A stylish stay in Liverpool
This weekend I made my maiden voyage to Liverpool, keen to see if there is more to this city than its Wag-tastic stereotype. And I wasn’t disappointed – there’s a buzz about Liverpool which you can feel everywhere from its boutiques to its cocktail bars, and boy do the locals love to dress up. So here’s my fashionable guide to Liverpool and if there’s anywhere I missed please let me know in the comments below, as I plan to return very soon!
SHOP
Cricket: No trip to Liverpool is complete without a visit to Cricket. This mecca for the city’s fashionistas has been going strong for nearly 20 years thanks to founder Justine Mills’ instinct for picking the most desirable pieces from designers like Celine, Balenciaga and Chloe. New labels are represented too – we flicked through rails of Whitney Eve (Whitney Port’s line) and Elizabeth and James (the Olsen twins’ collection). The best thing about Cricket is the atmosphere – it’s relaxed and unpretentious, with pop tunes belting out and a chatty, friendly staff who are more than happy to fill you in on the coolest places to go out in Liverpool – a far cry from many intimidating designer stores. Cricket, 9 Cavern Walks, Mathew St, Liverpool, L2 6RE
Vintage: Lest you think Liverpool is all Louboutins and Lariats, the city has a strong vintage offering too. Bold Street is dotted with cute indie boutiques containing all manner of fashion treasure, from sequinned dresses worthy of Alexis Carrington to retro sweaters and fabulous costume jewellery. Little Red Vintage boasted colourful rails of amazingly affordable pieces, while just down the street in the Bluecoat (a collection of indie shops housed in a beautiful old building) Flashback Boutique had a well-edited offering of cocktail dresses. At the top of Bold Street you'll find Bold Street Coffee - the coolest little coffee house which does amazing flat whites and mouthwatering mozzarella paninis.
Little Red Vintage, 74 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1
Flashback Boutique at the Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool ONE, L1 3BX
SLEEP
Malmaison Liverpool: So you’ve staggered back from the city centre, laden down with shopping bags and where do you choose to kick off your heels and rest your weary head? The newly reopened Malmaison, that’s where. This bold modern block occupies a corner right next door to the famous Liver Building, with views across the Mersey to the Wirral. The lobby is amazing, with a cauldron of fire shooting up into the double height space and lots of comfy armchairs and sofas – the perfect place to sip a glass of bubbly and watch people come and go. Bedrooms boast dramatic pink and purple décor, lots of storage and seating (we’re bored of over-designed hotel rooms that look chic but don’t actually have anywhere to sit or put your stuff) and our favourite indulgence, fab bathrooms with rain showers, deep tubs and toiletries that you’re actually encouraged to pilfer. The Plum bar downstairs is the place for pre-dinner cocktails, and the restaurant specialises in locally sourced delicacies (don’t miss the breakfast waffles too.) Malmaison Liverpool, William Jessop Way, Princes Dock, Liverpool, L3 1QZ
EAT
Maranto's: Head out of town to Lark Lane - a street of restaurants with a villagey vibe. Marento's is a family-run Italian eaterie that does delicious, hearty food - homemade meatballs, meltingly tender lamb and excellent (affordable) wine, with a fantastic atmosphere to boot. Marento's, 57 - 63 Lark Lane, Liverpool, L17
DANCE
Alma de Cuba: Everyone we asked in Liverpool told us Alma de Cuba was the place to go and on a Saturday night it was packed with glammed-up revellers. The special thing about this club, bar and restaurant is its spectacular location – the former St Peters Catholic Church, which opened in 1788 and was the first church in the city to be converted into a venue. It was quite surreal watching the clubbers dancing against a background of stained glass windows and candelabras, but made for a very memorable and super-fun night. The dress code is seriously glamorous so don your fanciest frock and highest heels and embrace it. Sunday Service Gospel brunch is ideal for refueling after a night on the tiles. Alma de Cuba, St Peters' Church, Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4BH
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