EDITOR’S PICKS: Get these 10 things in your life this weekend in Liverpool

The sun has gone back to bed, the 3 lions have gone back to the zoo and Love Island is only on our screens for another two weeks!

But fear not, it’s weekend on, and I’ve lined up some belter ideas to get you through the next few days in Liverpool. Plus that sunshine looks like it’s coming out to play again soon and we have LIMF 2018 just one week away, it’s main stage hosting duties for me across the weekend so if anyone has a decent shirt to lend me, give us a shout!

Get booking now here for just £5 advance per day, trust me it will sell out! In the mean time get involved with these ten suggestions below.

For Brunch…

NYL, Aloft Liverpool, North John Street

We were filming at the stunning NYL at Aloft Hotel this week and I’m seriously jealous of our Kate who gets to try out the brunch everyone is talking about this weekend. Every weekend the team at NYL line up a bottomless Gin & Tonic Brunch, complete with Liverpool Gin and all your favourite breakfast items, when your drink is finished, they top you up! It costs £35 per person and sessions last an hour and a half starting at 11.30am, Saturday and Sunday.

Get more info and book your place here.

For authentic Italian cuisine…

Il Forno, Duke Street

If pasta and pizza is your thing then Il Forno on Duke Street is for you. The Cillo brothers have been serving up fine Italian, authentic cuisine in the city for years now and their excellent standards of service and quality haven’t slipped one bit. You instantly feel welcome as you walk in, the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is simply delicious, it wasn’t named as one of the top ten authentic Italian restaurants in the UK by ‘The Times’ for nothing! My tip is the mouth watering Linguine Allo Scoglio, (seafood pasta with all the trimmings, boss!).

Get more info and book your table now, perfect for Graduation.

For vintage lovers…

Fine Tuned, Albert Dock

The Royal Albert Dock have nailed it now in terms of the events they put on across the summer. One of the most popular is Fine Tuned which takes you back to the roaring 20’s and glittering 30’s and 40’s. Expect vintage cars, vintage fashion shows, vinyl DJ’s, vintage market stalls, lots of tasty food and drink, and a great atmosphere on our waterfront for all the family to enjoy. Each day starts at 10am and it’s completely and utterly free.

Get all the info you need for Fine Tuned here.

For a colourful carnival…

Brazilica 2018, Waterfront

It is one of the city’s most colourful and best loved events. This weekend sees the return of Brazilica which is now entering its 10th year. It all started when Liverpool Samba School entered a competition in Rio back in 2000, they were then determined to bring the show to the streets of Liverpool and that’s exactly what they did. Over 800 entertainers now take part in our annual Carnival Parade, and thousands flock to the festival every year. The Main Stage runs on the Pier head on Saturday 12-8pm and then get following that huge carnival parade through the city centre afterwards.

Full route, line-up and more info here.

For a new dining experience…

Dockside Dining, Mann Island

First look inside Dockside Dinking at Mann Island. You’ll LOVE this place Follow @DocksideDClub https://t.co/U5i1eyT1m7 pic.twitter.com/AbjIvYag2D

— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) 6 July 2018

This new laid back style of dining has really taken off in the city, and in my opinion there’s lots of room for it. We, of course were introduced to it by the team at the ever popular Baltic Market, we have the Food Bazaar recently opened at Grand Central and now we have a brand new waterfront experience too. Dockside Dining is in the perfect spot, situated on the ground floor of the Mann Island buildings, overlooking the Albert Dock & Quays. You’ll find 9 different vendors inside including Izakaya, ice cream specialists, Cafe Cream and award winning Merseyside favourite eatery, Blackberry Grove, which is also open handy for those breakfast meetings. Dockside Dining is colourful, spacious, and will have your taste buds crying out for more. I loved it!

For more info on what’s on and more importantly what you can eat at Dockside Dining head this way.

For a show of support…

Riv Fest 2018

We all know the tragic story of Viola Beach all too well, a band that were literally the cusp of huge things, taken far too soon. I’ll never forget hearing the awful news and I’ll never forget being at Glastonbury when Coldplay delivered that beautiful tribute to the band from the pyramid Stage. Last week I met up with Ben who is the dad of band member, River Reeves. Since River’s death he has set up a charity that supports emerging artists and in doing that puts on a festival each year in Warrington. This weekend you’ll see the likes of Fickle Friends, The Lottery Winners and many more at multiple venues across Warrington including Parr Hall. Go support and get involved for a great cause.

Full lineup and lots more info on Liv Fest here.

For a special DJ set…

Circa Waves, Shipping Forecast, Saturday

I love the Shipping Forecast, great food, dead comfortable and best of all superb range of draft beers. They always nail it when it comes to their live music offering too. This Saturday will see local lad Kieran Shudall and his Circa Waves band mates return home for a special DJ set on Saturday night. They will also introduce you to another local on the up, Tracky who’s “ghetto blaster pop” will provide you with you perfect Saturday night soundtrack in the city.

For the Hollaback Girls…

ICON: Gwen Stefani, Phase one, Seel Street

If you haven’t already visited the brand new Jacaranda: Phase One on Seel Street then now is the time. Part record store, part bar, part music venue, part restaurant, Phase One is offering something completely different for the city. This Saturday they are celebrating the music of the Queen of crazy pop, Gwen Stefani in their first instalment of their new ICON nights. From ‘Just a Girl’ to ‘The Sweet Escape’ you’ll hear it all.

Book your tickets here via Skiddle.

For dinner, in the dark…

Grand Central, Food Bazaar, Saturday

I mentioned the Grand Central Food Bazaar above, if you are up for trying it out then there is no better time to do it than this Saturday. The team is offering up something completely different and inviting guests to eat, entirely in darkness. You are treated to explore your senses with a delicious three course meal, the only catch is, you are blind folded at the time! The event starts on Saturday at 7pm and returns again on Monday too. I need to give this a go.

Book your tickets via EventBrite.

For some culture with the family…

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, Family Day, Sunday

For something completely different this weekend why not check out Liverpool Arab Arts Festival which is in full swing at the moment? The biggest event in its calendar each year is its much loved Family Day which takes place this Sunday at the Palm House. Live music, market place, lots of entertainment for the kids and delicious food from across the globe including curries, samosas, pakoras, biryani rice and other mouth-watering treats. Something different for a Sunday, and always great fun for all!

Head to the website here for all the info.

As well as all of the above we have ‘Mam I’m Ere’ opening at the Royal Court this weekend, Bark in the Park happening at Otterspool Prom on Sunday and a special day celebrating the movies of Alfred Hitchcock also on Sunday at FACT.

Plus we are just one week away from LIMF 2018! Countdown is on (I’d better get the gym!).

Keep up to date with all the latest on what’s on in Liverpool on our Twitter and Facebook feeds.

Jay x