EDITOR'S PICKS: What's on this weekend in Liverpool?

We’ve shouted loud this week about things like the new Irish Festival coming to the Pier Head in July, The Feis is headlined by Van Morrison and takes place on Saturday 7th July. As well as that we took you to the brand new exhibition at The Beatles Story, flipped a load of pancakes at St Nick’s Church and brought you our latest Mersey Music Guide with the tracks you need on your playlist this month.

Even more to shout about this weekend, as our biggest Chinese New Year celebrations to date take place – and all of the following too…

For Breakfast…

Space Cafe, Aigburth Road

Venturing up to Aigburth Road for the brekky choice this week. Space Cafe provides some serious top notch grub all day long; the cakes are irresistible, as are the topped hot chocolates and coffees, the full English breakfast is served all day and, if it’s a hangover you need to sort or an energy boost you need, then this will one million percent do the trick. Healthy and veggie options available too and if you don’t have a Caramac Latte afterwards then you are a loony!

More info on the Facebook page here.

For Lunch…

Chamber 36, Berry Street

It’s Chinese New Year so I’ll try and stick to the theme. Chamber 36 is situated directly opposite the Chinese Arch on Berry Street. Serving up scrumptious Chinese and Asian inspired dishes including everything from my fave Sui Mai to Char Sui Buns. This weekend they have lots on offer for the CNY party – a perfect view too. The lunch menu is perfect for that relaxed weekend bite; you can choose either three small dishes or one main with a bottle of Tsing Tao beer or wine for just £13.50. Singapore Vermicelli please!

Check out the full menus and book your table here.

For Dinner…

Yuet Ben

Again sticking with the Chinese theme I’ve gone for my favourite Chinese restaurant in the city. Yuet Ben is 50 years old this year, the words ‘Yuet Ben’ mean “welcome honoured guest” and that’s how you feel whenever you walk in. It’s now ran by the original owner’s daughter and remains as authentic and as tasty as it did back in ‘68.

Visit the website here for more info.

For a Drink…

Clockworks, Wolstenholme Square

Haven’t been near Wolstenholme Square since they pulled our beloved Nation (Cream) down? Does the building work put you off? Time to get over it as there’s a new bar/restaurant on the scene that you need to check out. I say new, but Clockworks has been serving up classic British comfort food and mixing up signature cocktails for about a year now. The atmosphere is perfect anytime of day; open from 9am for breakfast right through until close of play, the music is on point with it’s mix of classic rock and indie and the beer isn’t bad either.

More information and full menus here.

For a Boogie…

Superstation at The Merchant, Saturday

If Motown & Soul is your thing then get yourself down to The Merchant this Saturday as Superstition returns. Grab yourself a gin cocktail goblet, a slice of pizza from Nightcrawler and give it loads on the dance floor to the likes of the Temptations, Michael Jackson and, of course, Stevie Wonder.

For a market mooch…

Two markets in town this Sunday that need your attention. The first is the Makers Market at Blackburne House on Hope Street. Open 11-3pm with over 80 arts, craft, food and drink stalls with lots of local, independent produce makers and artisans. The second is the same day but at the Bombed out Church – The Chinese New Year Artisan Market, which is open 12-6pm, just before that big Chinese New Year finale at 6.30 in China Town. The great news is that both events are free to enter.

For A Vegan Feast…

Independent Liverpool Vegan Market, Baltic Market, Sunday 11-3pm

It seems we have gone vegan crazy in Liverpool, hats off to anyone that can do it! I think the most I have lasted is half an hour, but maybe this Sunday’s Independent Liverpool Vegan Market might help me go a little while longer. Expect everything from vegan samosas to vegan brownie peanut butter, hot sauce to bagels, vegan pizza, falafel wraps and even vegan beer.

Head to the event Facebook page here.

To get away from it all…

Red Squirrels in Formby

Fancy getting out of the city this weekend and taking in not only spectacular countryside but also some pretty amazing wildlife too? The Liverpool Nature Conservation Society are off on a field trip to Formby Nature Reserve. The plan is to meet at 10am on Sunday at University Square, then train it to Formby where you’ll be guided round the reserve looking for the famous red squirrels, natterjack toads and sand snakes.

More info here.

To be wowed…

Chinese New Year in Liverpool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88BJsLUB8jg&t=7s

So, in case you haven’t noticed, this weekend we celebrate the Year of the Dog as Chinese New Year takes over Liverpool. The plan is simple, you need to be in and around China Town either Friday, Saturday or Sunday, from 6.30pm (ish) each evening where you’ll be treated to lit up dragon parades, Chinese dancing, and that incredible lumiere light projection show. On Sunday there will be one light projection at 6.30pm followed by the pyrotechnic finale. Finish it off with some Sui Mai’s and Spring Rolls and you’ll be letting the lunar year in, in style.

Full schedule for the weekend here.

For Some Music History…

Beatles In India – The Beatles Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYBFNBoanwo

Head to The Beatles Story this weekend as they unveil their latest exhibition which looks back at the band’s time in India 50 years ago. ‘Beatles in India’ will look at this key and relatively secretive part of the Beatles’ story with never-before-seen memorabilia, imagery and personal accounts from the people who were there with the band in 1968. So much to see and so much to learn at our Beatles Story and the Fab4 Cafe is the perfect place to chill whilst listening to your favourites from our Fab Four.

Buy your tickets and get more info here.