cpliverpool.com
This is perhaps your best bet - ultra modern with a great waterfront location across from the Royal Liver Building and handy for Albert Dock.
(Sales & Marketing – Nathan Almany – 07966 065961
Public Relations – Cathy Paxton – 0151 705 2698)
Hope Street Hotel
40 Hope Street, Liverpool
Tel: 0044 151 709 3000
Email: sleep@hopestreethotel.co.uk
Web: www.hopestreethotel.co.uk
Liverpool's first Design Hotel for visitors looking a bit of city chic. It has gained a great reputation since its opening early last year. Winner of Best Small Hotel in Liverpool Tourism Awards.
Formby Golf Club’s Dormy House
Tel: 01704 872 164
Email: info@formbygolfclub.co.uk
It’s a little different but staying where you play has its advantages. Costs are £137.00 per person including bed & breakfast and 2 rounds of golf. The accommodation (4 twins and two singles) is basic - non en-suite, extremely clean and comfortable.
Royal Lytham Dormy House
Tel: 01253 724206
Email: bookings@royallytham.org
Web: www.royallytham.org
Lytham’s is dearer but then you get dinner in the clubhouse and that is well worth the extra –one of the best dinners we had. Cost is £164.50 dinner, bed & breakfast plus 1 round or £240.50 for 2 rounds. Lytham’s Dormy also has wireless Broadband connection.
Express by Holiday Inn (Albert Dock)
Tel: 0151 709 1133
Email: reservations@exliverpool.com
Web: www.exliverpool.com - Collette Brannon – General Manager.
Built in a 19 Century warehouse overlooking the Albert Dock, location couldn’t be better and prices are reasonable
Marriott
Tel: 0044 151 476 8000
Haylie Chilver (Operations Manager) haylie.chilver@marriotthotels.co.uk www.marriotthotels.co.uk/lpllp
Opposite Lime Street Station in the centre of Liverpool this is a 4* deluxe within 5 minute walking distance of Mathew Street’s pubs and clubs.
Raddison SAS
0151 966 1500
Web: www.liverpool.radissonsas.com
Another well placed hotel for doing the town and heading out to the golf courses during the day.
Where Else to Play
If you’ve come all this way, you might want to spend another week touring the area. Head west into North Wales which is only a half hour away and work round the coast with courses such as Conwy, Royal St David's and Aberdovey. This is a quiet, beautiful part of the UK with lovely people and tremendous golf.
WHAT ELSE TO DO?
The Beatles
Liverpool and the Beatles are just too attractive for us 60s kids. Make a pilgrimage here for the Fab Four as well as the fab golf. Here’s a list of must-visits.
The Beatles Story
Tel 0044 151 709 1963 East end of Albert Dock – this is a great tour of Beatles history which, if you are keen will take you a lot longer than you think – so don’t get a parking ticket as we did. Very good shop as well for take-home Beatles souvenirs. http://www.beatlesstory.com
McCartney & Lennon’s Childhood Homes 20 Forthlin Road & Mendips . Tel: 0044 151 427 7231 These houses were where young Paul & John penned some of the earliest material. You need to take a minibus tour to gain access to both properties and the Trust is very strict about No Photography. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Beatles Magical Mystery Tour
Tel: 0151 709 3285
Email: tours@thecavernliverpool.com
Web: www.caverncitytours.com "We're waiting to take you away". This daily two hour tour starts from "The Beatles Story" and finishes at the world famous Cavern Club. The tour is a great way to touch base with The Beatles past, their homes, schools, birthplaces, Penny Lane, Strawberry Field and many other landmarks. Price: £11.95
Beatles Shop Tel: 0044151 236 8066 At the bottom of Mathew Street in the heart of the city centre. Easy walking distance from Albert Dock, James Street station, Moorfields Station and Lime Street Station.
www.thebeatleshop.co.uk
Mathew Street Gallery Tel: 0044 151 236 0009 Situated above the Beatles Shop in Mathew Street this gallery specialises in John’s artistic expressions and works dedicated to him. www.lennonart.co.uk
The Cavern Pub Tel: 0044 151 236 1957 At the top of Mathew Street opposite the Cavern Club. Live bands most nights. www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk
The Cavern Club Tel: 0044 871 222 1957 This is the place where it all happened - at the top of Mathew Street, surely one of the most famous clubs in the world. It’s a bit dowdy inside and can get a bit rowdy but, hey, it’s all part of the experience. Young live bands play most nights – just like the Beatles started. www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk
Other Useful Information
International Beatle Week Tel: 0044 871 222 2963 Organised by Cavern City Tours, weekend tickets and accommodation packages are available. Wednesday 23 - Tuesday 29 August 2006 www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk
Liverpool Tourist Information Centre Tel: 0044 151 709 5111 There are three TIC’s – one in Albert Dock’s Merseyside Maritime Museum, one at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and one in Queen Square in the city centre. www.visitliverpool.com
Where to Eat
London Carriageworks
40 Hope Street
Liverpool
T.0151 709 3000
Liverpool’s newest restaurant and officially the best restaurant in the north west. Features a relaxed brasserie and restaurant offering classic cuisine with a creative modern twist. Has a sommelier with a list of over 200 selected wines.
60 Hope Street
Hope Street
Liverpool
Tel: 0151 707 6060
Synonymous throughout the UK with fine dining, combining a strong emphasis towards modern European cuisine always using locally sourced seasonal produce. Four times winner of Merseyside’s Best restaurant.
The Lower Place
Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street,
Liverpool
Tel: 0151 210 1955
Award winning restaurant, serving modern international cuisine in friendly and stylish surroundings. Lower Place is adjacent to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall - The place to go for some Wagner or Bach. Watch classic films on the Phil’s famous and unique rising screen, or just sit and admire the spectacular Classic art deco building
Sapporo Teppanyaki
Duke Street, Liverpool
Tel: 0151 705 3005
Arguably the best Japanese restaurant in the region, it delivers a unique dining experience brought to you by the masters of Teppanyaki cuisine.
St Petersburg
York Street, Liverpool
Tel: 0151 709 6676
One of the finest Russian restaurants in the UK and the only one outside London. St Petersburg’s motto is ‘Good food brings people together’ – and their traditional Russian hospitality and superlative menu certainly brings people to the restaurant.
How to Get There
Liverpool is located in the northwest of England approximately 4.5 hours drive time from the centre of London and less than 1 hour from Manchester.
By Car
The M1/M6 motorway network heading NW takes you from London to Liverpool in approximately 4.5 hours depending on traffic.
By Rail
Virgin Trains runs an hourly service from London Euston taking between two and three hours either direct or with one change – further details and booking on www.virgintrains.co.uk
By Plane
Manchester Airport is the nearest international airport to Liverpool serving most parts of the world – the airport is only 45 minutes away by car or train to Liverpool’s centre - www.manchesterairport.co.uk
The John Lennon International Airport (Katie Smurfit – 0151 907 1629)
takes flights from all over Europe and other parts of the UK. Tel: 0870 750 8484 - http://www.liverpoolairport.com/
Course Listing
Royal Liverpool GC
Tel: 0151 632 3101/2
Email: sec@royalliverpool-golf.com
Web: www.royalliverpool-golf.com
Statistics: 18 holes, 72200yards, Par72, SSS74
Green Fees: Weekdays - £115 per round,
Visitors: Visitors are welcome Sight of a handicap 24 Ladies 36 certificate will be requested.
Head Pro: John Heggerty. j.heggarty@btinternet.com
Wallasey Golf Club
Tel: 0151 691 1024 Trevor Barraclough sec)
Pro: 0151 638 3888 (Mike Adams
Email: WallaseyGC@aol.com
Statistics: 18 holes, 6572 yards, Par72, SSS72
Green Fees: Weekdays - £75 per round, £85
Weekends: Most Sundays £85 per round.
Visitors: Visitors are welcome
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Tel: 01704 567 920
Email: royalbirkdale@dial.pipex.com
Web: www.royalbirkdale.com
Statistics: 18 holes, 7018 yards, Par 70, SSS 75
Green Fees: Weekdays - £150 per round
Visitors: Visitors are welcome. Sight of a handicap certificate will be requested.
Formby Golf Club
Tel: 01704 872 164
Email: info@formbygolfclub.co.uk
Statistics: 18 holes, 7,024 yards, Par72, SSS74
Green Fees: Weekdays - £90 per round, £100 per day
Visitors: Visitors are welcome Sight of a handicap certificate will be requested. Pro - 01704 835 396 -(Gary Butler).
West Lancashire Golf Club
Tel: 0151 924 1076
Email: golf@westlancashiregolf.co.uk
Web: www.westlancashiregolf.co.uk
Statistics: 18 holes, yards, Par, SSS
Green Fees: Weekdays - £65 per round, £85 per day
Weekends - £85 per round, £100 per day
Visitors: Visitors are welcome. Tuesday is Ladies Day.
Hillside Golf Club
Tel: 01704 567 169
Email: secretary@hillside-golfclub.co.uk
Web: www.hillside-golfclub.co.uk
Statistics: 18 holes, 6,850 yards, Par 72, SSS 74
Green Fees: Weekdays - £65 per round, £90 per day
Weekends, Sunday only - £90 per round
Visitors: Visitors are welcome Sight of a handicap certificate will be requested.
Brian Seddon - - Pro - 01704 568 360
Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club
Tel: 01704 578 0000
Email: secretary@sandagolfclub.co.uk
Web: www.sandagolfclub.co.uk
Statistics: 18 holes, 6,709 yards, Par 72, SSS 73
Green Fees: Weekdays: £65 per round, £85 per day
Weekends: £85 per round
Visitors: Visitors are welcome. Sight of a handicap certificate will be requested.
Royal Lytham & St Annes
Tel: 01253 724206
Email: bookings@royallytham.org
Web: www.royallytham.org
Green Fees: Weekdays: £115 per round, £170 per day
Weekends – Sunday only - £170.00
On Sundays, when there is a limited availability of two Tee times and one round only can be played, the cost is £170.
10 Best Pubs in Liverpool
Thomas Rigby’s (23 Dale Street – 0151 236 3268) – officially the best pub in Liverpool, Thomas Rigby’s Public House was established in 1726 and serves traditional beers and imported continental beers. Also does a fine line in food, including delicious fish and chips.
The Ship and Mitre (133 Dale Street - 0151 236 0859) – With ten real ales, over 80 conventional bottled beers and imported draught beers, The Ship and Mitre offers the largest and most varied selection of beers in Merseyside. Regarded as one of the best traditional pubs in the north.
The Philharmonic (36 Hope Street – 0151 707 2387) The Philharmonic is a very famous Liverpool pub, which was built at the turn of the 20th Century. It is a wonderfully ornate listed building, and each room has its own intricate features. The gents’ toilets are actually listed so ladies can visit them too! Sit back and enjoy the fabulous architecture with a pint of one of the excellent ales or proper lagers. John Lennon used to drink here when he was an art student – he used to say the thing he missed about Liverpool was being able to have a quiet pint in the Phil’. A good selection of food is also served.
The Dispensary (87 Renshaw Street 0151 709 2160) – Formerly known as The Grapes, The Dispensary received a total refurbishment in 1998. It was reinvented as a traditional, welcoming Victorian style alehouse, using authentic pharmaceutical items, original fixtures and fittings from old chemist shops, Liverpool University and the Liverpool Pharmaceutical Society.
The Brewery Tap (Stanhope Street – 0151 709 2129) Set within the facade of the Robert Cain Brewery on Stanhope Street, The Brewery Tap won ‘best refurbished pub’ from English Heritage/CAMRA after being returned to its Victorian splendour in 1993. A Liverpool landmark, the brewery itself is also well worth a visit. The Brewery Tap serves the full range of Cain's traditional ales and offers a wide choice of wholesome food.
Dr Duncan’s (St John’s Lane – 0151 709 5100) – A Cains pub serving traditional real ales and fine food. A handsome pub, lovingly refurbished in authentic Victorian style, it lies at the heart of Liverpool's Queen Square area. The name commemorates Doctor Duncan, a relentless campaigner against poor living conditions in the Liverpool of the Victorian era, and the first Chief Medical Officer of Health to be appointed in the UK.
Cavern Pub (Mathew Street – 0151 236 4041) - The Cavern Pub at the top of Mathew Street is a dedicated rock ‘n’ roll bar. It features live music five nights a week and has engraved onto the wall outside the superstar acts that have played in it. On display around the bar you’ll see all sorts of rock and roll memorabilia, plus a signed guitar given to the Cavern when Paul McCartney played there in December 1999.
Baby Cream (Albert Dock – 0151 709 7097) - A swish and modern addition to Liverpool’s bar scene. Located in the grade listed Albert Dock warehouse complex, downstairs you’ll find a café bar while upstairs there is a ‘share and tear’ dining area with chairs that convert into chaise lounges.
Alma de Cuba (Seel Street - Tel: 0151 702 7394) – refurbished from what was a 200-year-old Polish Catholic church on Seel Street in the city centre, Alma de Cuba is witness to a different type of worship since it opened in 2005 – mainly that of footballers and actors.
Fly in the Loaf (35 Hardman Street - 0151 708 0817) – a not-too-long opened addition to Liverpool’s pub scene, and a winner of many plaudits for its delicious food, quality beer and fresh produce. The name refers to an old bakery which used to be on the site.
Best Pub in Lytham St Annes
The Taps (12 Henry Street, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire - 01253 736226 ) – traditional, old fashioned pub with no music, slot machines or irritating TV’s - just bare wood flooring, coal fires and an outrageous selection of real ales. They’ve won just about every award going over the past 14 years. www.thetaps.com
Useful Web Address
Blog Post Title Two
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.