Spice Girl Melanie C has said the iconic girl group are “frightened” to do a reunion the wrong way in a recent interview.
The singer, 52, also known to fans as Sporty Spice, addressed the possibility of a Spice Girls reunion with Rebecca Judd on her Apple Music show, following speculation around this year’s 30th anniversary of their hit single Wannabe.
The pop group, who formed in 1994, went on to dominate the charts with hits such as Who Do You Think You Are? and Viva Forever – and was comprised of Mel C, full name Melanie Chisholm, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Lady Victoria Beckham and Geri Halliwell-Horner.
Mel C said her bandmate Bunton, who was known as Baby Spice, is rooting for a reunion.
She told Judd: “I’m not going to throw anybody under the bus. We all are so proud, of course we are, of our legacy. It’s amazing. And it is 30 years and we do have to celebrate that in some way this year. I’m always optimistic.”
Chisholm described herself and singer Brown, or Mel B, as the “cheerleaders” pushing for a possible reunion.
She said: “Emma’s totally with us, but we all love it so much. I think it’s so precious to us.
“We’re frightened to do it the wrong way. Do you know what I mean? So it’s like we’re still working, we’re always talking, lines of communication are open and we are just waiting until we all decide on exactly the best way to do it.”
The girl group’s debut single Wannabe was released in 1996 and after two years at the top of the charts, Halliwell-Horner, nicknamed Ginger Spice, shocked the world when she left in 1998, citing “differences between us”.
In December 2000, the rest of the group went their separate ways, announcing an indefinite hiatus.

The Spice Girls reunited in 2012 for the closing ceremony of the London Summer Olympics and in 2019 for their Spice World tour – which did not feature Lady Beckham, who was also known as Posh Spice.
Since then, the chart-topping girl group has been the subject of speculation about their return to the stage.
In April 2024, Sir David Beckham sparked an online frenzy when he posted a video of the girl band singing and dancing onstage to their 1998 hit Stop at Lady Beckham’s 50th birthday party.
The former footballer later shut down the rumours of a reunion, and in an interview with US magazine Variety, he said: “I’ll still work at it, don’t worry.”
The full interview with Mel C is available on The Rebecca Judd Show on Apple Music.
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Child killer Jon Venables is set to have his latest bid for freedom heard by the Parole Board.
The 43-year-old, who tortured and murdered two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, will have his case heard by parole chiefs at an oral hearing more than two years after his last appeal.
In 2023, the Parole Board rejected the bid and found he still posed a danger to children and could go on to offend again.
Venables was jailed alongside Robert Thompson after the pair of 10-year-olds snatched James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993.
Venables was released on licence in July 2001 and recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer.
He was once again freed in August 2013 and then called back in November 2017 for the same offence, with parole judges considering his case again in September 2020.
The Daily Mirror reported that James’s family was informed on Tuesday of the upcoming parole hearing, which it said is expected next month.
No date has yet been confirmed by the Parole Board.

Spokeswoman Kym Morris, on behalf of James’s mum Denise Fergus, told the paper:
“Once again, Denise Fergus has been forced to confront a process that reopens unimaginable trauma.
“Denise was hoping for a redirection … allowing her a measure of peace and protection from further distress. That hope has now been taken away.”
Ms Morris added that Ms Fergus’s application to observe the hearing has been granted.
Victims have been able to attend parole hearings held in private under reforms rolled out nationally in April as part of efforts to boost confidence in the justice system.
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A season of brand-new Murder Mystery Afternoon Teas is coming to the Everyman after completely selling out every show in 2025.
The hugely popular whodunnits are created by Liverpool-based DBY Interactive and written by the company’s founder Becky Brooks.
Last year they put on around 20 shows Downstairs at the Everyman and amateur sleuths snapped up every ticket almost as soon as they went on sale.
Now the theatre has commissioned another series of four new Agatha Christie style Afternoon Tea shows across the new year – plus there’ll be a murderous Valentine’s Special entitled ‘The Grand Finale’.
Becky, who lives in Wirral, came up with the idea of combining afternoon tea with an immersive murder mystery where audience members get to play detective and work out which character is the villain.
She launched the concept in April 2024, working with a core cast of talented local actors, and they proved an instant hit.

Becky said:
“The Everyman have really supported us, and helped us grow our voice and our identity, which has been brilliant,”
“I want the audiences to feel part of the shows, it’s escapism so they can really throw themselves into the experience and just enjoy themselves.
“You can feel the atmosphere in the room, how relaxed people are and how much they’re getting into it, and there’s such a mixed age range.
“When we first started out it was an older audience but now a lot more younger people come with parents or grandparents, and we get a few teenagers too, they’re normally the best detectives in the room!”
Becky says she writes her shows in layers, so people can get decide for themselves how much they get involved in the sleuthing
“Some people come just for the theatrical experience and the fun of it, and some really want to be challenged with all the clues and working out a motive.
“I tend to write the show and then go through it and work on the finer details and connections to make sure there are enough subtle clues. There’s nothing better than having a sudden twist when, as an audience member, you think you know what’s happened, but it’s also great for the cast to see someone get it because they were really listening.
“I love those moments when there’s a collective gasp because a room full of people are totally in your story, that’s such a good feeling.”
One of the things audiences love most about DBY’s murder mystery afternoon teas – as well as the scones – is the interaction: they get to interrogate characters at their tables as part of the show.
“People do work together and collaborate on ideas with other tables, so you get this community detective hub going on,” adds Becky.
“I think the setting really helps that because it’s a bistro and we only have 76 people in the room so it’s such an immersive very personal experience.”

Tickets for the Valentine’s Special, The Grand Finale featuring world-famous illusionist Theodore the Magnificent, are already on sale with shows from Thursday February 12 to Saturday February 14.
Then there’ll be a further four brand-new ones to come in April, July, September and December. Rest In Pieces is set at the wake of a WWII decoder who’s put a code in her will which the audience needs to decipher. Last One Standing has guests with hidden histories heading to a luxury island in the 1920s, and Union of Revenge is based in the 1960s in an ex-asylum now turned into the home of an artist.
The final show of the year, a Christmas special, will be Murder at Blackout, where the Everyman basement becomes a WW2 bunker filled with characters who may or may not be who they say they are.
Tickets for those four shows will go on sale soon, and Becky is excited to welcome new and returning fans, and reunite her cast.
“I’ve been growing the company for 10 years and the actors I work with I think are some of the best in the North West,” she says. “They bring it all to life and I’m so lucky to have them.
“Having all our shows sell out is a writer’s dream, I’ve always loved murder mysteries and interactive theatre so it’s so nice that other people love it too.”
You can book tickets for the Murder Mystery: The Grand Finale Valentine’s Special here.
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Andy Robertson has admitted performances have to improve in the second half of the season despite the 11 game unbeaten run Liverpool FC have achieved.
Comfortable at 2-0 until Dominik Szoboszlai’s display of arrogance in his own six-yard box gifted the visitors a goal, it took two late strikes from Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike – who cost a combined £195m in the summer – to make the game safe.
Letting opponents back into games has been a common theme this season for the defending Premier League champions and Robertson said that is something which has to be stopped.
He said:
“I don’t think the performance was overly great. We showed moments of really good individual quality, but we’ve got to play a lot better than that if we want to go further in this competition,” he said.
“Going 11 unbeaten is good (but) some of the performances still have to be better.
“We’ve got the draws against Leeds, Sunderland – games you’re expected to win – but there was the draw at Arsenal, a win at San Siro (against Inter Milan).

“We’ve stopped the bad form but we need to still lift the levels of performance. Everyone knows that and that’s what we’re working towards.”
After nine defeats in 12 matches during October and November, the priority was to stop the rot and make the team more difficult to beat.
But the criticism now is that Arne Slot’s side are dominating games but not taking their chances.
Robertson added:
“We’ve looked a bit more secure defensively which is pleasing but now we need to put it all together because people are saying we’re lacking an attacking threat,”
“We need to now get both because at the start of the season we were really good going forward but probably a little bit too open at the back. Now we’ve kind of reversed it.
“If you want to win trophies and go further in tournaments, you have to get the perfect balance and that’s what we’re working towards.”
Robertson admitted Szoboszlai had received some choice words from his team-mates at half-time after his crazy backheel allowed Adam Phillips to score but he said the Hungary captain had banked plenty of credit as their best player this season.
“The frustrating thing is Dom does this unbelievable 60-yard sprint to start with, he’s getting the clap off The Kop and I don’t know if that maybe went to his head,” he said.
“We can joke about it now but it’s unacceptable to lose a goal like that. Dom obviously knows that. He’s been magnificent for us this season and he was again really good.
“He just had a lapse of concentration, and we can’t afford too many of them in the six-yard box.”
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Disney On Ice is returning to Liverpool spring 2026 with Into The Magic, a spectacular family show bringing Disney’s most beloved stories to life on ice.
The show, starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, takes audiences on a magical journey across raging seas, snowy mountains and even the Marigold Bridge.
Families can enjoy adventures with favourite characters from Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast, packed with courage, love and unforgettable moments.
The production features more than 550 hours of rehearsal, over 213 dazzling costumes and around 180 props, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The show travels in 14 trucks, with each set taking approximately 12 hours to build.
Highlights include Moana’s high-sea quest to save her island alongside the demigod Maui, Miguel’s journey across the Marigold Bridge into the vibrant Land of the Dead in Coco, and Belle’s transformative adventure in Beauty and the Beast.
Fans will also see Anna and Elsa, Rapunzel and Flynn, and Cinderella bring courage and determination to the ice, inspiring children to find their inner hero.
Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic promises a dazzling, action-packed experience for the whole family, combining breathtaking skating, enchanting storytelling, and timeless Disney magic.
Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic will be at the M&S Bank Arena from 26 February to 1 March 2026, with tickets on sale here.
Check out more theatre shows that are coming to Liverpool in 2026.
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Knowsley Safari has announced an adorable new arrival, Kamari, a seven-week-old female Southern White Rhino calf.
Born to nine-year-old mum Bayami. Meaning moonlight in Swahili, Kamari marks an important role in the conservation of this near-threatened species.
Born on 20th November 2025, Kamari is a healthy, confident calf, weighing an estimated 40–60kg at birth, typical for her species. According to her keepers, she’s doing brilliantly, walking, feeding from mum and enjoying bursts of energy as she runs around her pen before settling down for naps. Bayami is proving to be a gentle and attentive mum, guiding Kamari to feed, and keeping a watchful eye as her calf explores.
Kamari is the second calf for her 16-year-old dad, Pembe. The last rhino calf born at Knowsley Safari was Bindi in February 2024, following Amara in October 2022. With three Southern White Rhino calves in five years, taking the crash to ten, Knowsley Safari continues to play an important role in the conservation of Southern White Rhino.
The species originates from South Africa and remains under threat in the wild, due to poaching. Every birth is a vital contribution to the global effort to protect these incredible animals.
Kamari isn’t visible on the Safari Drive just yet, due to the wet and cold weather, however visitors may catch a glimpse of her and Bayami in their outdoor yards on dry milder days. For now, Kamari’s enjoying life behind the scenes, greeting her keepers, mock charging, and showing off her bold personality.

Lindsay Banks, ungulates team manager at Knowsley Safari, says:
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Kamari to our crash. She’s already showing a confident and playful personality, which is fantastic to see at such an early stage. Every rhino birth is a huge achievement for conservation, and we’re proud to be contributing to the survival of this incredible species.”
Knowsley Safari’s commitment to rhino conservation extends beyond its own crash. The Safari actively supports Helping Rhinos, a charity dedicated to protecting rhinos and their habitats in the wild. Through this partnership, the Safari contributes to vital projects that safeguard the future of rhino populations globally, tackling threats such as poaching and habitat loss.
Knowsley Safari’s rhino crash benefits from two expansive paddocks spanning 60-acres, enhancing social dynamics and supporting breeding success, making Knowsley a key contributor to rhino conservation.
Find out more on the Knowsley Safari website.
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This Blue Monday (19th January) the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is giving away £1,000 worth of vouchers to help banish the January Blues.
Visitors can come to the dock and search for £1,000-worth of vouchers, redeemable across a selection of popular dockside venues.
With 10 x £100 vouchers available, the giveaway offers visitors the chance to treat themselves, whether that’s enjoying a meal, experiencing an immersive attraction or indulging in a spot of shopping.
From 10am, visitors can search for the blue envelopes hidden across the inner quay, with each one containing a voucher. For clues on where to find the vouchers, follow the dock’s social channels (@thealbertdock), where hints will be shared.

Sean Morrison, Estate Manager at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, says:
“Blue Monday is often considered one of the most challenging days of the year, so we wanted to create something fun and uplifting that gives people a reason to get out and enjoy the dock. With such a fantastic mix of restaurants, attractions and shops, this giveaway is our way of spreading a little joy and helping visitors make the most of everything on offer.”
The vouchers are valid at a range of popular venues, including Maray, Lost Soles, Miller and Carter, House of Spells, The Botanist, Rudy’s Pizza, The Beatles Story, Escape Hunt, Gusto, What’s Cooking and The Botanist.
With January deals already on offer at several of these venues, the vouchers will go even further, making it easy to enjoy a day out on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.
Find out more on the Royal Albert Dock website.
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FACT Liverpool has revealed its full exhibitions programme for 2026, featuring major new commissions, immersive installations and participatory projects that explore the intersection of art, technology and society.
The year-long programme will see FACT present newly commissioned works alongside re-staged pieces by emerging and internationally recognised artists, using tools such as playable game worlds and artificial intelligence to explore ideas around myth-making, ancestry, more-than-human perspectives, resistance and collective action.
Highlights of the 2026 programme include new commissions by Rachel Maclean, ONLY SLIME, Sahjan Kooner, Rae-Yen Song 宋瑞渊 and Seema Mattu, alongside a major group exhibition curated by FACT’s 2025 Curator-in-Residence, Milia Xin Bi.

Opening the year is Can Meeple Escape the Neurophoria? (6 February – 26 April 2026), a playful yet thought-provoking group exhibition inspired by tabletop gaming and world-building. Featuring work by Vytas Jankauskas, Joseph Wilk and Jan Zuiderveld, the exhibition examines how humans interact with intelligent technologies, including AI, while touching on surveillance, climate anxiety and digital systems.
From March to August, FACT will host two major concurrent exhibitions. Celebrated Scottish artist Rachel Maclean premieres They’ve Got Your Eyes, a new theatrical installation featuring a world-first film created using AI models trained on her own image and archive. The exhibition explores authorship, identity and power in the age of artificial intelligence through Maclean’s distinctive blend of satire, fantasy and unease.
Alongside this, artist duo ONLY SLIME will present an expanded version of their interactive game-opera AFTERLIFE, inviting visitors to step into fantasy computer-game worlds using motion capture and playful mini-games, blurring the boundaries between creator, player and avatar.

In May, artist and worldbuilder Sahjan Kooner will unveil a new collaborative project created with young people from youth clubs in Liverpool and Wigan. The exhibition invites participants to imagine museums of the future, rethinking collections as spaces shaped by identity, heritage and imagination.
The autumn season sees two ambitious new commissions opening in September. Rae-Yen Song 宋瑞渊 will transform FACT’s gallery into a subaquatic world inspired by diasporic mythologies and family lore, featuring newly commissioned sculptures, textiles, sound and moving image works. At the same time, Seema Mattu will present Saheli, a participatory project bringing together South Asian, queer, female and non-binary musicians to form a sonic collective addressing misogyny, casteism and queer erasure through music, film and installation.

FACT will also continue to present exhibitions into early 2026, including solo shows by Bassam Issa Al-Sabah and Nina Davies, which explore how digital representations can distort and replace lived experience.
Nicola Triscott, Director and CEO at FACT, said the programme continues the organisation’s long-standing commitment to ambitious, forward-thinking work at the intersection of art and technology.
She said: “In 2026, FACT continues exploring where art, technology and society intersect. Our year-round programme includes major exhibitions examining the creative possibilities and cultural implications of AI, alongside participatory projects with young people and collaborations with leading national and international institutions.”
Maitreyi Maheshwari, Head of Programme at FACT, added: “Across 2026, our exhibitions explore our search for meaning in a moment shaped by political uncertainty and technological anxiety. These works invite audiences to consider how the mythological, scientific and speculative coexist, and how we might collectively imagine different futures.”
Further details on exhibitions, opening dates and events will be announced by FACT Liverpool throughout the year.
Check out National Museums Liverpool as they unearth Liverpool’s dockland history.
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Salt and Tar is on the move for 2026, as organisers prepare to host the Music Weekender at a new location in Bootle’s Lock and Quay.
The move comes as part of ongoing regeneration works at Bootle Strand, ensuring the festival continues to thrive while improvements are made to the town centre.
Materials from the original site are being carefully preserved for future use and shared with local community projects. Despite the relocation, the festival will maintain its usual size and capacity, promising the same immersive live music experience for visitors.
Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, Cllr Paulette Lappin, said: “Salt and Tar has quickly become a highlight in Bootle’s calendar.

“While regeneration works are underway, we’re making sure the Music Weekender continues without compromise. Moving to Lock and Quay is an exciting opportunity to keep the event vibrant and accessible while delivering improvements that will benefit the whole community.
“This year’s lineup is already shaping up to be incredible, with The Waterboys, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, and The Saw Doctors confirmed, and a final headliner will be announced soon.”
Organisers plan to return Salt and Tar to its original site once the Bootle Strand regeneration is complete in 2027, promising an even bigger celebration for the town.
For more information on the ongoing regeneration of Bootle you should visit the council website.
We ask: Who is mysterious Scouse rapper EsDeeKid? – Check it out.
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Meet EsDeeKid, the masked scouser taking Liverpool rap global.
Liverpool rap has changed. The days of Riuven rhyming tongue-in-cheek bars about Chav Scum Kiddas and Juice FM spinning the same 20 songs on repeat are over.
These days, the Scouse scene has gone global. Since Aystar set the standard in the early 2010s with his chilling, laidback lyricism about life on the city streets, we’ve seen a new wave of talented young artists making a splash far beyond postcodes with purple bins.
From HAZEY’s TikTok-driven sensation ‘Packs and Potions’ to Young LS’s feral, ferocious energy attracting millions of online views and Mazza L20 spitting some of the sickest bars Charlie Sloth’s Fire in The Booth has ever heard, Scouse ‘trap’ tunes are gaining serious attention.
But one Liverpool rapper has risen above the pack. His name is EsDeeKid. And, despite never revealing his face, name, or age publicly, the balaclava-clad wordsmith has gone from underground cult icon to global name in less than a year.
As well as his 2025 debut album, Rebel, reaching number 8 in the UK album charts and number 29 on the US Billboard 200, EsDeeKid has also gained celebrity fans, including actor Timothee Chalamet. The Marty Supreme star even recorded a guest verse for the hit single 4 Raws, appearing alongside EsDeeKid in a music video.
What makes EsDeeKid so special?
What sets Scouse rap apart from the rest of the UK rap scene isn’t the beats, it’s the voice. Unlike many rap artists from other cities who use London-centric vocabulary and phrasing, Liverpool rappers lean unapologetically into their USP – the unmistakable Scouse accent.
Yet, while his city-born contemporaries expertly spit those tell-tale hard-hitting T sounds and thick Ks that kick like a kangaroo from Kirkby, EsDeeKid has arguably used the unique rhythm and slang of Liverpool to the most devastating effect.


You can’t imagine anyone else snarling bars as he does on 4 Raws:
“Plod are on chase, gotta make the excursion, now I’m managing this s**t like I’m Jurgen.”
It’s in these stories of street paranoia, spending dough, and getting girls that EsDeeKid really shines, bringing to life the reality of Liverpool’s underground with cinematic anger and intensity.
Yes, he has menace and machismo aplenty, but EsDeeKid also brings Scouse humour to his verses, with acerbic remarks and imaginative inflections.
“He the biggest green man since Incredible Hulk,” he says of a weed dealer on Phantom, featuring long-term collaborator Rico Ace.
These clever turns of phrase put a playful spin on EsDee’s otherwise aggressive style that sees him bark through tracks in a matter of moments. Most recordings on Rebel barely break the two-minute mark – a big reason he dominates short-form video platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
But for all his punchiness, wit, and swagger, there’s no escaping the fact that mystery is one of the most appealing things about EsDeeKid. After all, never showing his face led to fevered speculation that the rapper was Timothee Chalamet in disguise (they have similar eyes, apparently). The online rumour mill caught Chalamet’s attention and, never one to miss a publicity opportunity, the actor performed as ‘Little Timmy Tim’ alongside the rapper in a reworked video for 4 Raws in December 2025. The release finally put the myth to bed, and even saw Chalamet give a cheeky nod to the Scouse accent with the line:
“I got a can of Coke and that cheque in.”
The mystery around the Liverpool lingo has even led to the creation of online ‘EsDeeKid’ translators – YouTube videos dedicated to explaining what on earth he’s on about.
Wha’ lad, indeed.
What’s next for EsDeeKid?
Described by Dazed as “the fastest-growing artist in the world right now”, the masked emcee is expected to drag street-level Scouse Rap into the mainstream this year.
EsDeeKid’s famously energetic live shows go on tour at the end of January, taking the Liverpool rapper to Canada, America, and Australia.
2026 is when the rest of the world finally catches up to what we’ve known for years – nothing compares to the Liverpool lilt.
Listen to EsDeeKid on Spotify here.
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Sefton Council has welcomed the UK Government’s new restrictions on junk food advertising, describing them as a powerful boost to its own local health policies.
The new measures ban advertising for food and drink high in fat, salt and sugar before 9pm on TV and at all times online. The Government says the changes could remove up to 7.2 billion calories from children’s diets each year, help prevent around 20,000 cases of childhood obesity and deliver up to £2 billion in long-term health benefits.
Sefton Council says the national approach closely aligns with its Healthy Advertising Policy, which was adopted in 2024 and restricts the promotion of unhealthy food and drink on council-owned advertising sites.
Dr Rory McGill, Interim Director of Public Health for Sefton, said the announcement reinforces the work already underway locally.
He said: “We are absolutely aligned with the Government’s approach. These new national restrictions support and strengthen the work we have already begun here in Sefton. When local and national action move in the same direction, the impact on children’s health is multiplied.”
Sefton’s Healthy Advertising Policy aims to reduce exposure to marketing that encourages unhealthy choices, particularly among children, while promoting healthier food and drink options across the borough.
The Government’s decision comes amid ongoing concerns about children’s health nationally. More than one in five children in England are overweight or obese when starting primary school, rising to over a third by the time they leave. Tooth decay also remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for young children.
Dr McGill said the new rules directly support evidence-led public health work already taking place in Sefton.
He said: “The Government’s decision confirms what public health professionals have been saying for years — unhealthy food advertising has a powerful influence on children’s choices and long-term health,” he said. “The alignment between national and local action helps create a more consistent and supportive environment for families across Sefton.”
The council says the combined effect of national and local measures will help reduce health inequalities, improve long-term wellbeing and support healthier neighbourhoods.
Dr McGill added that the transition should be straightforward for advertisers.
“Industry is familiar with the tools and criteria. Companies have used the Nutrient Profiling Model for almost 20 years to determine whether products are suitable for advertising to children, so compliance at both national and local level should be achievable.
“What the Government and Sefton are asking for is responsible advertising that supports healthy lives, and that is entirely achievable.”
More information about Sefton Council’s Healthy Advertising Policy is available via the council’s website.
Discover your wellness journey with tips on how to start your Pilates journey this January.
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Dishoom is set to make its Liverpool debut this spring with the opening of Permit Room Liverpool, an all-day bar-café and social space landing in the city centre in early March.
Opening at Exchange Court on Dale Street, inside the former Royal Bank of Scotland building, Permit Room Liverpool brings Dishoom’s more playful, bar-led concept to the city for the first time. Inspired by the lively permit rooms of Bombay, the venue is designed as a relaxed, day-to-night destination for food, drinks, music and socialising.
Guests can expect a buzzing atmosphere, signature Permit Room cocktails and an all-day food menu that mixes drinking snacks, comforting curries and much-loved Dishoom favourites. Mornings are covered too, with Breakfast Naan Rolls and bottomless House Chai for those easing into the day.

Brian Trolip, CEO of Dishoom, said the team has long wanted to bring the brand to Liverpool. He said Permit Room felt like the perfect fit, offering a place rooted in the spirit of Bombay’s drinking culture, where cocktails, comfort food and connection come together from morning to night.
To mark the opening, Permit Room Liverpool will run a soft launch in late February, offering 50 per cent off food ahead of the official opening in early March. Bookings for the soft launch and beyond will open in early February, with walk-ins also welcome throughout the day.
The food menu focuses on generous bar snacks and shareable plates alongside richer curries. Highlights include Crispy Spinach Chaat layered with yoghurt and chutneys, the Chef’s Lamb Curry, coconut-rich Prawn Moilee and a half or whole Chicken Tandoori grilled to perfection. Dishoom classics such as Black Daal and Mattar Paneer also feature.
Breakfast options include hearty fry-ups, naan rolls filled with spiced eggs, bacon or sausage, and sweet-and-savoury French Toast with cinnamon brioche, cheese and hot honey.

Drinks are a major part of the Permit Room experience, with a cocktail list that includes short and boozy serves, playful twists on classics and lighter highballs. Expect drinks like the Blushing Dawn Paloma with chilli-infused tequila and mezcal, or the Thums Up Sazerac, made with a splash of India’s iconic soda. There’s also a strong alcohol-free offering, alongside beer towers for groups, including three-litre Kingfisher serves brought straight to the table.
Inside, the space blends retro-industrial design with warmth and character. Exposed concrete and wood panelling sit alongside a mix of artwork from Liverpool-based artists, contemporary creatives from Bombay and emerging South Asian talent. The walls are filled with vinyl covers, gig posters and personal photographs, giving the venue a lived-in, nostalgic feel.
Music plays a big role too, with local DJs set to feature regularly and playlists spanning funk, punk, hip-hop, disco, soul and Bollywood classics.
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Check out more new restaurants and bars we can’t wait to welcome and enjoy in 2026 here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
DeLuca’s is set to open in Liverpool this February, bringing a bold new nightlife destination to the heart of Concert Square.
Spanning three floors, the Vegas-inspired venue is designed as a full day-to-night experience, blending live sport, games, music and late-night energy under one roof. From early kick-offs to last orders, DeLuca’s aims to turn every visit into a celebration.
Drinks take centre stage throughout the venue, with a menu built around big flavours, oversized serves and theatrical presentation. From generous cocktails to playful, shareable serves delivered with a sense of occasion, the focus is firmly on drinks that make an impact.
At the heart of DeLuca’s is The Game Lounge, a high-energy space created for live sport, shared moments and big reactions. Major fixtures are turned into full-scale events, with lighting, sound and surprise elements designed to elevate match days into nights out.
Upstairs, The Club Room brings together games and party vibes, with American pool, shuffleboard and tech darts alongside DJs and flowing cocktails. The space opens out onto The Deck, an elevated terrace overlooking Concert Square, offering a prime spot for group bookings, celebrations and social sessions in the middle of Liverpool’s nightlife district.
Below it all sits One Below at DeLuca’s, a neon-lit late-night club inspired by the after-dark glamour of Las Vegas. This is where the energy peaks as the lights drop, the music ramps up and the night shifts firmly into party mode.
Designed for birthdays, big wins and nights that run later than planned, DeLuca’s opens this February as a new addition to Liverpool’s nightlife scene.
Oliver Clarke, Managing Director of DeLuca’s Bars, said: “DeLuca’s is about committing fully to the moment. It’s big, confident and unapologetic. By bringing sport, play and late-night spectacle together, every visit is designed to feel like an occasion.”
For more information follow them on Instagram or visit their website.
Check out more new restaurants and bars we can’t wait to welcome and enjoy in 2026.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Liverpool survived a bizarre moment of madness from Dominik Szoboszlai to avoid an FA Cup shock to Sky Bet League One Barnsley with a sketchy 4-1 victory at Anfield.
The Hungary international showed a reckless arrogance with his attempted backheel inside his own six-yard area, which presented Adam Phillips with the opportunity in front of the Kop he would have dreamed of as a former Reds trainee and boyhood fan.
What was so staggering was that his side was in complete control just five minutes before half-time as Szoboszlai’s sumptuous strike had been followed by another stunner from Jeremie Frimpong.
It was all the encouragement the visitors, 17th in the third tier, needed to push for the equaliser and they continued to ask questions until substitute Florian Wirtz curled home in the 84th minute. Hugo Ekitike slid home in added time to book a home tie with Brighton.

Incredibly Szoboszlai’s night could have got worse had VAR been in operation and able to review his tackle on Reyes Cleary which left Barnsley furious they were not awarded a penalty.
This may have been an 11th match unbeaten but, like many of the others, it was far from convincing.
News of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid a couple of hours before kick-off should not have added any additional pressure on Arne Slot, but the shadow of the ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss will begin to loom larger should results take another dive.
But having learned a painful less in their exit at Plymouth last season, Liverpool’s head coach took no chances with his team selection starting five of those who were in the team for Thursday’s goalless draw at Arsenal.
The six changes hardly weakened the team with Joe Gomez, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson supplemented by 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha and Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
It was evident Slot was taking no chances as the bench had over £250million worth of summer signings on it, which included the fit-again Ekitike.



But his plans were almost undone inside 30 seconds when Davis Keillor-Dunn headed against a post.
Szoboszlai’s night began in spectacular style, drilling home a 35-yard dipping shot but the last time the two sides met in 2008, Liverpool also went 1-0 up and ended up losing 2-1 to Brian Howard’s 90th-minute goal.
Jonathan Bland’s 25-yard volley forced Mamardashvili into a good save but when Frimpong cut in from the right and lashed a left-footed shot which beat goalkeeper Murphy Cooper for pace, Liverpool had a comfortable cushion.
Or so they thought. Szoboszlai had done the hard work, racing back to win possession but then cockiness got the better of him with an attempted backheel to Mamardashvili in the six-yard area instead of continuing his run towards the right flank.
Phillips scored the easiest goal of his career and the game was back on with the visitors seizing on the change in momentum with Liverpool seemingly under-estimating their opponents.
In the second half, Cooper brilliantly tipped a Virgil van Dijk volley on to the crossbar to keep them in the game, with their hopes only extinguished in the 84th minute as fans departed to the tongue-in-cheek strains of an acoustic version of The Bangle’s ‘Manic Monday’.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Thousands of young people across Merseyside will benefit from over £200,000 of extra funding as part of Merseyside Police’s Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES).
The additional funding, provided by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP), is being used to expand and boost the 27 existing YES projects and fund 18 new initiatives, enabling grassroots organisations to deliver more sports, digital and creative projects, and mentoring and wellbeing programmes, all focused on preventing crime and helping young people to thrive.
The YES was launched by the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell, and the MVRP in 2024 to tackle the root causes of violence by creating more safe spaces and positive opportunities for young people in the heart of their communities.
This latest boost means even more young people will have access to the projects running across Merseyside including:
- Boxing and sports programmes to engage young people at risk of getting drawn into crime and anti-social behaviour, building their resilience.
- Creative and trauma-informed initiatives offering safe spaces and personal development opportunities.
- Mentoring and volunteering opportunities to build confidence, life skills and aspirations.
- Targeted outreach for vulnerable groups, including girls and neurodiverse young people.
Among the recipients of the new funding are TARGET Football CIC in Toxteth, which will use its £5,000 grant to deliver the ‘Goals for Girls’ programme, creating pathways for girls and young women aged 11–24 to get involved in football as players, volunteers and coaches, while providing wraparound advice and guidance. In Norris Green, Kinship Carers will receive £7,500 to deliver tailored activities and mentoring for young people growing up in kinship families, helping them build confidence and stability in challenging circumstances.

Other newly-funded projects include Autism Adventures Training CIC in Speke–Garston, which will offer a youth club and volunteering opportunities alongside mentoring and practical safety strategies for neurodiverse young people, tackling issues such as county lines and coercion head-on. While in Birkenhead and Tranmere, Youth Federation will carry out targeted engagement with young people who are not attending school or have been suspended or excluded to get them back in class and on track.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell said:
“Investing in our young people is one of the most powerful ways we can prevent crime and keep our communities safe.
“The YES Fund gives young people hope, opportunities, and support to make positive choices. This extra £200,000 means more projects, more safe spaces, and more chances for young people to thrive – and that’s fantastic news for every community across Merseyside.”
Director of the MVRP, Superintendent Georgie Garvey added:
“Every project funded through YES is helping to steer young people away from harm and towards brighter futures.
“The feedback fromthe young people benefitting from our existing YES projects, as well as the organisations which run them, is incredibly inspiring and encouraging. Even some of the smallest grants are being used to run projects which are making a massive difference.

“So, we’re thrilled to announcement this extra investment, designed to bolster our 27 existing projects and deliver an extra 18 programmes across Merseyside focused on preventing serious violence and creating brighter futures for young people.”
In its first year, YES funding was used to provide diversionary activities for nearly 12,000 young people, helping them to gain new skills, increase their confidence and resilience and unlocking their potential.
Each of the successful organisations has received a grant of between £5,000 and £25,000, with money focused in the areas of Merseyside which have seen the highest levels of violence, with the aim of keeping young people safe and supported and helping to steer them away from trouble.
Find out more about the Youth Empowerment Scheme funding on the Merseyside Police website.
Find out more about some of Liverpool’s amazing community projects here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Health and fitness becomes more important than ever to us in the New Year and loads of people will be thinking about starting Pilates.
It’s a great form of exercise to help begin the journey to a better you, according to Nina Falconer, who owns popular Pilates studio, The Cabin, in Mossley Hill.
Nina said: “It’s so adaptable, you can have an injury, and it can be changed to suit and accommodate that.
“You can be any age.
“You can start slowly – and I always say slow and steady wins the race – because you can build the foundations of the movement, all the basics which can be the hardest part. Or you can go into it more dynamically.
“It’s really easy to see progression, because things you maybe couldn’t do at the start, six months down the line you can do with ease and comfort.”

Nina adds: “Pilates works hand in hand with everyday life and complements other sports and exercise, as well as standing on its own to support physical and mental health. It’s for everybody.”
We asked Nina for her tips on why you might consider Pilates and how best to get started …
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact practice built around slow, controlled movement, allowing you to fully focus on the time you’ve set aside for yourself and give your mind a break from the demands of everyday life.
It’s an extremely effective way of movement when practiced on its own, and blends seamlessly with other styles of training, complementing strength work and supporting performance across all sports. With a wide range of approaches — from classical to contemporary, as well as strength-focused Pilates — it’s a versatile exercise that can be tailored to suit different bodies, goals, and lifestyles.
What are benefits of Pilates?
“Pilates improves posture and alignment by strengthening deep stabilising muscles, and by building functional strength that supports everyday movement,” explains Nina. “It enhances core strength, which underpins balance and stability, and so prevents injury; and it increases flexibility and mobility.”
It also:
• Supports injury rehabilitation and helps prevent recurring pain, particularly in the back and hips
• Promotes mind–body connection through controlled, intentional movement
• Reduces stress and tension by encouraging breath awareness and nervous system regulation so improving mental health
• It is adaptable for all ages, fitness levels, and life stages – including pre and post-natal clients
• Helps improve other forms of exercise by improving movement efficiency and body awareness
“Crucially,” adds Nina, “it encourages long-term, sustainable movement habits rather than short-term fitness fixes.”
What Nina’s clients said …
* “Pilates really resets my mind — I leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever the workday throws at me.”
* “As a mum of four, that one hour of low-impact, mind-focused Pilates makes all the difference. I feel calmer and stronger.”
* “I feel more focused, calmer, and stronger than ever. It has encouraged me to live a healthier lifestyle, making small changes and adding daily habits in, a daily walk, cooking nutritious healthy meals … I feel like a different person than I was last year.”
How do you get started?
1. Find a time that works for you, whether that’s first thing in the morning, after school drop-off, at lunchtime or later: “Find something that’s sustainable and gets you into a routine.”
2. Look around for classes and try different ones at least a couple of times, and try different styles of Pilates: “Find a class and instructor that you like and enjoy, because then you’re more likely to keep going.”
3. If you’re nervous, try a more intimate setting, 1-1, 2-1, or small classes, before going into group classes, or reach out to talk to Nina at The Cabin for advice.
Try these exercises at home
Roll down

Benefits: Helps spine mobility & articulation; relives tension & stiffness; helps regulate breath; stretches the spine, and can relieve lower back pain.
To do: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale (through your nose) to prepare, slowly dip your chin to your chest and start to roll your head and shoulders downward from the top of your spine.
Gently curl inward, drawing in your abdomen and allowing your arms and shoulder blades to hang freely at your sides as you continue to roll down through your spine. When your hands reach around knee level, take a breath in. As you exhale, engage your abdominal muscles.
Slowly roll your body back up, initiating the movement from the lower back, gently drawing in your abdominal muscles. Keep your shoulders relaxed and hanging loosely throughout the entire movement. At the end, gently uncurl the neck and draw the shoulder blades back to return to the starting position.
Standing Table Top Lift

Benefits: Strengthens the deep core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back; improves balance and stability; builds strength in the hips and legs; encourages good posture and pelvic alignment, and enhances body awareness and control.
To do: Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Engage your core by gently drawing your abdominals in and up. Inhale (through your nose). Shift your weight slightly onto one leg while keeping your pelvis level.
Exhale (through your mouth) gently engaging the lower core as you slowly lift the opposite knee up toward hip height so the thigh moves toward parallel with the floor, forming a tabletop position.
Keep your spine long, chest open, and shoulders relaxed. Hold briefly while breathing steadily, then lower the leg back down with control. Repeat on the other side.
Note: Beginners can lift the knee lower than hip height if balance or strength is challenging, or hold onto a wall, chair, or barre for added support. They can also keep the lifted foot lightly touching the floor and slide it forward instead of fully lifting, move slowly and reduce the hold time.
Nina at The Cabin is open 6 days a week, morning-afternoon and some evening, running waitlists alongside all slots – check out her instagram here.
Here are 10 more tips to get your fitness back on track in 2026.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
We’ve finally ditched about a dozen layers so it feels like we’re taking January in our stride now – if you’re ready to do the same, here are 15 things happening in Liverpool this week …
Mary Poppins flies into the Empire

We’re only a couple of weeks into 2026, but one of the most-anticipated shows of the year is already here. The spectacular Mary Poppins arrives at the Empire this Wednesday until January 31, with Lyn Paul as Bird Woman and a hugely talented cast. If you love the classic film, this really is one not to miss.
Find out more here.
Ease your January blues at the One O’Clock Gun, Albert Dock

When January’s making you feel like staying in, fight the urge and get cosy at the dock’s local. The One O’Clock Gun’s an ideal place to hunker down with a couple of pints or cocktails, maybe pie and mash, and as well as a great waterside location it also has live music on Thursday to Sunday nights.
Find out more here.
Enjoy DNA Detective Workshops at Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre

If you’re looking for something a bit different to do with the kids, this will capture everyone’s imaginations. Head to Catalyst in Widnes at weekends until January 25 and you can take part in hands-on workshops all about DNA including learning how to extract it and recreating a face. 11.30am & 2pm.
Find out more here.
Star Pins has launched on School Lane

A gaming session’s guaranteed to cheer up even January, and now Liverpool’s got a brand-new food, drink & games venue. Opening this week on School Lane, Star Pins will have ten-pin bowling, ice-free curling, tech darts, karaoke, shuffleboard and arcade, perfect for families in the day and mates at night.
Find out more here.
Watch Marty Supreme or Zootropolis 2 at Everyman Cinema

Timothee Chalamet’s just picked up a Golden Globe for his lead in Marty Supreme, so if you’ve not seen it yet, make sure you catch it on the big screen before it disappears. It’s on all week at the Everyman, so you can enjoy it with a drink and great food at your sofa seat, or for Disney fans there’s Zootropolis 2.
Find out more here.
Tuck into Brewski new at Liverpool ONE

Brewski’s motto is ‘nobody leaves hungry’ and we can all get behind that right now! If you feel like an absolute feast, with small plates, burgers, poutine, some unbelievable dirty fries and massive speciality sharing platters, made for mates dates, get to Brewski on the terrace at Liverpool ONE.
Find out more here.
Sunday Roast at Ten Streets Social

This is 100% Sunday roast season so if you’re looking for a new one to try, get to Ten Street Social not far from Everton’s new stadium because theirs’ is a winner. It’s served every Sunday from 12midday to 6pm, there’s a vegan nutroast option, live music and the atmosphere’s just as good as the food.
Find out more here.
Two local music stars play the Phil

The Phil hosts some of the best-known global stars of music and comedy, and it’s a big supporter of brilliant local talent too. This Saturday sees the return of singer-songwriters Tom Speight and Alistair Griffin to the Phil’s iconic Music Room, 12 months on from a fantastic packed house gig there.
Find out more here.
Southport Winter Whisky Festival

Love whisky? There’s only one place you need to be this weekend and that’s Southport because Southport Winter Whisky Festival is on. Lots of whisky companies will be taking part, with tastings and a masterclass alongside Festival Saturday at The Grand and an After Party at The Guesthouse.
Find out more here.
Inspector Morse has arrived at the Playhouse

It was one of the best series of detective books and a TV classic, now Inspector Morse returns in a new theatre mystery. Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts follows the investigation of a young actress’s death by Morse – played by Tom Chambers – and his trusty sidekick DS Lewis. At the Playhouse from Tuesday.
Find out more here.
Jacaranda Baltic’s Second Birthday

The Jacaranda Baltic’s been a brilliant addition to Liverpool’s live music scene and this Saturday it’s celebrating two years of gigs, album launches and signings with an 18+ birthday party featuring live performances from Two Blinks, I Love You, Courds, Honey Motel, Temeraire & Pevova. Tickets £2.
Find out more here.
40% off food at Tiger Rock


There are loads of amazing food deals up for grabs in Liverpool right through January and that includes at Tiger Rock where you can get 40% off your food bill from Sunday to Thursday at all three Tiger Rocks, so that’s bargain small plates at North John Street, Renshaw Street and Smithdown.
Find out more here.
Submerge yourself into the Aquarium at World Museum

Not literally (!) but you do feel like you’re inside an underwater world when you visit the Aquarium at World Museum. Come face to face with all kinds of marine life including hermit crabs, starfish, dogfish, and clownfish (yes, it’s Nemo!) as well as Marge the Lobster who loves to have visitors.
Find out more here.
Visit picturesque Port Sunlight

Port Sunlight feels like stepping back into part of our region’s past, with a fascinating mix of history, arts and culture, and lovely green spaces. Enjoy walking tours to find out more, events at Gladstone Theatre and Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight Museum and Lady Lever Art Gallery, plus cafes for a pitstop.
Find out more here.
Breakfast at Bam Boo on Lark Lane

If you want a tasty start to the day, and you’re around south Liverpool, give Bam Boo a try. It gets top reviews for its brunch, with full Englishes, and dishes like shakshuka, steak and eggs, and pulled lamb benny. If you prefer something sweet, go for pancake or brioche French toast stacks and for the whole of January you can get 50% off French Toast Stack meals.
Find out more here.
For more of what’s on in Liverpool check out our calendar HERE.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Sister Ray, located on the iconic Wolstenholme Square is inviting you to showcase your record collection on their excellent sound system.
Sister Ray harmonises exceptional cocktails with an audiophile’s ear, set on the fringe of the iconic Wolstenholme Square in Liverpool. Day or night, weekday or weekend, it features bespoke drinks made with the finest ingredients and expertise.
Sister Ray is all about beautifully curated cocktails and music programming which attracts vibrant regulars and new guests each week. This intimate and discreet space has become Liverpool’s defining social hotspot since launching in May 2024, where exceptional cocktails and genre-spanning vinyl gems are found.
During January, Sister Ray is introducing Bring Your Own Vinyl every Thursday, running from 6pm to midnight. With music forming an integral part of any visit, founder Chris Edwards is inviting guests to bring their own music with them every Thursday, starting on Thursday 15th January. Also during January, Sister Ray is introducing Dry Martini January using No.3 Gin, creating a tantalising trio of individual mini Martini flights. And look out for the return of Bored Of Dating Apps which debuted in December with a lovely crowd of singles and returns on Thursday February 12th for Valentine’s.


Sister Ray’s founder Chris Edwards explains:
“We’ve got a fantastic sound system at Sister Ray and we have guests DJs on rotation. For January, we’re asking our guests to bring their own vinyl which we will play out. Anything from jazz, Afrobeat, very deep house, disco, hip-hop, that kind of thing is very much welcome. I’m certain there are people out there with some epic collections, so now is the time to welcome them at Bring Your Own Vinyl. Hopefully this will run further into 2026. We also hosted our debut Bored of Dating Apps event during the Christmas season which was great fun and our happy hour continues through January, too.”
Sister Ray’s happy hour runs from opening to 7pm each apart from Saturdays and runs Tuesday and Wednesday all day. Bottled beers are £4, an Irish Coffee is £5, a Tommy’s Margarita is £5 and for a class of English sparkling wine it’s £7.
At the end of 2025, for the second year running Sister Ray was included in The Top 50 Cocktail Bars list. The exact place in this brand new top 50 will be revealed in February 2026.
Sister Ray was named as one of the UK’s top 50 cocktail bars in 2025, find out more here.
Find more great bars in Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
The Municipal Hotel Liverpool is starting 2026 in style, inviting guests to rest and recharge with a series of exclusive offers.
To mark the start of the year, the hotel is introducing compelling dining incentives designed to deliver premium experiences at exceptional value. Guests can enjoy 26% off Botanic Tearoom’s non-alcoholic Afternoon Tea, offering a mindful and elegant take on a much-loved ritual. The experience features a welcome platter, freshly prepared sandwiches, delicate pastries, and warm scones served in a light-filled, stylish setting, providing a refined yet approachable way to indulge in Afternoon Tea. (Offer ends 31st Jan 2026.)

Meanwhile, Seaforth Restaurant presents 26% off its à la carte menu (food only), available daily, alongside a complimentary glass of Champagne when dining from the Time to Dine menu (Monday–Saturday, 12pm–6pm). Showcasing seasonal British cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, Seaforth’s elegant yet contemporary interiors offer the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch or dinner, positioning sophisticated dining as an accessible New Year treat. (Offer ends 31st Jan 2026.)
Wellness takes centre stage this January as Palm Court embraces the art of no- and low-alcohol cocktails. On 18 January, the bar hosts a Mocktail Masterclass, inviting guests behind the bar to learn how to create two of four beautifully crafted no- and low-alcohol cocktails, guided by expert mixologists. It’s a fun, flavour-led way to explore mindful drinking and start the New Year in style.

Completing the offering, The Municipal Spa unveils two new signature rituals, exclusive and bespoke to the hotel, focused on deep restoration and rejuvenation. Highlights include The Timeless Collagen Ritual, a rejuvenating facial designed to lift, plump and restore radiance, and Beyond the Hour, a deeply indulgent, head-to-toe wellbeing journey combining reflex-inspired footwork, flowing massage, a prescriptive facial and calming scalp treatment.
These launches coincide with the introduction of The Municipal Spa Ritual Collection, an exclusive range of botanical spa products including a Ritual Oil, Body Butter and Body Buff, allowing guests to continue their luxury wellness journey long after they leave the hotel.

With its blend of value-led dining, Dry January refinement, and elevated spa experiences, The Municipal Hotel Liverpool sets a new benchmark for starting the year well.
Book your stay now on the Municipal Hotel Liverpool website.
Find out more about The Municipal Hotel’s new cocktail menu.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Bold Street Coffee has opened the doors to its newest Liverpool location at Duke Street Market, bringing its much-loved brunch, all-day breakfast and specialty coffee to one of the city’s busiest food destinations.
The new Bold Street Coffee kiosk and kitchen is now open Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, offering a relaxed, daytime-focused menu made for slow brunches, late breakfasts and easy catch-ups.

Visitors can expect the same approach that has made the brand a favourite across the city, with a food-led brunch and all-day breakfast menu served alongside expertly brewed specialty coffee. The Duke Street Market setting makes it an ideal stop for weekend brunch plans or a laid-back lunch in the heart of Liverpool.
Independently owned and operated by GSG Hospitality, Bold Street Coffee has been part of Liverpool’s coffee scene since opening its first site in 2010.
The Duke Street Market launch marks another milestone for the brand, expanding its daytime offering to a new audience while staying true to its welcoming, community-focused ethos.

Matt Farrell, co-founder of GSG Hospitality, said: “Opening at Duke Street Market is really exciting for us. It’s a brilliant space and gives us the chance to focus on what we love most – great coffee, great brunch and an all-day breakfast menu people can enjoy at their own pace. We’re looking forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new customers.”
With its focus on quality, comfort and great food, Bold Street Coffee at Duke Street Market looks set to become a new go-to for brunch lovers and coffee fans across the city.
Find all their locations on the Bold Street Coffee website.
Check out the new restaurants and bars we can’t wait to welcome and enjoy in 2026.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.