For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.

Liverpool

United Kingdom

Cityscape: Revitalised Victoriana
City life: Mersey beat

This stately old lady on the banks of the Mersey may have celebrated her 800th birthday, but she’s enjoying an invigorating shake-up these days…

A flattering spotlight now shines on her Victorian splendours and spruced-up docksides, beckoning visitors to 'come together, right now'. Liverpool not only lays claim to Europe’s oldest Chinatown and the UK’s largest cathedral, but also the title ‘European Capital of Culture 2008’ – the city's irrepressible cheeriness is being combined with a renaissance in art and culture not seen since the Fab Four took an unsuspecting world by storm back in the Sixties. The city once famous for its maritime prowess and musical clout has reclaimed its wharves and warehouses, transforming them into enticing café and museum districts, and fresh blood pulses through Liverpool’s grand Imperial arteries and neoclassical structures, where buzzing restaurants, boutiques and nightlife now hold sway.

Pictured: Hope Street Hotel

Boutique hotels in Liverpool

Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Liverpool

Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights Liverpool's best incentives for leaving your hotel room, from art and culture to tours of the docks on amphibian vehicles; we've even found the best urban walks and picnic spots.

Eating, drinking & dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Liverpool. All you have to do is make sure you've packed your favourite threads…

Smith Maps

Use our handy interactive map of Liverpool to find the location of your Smith hotel and explore the surrounding city.

Taxis: There are plenty of black cabs in Liverpool, especially in the city centre; just hail one in the street. Alternatively, try Mersey Cabs (+44 (0)151 733 3393), or get your hotel to recommend a minicab company for you.
Tipping culture: 10 per cent is standard, but many restaurants now add a discretionary 12.5 per cent, so be careful not to tip twice.
Packing tips: Load up your iPod with your favourite tunes, from Merseybeat to cosmic Scouse (aka the Zutons, the La’s, the Dead 60s and the Coral, to name a few).
Recommended reads: Collected Poems by Roger McGough; Love Poems by Brian Patten; An Awfully Big Adventure by Beryl Bainbridge, which is a bittersweet study of the city in the Fifties..
Cuisine: As a major port, Liverpool has enjoyed a wide range of foreign influences, evident in the multitude of food options in the city; Chinatown has some particularly good restaurants.
Regional specialities: For something typically Liverpudlian, try a scouse – a hearty lamb and vegetable stew – or a wet nelly, a syrup-soaked pudding made from cake and pastry scraps. Lark Lane Farmers’ Market (+44 (0)151 233 2165; www.larklane.com/farmersmarket), near Sefton Park, 9am–2pm on the last Saturday of every month, features produce from within a 100-mile radius of the city, incorporating the rich surrounding farmland of Lancashire and Cheshire. Track down HS Bourne’s handmade organic Cheshire cheeses (www.hsbourne.co.uk), and delicious smoked meats from the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse (www.polsco.co.uk).
Currency: Pound sterling.
Time zone: GMT.
Dialing codes: Country code for the UK: 44. Liverpool: 0151.
Do go/don't go: The city is a year-round destination but the weather is best between April and September. Certain events, like the Grand National and the Mathew Street Festival draw large numbers of people to the city. If Liverpool Football Club wins the European Championship again any time soon you can expect another huge street party.

Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights Liverpool's best incentives for leaving your hotel room, from art and culture to tours of the docks on amphibian vehicles; we've even found the best urban walks and picnic spots.

Literally Liverpool

Beatlemania is still going strong here. The Beatles Story in Albert Dock tells the tale of John, Paul, George and Ringo, complete with walk-through yellow submarine (www.beatlesstory.com). Fab Four fans can tour the childhood homes of Lennon and McCartney – now owned by the National Trust and restored to their original 1950s glory (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles).

Viewpoint: Standing 101 metres tall, Liverpool Cathedral’s Vestey Tower (www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk) will give you panoramic vistas across city, reaching as far as the Welsh hills to the west and the Pennines to the east. You’ll have to take two lifts up to the bell tower (which houses the 14.5 ton Great George bell) and then climb 108 stairs to the viewing platform. Monday–Saturday, 10am–3.30pm (extended in summer). Sunday hours are limited, depending on services and special events; ring +44 (0)151 709 6271 for details.
Arts and culture: Liverpool – 2008’s European Capital of Culture – has some of the best art galleries in the north of England; the Walker Art Gallery (www.thewalker.org.uk) has works by Rembrandt, Freud and Hockney. Housed in a beautifully converted warehouse in Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool (www.tate.org.uk/liverpool) has an excellent collection of modern and contemporary art. If fine art doesn’t tickle your fancy, go to www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk for a round-up of the other cultural stars.
Something for nothing: Pier Head, in the heart of Liverpool Docks, gives you the best view of the Three Graces: the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port
Shopping: There are enough designer outlets in town to satisfy even the most demanding footballers’ wives. Flannels at the Met Quarter centre on Whitechapel (www.metquarter.com) stocks lines by Italy’s own fab four (Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Versace) as well as frock stars Etro, Issa and Diane von Furstenburg. Cavern Shopping centre on Mathew Street (www.cavernshopping.com) is another hotspot of trend-alert boutiques – a bulging bag from Cricket is a badge of honour among label lovers. For quirkier fashion and cool homewares, head to Bold Street, where you’ll find shops like Utility and Microzine; the Victorian tearoom at department store Jeffs of Bold Street (www.jeffsofboldst.co.uk) is a good place for a pit stop.
Daytripper: The Sefton Coastal Path stretches for just over 20km between the seaside resorts of Crosby and Southport, taking in beaches, dunes, woodlands, and nature reserves for red squirrels and rare toads. Crosby beach is populated by Antony Gormley’s eerie army of cast-iron men, collectively known as Another Place. Merseyrail Northern Line trains stop at every town along the coast from Liverpool to Southport, so you can walk as little or as far as you like. Cut out the boring bits with a guide from Sefton Tourism (+44 (0)1704 533533). Little more than 30 miles away, Manchester has undergone a similar resurgence to Liverpool and has a wealth of excellent shopping, fine restaurants and city-centre galleries.
Perfect Picnic: The grand country estate of Croxteth Hall (www.croxteth.co.uk) just to the north of the city is flanked by 500 acres of beautiful parkland, with woodland walks and riding stables. Bring a blanket and find a quiet spot, or sprawl supine on the lawns of the walled garden.
Walks: From Seacombe Ferry Terminal, you can take a bracing, cheek-rosying walk along the banks of the river Mersey and the Irish sea. Follow the promenade round the Wirral Coast, which curves round to West Kirby via New Brighton (where there’s a rail link back to Seacombe, if the full 25km will spoil your lunch plans).
Children: The Yellow Duckmarine offers trips in a WWII amphibious truck. The hour-long tour takes in the historic sights of the city (Pier Head, the Three Graces, St George’s Hall, cathedrals etc), before splashing down in the Salthouse Dock, ending at Albert Dock. Drivers carry water pistols for kids to shoot at passers-by (www.theyellowduckmarine.co.uk). (+44 (0)151 478 4199; www.thewalker.org.uk) on William Brown Street is home to the first dedicated children’s gallery in any UK museum; Big Art for Little Artists offers hands-on painting sessions and child-friendly activities. Daily, 10am–5pm, admission free. Just down the road is the huge World Museum Liverpool (+44 (0)151 478 4393; www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk), with interactive displays on classic childhood fetishes from dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies to space travel. Daily, 10am–5pm; admission free. Acorn Venture Urban Farm (+44 (0)151 548 1524; www.acornfarm.co.uk) on Knowsley Industrial Estate has a petting zoo, plus pony rides, woodland walks, a playground, picnic area and farm shop.
Activities: In this football-mad city you’re either red or blue (or Tranmere Rovers); you can see Liverpool in action at Anfield (www.liverpoolfc.tv), and Everton at Goodison Park (www.evertonfc.com) – just make sure you wear the right colours. Also just north of Liverpool is the Aintree racecourse, home of the Grand National, undoubtedly one of the nation’s biggest and best-loved horseracing events, but it hosts plenty of other race events throughout the year (www.aintree.co.uk). If you’d prefer to be in the saddle yourself, you can take lessons at Croxteth Park Riding Centre (+44 (0)151 220 9177).

Diary

2008 will see a wide range of events as Liverpool becomes European Capital of Culture for the year; see www.liverpool08.com for details.

Mid February Chinese New Year is enthusiastically celebrated in the city’s Chinatown. March LEAP, a diverse festival of contemporary dance showcasing the talents of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (www.merseysidedance.co.uk/leap.html). April The Grand National meeting at nearby Aintree Racecourse (www.aintree.co.uk). August The massive Mathew Street Music Festival brings several stages to a number of city locations and features performances by emerging and established local groups (www.mathewstreetfestival.com). International Beatles Week attracts more than 200 bands from around the world to play tribute to the city’s favourite sons, with markets and exhibitions dedicated to the famous foursome (www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk/beatleweek). The flagship Creamfields festival sees international DJs and live acts bid the summer farewell (www.creamfieldsfestival.co.uk).

Eating, drinking and dancing

Restaurants

The London Carriage Works

This restaurant at the Hope Street Hotel was created by Paul Askew and is the city’s most celebrated restaurant; there’s a fine dining section and a more informal brasserie area – both excellent.

Hope Street Hotel, 40 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9DA
(+44 (0)151 705 2222)

60 Hope Street

Rather snobbishly described as ‘a London restaurant in Liverpool’ by AA Gill, this is another good choice; seafood is a speciality, and the signature dish of deep-fried jam sandwich with Carnation milk ice-cream shouldn’t be missed. There’s a more informal bistro, too.

60 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BZ
(+44 (0)151 707 6060)

Alma de Santiago

This popular bar and grill at Dovedale Towers will inject a little fiesta flavour into your food with its delicious Spanish and Latin American cooking. Plus, it's on Penny Lane, so you'll be humming that tune and feeling all nostalgic and warm inside.

Dovedale Towers, Penny Lane, Liverpool L18 1DG
(+44 (0)151 709 7097)

Sapporo Teppanyaki

Pure food theatre, with sushi and noodle dishes prepared in open kitchens by skilful blade-wielding chefs. Sup on succulent sashimi and soothing soba-noodle stir-fries.

134 Duke Street, East Village, Liverpool L1 5AG
(+44 (0)151 705 3005)

Simply Heathcote’s

A stylish restaurant on the Strand, this is a great place for lunch prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients, especially on Sundays. It’s eminently family-friendly, too.

Beetham Plaza, 25 The Strand, Liverpool L2 0XL
(+44 (0)151 236 3536)

Ziba Bar & Restaurant

This restaurant at the Racquet Club on Chapel Street serves expertly prepared Modern British cuisine in imposing Victorian surroundings; great for long late lunches and early evening drinks.

Racquet Club, Hargreaves Buildings,  5 Chapel Street,  Liverpool  L3 9AG
 (+44 (0)151 236 6676)

Everyman Bistro 

Smart, great-value basement bistro beneath the Everyman Theatre with daily changing menu of Francophile tarts, flans and quiches. Continental beers and wines complete the carte.

5–9 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BH
(+44 (0)151 708 9545)

Bars and clubs

Baby Cream

An upscale lounge bar and restaurant with live DJs from those canny Cream club people, with great views over the water. There’s a plush Powder Room for girlie moments over martinis and make-up, too (www.babycream.co.uk).

Atlantic Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool
(+44 (0)151 702 5826)

PanAm

PanAm (aka the Pan American Club) is a suave, booth-lined bar and restaurant in one of Liverpool’s historic waterside warehouses, the grade I-listed Britannia Pavilion. Open daily, 11am–2am.

Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
(+44 (0)151 709 1156)

Blue Bar and Grill

Located in Edward Pavilion, this is one of the most stylish places in town.

Alma de Cuba

This magnificent Caribbean-themed restaurant and bar is housed in a former Catholic church – think marble columns, votive candles and guilt-free mojitos. Praise be!

St Peter’s Church,  Seel Street,  Liverpool   L1 4AZ
 (+44 (0)151 709 7097)

The Cavern Club

Has to be mentioned, although this isn’t the original venue played by the Fab Four but a careful reconstruction; nevertheless, it’s viewed as hallowed ground by Beatles fans and is still a buzzing live-music venue (www.cavernclub.org).

10 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE
(+44 (0)151 236 1965)

Korova

This is a great venue to see promising young Liverpudlian bands and up-and-coming DJs. Electro band Ladytron are co-owners of this funky music-focused multi-purpose venue, which mixes playfully decorated bar, café (Eat), club and restaurant (Chilli Grille) with style. Go to www.korova-liverpool.com for events listings.

39-41 Fleet Sreet, Liverpool L1 4AR
(+44 (0)151 709 7097)

Keith's Food & Wine Bar

The perfect pitstop for a glass of wine after the Lark Lane farmers’ market, or delicious home-made cake with ice-cream.

107 Lark Lane, Liverpool  L17 8UR
(+44 (0)151 727 4350)

Printable destination guide

Liverpool

United Kingdom

This stately old lady on the banks of the Mersey may have celebrated her 800th birthday, but she’s enjoying an invigorating shake-up these days…

Boutique hotels in Liverpool

Getting there

Worth getting out of bed for

Eating, drinking & dancing

Smith Maps

Local knowledge

Liverpool hotels

Hope Street Hotel

62 Castle Street

Getting there

Worth getting out of bed for

Literally Liverpool

Diary

Eating, drinking and dancing

Cafés

Delifonseca

Number Seven Deli

The Other Place Deli

Restaurants

The London Carriage Works

60 Hope Street

Alma de Santiago

Sapporo Teppanyaki

Simply Heathcote’s

Ziba Bar & Restaurant

Everyman Bistro

Bars and clubs

Baby Cream

PanAm

Blue Bar and Grill

Alma de Cuba

The Cavern Club

Korova

Keith's Food & Wine Bar

Pubs

The Monro