a whole new outlook on Liverpool


I have been to Liverpool countless times. However, until recently Liverpool was to me the John Lennon Airport, the Holiday Inn Airport Hotel and Goodison Park.

I now have a whole new outlook on this former European City of Culture.

As our flight usually gets in around 11pm, Rob and I often elect to stay at the Holiday Inn at the airport. The rooms do the trick; a bed, a shower and a kettle for Rob's late night coffee, and then free breakfast in the morning. Albeit, this time there was no soap of any kind to be found in our room. Still a great deal for 44 pounds a night!!

Saturday morning we got up early, had our wheaties and took a taxi in town to drop off our bags at our next home away from home, Base2Stay Hotel. The hotel, which opened in early August is the sister hotel to Base2Stay in London. The hotel is funky, clean and really well located. Each room comes with a mini kitchen and the hotel staff even encourage you to go to the local Tesco to pick up rations!

Rob and I braved the rain and went to run some pre-game errands. Our first stop was Tiger. We have a habit of going ape city (our nickname for going a little bit shopping crazy...) in this store. We beat the odds and left empty handed. Next it was off to John Lewis in search of some fabulously bright socks for Jo's birthday (the next time you see JJ please insist to see his socks...). We stopped by Urban Outfitters, a shop which is usually either a hit or total miss for me. With the dark grey clouds over top, Rob gave in and bought a coat. I made it out of there with only a couple of new nail polishes!

We hoped in a taxi and headed to see the blues take on dirty Manchester United...please see sub-blog for my game time highlights!

We celebrated the 3-3 tie and headed straight to one of my favorite UK stores - Flannels. I increased my shoe collection by 2 and bought a great pair of black boots. They are flat, have four buckles and will certainly see me through many miles in the years to come! We always stock up on greeting cards when in the UK and this trip was no different.

We did the tourist thing and walked down to the docks - for me, it was one of the highlights of the weekend. Rob and I day then dreamed about having a great apartment in one of the historical buildings...

With our stomachs grumbling...the big question, where to have dinner? We had been salivating over the possibility of having Indian, but the minute we spotted Jamie Oliver's new Italian restaurant in Liverpool, we knew that we could not resist. We kicked off the night with a couple of glasses of proseco and some bruschetta. Rob ordered lamb chops as his main and I had pasta and melt in your mouth meatballs (this is huge coming from the dedicated leaf eater!!). Tempted by the descriptive menu, we also ordered a salad and fries. None of it dissapointed. The decor in the resto is fab, particularly the second level, which is set up market style. I have a special place in my heart for the resto's washroom, which was simple, but full of character! Jamie - if you ever want to get rid of the gorgeous sink, I am your girl!!

On the walk home we stopped by a little Catalan store and cafe called Lunya. The store front is covered with positive reviews and awards. We promised ourselves that we would eat there during our next trip to Merseyside.

Sunday morning we stopped by Café Nero for a couple of hot drinks...this may be a bit controversial, but I think their chai tea latte beats out Starbucks!! We then moved onto Pret A Manger for one of their yogurt, fruit and granola breakfast snacks - the perfect way to start a morning!

With a bit of spare room in our bags, we ran some errands and then hoped in a taxi for the airport. The 15 pounds were well spent - as the driver took us on a picturesque ride along the water. It was one of those rides where a) I wished we had a dog b) I thought perhaps I could live here after all!

Next weekend's fabulous destination...the city of lights and an evening with Bono!

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