EDITOR'S PICKS: 11 things to do this weekend in Liverpool

It’s been a big week for Liverpool as the arrival of a 2000 year-old army had us hit the headlines far and wide, hundreds of Chinese Lanterns were unveiled across our city centre and we all thought we were getting a snow day for ten minutes on Tuesday…maybe next time.

Busy week for the Guide Liverpool team too, we officially welcomed new Mediterranean themed bar and restaurant, Dia+Noche on Bold Street, gave you some news about a brand new dining destination opening on the Docks, got a first look inside the UK’s first ever cereal and board game cafe, and unveiled the evening lineup for the incredible Feast of Fire, which is coming to Liverpool in April.

But what’s on right now? What can you do with your weekend? It’s Jay here, back with a few ideas on what you can eat, where you can party and how you can get some more culture down your neck over the next few days in Liverpool.

For Breakfast…

The Bagelry, Nelson Street

Come on we all love a bagel? But I bet you’ve never eaten one as fresh as what you can do at Liverpool’s first, and only bagel dedicated eatery. The Bagelry serves up hand crafted boiled and baked bagels in a variety of sweet and savoury flavours with a range of toppings and extras, of course all of them perfect for breakfast, with brekky specials on the menu, and fresh french toast, pancakes and granola available too.

Visit the website for the full menu and more info.

For Lunch…

Olive Restaurant & Bar, Castle Street

Looking for a perfect lunchtime hideaway on a cold February afternoon? Olive on Castle Street is tucked underneath the cobbles and has been serving up fine Italian cuisine for over ten years. The pasta is fresh, pizza is perfect stone-baked and the steaks are up there with the best in the city. The sticky toffee pudding isn’t so bad either!

Check out the menu and get booking your lunch or dinner here.

For Dinner…

Liberty Tavern, Woolton Village

I love this place, mainly because when it was the Baby Elephant I used to work there, and in the Elephant Pub next door. But I also love the atmosphere and, of course, the food. Liberty Tavern serves up timeless American classics, with recipes dating back to the 1890’s. Southern Fried Buttermilk Chicken, Baby Back Ribs, Beef Chilli Bowl, Burgers, Steaks and more; basically everything you need for that perfect USA-style feast. The drinks are superb too with a wide range of American beers – and cocktails you can’t get anywhere else.

Head to the website to make your booking and to drool over the full menu.

Friday Night Out…

Friday Night Furnace at Camp and Furnace

Friday Night Furnace is brand new for your weekend and has live music and performance at its heart. The Furnace House Band will act as musical hosts to the event and you can even pick your fave songs for them to play. Then it’s all about Piano Wars in which the specially customised pianos – complete with neon lights and lasers – will be played within an inch of their lives by super-talented pianists. Taking requests from the floor, the pianos will duel musically for the audience, each trying to out-play the other. Like most Camp and Furnace events, this is one you have to experience in person to believe.

More info here.

For a Party…

Roxy Ball Room 2nd Birthday, Friday 9th Feb

One of our fave City Centre venues celebrates a big birthday this weekend. For two years now, Roxy Ball Room in Liverpool ONE has been serving up beer pong, pool, table tennis and a drinks menu as long as my lanky legs. The atmosphere is always on point in this place, the food is great and the tunes are perfect for any celebration. The draft beer menu is massive and my personal favourite comes all the way from California; give the Anchor Steam a whirl and I promise you’ll smash it on the pool table.

Free pizza all night and tournaments taking place too, plus it’s free entry!

Lots more info available on the website here.

For a Boogie…

Le Freak, The Attic

If disco is your thing then get yourself to the Attic on Parr Street this weekend as they have got the glitter balls at the ready. Le Freak will bring you the biggest disco and house anthems right through until 3.30am this Saturday night.

More event news from The Attic on their Facebook page here.

For Something Weird…

Absinthe Afternoon Tea, Craft Taproom, Smithdown Road

You instantly associate absinthe with being absolutely wasted (yes we all have those hazy memories, me included!) but, if treated with respect, absinthe can be seen as a bit of drinking delicacy. I’m NOT saying go and down half a bottle by the way. But if you want to enjoy it comfortable surroundings with a delicious weird and wonderful afternoon tea, then head to the Craft Taproom on Smithdown Road this Sunday where there are three sittings of their Absinthe Afternoon Tea. It’s also happening on Valentine’s Day, and there are vegan, veggie and non-alcoholic versions available too.

Bookings are essential and there is more info here.

For Something Weirder…

Ghoulies, Dale Street

Scare attractions are popping up everywhere and we now have our own one, which is open 12 months of the year in Liverpool City Centre. This isn’t just any normal scare attraction though, this one is seriously brutal! Ghoulies on Dale Street has different experiences to choose from, you can explore the Haunted House or brave the 18+ Ghoulies X, which involves direct contact and scenes that would make Freddie Kruger cry like a baby. This Valentine’s they are running a singles night with a BIG difference, ‘Love Bites’ gives you the chance to meet your match and possibly your maker at this one-of-a-kind scare attraction.

Watch above as I get spooked by owner John and find out more here.

To Get Cultured…

China Dream/ Terracotta Warriors

You might have noticed things have gone a bit ‘China’ crazy in Liverpool. We have been in awe at the arrival of the Terracotta Warriors at our World Museum (opens this weekend), the city is dressed in hundreds of lanterns and Chinese New Year celebrations get underway on Saturday with a special parade from 1pm starting on Bold Street and finishing in Liverpool ONE. We have contemporary Chinese art exhibitions at St George’s Hall and a whole lot more to come. China Dream is a huge celebration of Chinese culture, lasting ’til October – and also a celebration of our links as a city with Shangai and our links as a country with China.

Lots more info and full listings here.

For Live Music…

Mono LP’s, Peaky Blinders Bar

One of my favourite local bands bring together great rock n’roll music and a great musical instrument in the form of a cello. The Mono LP’s have played venues, gigs and festivals across the country and are now residents at our very own Peaky Blinders Bar at Cains Brewery Village. Ste from the band told me “Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand! Then a few other songs from the show, some other covers and some of our own songs. we always try to make a party atmosphere and every time we have played there, people have been up dancing!” See them live this Friday, pint in hand and flat cap on head.

Follow the Peaky Blinders Bar on Facebook here.

To Get Quizzed…

Neil Fitzmaurice’s Pub Quiz, Ma Boyles, Sunday

One of the city’s finest comics holds a regular Sunday night pub quiz at one of the city’s finest pubs, and it’s back this Sunday from 7.30pm. Neil Fitzmaurice is famous for his quick witted comedy routines, and also his incredible roster of TV and film work which includes the likes of Peep Show, Benidorm, Mount Pleasant, Eyes Down and, of course, Phoenix Nights. His monthly Ma Boyle’s pub quiz goes down a storm with 35 questions and £50 to be won. Helps that he’s a cracking bloke too. Get involved!

Head to the Facebook page for more info.