LIVERPOOL CLUBS (FREE ENTRY)

The Cavern Club

The Beatles made their first lunchtime appearance at the famous Cavern Club on Tuesday 21 February 1961. From 1961 to 1963 The Beatles made 292 appearances at the club, with their last occurring on 3 August 1963, a month after the band recorded "She Loves You". 

The Cavern Club is still open as one of the UK's most famous venues. It has around 40 live bands performing every week; both tribute and original bands, although the majority perform their own material. The front room of the Cavern is the main tourist attraction, where people come to have their photograph taken on the famous Cavern stage, with the names of the bands who played there written on the back wall.

LIVERPOOL MUSIC SCENE!

Liverpool's dynamic and energetic, live, music scene, can not be equalled by any other city. Local bands and artists enthusiastically showcase their musical talents to as many people as they can, and due to public demand, there are progressively more venues implementing their needs.

If you want to drench yourself in pure, unadulterated, raw, live music, then get yourself to Liverpool as quickly as humanly possible. There is a storm brewing here. Sadly, people often associate number one bands and artists with quality, but anyone with half a brain can look at the number ones in Britain throughout the years to see this is usually a myth.  

THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN LIVERPOOL

There are so many places of interest, trendy clubs and events in Liverpool that are free entry that you can plan your visit here in advance and get the most out of your vacation.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ever heard the saying 'Every great city has a cathedral'? Well Liverpool has two of them, both dating from the 20th Century.  Here's a little known fact: the Anglican Cathedral was designed by a Roman Catholic and The Roman  Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral (affectionately known as 'Paddy's Wigwam') was built by a protestant. 

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral 

This is one of the great buildings of the twentieth century. It has one of the longest knaves, largest organs and heaviest and highest peals of bells in the world. The massive tower stands over the city as a symbol of faith in God. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott won an architectural competition to build the Anglican Cathedral, justifying his reputation as one of the world's great architects. Photograph by http://www.colour-splash.com/ 

The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool. This stunning piece of architecture incorporates the largest panel of stained glass in the world.  Due to two abandoned commissions, a worldwide competition was held to design the cathedral, Frederick Gibberd came up with the winning design.

FAMOUS LIVERPOOL PEOPLE

Jean Alexander:   Played Hilda Ogden on the long-running soap opera Coronation Street.

Charles Anderson:   Victoria Cross recipient.

Michael Angelis:   Actor.

Arthur Askey:   Comedian.

Gary Ablett:   Footballer.

Beryl Bainbridge:   An acclaimed writer, nominated several times for the Booker Prize.

Tom Baker:   Actor and eccentric, famous for his portrayal of the lead role in Doctor Who in the 1970s and 80s.

Gary Bannon:   Actor, poet, songwriter. and filmmaker

Clive Barker:   Author, director and visual artist.

Tom Bell:   Actor: Prime Suspect, The Krays and Wish You Were Here.

Mitch Benn:   Comedian and songwriter, known for his work on BBC Radio 2 and 4.

Pete Best:   Former Beatle (drummer).

THE ALBERT DOCK

The prestigious Albert Dock is Liverpool's main tourist attraction for a host of reasons.  It offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, shopping and entertainment.  Engineer and architect Jesse Hartley designed the 1.25 million square feet complex which is the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in the UK.  Prince Albert officially opened the dock on 30th July 1846.

The Albert Dock accommodated the most advanced sailing vessels of that era, but unfortunately only thrived for around 50 years as it simply couldn't handle the quantity of larger iron and steel steamships.  As a result of this, only 7% of ships docking in Liverpool were sailing ships; and by 1920 there was practically no commercial shipping activity.  The Albert Dock finally closed in 1972 after decades of disuse.

A newly formed Albert Dock Company and the Merseyside Development Corporation signed an agreement in September 1983, enabling the regeneration of the Dock to begin.  The first phase was completed just in time for the arrival of the Tall Ships Race in 1984.  HRH Prince Charles officially re-opened the Albert Dock on 24th May 1988.

Photography by: http://www.colour-splash.com/

On average, about 4 million people visit the Albert Dock each year, visiting the Tate gallery, the Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum, the International Slavery Museum, Bugworld Experience, Shiverpool Ghost Tours and the Yellow Duckmarine.

LIVERPOOL CLUB SCENE

Cream

This is the ultimate Liverpool superclub, from humble beginnings is now world famous. Cream’s reputation lives on and celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, proving that the original is still the best. Expect big names and allnighters.

Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool, 0208 969 4477

Circus

The Circus concept is simple but very effective, playing the latest house music in this Big Top themed funhouse, down at the docks.

Seel Street, Liverpool, 0151 708 5051

Nation

Best known as the original home to Cream, Nation has now gone on to become a legend in its own right. Nation’s advantage is its sheer scale, the main room, annex and courtyard ensure big crowds and the quality names to match.

Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool, 0151 709 1693

LIVERPOOL HOTEL GUIDE

The Adelphi Hotel Hotels

Tel: 0871 781 7642

Ranelagh, Liverpool, Merseyside

The famous Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool offers quality accommodation and excellent facilities in a prime location, at value for money. Recently fully refurbished.

Beech Mount Hotel Hotels

Tel: 0151 264 9189 

1 Beech Mount, Liverpool, L7 0HL

Hotel & Luxury Accommodation, Comfortable En-Suite Rooms, Ample Free Secure Parking, Good Transport Links To Centre, Breakfast Included In Price, FREE Wifi

Hard Days Night Hotel

Tel: 0151 236 1964 

41, North John Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 6RR

Luxurious 4* Boutique Hotel, Stunning Beatles Theme Artwork, 110 Luxury Guest Bedrooms, Lennon & McCartney Suites, State Of The Art Facilities, Blakes Contemporary Restaurant

LIVERPOOL RESTAURANT GUIDE N -Z

Nando's - Liverpool One

With quality food, friendly staff, quick service and excellent value for money, Nando's is a great place to eat. Don't expect identikit, pre-fab restaurant interiors which are usually a staple of the larger chains; each restaurant is tailored to its local surroundings and customers, offering up a unique restaurant experience to go with the equally unique taste of legendary, Portuguese, Peri-Peri chicken.

Address: 14 Paradise Street, Liverpool One, Liverpool, L1 8JF

Cuisine(s): Portuguese, Casual

Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £11.00, Dinner: £16.00

North Garden

Address: 28 Nelson Street, Liverpool, L1 5DN

Cuisine(s): Chinese

Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £25.00

Notsushi

Not resting on its laurels, appears to be one of those all too rare places that take what they are doing seriously.

Address: Imperial Court, Exchange Street East, Liverpool, L2 3PH

Cuisine(s): Japanese

Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: N/A

LIVERPOOL RESTAURANT GUIDE A - M

As there so many restaurants to choose from, I only want to give you a list of the best places in Liverpool to dine.  I have high standards, and as a person that regularly dines out, I want to give you the best there is.  Average price is based on a 2 course meal, coffee, a half bottle of house wine and tip.

Alma de Cuba Restaurant and Bar

Address: St Peter's Church, Liverpool, L1 4BH
Cuisine(s): Cuban, South American
Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £42.00

Ark Restaurant

If proof was ever required that Liverpool has more to offer in the culinary field these days, then Ark Restaurant provides it, as this trendy, beautifully designed restaurant really breaks the traditional mould.
Address: 12 Smithdown Place, Penny Lane, Liverpool, L15 9EH
Cuisine(s): English, Modern British, Modern European
Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £23.00

ASK - Liverpool

For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking. Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken.
Address: Unit 5, Queen Arcade, Liverpool, L1 1RH
Cuisine(s): Pizza & Pasta
Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £22.00

LARK LANE & SEFTON PARK

Picture this... you are walking along Lark Lane with your friends and you have never been here before.  You never knew it existed.  You walk past a healing centre, a crystal shop, many bars and restaurants until you sit down and start to relax and soak the environment in.  Then something strange happens... you look at your watch and hours have gone by!  

This is the area of the Beatnik.  It is still the main meeting place for creatives of all fields, there is a general acceptance and tolerance of all walks of life here, from the eccentric, scruffy millionaire sitting alone having a beer in Keith's only to be joined by a local hoody,  musician and off-duty probation officer catching up on old times then meandering into profound, philosophical discussion.

Staring out of the window at Keith's Wine Bar, there will be children unlike any other children in Liverpool.  They are not spoilt nor tarnished by the materialistic culture that has engulfed so many.  You will see the majority of people are relaxed in their own skins, without judgement, well read, well travelled and above all, from every corner of the globe on this idyllic lane.  It is such a shame there isn't a song written about.. hang on.. hmmm! Maybe I'll write one myself.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF LIVERPOOL

Liverpool's history can be traced back as far as 1190, known as Llifpwll a Welsh word Llif meaning 'flood' and pwll 'pool'.  There are several other interpretations including 'Liferpol' meaning muddy pool etc.  It was then a small Hamlet.

In 1207 King John founded Liverpool (Livpul) as a borough and port.  He invited settlers to come and live here, slowly building its numbers up to become a small farming and fishing community.  Troops were also based here and then dispatched to Ireland.  The population remained at about 1000 until the early 15th century; this is when the period of economic decline set in, enabling power to the county gentry.  Speke Hall was built in 1530 see picture (right).  Photography by http://colour-splash.com/  By the mid 16th century, the population had fallen to about 600.

INTRODUCTION TO LIVERPOOL

I'm a musician/teacher from Liverpool about to embark on an exciting adventure. I've spent a long time planning which places I want to visit and in what order. On my travels I'll be taking lots of photographs, getting involved socially, checking out the music scenes, finding the best restaurants, hotels and bars, places of interest and travel deals.  Travel tips will gradually build into a library over the coming years and I hope to make lots of friends along the way.