EDITOR'S PICKS: 10 things to do this weekend in Liverpool

Hands up, who’s completely ruined their January diet already?

The left over selection boxes just keep on calling; just when we are at our lowest and the Jan blues are in full force they have got us exactly where they want us! I’d go as far as saying I’ve probably eaten more over the past two weeks than I did throughout the whole of December.

But anyway, at least we made it through the first full week of the year and, to celebrate that fact, I’ve got you a little round up of the past week and another ten things to tuck into this weekend in Liverpool.

Liverpool 2018

Firstly we need to talk about the big announcement this week about what is to come during 2018, our tenth anniversary year of our Capital of Culture win (as if that was ten years ago). People from all over the world reacted to the news yesterday that some of the biggest events we have ever seen our coming to the city, including the return of the Tall Ships, the world’s biggest wine festival and a huge Irish party on the waterfront. Keep your eyes peeled as there are many more ‘global’ moments to come. Trust me, things are about to get BIG! All the info is in our video with Kate above and full listings here. From what I’m hearing, we could actually top 2008 this year.

For now though let’s live in the moment and enjoy the weekend ahead…

To Party…

Late Wake Club, Camp and Furnace

This week marked two years since the death of David Bowie and on Saturday Camp and Furnace are hosting a special celebration of his life, legacy and of course, his music. It’s all part of their Late Wake Club events in which we can remember our favourite music icons with a boogie to their best tunes. There are Bowie themed cocktails and even a book of condolence in which you can write your memories of the icon.

For Breakfast…

Espresso Plus, Rose Lane

For those of you on a health kick, but still looking for a tasty brekky to start your Saturday or Sunday then head to Espresso Plus on Rose Lane in Mossley Hill. All of your breakfast and brunch favourites including lots of veggie options and the almighty Superfood Breakfast which contains scrambled eggs, spinach, beans, avocado, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, smoked salmon and the option of protein pancakes. Smoothies, green tea shakes and plenty more healthy choices too, plus the Liverpool artwork in there is also pretty decent! Full menu and more here.

For Lunch…

Maray, Allerton Road and Bold Street

Small plates are all in, and in my opinion not many places I have been to beat Maray for the new smaller dishes craze. Two restaurants now: Bold Street and Allerton Road and if you are looking for something tasty, healthy and different for the weekend then look no further. During the week you can get three lunch dishes for just £12.95, with brunch served of a weekend (Saturday until 1pm and Sunday until 4pm) at Allerton Road. Definitely give the Sweet Potato Wedges, Scallops with Parsnip Puree and the Fillet Steak with Honey a go. Trust me, taste sensation! Lots of vegan dishes too and a full range of cocktails, beers & wines. To book your table head to the website here.

For Tea…

Esteban, Lark Lane

Staying with the small plates theme, how about some proper authentic tapas for your weekend? Esteban on Lark Lane has been serving up some seriously tasty Spanish cuisine for over 15 years. From their famous Pork Meatballs, Patatas Bravas, Fresh Calamares & even their own Spanish Scouse. You can get two courses from their Sunday lunch menu for just £11.95 and their Sangria is perfect to wash away your January blues. Full menu and more info here.

To See…

Theatre

It’s your last chance to see Scouse Nativity at our Royal Court on Saturday with two shows 2pm and 8pm. It is now officially the most successful Royal Court show of all time and has had audiences in stitches throughout Christmas. A big well in to all of the cast and everyone involved, it was certainly one of my highlights for Crimbo.

Jersey Boys is back at the Liverpool Empire until 20th January and we gave it 5/5 at last night’s press night. One of the greatest music stories brought to life on stage, and the tunes, as expected will make you dance in your seat, I dare you not to get up when Oh What A Night is playing.

To Drink…

‘Rumuary’ Sale, Smugglers Cove

Yes you heard right, a sale that involves RUM! Smugglers Cove is famous for its Sunday roasts, pirate themed backdrop and its delicious food menu but it also holds the world record for most types of rum on sale. It’s not January at Smugglers Cove, it’s Rumuary, where you can choose from the special menu for 2-4-1 rum based drinks. Get your timbers shivering and pull up a pew at the bar. Give their Facebook page a LIKE for more info.

To Extend The Weekend…

A Night for Alder Hey at Fazenda, Monday 15th January

I’m looking forward to hosting a special night for Alder Hey Children’s Charity on Monday with Claire Simmo. The stars will be out in force at Fazenda in Exchange Flags for a night of excellent food, amazing wines, Brazilian beer and Alder Hey cocktails, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the charity. There will be a special cook-off between surgeons and chefs. Money raised will go towards the hospital’s ward-based chef programme. Celebs in attendance include Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, gymnast Beth Tweddle and stars from Gogglebox & Hollyoaks. More info here.

To Get Active…

Bike & Go

Anyone that knows me knows that the thought of me on a bike is pretty hilarious. So when I was asked last year to help promote the Bike & Go scheme with Merseyrail I was a little bit dubious. My god, was I wrong! We picked up our bikes at New Brighton train station and cycled right along the front, admiring Liverpool’s beautiful skyline in the process. You can hire a bike from participating Merseyrail train stations for a daily fixed rental charge of just £3.80. Cycle along the Wirral Way, around Southport or Sefton Park and get yourself moving in the process. Just be careful going down hill, I nearly ended up in the Mersey, as you’ll see above! Lots more information here.

For The Kids…

Bubbles World of Play, New Brighton

The Slide

Talking New Brighton, have you been to Bubbles with the kids yet? The UK’s largest indoor children’s play centre with five levels of round the world fun. The good thing with this place is that big kids (like us) our catered for too with a delicious food and drink menu. Open throughout the weekend 9.30-6pm, free parking and easy access too. More info on the website here.

To Getaway…

Bowness-On-Windermere

Last weekend I got my bobble hat ready and ventured out of Liverpool to take on the great outdoors. Well, I’ll be honest, I spent 10 hours in a pub on Lake Windermere, but still I got a bit of fresh air. As if this place of utter natural beauty is just over an hour away from us. We stayed in Ambleside in a Hotel called The WaterEdge Inn, which was superb value for money, plus they sold Estrella in the hotel bar, which is always a bonus.

But seriously what a relaxing and easy 24-hours me and my mates had, exploring Bowness-on-Windermere (just five minutes from our hotel) and its public houses. Make sure you check out The Flying Pig, Village Inn and Bodega for a drink, or two. Get planning your break now!

Whatever your weekend plans, have a good one. Hope I’ve managed to give you some ideas on how to do just that and of course keep it with us for all the latest action across Liverpool, tag us in your weekend photos and let us know any other suggestions in the city. You can get us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.