Find out more about this year’s Hidden Gem Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards contenders

The search is on for this year’s Hidden Gem as part of Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards – and there’s less than two weeks left to support your favourite.

It’s a category that covers everything from great bars, cafes and restaurants, to creative venues and amazing visitor attractions that aren’t on the main tourist trail.

After going through loads of nominations, 10 places have been shortlisted. Voting closes at 5pm on Friday January 27 and the winner will be announced at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday March 2.

The Guide is supporting the award again this year, so it couldn’t be simpler to vote. You can cast your vote here.

Thousands of votes are already in but if you need a reminder of who’s in the running for the LCR Tourism Awards 2023 before you decide, here’s more info about the Hidden Gem top 10 …  

Cranberry’s Café Southport, Southport

Established in 1995, Cranberry’s is an independent coffee shop situated in Southport’s Cambridge walks which aims to deliver the best friendly service, tasty freshly prepared food, delicious cakes, coffee and more in a relaxed, cosy atmosphere. It’s known for its daily specials, award-winning pate, homemade soups using local seasonal ingredients, and homemade cheesecakes. Gluten and vegan options are always available and it’s wheelchair and pram accessible.

Future Yard, Birkenhead

Since opening during the pandemic, Future Yard’s music venue, artist studios, coffee shop and garden have hosted thousands of people from across Liverpool City Region. Future Yard is helping to shape a new music future for Birkenhead, through innovative training programmes, encouraging people to play music with friends, and through a live music experience. All of this is combined with a desire to become the first carbon neutral grassroots music venue in the North West.

Home Farm Restaurant Speke Hall, Liverpool

In the grounds of Speke Hall, Home Farm Restaurant is committed to offering the best welcome and service, offering favourites including its famous Wet Nelly, and historically significant dishes like Scouse and Pan Haggerty. Operating completely non-for-profit, every penny made directly funds conservation work on Speke Hall. Home Farm only uses regionally sourced ingredients from local suppliers, National Trust tenant farmers and home-grown produce from its own kitchen garden. 

Red Brick Market, Liverpool

Red Brick Market has grown to become one of Liverpool’s most eclectic and ever-changing hidden gems. Having been in the Baltic Triangle for more than six years, Red Brick has become Liverpool’s biggest independent retailer destination with over 100 local independent small businesses all under one roof. The space transforms itself on a weekly basis meaning visitors never have the same experience twice so it always has something for everyone. 

Silcock’s Carousel, Southport

If ever an attraction brought back happy memories of family days at the seaside for generations then it has to be the beautifully restored Victorian era Silcock’s Carousel in Southport. The Carousel is a real landmark for so many people who live in Southport and for visitors from across the UK, including many who have wonderful memories of riding on it as children and are now bringing their children and grandchildren to share the same experience. 

Southport Bijou Cinema, Southport

Southport Bijou Cinema is a community arts venue bringing world, independent and classic cinema to the local community, as well as celebrating art in all its forms, including music, theatre and exhibitions. Located down a small side street, it is proud to be a place that people seek out and visit to enjoy what’s on offer. Southport Bijou Cinema is focused on continuing to highlight culture and art in as many diverse ways as possible.

Ten Streets Social, Liverpool

Combining a passion for food and a love of bringing people together, Ten Streets Social opened in 2020 with the aim of making a family-run business feel like a second home. Since then, its Sunday roasts, home-cooked food and live music have helped to put it on the map, and it’s created a warm relaxed atmosphere full of love and laughter. Ten Streets Social also prides itself on the huge variety of workshops and events it offers.

The Welsford Bistro, Liverpool

The Welsford Bistro gives a rare opportunity to dine in an independent restaurant inside a world-famous iconic building. Within Liverpool Cathedral, it serves delicious food at breakfast, lunch and dinner – including the best scouse in Liverpool according to Google! – using only local suppliers. Visitors can also enjoy coffee and cake on the terrace overlooking St James Gardens or while taking in the incredible atmosphere of the main cathedral. 

The Wheelbarrow, Liverpool

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, The Wheelbarrow on the outskirts of Sefton and Greenbank parks is an oasis of calm. Its menu features a variety of tasty options, from classic bistro dishes to seasonal specials, all made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The blend of lush green surroundings, rustic décor and welcoming atmosphere have made it a popular choice for brunch or a quick bite after a stroll in the park.

Tik Taco Southport, Southport

Tik Taco Mexican Cantina is located a stone’s throw away from Southport’s famous Lord Street, tucked away in a side road and waiting to be discovered! Once inside diners are transported to the Caribbean coast to experience vibrant Mexican flavours. The tequila is guaranteed to be flowing while authentic Mexican dishes with a modern twist are served, made with the freshest local ingredients by head chef Anthony Greenland. 

The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards take place on 2 March 2023.