15 things you can do this week in Liverpool (1-6 September 2020)

The kids are going back to school, but we’re not letting go of summer just yet. Here’s 15 ideas for things to do in Liverpool this week.

Don’t forget getting the train is back, and you can get wherever you want to on Merseyside using the Merseyrail network. Plan your journey here.

Take a street art tour of New Brighton

The new-look New Brighton isn’t just a buzzy place for bars and restaurants, it’s become a centre of street art too.

Rockpoint Leisure has commissioned works from local and international street artists which can be found around the town’s Victoria Quarter.

The newest addition is an absolute head-turner – a giant balloon art mural by Fanakapan that’s got to be seen to be believed.

Download a map at www.newbrightonstreetart.com

Have an al fresco breakfast on Lark Lane

The Lark Bistro

Before you head into Sefton Park, fuel up with an outdoor brekkie on the Lane.

There’s loads more places to choose from thanks to #WithoutWalls, so take advantage of the weather while it’s still nice and eat outside.

Milo Lounge, Pippins Corner, The Lark Bistro and The Bookbinder and more all have outdoor tables, and great breakfast menus, and don’t be put off if they all look full because places like Polidor 68 have extra space out back too.

Watch a film at the reopened Everyman Cinema

It seemed like ages before cinemas could reopen, but now they have it feels like something special.

And at the Everyman Cinema, you don’t just get the pleasure of watching films on the big screen, you get treats at your seats including their fabulous ice cream sundaes.

The sofas mean social distancing isn’t a problem and this week there’s a programme of new releases like Tenet, Four Kids and It, and Summerland alongside classics like The Greatest Showman and Back to the Future.

Book your tickets here.

Try the tacos at Madre, Albert Dock

The Royal Albert Dock has been a real go-to for foodies since restaurants opened up again.

With its authentic Mexican street food, and extra space to enjoy it out in Anchor Courtyard, Madre has been one of the big attractions.

Everything’s good, but the tacos are a stand-out – choose from meat options, steak, fried chicken with chipotle aioli or grilled pork, Baja fish with jalapeno aioli or veggie versions with roast sweet potato or Portobello mushroom. £7 gets you a pair.

See the menu here

Shop local at Merseymade

It’s never been more important to support Liverpool businesses to keep them alive, and to do it safely on the high street where you can.

Merseymade has stepped up to make sure it’s a safe place shop so now you can to see artists at work and find a fantastic selection of items produced by more than 30 local creatives – everything from art prints and photography to jewellery, food boxes which are perfect for a picnic or to have at home, and even pressies for your dog!

More info here.

Enjoy smoking cocktails outdoors at The Alchemist

The Alchemist bartenders are masters of the dark art of cocktails, coming up with show-stopping combinations you won’t find anywhere else.

They’ve been the self-proclaimed Saviours of Summer since they reopened and, now we’re stretching summer through at least September, it’s the perfect time to experience the theatre of one of their smoking cocktails. The Alchemist has a whole menu section dedicated to ‘chemistry favourites’ so it’s definitely back to school time!

Visit the website here

Discover the ultimate history of British rock & pop at The BME

The British Music Experience at Cunard Building reopened in August and for music lovers, there’s no better place to find the memorabilia and stories behind some of the biggest artists of the last eight decades.

There’s more than 600 artefacts housed here, from Dusty Springfield and Freddie Mercury to Little Mix and Adele, and there’s plenty of interactive opportunities so you don’t just have to look and admire, you can actually get involved and show off your own music talents.

Pre-book your ticket here

Try authentic Vietnamese food at VietNom

After building up a devoted fanbase at Baltic Market, bringing the tastiest little bit of Vietnam to Liverpool, Mel and Peter opened up VietNom on Berry Street.

They create amazing authentic Vietnamese dishes, lunch and evening – big plates, small plates and a pho noodle soup (beef brisket or veggie) that’s got to be tried. And if all that wasn’t enough, there’s gorgeous cocktails too.

See the menu here.

Be surprised as culture comes to the streets of Liverpool 

Liverpool Without Walls gets set to celebrate its second phase with three weekends of surprise events planned throughout the city.

Almost 50 cultural organisations and freelance artists have been given a share of £200,000 to bring art and performance to Liverpool’s streets.

Keep your ears and eyes open (limited details will be given in advance to avoid people breaking social distancing rules) and just get ready to enjoy! The commissions, funded by Arts Council England via Liverpool City Council, will include live music, theatrical performances, dance, light installations, murals, photography exhibitions and street animation; along with a series of billboard-style art works celebrating the talent of Liverpool’s Black artists.

A day out to Farmer Ted’s before the kids go back to school

They reckon it’s not just a day out, but an adventure at Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm in Ormskirk -and here’s why…

There’s loads of animals for you to meet as well as mini beasts too, you can watch the Shaun the Sheep Show, test your navigational skills in the two mazes and have fun in the play areas.

Add to that, it’s really well organised with timed events so you don’t miss a thing on your to-do list, AND there’s a brand-new Education Shed with videos, activities and presentations about life on a farm.

More info here.

Take a tour of St George’s Hall on Thursday

When he hosted his Penny Readings in St George’s Hall, Charles Dickens described his performance area as the ‘most perfect room in the world’ – so find out why the literary great was so impressed.

Take a guided tour to discover more about the history and architecture of one of the finest neoclassical buildings in the world, right here in the city.

In St George’s Hall you can experience the extremes of Liverpool life with a visit to the old prison cells and the imposing court rooms, and the biggest classical reception room in the UK, the Great Hall.  Don’t forget, of course, the Concert Room.

Book your place here.

Try the famous bubbling lasagne at Casa Italia 

The Stanley Street restaurant has got to serve one of the best lasagnes in the whole of the city.

There’s been many a great meal eaten at the popular rustic Italian, known as much for its friendliness and great atmosphere as its bella cuisine.

Its classic menu has been developed over more than 40 years – so we guarantee they know what they’re doing – and as well as some of the best pizzas created with daily-fresh dough and mouth-wateringly tempting desserts, they excel in fab pasta dishes which include their lovingly-made oven-baked lasagne layered with Bolognese and bechamel sauces and topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese. Hungry now?!

www.thecasaitalia.com

Take on Southport Pier with an ice cream reward when you get to the end

If you fancy filling your lungs with fresh air and enjoying fantastic views, then a walk along Southport’s Grade II, 1,000-metre long pier – the second longest in the country – is a must.

The Victorian pier’s had pride of place in the resort for more than 150 years and has some of the best views across the North West. On a clear day you can see neighbouring Blackpool and the North Wales coast.

If a walk sounds too much like hard work, you can hop on the pier tram which will take you straight to the end where you can grab a cuppa in the pavilion – or an ice cream (well, you are at the seaside!).

www.visitsouthport.com

Tickle the Ivories at Liverpool ONE

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the piano busking festival, courtesy of Liverpool ONE and Open Culture, and it’s definitely one of the Things to Love in Liverpool.

Pianists are invited to book slots on one of two pianos in College Lane and near the Sugar House steps, and they’re licensed to keep any busking proceeds they make.

This week’s highlights include performances from veteran ‘Tickler’ Andrew Fisher, the Human Jukebox, Johnny Larsen with 70s and 80s classics and Abbie Gilligan, a 15-year-old pianist currently studying for her Grade 5 exams, who plays everything from classical music, to indie and pop.

www.liverpoolone.com/events

Discover Reynolds Park in Woolton

It’s one of the city’s lesser-known green spaces, but one visit to Reynolds Park, the beautiful 14-acre park set within the Woolton conservation area of South Liverpool, and you’ll wonder why you’ve never been before.

It’s got a walled garden with beautiful borders and Dahlia displays, there’s a sunken and topiary garden, as well as a wildflower meadow and woodland areas.

More info here.