This week in Liverpool: 15 things you can see and do in the city

Not long now until the kids break up for summer, if they haven’t already, so it’s heading for a busy couple of months.

Ease yourself in gently with 15 great things to see, do and eat – in and around Liverpool this week including a massive one for comedy fans …

Lip Sync Battle for Shelter at Camp and Furnace

You can’t beat a lip synch battle for getting everyone’s inner diva going and on Wednesday night Camp and Furnace is giving over the mic to raise money for homeless charity Shelter. The Guide’s Jay is hosting with presenters Josh and Abiee among those whipping out their best dance moves to see who can get the most votes so it should be a fantastic night. From 7pm.

Ricky Gervais plays the Arena

Ricky Gervais’ Armageddon world tour has been going down (and causing) a storm everywhere including most recent dates in New York. After the huge success of his SuperNature tour, this one’s already been snapped up by Netflix for 2024. If you love him, then you’ll really love this new live show coming to the Arena on Thursday, 7.30pm. 

Try The Wheelbarrow for breakfast or lunch

Along the road from its sister venue The Watering Can, The Wheelbarrow next to Greenbank Sports Academy is another gem of a place, handy for a stop off at Greenbank and Sefton Park. It’s got lots of lovely fresh-made dishes for breakfast and lunch, including plenty of veggie and vegan options, and there’s a south-facing outdoor terrace. See the menu here.

Last chance to win that dream holiday to Maldives with Liverpool ONE and the new Kuoni store

The weather’s not exactly a dream here right now, so what could be better than a luxury escape to the Maldives? The Kuoni store has got a new home in Liverpool ONE and to celebrate it’s giving away a paradise holiday of a lifetime worth more than £6,500 to one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Entries must be in by Sunday! ENTER HERE.

Take the kids to the Aquarium at World Museum

Dive into an underwater adventure at the Aquarium inside the World Museum on William Brown Street and get up close to all kinds of sea creatures like terrapins, starfish, jellyfish and smiling sharks. There’s everyone’s favourite Nemo fish too of course, and on dates through July you can go on a behind the scenes tour. Find out more here.

Try the steak pie for lunch at Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor’s new lunch specials menu is a big must-try for steak lovers, and if you’re feeling hungry and like only a pie will do the trick to fill you up then they don’t come any more special than this one. Think buttery croissant-style crust sitting on top of dry-aged steak slow-cooked in Madeira and you get the picture. Book your table here.

The Seaside Weekender takes over Victoria Park in Southport

It’s all about the Seaside Weekender in Southport, kicking off on Friday with Bugzy Malone headlining alongside So Solid Crew, Tremz and the Dr Dre Orchestra. On Saturday it’s the legendary Roger Sanchez and Judge Jules heading the line-up, and Sunday is tribute acts all the way with Queen, Abba, Fleetwood Mac, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and more.

Liverpool Theatre Festival begins

Liverpool’s got its own fezzy launching this week, with Liverpool Theatre Festival back at the Bombed Out Church from this Thursday to Sunday July 30. There’s a packed programme with something for everyone including comedy, opera, drama and drag, plus shows for kids and a couple to celebrate Pride in the city. Find out more here.

Tuck into Molly McCann’s new Baltic Market kitchen, Polpetta

Liverpool’s own UFC star Molly McCann isn’t just amazing in the ring, she’s a bit tasty when it comes to creating some great Italian dishes too. Molly and her mate Joel launched Polpetta – which means Meatball in Italian, as a nod to her fighting nickname – at Baltic Market a few weeks ago and it’s been a knock-out.

Gino’s Secret Garden is perfect for cocktails

Gino’s at INNSiDE on Old Hall Street has got some of the best views in the city and the Secret Garden lets you make the most of them in a gorgeous green space, hopefully with some sunshine thrown in. Choose from a menu of signature cocktails and Italian cicchetti dishes or end the week perfectly with Spritz hour on Fridays, 4-6pm. 

See the city like never before from RLB360

Speaking of incredible views, this one’s got to beat them all – go on the RLB360 experience at the Liver Building and you’ll not only find out all about the history of Liverpool’s most iconic landmark, you can stand behind the famous clock faces then go all the way up to the 15^th floor and step out onto the balcony overlooking the river, just like Batman!

Take the little ones to Imagine That!

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids that’ll be fun, burn off energy and really fire up their imaginations, then Imagine That! activity centre in Wavertree Tech Park ticks all those boxes and more. There are science shows, workshops and activities plus four different interactive zones to explore, so it’s ideal for little minds. Visit the website here.

Enjoy the new Carlisi on Allerton Road

The corner where Maray used to be is now the new second home of Italian family-run favourite Carlisi. The Carlisi brothers’ Dale Street venue is much-loved by diners for its authentic Sicilian street food menu including bruschetta and arancini specialities, as well as a nice relaxed atmosphere, and the Allerton restaurant is already winning new fans.

Head to The Bridewell for a pint and some history

There’s no mistaking the fascinating past of the old Bridewell pub in Campbell Square, just off Duke Street, because the cells are still there to try out for size while you have a drink! There’s a great courtyard for when it’s nice, and the Bridewell has just been named as a finalist in the Great British Pub Awards. Find out more here.