14 February mood busters during lockdown in Liverpool

After what seemed like the 131 days of January, February’s the shortest month and as well as hopefully getting nearer to the end of lockdown, the weather’s starting to get a bit nicer too.

 To keep ourselves cheered up and fit in a few well-deserved treats, here are 15 Liverpool mood-busters for February …

Treat yourself to a Liverpool inspired gift from Liverpool Gift Co.

Give your house a Scouse makeover or get something nice for a mate to let them know you’re thinking about them from the fantastic range at Liverpool Gift Co. They hand-pick gifts and products from a talented group of local creatives so you’ll get everything from waterfront skyline cushions to beer mats and lots of quirky footy merch.

Treat yourself here. 

Find out about Liverpool’s promising future by watching our chat with Tony Reeves

If it seems lockdown restrictions are never going to end, then you could probably do with hearing some good news. The Guide had a chat with Liverpool City Council chief exec Tony Reeves who had some really positive things to say about how we’ve handled the pandemic here so far and what we’ve got to look forward to.

Listen to the podcast here.

Take a trip down memory lane by following AngiesLiverpool

We all love looking at old photos of Liverpool, whether it’s way back or just from the 80s and 90s. If you give @AngiesLiverpool a follow on Instagram or Twitter you’ll be able to really get lost in a full-on nostalgia trip, looking at some brilliant images from back in the day and you never know, you might even spot yourself or your mum or nan in there!

Follow Angie on Twitter.

Get into writing with Liverpool Writes Festival

If you’ve always fancied writing but never got round to it, 2021 is your time because the city council has teamed up with Writing on the Wall for a Year of Writing in Liverpool. Adults and kids are being encouraged to write for 10 minutes every day and for extra inspiration, there’s daily prompts from pros like Frank Cottrell Boyce.

More info here. 

Listen to Andy Grant’s inspirational podcast

12 years after being losing a leg in an explosion while he was serving in Afghanistan, former Royal Marine Andy Grant is absolutely inspirational. Bootle-born Andy knows all about finding a way to come back from the worst of times, so he’s just the man for a pandemic. His Leg It podcast with mate Tom Wickstead is a great listen full of some incredible real-life stories.

Listen here.

Get a virtual story for the kids from Bluecoat

If you’ve run out of books to read with the kids or you’re looking for new ideas, Bluecoat has just launched a series of free online storytelling sessions on the theme of Twisted Myths which should do the trick.  Led by storyteller Gav Cross, they’ll explore Greek myths, Romans and Ancient Egyptians.

More info here.

Have a laugh with the new Hot Water Comedy on demand service

If you’ve been missing live comedy while clubs have been shut, now you can get the laughs at home instead. Hot Water on Demand means you can see shows live from the Hot Water Comedy Club. All you have to do is log on to the website here and you can sign up for a free three-day trial then tune in when the shows go live.

Watch gigs from the Cavern live

This is another brilliant way to support local musicians and Liverpool’s venues until they can reopen – The Beat Goes On…Line! brings a line-up of live music from the Cavern, seven days a week from 12pm to 10pm. You can watch via Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or go on the Cavern’s website and just click on Cavern Live!

Watch live here.

Find a good book with the News from Nowhere online store

Reading is a massive escape, especially during lockdown, so even people who don’t normally pick up a book have got into it. Whether you’re a dedicated reader or a newbie, discover new titles and show some local love by ordering online from Liverpool’s News from Nowhere on Bold Street for delivery or collection.

More info here.

Beer tasting with Dead Crafty Beer Co.

There aren’t many better ways to spend a Saturday night in lockdown than with a Dead Crafty Beer Co. virtual beer tasting. If you like beer and fancy learning about different styles, tasting new breweries and having a laugh over Zoom then they can set up a specially-tailored virtual tasting for you and your mates so the bar comes to your sofa. Email deadcraftybeerco@gmail.com

Start the day with a takeaway breakfast from Leaf on Smithdown Road

Get your Saturday off to a belting start with a takeaway Leaf breakfast. Choose from their speciality breakfast burrito with bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, avo, potato and tomato & chilli jam (there’s a veggie halloumi version too), a meat or veggie full English, breakfast sandwich, or some unbelievable cinnamon brioche toast.

Get a takeaway tea from Vincenzo’s

Cucina di Vincenzo is one of Liverpool’s finest Italian restaurants and now they’ve opened Vincenzo’s deli packed with amazing products from all over Italy. Think nduja from Calabria, burrata from Campania, cured meats and cheeses or home-made amaretti biscuits to go with your coffee. There’s even fruit-infused Malfy gins.

Order here.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day like never before

At least there’s no stress this year about where to eat out, or what to wear unless you’re planning to get all dressed up for home. Instead, you can take your pick from loads of gorgeous food delivery options to get you well and truly in the good books with your other half.

11 ideas here.

It’s only flipping Pancake Tuesday on the 16^th

Get ready to eat way more pancakes than you reasonably should because it’s nearly Pancake Tuesday. If you want help from the experts, the Interesting Eating Company on Allerton Road has created a classic pancake box with pancakes, crepes and fluffy Yank stacks, lemon and sugar, Nutella, maple syrup, fruit, mallows, sprinkles and white choc chunks, to collect or for delivery.