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

As if the clocks go forward already…

It confuses me every year and the clock in my car is only ever right for 6 months. But basically, on Saturday, we step forward to Spring at 1am. But don’t fret – bars will stay open as normal!

It’s been another busy one this week. Over £32K was raised for the James Bulger Memorial Trust on Saturday. It was an honour to host the evening once again alongside Claire Simmo, presenting on stage in front of the country’s most respected presenter was a tiny bit nerve racking though. Sir Trevor McDonald was in attendance supporting Denise and the charity and he was a true gent who spoke very highly of our city. Watch the chat and highlights from the night here.

So Spring is officially on, we just need the weather to realise that now. With the new season comes new menus, new events and lots to look forward to in Liverpool. Some weekend picks for you to tuck into below.

For Breakfast…

The Alchemist

It’s not just about the crazy steaming cocktails at The Alchemist, they also have a great breakfast and brunch menu too. English, American, Healthy, Veggie – literally something for everyone’s early morning food fix. Served up everyday, check the menu below.

thealchemist.uk.com

For Lunch…

Maray

Nearly four years in, Maray have certified themselves as one of the best eateries in the city. Their chefs are famous for creating fresh, exciting and new dishes each season. As we approach Spring you can now find new items on the menu including Duck with ravine juice, courgette, bulgar wheat and apricot and Arancini with butternut squash purée and many more.

www.maray.co.uk

For Dinner…

Titanic Hotel New Menu

One of the most luxurious yet comfortable hotels in the city has a rather good restaurant too. Stanley’s Bar & Grill at Titanic is perfect for that special weekend treat with the family, other half or your mates. The new Spring menu is so delicious you’ll want to try everything.

Starters include chicken and pork terrine with charred sourdough and piccalilli (highly recommended!), and there are homemade onion bhajis, scallops…the list goes on! For main, I suggest Seabass with Thai curry spice, puffed rice and coconut or cannelloni of aubergine with tomato and basil pesto.

www.titanichotelliverpool.com

For Coffee & Pizza…

Santa Maluco X Bold St Coffee

Coffee and pizza – what’s not to love? Two of the city’s favourites have teamed up to serve up something truly unique. Santa Maluco X Bold Street Coffee will bring both of their mouth watering menus together, serving brunch and the now famous coffee until 3.30pm with items including Egg Buoys and Smashed Avacado on Toast. Then the pizza oven is fired up for all your usual Santa Maluco faves.

www.santamaluco.com/bold-street-coffee/

To be fired up…

Feast of Fire

It’s finally here and something we have been shouting about for ages, but what exactly is it? Feast of Fire is basically a mini festival in St. John’s Gardens which will literally light up the area with art installations, flaming arches, fire dancers, flame throwers and lots more. Fiery food and drink will be available and there are two different shows per day. The first event is for families, so the kids can get in on the action too and then later on from 8.30pm each night the event teams up with some of Liverpool’s favourite cultural partners. Africa Oye will bring an African themed night, Liverpool Soul Fest will bring us live soul music and on Good Friday the team at The Kazimier will take over the fire garden with their incredible light displays. Tickets still available and it really will be something completely unique for our city. Get booking.

This weekend’s schedule looks like this:

Friday 23rd March – Fire In My Soul with Liverpool Soul Fest

Saturday 24th March – Celtic Flames with Movema

Sunday 25th March – Chinese Flames from the Dragon with Padoga Arts

See what’s on and book your tickets for Feast of Fire here.

For Vegans…

Live a Better Life Vegan Fair, St. George’s Hall

Over 130 stalls offering tasty food, drink, hand-crafted beauty products and gifts will open up your senses at St. George’s Hall this Saturday from 10am. The aim is that you broaden your horizons and tuck in to the best natural and cruelty free products on offer. There will be cookery demos, talks, workshops and more – and it is only £2 for admission. The event runs 10am-5pm.

More info on the website here.

For the 80’s Kids…

Tainted Love, Camp and Furnace

You can’t beat a bit of 80’s music, can you? Every month Camp and Furnace take you back to the decade that brought us the rubix-cube, neon lights, Back to the Future, The A-Team and Sonia! You’ll hear everything from Billie Jean to Blue Monday, Wham to Whitney, Blondie to Bonnie Tyler and a whole lot more. There’s even an 80’s makeover station with hairspray, glitter and huge shoulder pads!

More info on Tainted Love here.

For a Fright…

Newsham Park Abandoned Hospital

The Halloween before last myself and Mark Bryon were given the lovely task of going ghost hunting at one of the UK’s most haunted buildings. I won’t lie, I felt like I’d done ten rounds with Freddy Krueger when I got home, but it was worth it. Newsham Park Abandoned Hospital and Asylum was built in 1870 and ticks all of the boxes for anyone looking for a sinister Saturday night out. The team at Dusk ’til Dawn events lead you through the spooky corridors, abandoned hospital wards and forgotten rooms bringing to life the terrifying tales of yesteryear. Trust me it isn’t for the faint hearted, I’m still getting over it now. Their next event is this Saturday with plenty more to come. Watch our ghostly experience above and enter if you dare!

More info on the Facebook page here.

To Get Excited…

Grand National 2018

We are just weeks away to one of the world’s biggest sporting events, and it happens right here in Liverpool. Starting on Thursday 12th and running to Saturday 14th April, the Grand National is back. This year’s event is looking huge and Saturday is already completely sold out. Grand National Thursday always starts the weekend’s celebrations off in style and this year there are half price tickets available for anyone aged 18-24. Then of course Ladies Day ups the ante on the Friday with the annual style award, and live music this year from Gabrielle. I was at the annual media launch this week which was packed full of the countries press and the likes of Sam Quek, John Aldridge, Katie Walsh, Laura Wright and celebrated owner, Trevor Hemmings all in attendance to officially launch the countdown to the city’s biggest annual event.

Get more info and book your tickets here.

For some Culture…

The Bluecoat, School Lane

Did you know The Bluecoat is the oldest surviving building in Central Liverpool? Bringing contemporary art to a new audience. The building is over 300 years old and has four different galleries, event space and is home to some of the city’s finest creatives, offering designers, craftspeople and artists workspace. You can visit 7 days a week and if you are quick there is still time to check out ‘In the Peaceful Dome’ and ‘Bluecoat: At The Heart Of Liverpool Culture’ which run until 8th April. The upstairs Bistro also offers warming comfort food including Scouse and the Espresso Cafe downstairs is perfect for that quick coffee fix.

Lots more info on what’s on at The Bluecoat here.

As we approach the long Easter weekend we will bring you lots more info on what you can get up to in Liverpool over on our Twitter and Facebook feeds. You can follow our story on Instagram and of course watch our daily updates everyday with the Guide Live.

Have a good one Liverpool, and don’t forget clocks go forward Saturday night! Perfect excuse to turn up late for work on Monday morning!

Jay x