10 of the best things you can do this weekend in Liverpool

The weekend has landed and not only does it include pay day for most, but with it being 1st December on Friday, it also means the Christmas playlist is going on full blast at Guide Liverpool HQ. ‘Fairytale of New York’ time.

Loads going on across the city, and I’ve got a few ideas on what you can be getting up to over the next few days, whether it’s listening to music on the couch, laughing a long to a comedy show in town, filling your face with a Crimbo menu special, or full on raving and misbehaving until the cows come home.

Jay here with my current picks and choices on how to have a good one this weekend in Liverpool.

To Eat…

Reds True BBQ: The Monet Christmas Burger

Sweet & savoury seems to be all the rage and you can’t get sweeter and more savoury than this. During December you can tuck into Red’s take on a Monte Christo. Turkey pate, peppered bacon, cheese, cranberry and dirty sauce. Best of all though it is squeezed between a vanilla custard soaked, fried brioche bun. Sounds mad doesn’t it, trust me, you’ll be back for more everyday until 2018. Lots more BBQ’d deliciousness on offer too and the Festive Tray is perfect for those who can’t decide on what to have. Check out Red’s True BBQ on Hanover Street in Liverpool ONE asap.

More info and full Christmas menu is here.

More Liverpool Food & Drink news here.

To Drink…

Dead Craft Beer Co, Dale Street

Anyone who knows me knows I don’t mind the odd pint, so when I first ventured into Dead Crafty Company my eyes opened up like a kid on Christmas morning. 20 rotating taps, over 150 different bottled beers from every corner of the globe, and a quaint and quirky setting that you instantly fell welcome in. The guys who run DCBC are beaming with passion about what they do, and what they have on offer. If you think craft beer isn’t for you, then I promise you they will find something to suit your taste and you won’t ever want to put the glass or bottle down.

Give them a follow on Twitter here and LIKE their Facebook page here for all the latest event news and info you need.

To Experience…

Liverpool Santa Dash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fr1UHQPhrs&t=1s

I have a confession to make, in the 14 years that it has been on, I have never ran the Liverpool Santa Dash! I’ve hosted proceedings at the finish line, I have got drunk with a few Santa’s afterwards, I’ve even sat in the old store front of Rapid, donning my best Santa suit to help promote it, but never actually took part. And once again I find myself in the same predicament. 2018 will be my Santa Dash year, I promise! But I will be down there on Sunday to soak up the amazing atmosphere and cheer on the reds and blues as they whiz past, my probably, hungover person.

If you are taking part, well in! If you are aren’t then get in to town Sunday from 9.30am and give them a wave, it really is one of the city’s finest events, and this year not only does Radio City’s Cash for Kids benefit but the main charity being supported is Claire House. Our Kate is taking part and Claire Simmo joins Graeme White on hosting duties, so if you see them, give them a wave!

Check out your ultimate guide to the Liverpool Santa Dash here.

To treat ya Ma…

Liverpool Winter Arts Market

Whether it’s your Mum, your other half, your Nan or even the kids, the perfect way to get Christmassy this weekend is to head to Liverpool Cathedral on Saturday 2nd December. The Liverpool Winter Arts Market returns from 10am, bringing with it over 200 stalls, featuring local independent traders. Gifts for all the family available from photography, ceramics and jewellery, to screen-prints, festive decorations, cards, clothing, photography, woodwork, glassware, textiles and handmade beauty products. Live entertainment too for the kids and for the music lovers as Merseyrail Sound Station have their own stage, showcasing the best in local music.

More info here.

To Listen…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Z0LQgLDvU

Apart from the Crimbo tunes there is lots of great music doing the rounds at the moment. It’s a range of diverse tastes in The Guide Liverpool office with everything from Jessie Ware’s ‘Glasshouse’ and Elton John’s Greatest Hits to Liam Gallagher’s ‘As You Were’ all on loop at the moment. Locally if you want something fresh, unique and exciting then look no further than XamVolo. We have shouted about him lots over the years and seen him live in the city at festivals like Africa Oye, LIMF & Sound City. He plays District this Thursday (30th) with BidoLito! Some tickets available here. And if you miss that, check out his latest offering ‘Feels Good’ above.

Well in…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcNXG-6SqWA

A massive congrats goes to local lads, DJ/ Producers, Mike Di Scala and Dave Whelan, otherwise known as Camelphat. We have all been bopping along to their collaboration with fellow producer Elderbrook this summer, and news in this week is that ‘Cola’ has been nominated for a Grammy in the ‘Best Dance Recording’ category. Ana actual Grammy, that is HUGE! The tune reached number one in the American Dance Chart earlier this year, that in itself is an incredible achievement. Best of luck boys, Liverpool is behind you.

To Party…

Gorgon City, Underground Liverpool

They tore the Central Stage apart at LIMF in Sefton Park earlier this year and on Saturday they return to the city to do the same at Undergound Liverpool. Gorgon City have worked with everyone from Wyclef Jean to Basement Jaxx and their music has dominated the charts with tracks like ‘Ready For Your Love’ and ‘Go All Night’ for yonks. If you love house and are up for a little boogie through the night then sort your tickets here. If their set at LIMF is anything to go by, then this is a must for your weekend.

To Get Cheesy…

Liverpool’s own Lee Butler is bringing you the night of your nineties dreams on Saturday. ‘Can’t Touch This’ takes over Camp & Furnace for one night only, and the second best boyband of all time (after East 17 of course) is taking to the stage. Five will be performing a full set of their greatest hits and 90’s dance superstar Rozalla will be belting out ‘Everybody’s Free’ live to a packed crowd. As well as that Pianoman will be there and the UK’s best Michael Jackson too. Last remaining tickets available to buy in store at 3 Beat. Enjoy!

To Dine…

Salthouse Bacaro

One of my favourite restaurants in the city is located on Castle Street. Salthouse Bacaro serves up small plates of all of your Italian favourites. In Venice, a bacaro is a workingman’s pub where snacks called cichetti are served in small plates. From small sharing boards to mini pizzettes, meat and fish served tapas style, and mini puds to keep the sugar tummy happy too. My personal favourite’s include the fritto misto, buttermilk chicken Milanese with chimichurri fried egg and of course the potato fries with garlic mayonnaise and parmesan. Service is always smiley and swift, and the atmosphere is perfect anytime of the day or night. Enjoy!

For more info and to make your booking head to the website here.

To See…

The Scouse Nativity, Royal Court Liverpool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF0KgVtpAfY

The legendary Royal Court Christmas show is back, funnier and more Christmassy than ever for 2017. This year it tells the greatest story ever told, Scouse style. The Scouse Nativity stars all of your Royal Court favourites including Andrew Schofield, Stephen Fletcher and Lindzi Germaine. Expect plenty of laughs, plenty of music and plenty of Liverpool references as the most local, and most crazy Crimbo show of the year begins its journey from Bootle to Bethlehem.

The Scouse Nativity runs until 13th January and you can sort your tickets here.

Lots more going on across the city too, of course our Liverpool Christmas Market is open for business on St George’s Hall Plateau. If you haven’t already heard the Roast Dinner Wraps are amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOehD94zbp0

As well as that the spectacular light display at Albert Dock launches on Friday evening at 5pm, expect the most Christmassy scene you will lay your eyes on this far this year, Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival continues to wow visitors down on the Pier Head and new venues opened recently include McCooleys on Mathew Street, La Finca Eivissa and top of list at the moment is Crazy Pedros on Parr Street.