EDITORS PICKS: Our Jay has got you his top 10 things for this weekend in Liverpool

I’ll start this article by saying that you’re lucky to have me this week.

What is it about lads and flu? I can take most things but give me a dose of the influenza virus and I’m finished. I’d love to say I’ve been out every night this week experiencing our great city, but in reality I’ve been locked away for 5 days watching Loose Women with snot pouring from every orifice feeling sorry for myself. 

But I’m a fighter and now back in the game with a few ideas on what you could, and should be doing this weekend in Liverpool.

To Eat…

We work hard on creating strong content on The Guide Liverpool, some things work, some things really don’t. This week it seemed all we had to do was put a photo of us eating a Roast Dinner Wrap on Facebook, and our page went insane. This isn’t just any normal roast dinner though, this is a full on Crimbo dinner with all the works, wrapped up in a giant Yorkshire pud. Available now at our Christmas Market on St George’s Plateau and well worth a try. I’m aiming to eat at least one a day from now until Santa gets here.

To Win…

I mentioned Ricci on Bold Street a few weeks ago.  Now a menswear institution in Liverpool with designer brands like Armani, Hugo Boss, Billionaire Boys Club and many more. How do you fancy winning a grand to spend there? Yes a full on £1000 shopping spree. Lads you’ll be kitted out in top swag for Christmas – on us. Just head to our Twitter or Facebook and share the post to enter. More info here. Good luck.

To Experience…

Sneak peak inside the brand new @masonicbar on Hope Street. pic.twitter.com/8Letloll1d

— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) 16 November 2017

Brand new bar alert! Yes another one, and you’ll like this one too. The Masonic Halls on Hope Street have been transformed into one of the cosiest and classiest pubs in the city. Serving up a range of unique beers and ciders, hand crafted cocktails and more, Masonic opened last week and of course I gegged in for the opening (see the shaky video, taken a few pints, in above). Local couple Tom & Rachel Birch-Mantova come across the old Masons Club and have restored it to its former glory, keeping all original features like the giant stained glass windows and library. The bar is huge, the beer is good and if your looking for somewhere for a little Crimbo drink then look no further. Got a feeling this place will be a firm fixture in Liverpool’s bar scene in no time.

To Listen…

I’ve had the pleasure of watching this artist grow over the past few years, and it was his performance at Liverpool Loves festival in August where I realised a real star is about to be thrust upon the music world. Taking his name from his self-described style of music, “suburban blues”, SUB BLUE offers a fresh take on chilled out, alternative introspective R&B. His forthcoming EP, Suburban View, is produced by the likes of Sir Dylan (Weeknd, Solange, Logic), A.V (Frank Ocean) and XamVolo, and is a glimpse at the life of teens trying to find their place in the world. His latest track is called ‘Hype Like Supreme’ and was produced by XamVolo. Listen and chill, superb stuff.

To Drink…

I had a bit of a bad experience with a bottle of whisky a few years ago. I say a few years ago I was actually 14, and the culprit was a bottle of Bells whisky the lads a few years above won in the school fayre. Yes that happened! Ever since even the smell of it turns my stomach. The Old Fashioned is normally bourbon based so until recently I have never had one! Then I met The Titanic Hotel Old Fashioned. This is rum based and contains bitters, cherries and even comes with what you think is a cigar but is actually a smoking cinnamon stick.  Available now at Titanic Hotel and at Stanleys Bar & Grill, where the menu has also just been refreshed for winter. Delicious.

To Party…

Creamfields Steelyard is back open for business this weekend on Liverpool’s Docks. Tonight sees Cream Classical with special guests Faithless take to the superstructure sound system. All your favourite Cream anthems alongside a 40 piece orchestra. And tomorrow it’s all about dance superstar of the moment, Martin Garrix and he’s joined by a stellar lineup of Steve Angello, Sigma, Sigala and Justin Mylo. Lots of Steelyard after parties happening across the city too. If you’re going, I’m jealous!

For The Muzos…

If you are a local musician or in a band then you need to be head straight for the Jacaranda’s Facebook page. They have put out a call to find anyone who’s normally take to the stage to take to the decks. DJ spots for local musicians in the Jacaranda Basement. Great experience, great way to develop the full package, and you get paid for it too, winner. Email joe@heebiejeebies.biz 

To Get Christmassy…

Crimbo jumpers at the ready, next Friday (1st) sees St George’s Hall host their first ever Christmas Jumper Ceilidh. Basically a huge festive party with great Irish music, food, drinks and lots of banter with local comedian and all round boss lad, Sam Avery. Plus if you have never experienced a party in St George’s Hall, your mind is about to be blown by the stunning surroundings. This looks like a great night. Get booking before it sells out.

To Dine…

Gusto on the Albert Dock has surely got to be one of the city’s longest running and most popular restaurants. In all of the years I’ve been going there I don’t think I have ever had a bad meal, and service is literally always on point. Freshest pasta in the city, a pizza menu as long as my lanky leg and kids get to make their own too! Next Friday sees the return of the Carolyn Hughes PR Christmas Lunch at Gusto. I say lunch, it actually starts at 12 (for lunch) and finishes about 12 hours later.

The celebs come out in force with everyone from Colleen Rooney, Rebecca Ferguson, Danielle Lloyd & Alex Gerrard all in attendance in previous years. Last year I was given the lovely task of being Carolyn’s ‘Elf on the Shelf’ where guests had to get photos of me doing ridiculous things, best one won. By the end of the day I’d been dipped in the Mersey twice, been hung up in the cloakroom and swung round in the bar by my elfy ears. God knows what is in store this year, but I’ll let you know next weekend. But seriously if Gusto isn’t on your Crimbo night out list yet, then get it sorted. More info on the Gusto website here. 

To Keep The Kids Happy…

The Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival is back and the whole city is talking about just how good it is this year. The ice slide, the ice bar and of course the ice skating are firm favourites but this year you can also treat your little ones to the ultimate Christmas experience. How about meeting Santa in his Grotto? Open from 17th November until Christmas eve, your little one can have a chat with the big man and even receive a present, there’s no booking required, just turn up nice and early and watch the magic happen!

Other things going on this weekend and into next week include Queen and Adam Lambert at our Echo Arena on Tuesday, rehearsals are underway for the Scouse Nativity at the Royal Court, which runs next week, and of course War Horse is still running at the Empire.

Whatever you are up to, have a good one and share your selfies on our Twitter page and Facebook is this way. Happy weekend Liverpool!