13 things we miss from our childhood in Liverpool

Are you no stranger to a Nokia 3310 on Pay As You Go? Did you arrange to meet up with a mate on a weekend by saying “meet me at The Bombed Out Church at 12pm”? Can you still do a fantastic impersonation of the dial-up internet tone? Then this is definitely for YOU!

Now that you’ve stopped making the noise of modem in your head… it’s time to take a walk down memory lane as we take a look at some of the boss things we miss from our childhood in Liverpool during the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s!

Heatwaves – Stockbridge Village

Come on, surely you haven’t forgotten the wave machine at Heatwaves?!

Heatwaves Leisure Centre in Stockbridge Village opened its doors on September 8, 1990.

Once Merseyside’s only “tropical leisure pool” – it was a fully-equipped oasis featuring a wave-pool, hot water springs, flume, a tropical ambiance with palm trees, and fountains!

Its allure extended beyond Stockbridge Village, drawing families from across Merseyside. Fond memories were made as visitors experienced the thrill of the wave pool and the curving water chute where after a thrilling descent you would land in a separate pool.

Pleasure Island – Otterspool

The sprawling amusement complex was nestled on the grounds of The Festival Gardens along Otterspool Promenade. 

Nostalgic memories flood the minds of Scousers who grew up in the 80s and 90s, cherishing the family days spent at Pleasure Island, a huge dome structure that housed all sorts of amazing leisure activities.

There’s countless boss memories of popular attractions like the roller dome and the Quasar Labyrinth, where kids revelled in exhilarating laser shooting games, and of course, the adrenaline-pumping 120ft death slide that dared the brave to take the plunge.

Still feeling a bit nostalgic? Read more about Pleasure Island here!

This Morning – Royal Albert Dock

Since it began in 1988, This Morning has stood as one of ITV’s most successful shows, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the channel’s daytime schedule.

Initially hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan, they would broadcast live from the Royal Albert Dock from 1988 – 1996!

Let’s be honest it’s never been the same without the Three Graces in the background! The This Morning studio was situated in what is now Smuggler’s Cove.

Caesar’s Palace – Renshaw Street

Renshaw Street is filled with restaurants these days, and many have come and gone… but none more iconic than Ceasar’s Palace!

Caesar’s Palace was an Italian restaurant, serving all sorts from pasta, pizza, and burgers – but let’s be honest, as kids we were just waiting for that ice-cream menu to be passed around!

This dining spot could accommodate over 300 guests, it was the place to go for birthday’s or a special occasion – with most main courses priced below £10!

Remember the giant fish tanks as well?

Bring it back!

Uncle Sams – Renshaw Street / Bold Street

There must have been something about Renshaw Street back in the day, because another icon was born there. Did you know that Uncle Sam’s served Scousers for 38 years before it closed?!

The American-style eatery was a big hit with the locals for their decent portion sizes and great value for money.

They relocated to bold Street in 2013 before having to close their doors in 2019.

It’s always such a shame to lose an institution in the city like that. The Printworks hotel stands in place of Uncle Sam’s on Renshaw Street today.

Fatty Arbuckle’s – Edge Lane

Based in the heart of Edge Lane Retail Park, around where Frankie and Benny’s is now… there was Fatty Arbuckle’s.

The restaurant was co-founded in 1983 by Pete Shotton, an associate of John Lennon’s, who used to play the washboard for The Quarrymen.

Fatty Arbuckle’s was famous for their large portions of American-style food at cheap prices mostly served on 13″ plates!

But who can forget the Arbuckle Challenge where you would try and defeat a 24oz steak and sides, all to leave with a t-shirt.

In 2000, aiming to attract a health-conscious clientele, the chain opted to remove “Fatty” from its name and rebranded itself as “Arbuckle’s,” embracing a simpler and more inclusive identity.

Edge Lane Cinema

Another gem located in Edge Lane Retail Park, many will remember it first opened as an eight-screen MGM cinema in 1991, and then in 1995, it had been rebranded to Virgin!

Their pic’n’mix wall was second to none – except maybe Woolies (Woolworths).

For a few of us it was more than likely one of our first ever cinema experiences in the city.

By the time the cinema closed it was owned by Cineworld… and after 25 years the building was demolished as part of the £100 million Edge Lane redevelopment.

McDonalds Parties 

We all knew at least one person who had a party at McDonald’s!

People in Merseyside still hold memories of hosting or attending Ronald McDonald parties at various locations across the city including Lord Street, Ranelagh Street, Edge Lane and Hunts Cross.

Let’s be honest, they were boss! They had great games, everyone got a balloon, and it’s a fact that 90s Happy Meal toys were just the best!

Camelot – Chorley

It was a very sad day for Scousers when Camelot closed!

Drawing inspiration from the tale of Camelot, the beloved park welcomed its first guests when it lowered its drawbridge in 1983.

Embracing a medieval theme, the park captivated visitors with attractions such as the thrilling jousting tournaments, Merlin’s mesmerising magic shows, and the awe-inspiring Birds of Prey Shows.

The high-thrill rides such as Knightmare, the Tower of Terror, Venom and Excalibur were incredible.

After its closure in 2012 some of the roller coasters were sold – The Whirlwind was relocated to Skyline Park in Germany… but others remained in the abandoned park. By July 2021, the park had been dismantled and demolished.

The Liverpool Show – Wavertree

Originally The Liverpool Show ran from 1949 – 1978 but made a comeback to Wavertree Park in 1993!

Revamped to appeal to the 90s audience, it featured breathtaking bungee jumping and thrilling daredevil stunt performances, and the show continued for another decade.

However, in 2003, due to insufficient funding, the show was once more canceled.

Organisers declared that The Liverpool Show would not be held again… petition to get it back anyone?

Radio City Party at the Pier – Liverpool Waterfront

Radio City Party at the Pier made waves by inviting the nation’s top pop singers and bands to Liverpool’s Albert Dock and Pier Head.

Before the likes of On The Waterfront, or even Eurovision, Liverpool already knew how to throw a boss music event! The area underwent a remarkable transformation, boasting a massive stage, speakers, screens, and dazzling lighting for Radio City’s exclusive concert.

Thousands gathered at the Albert Dock and Pier Head to witness stellar performances by their beloved artists.

The star-studded lineup included popular pop groups like Hear’Say, Blue, and The Honeyz, alongside individual performers such as Victoria Beckham, Louise Redknapp, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Samantha Mumba!

The event was organised to support the charity Give A Child A Chance.

Granada Studios Tour

Ok so this one may not be in Liverpool – but it was only down the road in Manchester and we were always buzzing when we heard we were going!

The Granada Studios Tour was an entertainment theme park situated within the Granada Studios complex in Castlefield, Manchester.

Open from 1988 to 1999, you could walk down the cobbles on Coronation Street, sets from Emmerdale… event the Sherlock Holmes-era Baker Street backlot set from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series!

1997, the Granada Studios Tour introduced Skytrak, the world’s first flying roller coaster. This exhilarating ride got its name from an event in the Gladiators television series.

Wacky Warehouse

Another place boss for a party!

Having a ball in the soft play area, followed by inhaling your chicken nuggets, and downing your Slush Puppy as quick as you can… complete with brain freeze… so you can get straight back to the fun!

The parents used to be able to enjoy a pint while the kids ran wild.

The slides were always the best… but take a moment to think about all the people who built up their courage to go down the dark slide only to land in the ball pit surrounded by people throwing them at them.

What do you miss from your childhood in Liverpool? Let us know on our socials! For the latest news in the city click HERE!