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www.ymliverpool.com OCTOBER 2021

INNSiDE Liverpool Interior design Q&A Revisiting Rioja Properties in Focus

Katherine Jenkins

on life, Liverpool & lockdown

YM Liverpool

A new neighbourhood in the making on the left bank of the River Mersey. Here’s what to expect: – Two, three, four and five bedroom homes available – Bright and spacious with picture windows and high ceilings – Waterfront views, pedestrianised streets and landscaped communal areas – Close to the natural beauty of the Wirral beaches and country parks – Great transport links to Liverpool and surrounding areas – Homes from £210,000

Sales Pavilion now open Book an appointment today: Call Megan on 0151 832 7700 or email eastfloat@housebyurbansplash.co.uk

Scan the QR code to find out more. housebyurbansplash.co.uk/east-float

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YM Liverpool

issue #496

October

ello and welcome to the latest edition of Liverpool’s biggest free magazine. First up, we bring you my chat with Welsh superstar Katherine Jenkins ahead of her date at the Philharmonic Hall next month. The Neath-born classical singer told me why playing Liverpool almost feels like coming home as we discussed her lockdown home concerts, latest album and working alongside Johnny Depp in her first major film role. On the home front, House by Urban Splash interior designer Rachel Thomas answers your biggest questions for 2021 and John Lewis introduces its Heritage Revival trend to the bedroom. Meanwhile, we have an extensive review of the city’s newest and most anticipated hotel, INNSiDE Liverpool – located in what was the Echo and Daily Post building on Old Hall Street. Onto food and drink, we’ve got a hearty mac ‘n’ cheese recipe for you to try and Jon Atkinson from Liverpool wine merchants WineTime celebrates Rioja Wine Month by selecting four of his favourites from Spain’s most important wine-growing region Elsewhere, Annie S helps you make an autumn statement with her latest fashion edit and Heather Marsh finds some ‘berry’ impressive specimens in the garden. Last but not least, Andy Johnson gets in the Halloween spirit with another classic movie review and Liverpool’s status as the ‘Hollywood of the North’ takes a step closer. Until next time!

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OCTOBER 2021

l INNSiDE Liverpoo Q&A Interior design Revisiting Rioja Focus Properties in

Editor: Lawrence Saunders [editor@ymliverpool.com] Design: Marten Sealby

Katherine Jenkins

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on life, Liverpool & lockdown

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Sweetest Welsh superstar Katherine Jenkins speaks to YM ahead of her date at the Philharmonic Hall next month to discuss Liverpool, lockdown, her passion for musical movies and acting alongside Johnny Depp words lawrence saunders

What are your memories of playing Liverpool? I feel like I’ve been coming to Liverpool to perform since about 2003. It’s always such a wonderful crowd. I love the Philharmonic Hall – it’s an amazing room which has always been so warm and welcoming. I know it that well that it actually feels quite homely coming back to Liverpool. I’m really looking forward to seeing everybody again. During the pandemic, you performed weekly on social media – both to support the NHS and for your own wellbeing, as you say nothing feels better than performing live. I imagine you must be delighted at the prospect of getting this tour started? When we were all stuck at home, I tried to come up with ways to keep doing what I love and also try and help other people. There were people like my mum who were on their own. I knew I couldn’t do what the NHS was doing, and all that amazing work, but I could sing a few songs and keep people company. It started off as a one-week promise, thinking I’d do a concert from home every Saturday night for about four weeks, but it actually turned into a year of performances! My kids were running around in the background whilst my husband managed the backing tracks and did a few duets with me. It was really lovely to see that people were being comforted by it. But nothing

Your most recent album, Cinema Paradiso, is a collection of songs featured in classic movies. Was it acting in your first film, Minamata, which inspired this record? They sort of both happened at the same time, but I grew up watching musical films. If it was a rainy day, or I was off poorly from school, my mum would usually put a classic film on like The Sound of Music or Calamity Jane – that sort of thing. They were really what excited me to sing in the first place. There is so much amazing, nostalgic music in films that it was actually really hard to pin it down to just enough songs for the album. I could have probably done 10 albums! Each song has got a special memory attached for me – ‘Moon River’ from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I sang that as my best friend walked down the aisle at her wedding. My dad would always sing ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ at family parties when he’d had a few drinks as well. The concert will be with a string quartet and piano, so the songs will be performed in an intimate way. Aside from tracks off Cinema Paradiso, what else can fans expect to hear when you play Liverpool next month? According to the streaming services, people started listening to Christmas music on their phones at the beginning of November last

I’ve missed going out to concerts and seeing shows, as well as being in them. To say I’m excited to be out on tour is an understatement!

Aside from the live performances, how did you find lockdown? Especially with two young children? Like everyone with a young family, it was like learning to juggle but also see the positives too. My husband and I travel a lot, one will be away and the other will be with the kids, so it was the first time in ages that we’d been all together. Yes, the homeschooling whilst trying to do work was a test, but I’m still really happy that we had the focus of the online concerts to work together as a family and try to do something good. Of course, we missed family and my husband’s family are in New York so he didn’t see them for almost two years in total. We were conscious of that kind of thing and were desperate to see our families.

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year, so I may do a little Christmas section at the end – alongside selected tracks from my back catalogue. I think people will be so excited for Christmas that it’ll be a good chance to throw a little bit of that in there. And even if it’s not on the rest of the tour, I will make sure I sing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, especially for Liverpool. How did you find working with the legendary film composer Ryuichi Sakamoto on the score for Minamata? His famous piece Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence is featured on your latest album. It was absolutely amazing. He’s the master. At the time I was making Cinema Paradiso, I was also doing the soundtrack for Minamata and I wanted to pay homage to Ryuichi with one of his pieces. I love Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence and I will definitely be playing that on the tour. I went to Ryuichi’s studio in New York and he had this idea about using my voice as the voice of mother nature in this film about industrial pollution. He had the film playing in the background for me and said: ‘When you see the mountain, start singing this’. I’ve never

DAVID VENNI

beats singing to people when you can see them. When we get out into a real theatre with proper musicians, and not backing tracks, [I like] seeing how music affects people, whether they’re clapping their hands or even tearing up. I’ve started to see that already with some of the concerts I’ve done [post-lockdown], and I think it’s been a really emotional experience for lots of us – not just the people on the stage. I’ve missed going out to concerts too and seeing shows, as well as being in them. To say I’m excited to be out on tour is an understatement!

Love

INTERVIEW

There is so much amazing, nostalgic music in films that it was actually really hard to pin it down to just enough songs for the album. really recorded like that before, but it was an incredible learning experience and such an honour to get to do that with him. I hope I get to do more of it in the future. What was it like acting in a major film for the first time alongside the likes of Johnny Depp and Bill Nighy? It was quite nerve-racking actually! Whenever I’d done acting [before Minamata], it had either been playing myself or just a cameo role but this was a straight character without any music. I thought it was a really important story to tell, a true story, and something the world should know about. We did the boardroom scene first with Johnny [Depp] and Bill Nighy, and I was like ‘Gosh, this isn’t intimidating in the slightest!’ But you know what, they were really kind and encouraging. I’m very happy with how the film turned out. Do you think acting is something you will do again? You’ve set the bar pretty high judging by the film’s glowing reviews! Yes, I do! I also did another film, a Welsh film which came out recently called Dream Horse, which tells the true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely racehorse bred by Welsh bartender Jan Vokes. It’s a really lovely, feel-good film where I play myself. I did both Dream Horse and Minamata around the same time and I enjoyed both experiences a lot, so I’d definitely be open to more! Katherine Jenkins will play Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 22 November 2021

YM Liverpool

NEWS

NORTH WALES LEISURE GROUP SAYS ‘I DO’ TO POSTLOCKDOWN SUCCESS

Wedding season may be over, but Lyons is already preparing for a sell-out year following multi-million pound investment THE HISTORIC LYONS NANT HALL, located on the outskirts of Prestatyn, is back in business following the lockdown of 2021. Zayneb Farhoud, events manager of the Grade II-listed venue which dates back to the 12th Century, says the quiet period enforced by the pandemic was the ideal time to implement refurbishments that would “make couple’s dreams come true”. Despite being closed for weddings for 15 months, she says the Lyons groups’ directors made the most of a bad situation, and that opulent renovations were completed in record time. Zayneb adds: “We can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to be back on the wedding scene. COVID-19 forced us to put a hold on so many

beautiful weddings, and when restrictions did begin easing, there was so much complexity and confusion around the guidelines here in Wales. “We’re so proud of how we supported our couples and their families, working hard to tiptoe around restrictions to make their days as special as possible at this beautiful countryside venue, which is only a stone’s throw away from a Blue Flag Beach. “But now things are back to normal again, we can go full steam ahead and show off the incredible new function room which is just the perfect place to tie the knot. “The detail and luxury in this new part of the building is just stunning. It has its own private bar, wheelchair-accessible toilets, new outdoor decking area which is the ideal place for candid bridal shots, and a gorgeous panoramic window which looks out at the entire Lyons Nant Hall gardens.” To enquire about weddings at Lyons Nant Hall, email functions@ lyonsnanthall.co.uk or call 01745 866 766.

PAUL CROWLEY & CO SOLICITORS STRENGTHENS ITS CONVEYANCING DEPARTMENT Leading Liverpool law firm welcomes new and returning staff members PAUL CROWLEY & CO SOLICITORS is delighted to welcome back Nikki Stephenson to its conveyancing department. Nikki returns this October after being on maternity leave following the birth of her second child, a baby girl. A highly skilled conveyancing executive, Nikki possesses a wealth of knowledge on the legal requirements of selling and purchasing a residential property. Jenna Gall, director and head of conveyancing at Paul Crowley & Co, says: “As we move into the lead up to Christmas, the timing of Nikki’s return could not be better after the government’s stamp duty tax relief placed an unprecedented demand upon the conveyancing sector. “The experience Nikki brings to the team will prove an invaluable addition to the dedication and professionalism that the conveyancing team has shown in dealing with the hectic schedule of

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the past 12 months”. Paul Crowley & Co is also pleased to announce Hayley King as a new member of the conveyancing team. Hayley, who started in Paul Crowley & Co’s marketing department, has progressed to the conveyancing department and is loving her new role, as well as enjoying learning new skills. Jenna adds: “Hayley has fitted in perfectly, we have built up a fantastic team in the conveyancing department and I would like to acknowledge and say a big thank you to the team. As the team grows from strength to strength there will be further appointments in the very near future.” If you would like to discuss the buying, selling or remortgaging of a property please call Jenna and her team on 0151 264 7363.

LIMITED

APARTMENTS REMAINING Luchon Villa is Redwing’s latest development of 20 one and two-bedroom apartments, available for sale through shared ownership. Just moments from Lark Lane and with Sefton Park on your doorstep, Luchon Villa puts you in easy reach of cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, the tranquility of the park, and the bustle of Liverpool City Centre. Luchon Villa’s luxury apartments are not just in an enviable location, all come with high quality fixtures and fittings. Reserve now for only £250!

Contact our sales team to book a viewing via:

Scan here to

sales@redwing.co.uk

download our digital brochure! YM Liverpool 7

0151 703 3703

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INTERIORS

Q&A

IN A RECENT INTERACTIVE STORY on its Instagram page, House by Urban Splash asked its followers to send in their questions for interior designer, Rachel Thomas. Rachel, pictured above, is the experienced, creative professional behind the looks of many House by Urban Splash and Urban Splash properties – including new homes at Wirral Waters’ East Float. She tackled 10 questions on topics ranging from clever storage solutions to incorporating Japandi styles.

Which colour palettes are trending right now?

When it comes to trends, I don’t think there is much place for them in the home. Look to them for inspiration, yes, but focus more on making your home a place that you love to spend time in. If you like maximalism – go for maximalism. If you want a pink wall – paint a pink wall. If yellow makes you happy – choose yellow. Don’t worry about whether the styles or colours you choose are on trend or not. Your home is your real life haven – not a square on somebody’s Instagram feed. Go for whatever brings you joy!

YM Liverpool

House by Urban Splash interior designer Rachel Thomas answers your biggest interior design questions for 2021

How can I decorate the walls of a rented property?

First and foremost, talk to your landlord. Never, ever, decorate a rented property without speaking to them first – we don’t want you to lose your deposit! If your landlord doesn’t allow painting, there’s plenty of temporary solutions you can explore to make your rented property feel more like a home. Vinyl coverings are great option. You can buy them from shops including Manchester-based Jes Rose. They can be added to walls, bathroom tiles, and kitchen surfaces to brighten them up – and they can be removed as and when you’re ready to move out. If you want to hang artwork or photographs on your wall without causing damage, you can also use things like Command Strips too. And remember, you don’t have to just focus on the walls to add character and colour to your rented space – you could always use your soft furnishings like cushions and duvet colours. For more inspiration, there’s a really good Instagram page called @howirent_, set up by home blogger Medina of @grillodesigns. She’s big on interior design and finding innovative ways to spruce up rented spaces.

HOME

Best places to shop for interiors in Liverpool?

Greenery is a must in any home, and our first stop in Liverpool would be Root Houseplants at The Bluecoat – there is no better place to green up your gaff. Before you leave Liverpool city centre’s oldest building, be sure to check out the Bluecoat Display Centre. Internationally recognised for contemporary craft and design, it also runs talks and workshops if you fancy trying your hand at something new. Last but not least, as well as its amazing online furniture store, Utility on Bold Street is the perfect place to pick up small accessories, decorative objects and gifts.

(if possible, near or facing a window so it will reflect the light back in the room). Think about how and if you even need to dress your windows. Often curtains and blinds can impede on the window space, but if you do need them for privacy, use a lighter or translucent fabric like a voile. Oh, and clean your windows – inside and out!

How can you create a home office in a dining room alcove?

How do I upcycle budget furniture to make it look more expensive?

In the New Islington show home, we featured the Arnie.M. – a beautiful, modular workspace, made in Manchester. It would be great for a flexible dining room/home office set up as the work top neatly folds away so you can easily hide your working area when it’s time for dinner.

I’m really into upcycling furniture, I take inspiration from Instagram ‘upcyclers’. Instagram account @_homeofshade is a great page to visit. It’s run by Shade Shannon – she does loads of DIY projects and has her own YouTube channel too. We also love @ikeahackersofficial for ideas on how to personalise that Kallax unit we know you all have in your spare room.

Any clever storage tips for small rooms?

A great tip is to find furniture with built-in storage. In the bedroom, look for beds with underbed storage or even with storage space in the headboard. If you’ve already got your main pieces of furniture, stacking crates are ideal storage solutions as they look neat and tidy, are available to suit every budget, and they can also bring a bit of colour to your room too.

What’s the best way to make a room feel lighter?

If you’re looking to redecorate, opt for a lighter colour and look for light reflective paint. Include a mirror as a feature in the room

What’s the best way to use bold colours in the bathroom?

The bathroom is the perfect place to go crazy with colour. You can put fun, coloured flooring down (we’ve done this in some of our show homes) or go really bold with your accessories – things like towels, shower curtains, bathmats, rubber ducks! Over in New Islington, we brightened up the previously monochrome bathroom with some vibrant pink and red accessories from donnawilson.com.

How do I decorate in a Japandi style?

This trend mixes the minimalism of Japanese design with the refined style of Scandinavian design. Think clean lines, natural wood, and material finishes, paired with warm muted tones and a clutter-free interior. Paint brand Lick has a Japandi colour palette which is a great place to start for colour inspo for the walls. Bring some nature into your space with plants or dried grasses and opt for ornaments with a matt rather than a glazed finish.

Where’s the best place to buy inexpensive accessories?

One of my favourite places to shop for home accessories at the moment is JYSK. It’s like the middle aisle of Aldi meets IKEA. You can achieve some really expensive-looking spaces in your home with items from places like Dunelm, Home Sense, TK Maxx, and H&M Home – and don’t underestimate the home aisle of your local supermarket too. Remember, an item may appear cheap when stacked on the shelves in budget shops, but it can look completely different when you find the right spot for it in your home. YM Liverpool

Black faux leather padded jacket

Cream borg zip puffer coat £70, I Saw It First

£85, I Saw It First

Fabric lace up boots £49.99, Zara

Autumn statement Stand out from the crowd in comfort with Annie S’s latest edit

High neck sweater £49.99, Zara

Camisole dress

Cream boots

£27.99, Zara

£49.99, H&M

Annie’s tip ky boots

hun ress with c Pair this d ll-neck a black ro h it w r e y and la look h autumn for a stylis 10

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FASHION

Grey boots £39.99, H&M

Ruffle dress £89.99, Zara

Oversized paisley jacquard jumper £35, I Saw It First

Textured fringe tunic £29.99, Zara

Quilted cape £34.99, H&M

Oversized jumper £69.99, H&M Studio

Flat leather boots £119, Zara

YM Liverpool

ADVERTORIAL

Medical Negligence Claims – consult the legal experts If as a result of medical negligence you have endured unnecessary pain and suffering and are considering making a compensation claim for an injury caused, it is important that you seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible. The experienced medical negligence team at Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors will provide you with expert legal advice. Mike Sexton, Head of Medical Negligence at Paul Crowley & Co explains the compensation claims process to achieving a successful claim What is medical negligence?

or if the patient does not have the capacity to manage their own affairs.

NHS care is normally very good but sometimes things go wrong. Medical negligence occurs when a Doctor or other healthcare professional causes you harm by their actions or omissions in their treatment of you which falls below the required level of care.

Can I claim for medical negligence?

Duty of Care

A breach of the duty of care arises where it is reasonably foreseeable that the healthcare professional either through his/her actions or their failure to act has caused harm to a person. A person must prove that they received care that no reasonably competent clinician would have given. This may include: Misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis Failure or delay in treatment, tests, and investigations Failure to take account of past medical history Making the wrong diagnosis Failing to advise you about the risks of a particular treatment Surgical errors Prescribing the wrong medication

• • • • • • •

Limitation Period

Yes, you can. To pursue a claim for medical negligence, you will need to show that a breach of care by the practitioner has caused you harm. For a successful case to be brought it would have to be proven that your care fell below medically acceptable standards and this directly caused you injury. Our expert lawyers can help you to claim compensation for the following: Pain and suffering Past and future loss of earnings The cost of care and assistance provided to you by your family or friends Rehabilitation costs

• • • •

Choosing the right Solicitor

Paul Crowley & Co’s experienced medical negligence team have both male and female solicitors, who will be able to advise as to whether your case should be investigated, the potential outcome of your case and the funding of your claim.

There are time limits for bringing clinical negligence claims. Legal proceedings must be issued within three years from when the incident happened or from when you first became aware a mistake had occurred. There are exceptions, the three-year time limit doesn’t start to apply to children until their 18th birthday

Required Evidence

Medical negligence cases must be based on expert medical evidence. Without supportive independent medical expert evidence it’s unlikely your case will be successful. The patient making the claim must be able to prove that the practitioner acted negligently which resulted in injury. Paul Crowley & Co will

obtain your medical records and decide if your case is strong enough for us to take on. Four legal elements must be proven to achieve a successful claim: Duty: The doctor/healthcare professional owed a duty of care to the patient; Breach: There was a breach of that duty of care; Causation: As a direct result of the breach, the patient suffered harm; Damages: The amount of money that has to be awarded to the patient as a result of the injury and any expenses/ losses resulting from that injury.

Timescale

It can take between 24-36 months for a claim to be properly investigated, or longer in more serious cases. Paul Crowley & Co will arrange for your medical records to be reviewed by an independent medical expert. The medical expert will produce a report to help establish if the practitioner’s error had been negligent and the long-term impact this could have on the claimants’ health.

No Win, No Fee

You will not have to worry about paying any upfront legal fees. Paul Crowley & Co will act on your behalf on a Conditional Fee basis (commonly known as ‘No Win, No Fee’).

Paul Crowley & Co... on your side

If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of a medical or health professional, call the medical negligence experts at Paul Crowley & Co and claim the compensation you deserve.

If you would like to discuss a medical negligence injury please call Mike Sexton on 0151 264 7363. www.paulcrowley.co.uk 12

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NEWS

NINJA WARRIOR AND MINI GOLF HEADING TO SPEKE’S NEW MERSEY RETAIL PARK New venues set to provide welcome boost to local leisure economy BASED ON ITV’S OBSTACLE COURSE GAME SHOW, Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park Liverpool will feature three large ‘ninja runs’, warped walls and a huge ‘air park’. There will also be a mezzanine floor containing a spectator gallery, food and drink, and party rooms. Operators, Ninja Leisure UK, says: “We’re really looking forward to bringing a slice of brilliant, wholesome family entertainment to Liverpool with the Ninja Warrior UK brand next summer. “Expect to tackle some obstacles very similar to the television show – including a chance to try and beat our very own warped wall!” Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park Liverpool, located next to Smyths toy store, will generate a host of new jobs for the city and is expected to give the local leisure economy a significant boost. The first official Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park in the UK

opened in Stoke-on-Trent in 2018 and was followed by parks in Wigan, Cardiff, Gloucester, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Eastbourne, Southampton, Watford and Leeds. Meanwhile, indoor mini golf venue Puttstars will also be heading to Speke’s New Mersey retail park in 2022. A Hollywood Bowl Group brand, Puttstars offers nine-hole golf as well as food and drink options and amusement machines. A Hollywood Bowl Group spokesperson says: “We’re delighted to confirm we will be opening a Puttstars indoor mini golf venue at the New Mersey Retail Park in Speke in September 2022. “Work on the new £2.5 million family entertainment centre is due to start in May 2022 and once complete, the venue will create around 30 new jobs. We are looking forward to sharing more information in due course.”

NEW TV AND FILM STUDIOS OPEN ON EDGE LANE

Liverpool’s status as the “Hollywood of the North” takes a step closer THE DEPOT are two purpose-built, 20,000 sq ft sound-proofed film & TV production units, giving Liverpool the complete package for film producers and providing a multimillion pound boost to its economy. The opening comes as Liverpool, the second most filmed city in the UK, is experiencing the busiest period for film and TV production on record – despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Favoured by filmmakers for doubling as New York and London, The Depot is seen as a key piece of the jigsaw in retaining productions within the region for longer.

Liverpool Film Office (LFO), which is overseeing the management of the space, is aiming to find productions to employ local crew and to work with local businesses to form training initiatives. A key goal is to develop and strengthen the local talent pool and secure Liverpool’s long-term ambition to be a first-class creative and digital content production base. It is predicted The Depot, which were built by Morgan Sindall for Liverpool City

Council, will create a £24 million economic boost for the regional economy, 360 new jobs and 760 indirect jobs. Situated adjacent to the future Littlewoods Studios site, The Depot is critical to Liverpool’s strategy to cement its reputation as one of Europe’s premier film and TV production hubs, following a £17m funding commitment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund. YM Liverpool

NEWS

METRO MAYOR HAILS BALTIC TRIANGLE’S FIRST HOTEL DEVELOPMENT Former factory on Jamaica Street has been transformed METRO MAYOR STEVE ROTHERAM has hailed the Baltic Triangle’s first hotel development as a driver for “more investment and tourism to the area”. The £7 million Baltic Hotel features 58 rooms which deliver an “eccentric, unique feel” with music memorabilia adorning the walls and “luxurious lounge areas”. Peloton bikes have also been installed in some spaces, while others boast views over the city and River Mersey. Situated in a former factory and warehouse on Jamaica Street, one space at the hotel is being transformed into the Open Arms pub, with inspiration drawn from Guy Ritchie’s trendy London offerings, and another will be a laidback Shoreditch-style

Mayor Rotheram with Duncan Stewart and hotel manager Vicki Hanlon

restaurant called The Baltic Brasserie. Both venues are set to open later this year. Mayor Rotheram was impressed after visiting the development, being shown around the rooms and getting behind the DJ decks at reception while also viewing the restaurant area situated in a former ammunition factory. He says: “I used to work in the Baltic Triangle area as a bricklayer in the ’90s and the regeneration here has been incredible.

“You would have never been able to put a hotel here back then but what’s happened since is remarkable and this development will drive more investment and more tourism to the area, which is a great thing for our city.” Town Hotels, which owns the new hotel and also operate Duke St Boutique Hotel, Chavasse Apartments and York Street Studios, was honoured to welcome Mayor Rotheram. Duncan Stewart, operations director at Town Hotels, adds: “We were really proud to show the Metro Mayor around at The Baltic Hotel. “He was good fun and seemed to genuinely love the hotel and what we are trying to do here so that was hugely positive too.”

LIVERPOOL PROPERTY AGENTS FORM ‘POWERFUL ALLIANCE’ Keppie Massie and Berkeley Shaw team up to create “more comprehensive service” A PAIR OF WELL-ESTABLISHED Liverpool property agents have formed a “powerful alliance” to broaden their base across the city region. Keppie Massie and Berkeley Shaw have been operating in the industry for a combined total of more than 50 years across the city centre, Crosby, Formby and Southport. The partnership will see several flagship property management clients join together under a newly-formed business called KM Real Estate. The merger means John Baybut and Henry Prescott of Berkeley Shaw will join Stuart Keppie and Ged Massie of Keppie Massie on the senior leadership team of KM Real Estate – a RICS regulated firm. Mr Baybut, director of Berkeley Shaw and KM Real Estate, says: “This is a great opportunity for us to bring two well-established businesses together. “This amalgamation means we can position ourselves to be the leading independent sales, letting, and property management agent in the Liverpool City Region.” Mr Keppie, founder of Keppie Massie, adds: “By bringing in Berkeley Shaw’s Residential Block Management portfolio into our

YM Liverpool

John Baybut, director of Berkeley Shaw and KM Real Estate

Property Management Division, we add to our own city centre portfolio but also extend our reach outside of Liverpool city centre and into the suburban property management demographic. “The current leadership and management team at Berkeley Shaw has brought in some superb forward-thinking ideas on how we could move this business forward and rebranding the management arm into KM Real Estate is just the start of the innovation.” The move does not affect Keppie Massie Commercial Agency, valuation or consultancy, which will continue operating as Keppie Massie.

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Review

INNSiDE Liverpool

Molly Hardwick enjoys a night’s stay at Liverpool’s newest and most anticipated hotel

STANDING EIGHTEEN STOREYS high at the end of Old Hall Street, INNSiDE Liverpool adds a real sense of luxury to the city’s central business district. On the ground floor, you will find Gino D’Acampo’s second Liverpool restaurant and at the top, his panoramic ‘360 Sky Bar’. In between, there are 207 rooms, including a range of suites, expansive conference and event space, and a state-of-the-art fitness gym. As my guest and I checked in, we were impressed by the appearance of the hotel, very sleek and modern. We were greeted warmly by the staff, who we later found out were wearing uniforms designed by Jess Hanko, a local artist. Their helpful attitude, whilst wearing the work of a local artist, gave us a real nod that we were still at home in Liverpool. We had the opportunity to chat with hotel manager Daniel Royo, who explained he wanted to cater for ‘bleisure’ travel: “a mixture of business and pleasure, where guests can relax and have fun but also work if they need to”.

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We checked into our room, a Townhouse suite on the fourteenth floor, and were immediately in awe of the view. Floor-toceiling windows perfectly framed landmarks such as the Radio City Tower, Liverpool Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The suite was modern, spacious and had many luxury amenities including a freestanding bath, twin sinks, and large walk-in shower. It also came with some great little touches like a vintage radio, hand-held steamer and yoga mat. The hotel had really taken care to imagine the little things that could make each stay unique. After getting ready with the comfort of a dressing gown and slippers which were

INNSiDE had really taken care to imagine the little things that could make each stay unique.

included with our room, we were eager to explore more of the facilities – a wellequipped gym, many conference rooms for meetings and events, and displays of local art including Kirsten Todd’s ‘The Devine Feminine’ exhibition. These spaces were brilliant. One of the events rooms, the ‘Bright Ideas Space’, included a huge sofa and games like ping-pong and darts, and certainly offered a unique space for creativity and fun. Just in time for sunset, we made our way up to the Sky Bar. Here, we had the opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city which included the beautiful Albert Dock – something we hadn’t seen from our room. We sat in a lovely, relaxing atmosphere and savoured a ‘Kiss From a Rose’ and ‘Albert Dock’ cocktail, both £8.85. Our dinner reservation was at the hotel restaurant, Gino D’Acampo Old Hall Street. The menu had a good variety of classic Italian dishes. I went with Crispy Chicken Breast stuffed with basil pesto, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes (£17.50). My guest decided on Bucatini Carbonara (£13.75), and

REVIEW

we shared Truffle Cheesy Fries (£4.50). Our food came quickly and was presented well. My chicken was very tasty, and I particularly liked the unique twist of having the sun-dried tomatoes inside the chicken rather than on the side. My guest enjoyed her carbonara and found that the spaghetti was cooked to perfection and the meat had lots of flavour. We both agreed that the truffle fries were some of the best we’d tasted! The meal was well priced in view of the fact that the portion sizes were impressive, and you get the experience of dining at Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant. We were eager to try the desserts, and I opted for Chocolate Fondant (£6.95) and my guest Affogato (£5.25). The sizes were once again very generous and we could have probably shared just one! Service throughout dinner really made the experience special for us. Our waiter, Antonio, was attentive and eager to recommend dishes and drinks to us. We had a real laugh as he offered to choose our cocktails for us, encouraging us to try new

flavours. Every cocktail he recommended was great, and we really enjoyed how much thought he had put into tempting us to try new things. After the meal, we headed back up to the panoramic bar for the opportunity to see the city views at night. The well-lit skyline did not disappoint. Back at our room, we settled into the comfort of a well-sized bed and set an early alarm to catch the sunrise from our room (my top tip!). Before we checked out, we had the continental breakfast which included a good variety of savoury and sweet food. It ran from 7:30-10:30am and gave us enough energy for a day in the city. Our night’s stay at INNSiDE Liverpool was a unique experience – lavish with its modern appearance and facilities, the hotel also had a familiar, comforting vibe thanks in large part to the wonderfully welcoming staff. INNSiDe Liverpool, Old Hall St, L3 9LQ, www.melia.com/innside/liverpool YM Liverpool

So, berry

Heather Marsh on the brightly coloured fruits transforming our green spaces

IF I BEGAN BY SAYING that I’m usually ready for the change of seasons, not only would I sound like a broken record, but my children would roll their eyes and laugh. Probably because I’m so predictable but really, I guess it’s because they know I’m not being that honest. I’m always reluctant to put away my summer dresses, hate to see the nights drawing in and get annoyed with the first of the fallen leaves – anticipating the thankless chore to come of sweeping them all up. I feel like telling everything to hang fire or at least slow down. However, I readily accept that autumn is hardly a hardship when nature transforms itself so beautifully and I can get lost in its riches. Every year there’s a bounty of performances not to be missed that lift my spirits and see me through. Who can ignore the honking geese that arrive from as far afield as Siberia and Greenland? Or the leaves of the Japanese Maple and Virginia Creeper which take on such breathtaking colour? But it’s those trees and shrubs which are laden with berries that I’d like to focus on this month. Right now, they truly are a sight to behold. Like Christmas trees hung with baubles, these specimens are equally as decorative. In fact, with a string of fairy lights and a star on top, most would give the fir tree a run for its money.

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Rowan

Here are some of my ‘berry’ own favourites for you to take a look at. Maybe think about growing them in your own garden – it’s the perfect time for it and believe me, you won’t be disappointed. BERRIED TREASURE Rowan or mountain-ash (Sorbus Aucuparia) Native to the northern regions of the UK, the rowan is a very hardy deciduous

GARDENING

Cotoneaster lacteus

impressive! tree – suited to woodlands and gardens alike. Growing in just about any type of soil and tolerating urban pollution, it’s not surprising we see the rowan on so many streets and roads of Liverpool. These ornamental trees when mature can grow to over 10 metres – although there are many species that are well suited to the average or smallersized garden. In ancient times the rowan was thought to ward off witches and evil spirits, and often planted in churchyards for that very reason. A magnet for wildlife, the berries were so effective at attracting birds that in the Middle Ages the rowan was grown as bait to catch them. It’s not just the birds that can eat these berries though – they are perfectly edible to us humans too. Although rather sour, they can be made into jams and jellies, and are packed with vitamin C. If you’d like to grow a rowan or mountain-ash of moderate size, then there are plenty of varieties to choose from. Consider the rowan ‘Sheerwater Seedling’ – a good upright tree with an oval-shaped crown that produces Cotoneaster beautiful blossom in the spring with trusses of large, scarlet-coloured frigidus berries in the autumn. ‘Cornubia’

Cotoneaster frigidus ‘Cornubia’ An ideal specimen tree with year-round decorative appearance, it was a cotoneaster which I chose to plant in the front garden of our very first house. This attractive little tree gives multi-seasonal performances with creamy blossom in the spring, bright red berries in the autumn, and evergreen foliage providing interest and privacy throughout the rest of the year. This tree works so hard for its keep and asks nothing more than your admiration in return. Cotoneasters are very straightforward to grow and can survive in almost any soil if it’s well-drained. If that wasn’t enough, the cotoneaster requires little pruning which, even if needs be, can be done at any time of year you choose. What more could you ask for? If you’re tempted by the cotoneaster, here are a couple of species you might fancy planting: Cotoneaster ‘Hybridus Pendulus’ This little beauty has all the classic characteristics of the cotoneaster but in miniature, growing to no more than just a couple of metres in 20 years. This variety will also happily grow in a pot or container given the right care and conditions. Cotoneaster lacteus This large evergreen shrub variety bursts into masses of milky white flowers in late spring, hence its common name of YM Liverpool

GARDENING

RECIPE Rosa canina (dog rose)

Rosehip Syrup

‘milkflower’ cotoneaster. It makes a beautiful statement hedge so why not consider planting one in your front garden – especially if you’re looking for all year round kerb appeal. Pyracantha Commonly known as firethorn, this dramatic evergreen shrub most often seen growing as a hedge or against a wall or fence is multi-talented indeed – admired for its ornamental as well as practical attributes. With white blossom in spring, this shrub earns its common name when it bursts into a vibrant explosion of fiery red berries and long sharp thorns each autumn/winter. Pyracantha is easy to grow, thriving in sun or partial shade and fast-growing to a height and spread of four metres when fully mature. Pruning and trimming are done in early spring after flowering to expose the spent flowers to sunshine as these grow on to become berries. Wearing tough gardening gloves for this job is essential. My last choice is a forgotten favourite which was once somewhat of a national institution – a vital nutritional staple that could easily be revived again. Rose hips of all kinds are the actual fruit of the rose, but most gardeners cut hips and remove them to encourage the rose to continue blooming for as long as possible. In autumn, however, rose hips really come into their own and have been valued and foraged for centuries. The Rosa canina (dog rose) is a hardy native. Recognised as a wild rose, this thorny pink flower is found throughout Britain in woodlands and hedgerows. All growing children and adults need vitamins, particularly vitamin C. The rosehip has been shown to have one of the highest vitamin C contents of all fruit and veg. Weight for weight, rose hips have over 20 times more vitamin C than oranges. It’s perhaps not surprising then that during World War II, when fresh fruit was so scarce, rosehips became prized in

order to make rosehip syrup. Remarkably, by 1943 enough rose hips had been collected to produce 2.5 million bottles of this vitamin C packed stuff, providing vital help to protect the health of the nation when it needed it most. For many years after the war, the syrup was supplied through baby clinics to all new mothers. Any of you my age I’m sure will remember ‘Delrosa Rosehip Syrup’. This sweet pink stuff was regularly fed to babies and toddlers, not realising in some cases that too much of it could have an adverse effect on their teeth and end up doing more harm than good. If you fancy having a go at making your own rosehip syrup, hips can be gathered between now and the end of the year. It’s worth bearing in mind that a sharp frost helps break down the fruit and gives you more flavoursome juice once cooked. If you can’t wait for the first frost, putting the rosehips in the freezer for 24 hours works just as well. Rosehips when picked ripe should be bright red and soft when squeezed.

1. Wash and top and tail your fruit before finely chopping – a food processor can be used for this. 2. Place chopped fruit into a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil, simmering for 15 minutes. 3. Take off the heat and leave it to cool. Strain the mixture through a fine muslin cloth. Do not squeeze the cloth – just let the rose hips drain through and repeat the process a second time with a fresh piece of muslin. This ensures that the tiny irritant hairs found inside the rosehips are removed. 4. Put the rosehip juice back in the pan and add 325g sugar for every 500ml of juice. 5. Heat slowly whilst stirring until all the sugar has dissolved. 6. Bring to the boil and simmer for three minutes, skimming off any scum if needs be.

Pyracantha

7. Pour carefully into prepared sterilised bottles and seal. Store in a cool dark place.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY GARDENING | HEATHERMARSHYM@GMAIL.COM

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CHRISTMAS PARTIES 2021 AINTREE RACECOURSE CELEBRATE WITH US! Prices start from £52 per person BOOK NOW FOR DECEMBER THEJOCKEYCLUB.CO.UK/AINTREE

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ADVERTORIAL

RWinvest, co-founded by Julian Ramsden (inset), successfully showcased Liverpool’s prestigious Parliament Square development to global investors

Top 10 tips for getting started in property investment Awarding-winning Liverpool-based firm RWinvest offers its advice to would-be investors

uying a rental property has quickly become the most popular investment property strategy in the UK. It can be a fantastic way to increase income through consistent returns, however, it can get complicated. And, if you’re a beginner, it can be particularly difficult. That’s why property investment experts, RWinvest, have released a list of its top 10 tips for anyone considering it. Co-founder of the award-winning international sales agent, Julian Ramsden, says: “Buying a rental property can be a fantastic way to increase income through consistent returns, however, it can get complicated. “People are sometimes hesitant to start because there’s so much jargon out there, and other factors to consider, that it can become incredibly confusing. “We’ve worked with thousands of property investors who often feel the same way. “Understanding the absolute basics of property investment is vital. While 22

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you can stumble blindly and make a successful investment, you could be limiting your potential and might not get the most out of owning a rental property.”

RWInvest’s Top 10 Tips for Getting Started in Property Investment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Understand the basics and know the risks Make sure you’re ready to become a property investor Know how to make a good investment Explore different strategies Consider off plan Find the best location Know your tenant Create your budget and remember taxes Research mortgages Decide what investor you want to be

RWinvest works across the globe to support would-be investors find the best opportunities. The company’s headquarters is located in Liverpool, but they also have offices throughout the UK including in London and Manchester. “There’s several different types of rental property and investment property so research is essential,” adds Julian. “It can be a major learning curve and it is best to be prepared. That’s why we’ve released our top tips and advice. Buying a rental property can be incredibly rewarding and we’re here with plenty of opportunities for anyone wanting to do it. The company, which was set up by Julian and his business partners in 2004, is one of the most respected and leading sales agents in Europe. It is currently offering a range of investment opportunities throughout the country to suit a variety of budgets.

FOOD

RECIPE of the month Truffle mac ’n’ cheese with cauliflower

PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes COOKING TIME: 35 minutes Serves 6 INGREDIENTS • 25g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 1 large cauliflower (about 1kg), trimmed and broken into large florets • 200g fresh penne • 25g plain flour • 300ml whole milk, warmed

COOK’S TIP

• 1 heaped tsp English mustard

To further help you on the way to reaching your five a day, add 200g cherry tomatoes to the dish along with the pasta and cauliflower.

• 200g Godminster Black Truffle Vintage Organic Cheddar, wax removed and cheese coarsely grated

METHOD 1P reheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6, and lightly grease a large ovenproof dish (about 2 litres in volume). Put the cauliflower and any tender leaves in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt and set over a high heat. Once at a rolling boil, add the pasta. Stir for 1 minute

then drain over a large bowl, reserving 250ml of the cooking water. Arrange the penne and cauliflower evenly in the dish. 2F or the cheese sauce, return the pan to a medium heat with the 25g butter. Once foaming, add the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly. Stir in the warm milk, a splash at a time, ensuring everything is

incorporated before adding more. Once all the milk is combined, slowly stir in the reserved cauliflower water until you have a smooth sauce. Stir in the mustard and simmer for 1 minute. 3T ake the pan off the heat and stir in ¾ of the cheddar until you have a rich, smooth sauce; season. Spoon the sauce over

the cauliflower and penne, stirring together until evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden. Stand for 5 minutes and serve with a green salad, if liked.

THOUSANDS OF RECIPES CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.WAITROSE.COM/RECIPES

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ADVERTORIAL

A brief guide to residential mortgages Mortgages are the largest single transaction in most people’s lives. Buying a property can be a stressful and timeconsuming experience, with banks, building societies, and smaller niche lenders all competing for your business. The following guide should help first-time buyers and seasoned borrowers who are reviewing their mortgage needs Working out what you can afford

The Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

The mortgage guarantee scheme is designed to help increase the supply of 95% Loan-To-Value mortgages for credit-worthy households, by supporting lenders to offer these products through a government-backed guarantee, which lowers their risk.

Help to Buy Equity Loan

The new Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme is for first-time buyers and includes regional property price limits to ensure the scheme reaches people who need it most. You have to pay at least a 5% deposit and the Government has an equity share up to 20% until you repay the equity loan. The scheme enables people to buy a new-build property with a small deposit.

First Homes Scheme

A new scheme designed to help local first-time buyers and key workers onto the property ladder, by offering homes at a

in London. Discounts increase in April every year in line with any increase in inflation.

Where to get a mortgage

Wayne Slater, Principal Adviser, Spectrum Independent Financial Services

discount of 30% compared to the market price. In some areas the discount could be as high as 50%, providing even greater savings. The discounts will apply to the homes forever, meaning that generations of new buyers and the local community will continue to benefit every time the property is sold.

Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership is where you buy a share of a home from the landlord, who is usually the council or a housing association, and pay rent on the remaining share. You need a mortgage to pay for your share, which can be between a quarter and three-quarters of the home’s full value. You then pay a reduced rent on the share you do not own. Later, you can choose to buy a bigger share in the property, and ‘staircase’ up to 100% of its value.

Right to Buy

Right to Buy gives eligible social housing tenants the right to buy their home at a discount. Over the years, discount levels and eligibility criteria have varied. From 6 April 2021, maximum discounts are £84,600 across England and £112,800

SPECTRUM INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES B1 Business Centre, 25 Goodlass Road, Liverpool L24 9HJ 0151 448 2777 / mail@spectrum-ifs.co.uk / spectrum-ifs.co.uk

You can apply for a mortgage directly from a bank or building society, choosing from their product range, which will be classed at restricted advice, or you can use an Independent Mortgage Adviser who will be classed as whole of market and can provide impartial advice, comparing different mortgages on the market.

LTV or “Loan to Value”

This might sound complicated, but it is simply the amount of your home you own outright, compared to the amount that is secured against a mortgage. For example, with a £15,000 deposit on a £150,000 property, the deposit is 10% of the price of the property, and the LTV is the remaining 90%.

Repayment mortgage – Capital & Interest

With repayment mortgages, you pay the interest and part of the capital off every month. At the end of the term, typically 25 years, you should have managed to pay it all off and own your home.

Interest-only

With interest-only mortgages, you pay only the interest on the loan and nothing off the capital. These mortgages are becoming much harder to come by as lenders and regulators are worried about homeowners being left with a huge debt and no way of repaying it. You will have to have a separate plan for how you will repay the original loan at the end of the mortgage term.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Most lenders provide affordability calculators on their website to help you. Also, think about the running costs of owning a home. Lenders will want to see proof of your main income and they all have different criteria when assessing additional income such as bonuses, overtime, commissions and tax credits etc. Traditionally lenders have used multiples of your salary to establish your borrowing capacity, such as three times your income, but with tightened lending procedures, they now also consider the lifestyle spending of applicants.

FILM

VIDEODYSSEY’S

MOVIE OF THE MONTH

Little Shop of Horrors Andy Johnson takes a deep dive into a bonafide cult classic of ’80s cinema

“Does this look inanimate to you, punk?” The dark moment where a plant inspires its owner to murder, through joyous songs and promises of obtaining fame and riches, has to go down as one of the most compelling partnerships in celluloid history. Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis) discovers this odd-looking little pot plant after a total eclipse of the sun, where it has beamed down to Earth, with yet unknown, but nefarious intentions. Audrey II’s lavish pink lips beguile Seymour and sway him towards providing a steady stream of bloody treats, so she can grow, thrive and continue to enthral the world with her mysterious flytrap beauty. Seymour sells his soul to this alien invader for a pocketful of dreams and a chance to get the girl. What would you do to make your dreams come true? Would you chop people up and feed them to a plant? Lying in bed in the Skid Row basement of Mushnik’s, which has been his home since he was rescued from the local orphanage as a boy by flower shop owner Mushnik (Vincent Gardenia), Seymour allows himself to fantasise about escaping Skid Row. Soon the girl of his dreams is dousing him in attention and he is the toast of New York, with people queuing round the block for a glimpse of “that strange and unusual plant”. The on-screen chemistry between Moranis and Ellen Green carries the film forward – as you will them to break free, despite the evil lows that Seymour stoops to in order to provide suppertime for Audrey II. The musicality of the film is a constant delight. Audrey II is voiced by the late great Levi Stubbs, who was a member of Motown quartet The Four Tops, and brings a sultry, soulful edge to Audrey’s musings and crooning. The descent into darkness by Seymour is dizzying. Soon he’s featured on the front cover of TIME magazine with Audrey II, and a shrewd businessman is offering to take cuttings and put baby Audreys into every home in America. This has been the carnivorous plant’s plan all along. To take over the world, one home at a time. But only in the alternate ending is Seymour made to face the music and pay the price for his murderous deal with the demonic seed. Director Frank Oz’s elaborate 23-minute alternative ending features a dramatic Godzilla-like take over by Audrey IIs, who run

amok across New York. But audiences at the preview screenings didn’t react well to it and the conclusion was rewritten and reshot for the film’s release with a happier ending. Seymour gets his girl and there is only a veiled threat of the baby Audreys making their way into American homes. Made by Muppets supremo Frank Oz, the dexterity and puppetry prowess displayed in this film makes this a masterpiece of modern cinema. The scene where Audrey II uses his vines to phone Audrey and tempt her back to the shop to be devoured is a delight to behold. There are many welcome laughs from a host of comedy supernova cameos including Steve Martin, John Candy and Jim Belushi, which provide a much needed comic relief to the increasingly dark subject matter. We are also treated to a blistering performance from Bill Murray as a sadomasochistic dentist’s patient in his first film appearance following a self-imposed exile from Hollywood after the success of Ghostbusters. Bill had been away in Paris studying philosophy, before warming up for a starring role in Scrooged with this strange little turn. Shot on location at the legendary Pinewood Studios in England, eagle-eyed viewers can spot many famous faces – including Red Dwarf’s own Danny John-Jules (aka Cat) featuring in the Doo Wop group outside Chang’s flower shop, where Seymour first finds Audrey II. There’s something magical in this film, especially the musical elements, and watching them come to life, which we have been thrilled to do in our studio cinema with our immersive Little Shop of Horrors experience, complete with Audrey II photo opp at Mushnik’s Flower Shop and a team of improv actors playing the film’s characters. VideOdyssey’s very own Audrey II is currently sleeping – awaiting a new audience at the new immersive show dates. Please stay tuned for when we can have everybody back in the studio cinema safely, for a new celebration of this musical extravaganza. Meanwhile, want to own a baby Audrey II? You can get your hands on a little beauty from our shop, to plant in your own home. Handmade by master prop maker Nick Molloym, the baby Audreys are available on our VideOdyssey Etsy store. Want to watch Little Shop Of Horrors the way nature intended? Come and rent a copy from us or watch it with your friends and family in one of our private screening rooms. “The guy sure looks like plant food to me!” Be kind, rewind!

Andy

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Escape to a Immerse the room in pattern and pile on the layers to create your own bedtime story with a decidedly grown-up mood 26

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HOME

TOP PICKS

Magical Trees Cushion, Peacock £40

Walnut Carved Bedside Table £199

WITH THE NIGHTS DRAWING IN and autumn beginning to settle, early nights are looking all the more appealing. This season’s Heritage Revival trend lends itself beautifully to creating a sanctuary bedroom with bold patterns, plush fabrics and glam details that point to the fables and fairy tales that were the original inspirations for this look. This elegant escapism dabbles with the archives and our own inhouse design team have brought together a wonderfully rich palette of pattern and colour that makes it easy to add character and a sense of luxury to your home. Quirky boho hotels are great place to look for how to use it. “Think of those places where every room is different,” suggests Fionnuala Johnston, Partner & Category Design Lead, Home. Start with a bold wallpaper such as our Magical Trees design then add layer upon layer on top, including a statement headboard that will make the bed the true focus of the room and piles of textured linens to bring ultimate cosiness. “Adding wall art on top of a patterned wallpaper also helps build layers of visual interest,” adds Fionnuala. This type of scheme really benefits from mixing in a piece or two of antique furniture and a few one-off accessories but make sure it feels as good as it looks. A new mattress will banish any Princess and The Pea-style discomfort while a luxury topper and pillow designed to suit the way you sleep will surely deliver sweet dreams night after night.

Pagoda Pair Lined Eyelet Curtains from £80

Bay Lighting Marnie Floor Lamp £175

Dark Peacock Magical Trees Wallpaper £40

Mike Koubou ‘Temptation’ Framed Print £100

BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM

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Old Hall Street, L3 £170,000

Endbutt Lane, L23 £340,000 • • • • • • • •

Four Bedroom Semi-Detached House Driveway Cloakroom Two Living Rooms Two Large Reception Rooms Kitchen/Breakfast Room Downstairs WC Front And Rear Gardens

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Ground Floor Apartment Stunning Grade II Listed Building Located In the Heart Of The Business District 24 Hour Concierge Service No Ongoing Chain Close To Liverpool Waterfront Excellent Transport Links Modern Fitted Kitchen

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Spacious One Bedroom Apartment Private Parking Modern Fitted Kitchen Much Sought After Location Close To Local Amenities Excellent Transport Links Open Plan Living/Dining Room Large Bedroom

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WINE

Revisiting

Rioja

WineTime’s Jon Atkinson celebrates Rioja Wine Month and selects four of his favourites from Spain’s most important wine-growing region THE FIRST WINERY THAT I EVER VISITED was Bodegas Federico Paternina in Rioja – I think I was about nine at the time! My father was calling in en route to our holiday destination to collect something for the late David Scatchard who was their UK agent at the time. On being asked whether he would like to look around the Bodega, he explained that he had his wife and four children waiting in the car! Not a problem – everyone was welcome! We had a full tour of the Bodega complete with tasting, with even us children encouraged to get involved. We were then treated to lunch in the cellars, all of which really captured the imagination of a nine-year-old boy and left a lasting impression. Since then, I have been lucky enough to have returned to this, one of my favourite wine regions, on many occasions and have always found the welcome and hospitality to be as warm as on my first visit. Rioja is undoubtedly Spain’s most important wine-growing region, commercially speaking, and is increasingly important from a wine tourism perspective too. The ‘local’ airport (Vitoria) has no direct flights from/to the UK but there are plenty to Bilbao which is only an hour and a half away by road, besides, who wouldn’t want to spend some time exploring the delights of Bilbao? As a region, Rioja is split into three sub-zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental: Alta is the most westerly, has the largest vineyard area and is arguably the most prestigious – being home to the likes of Lopez de Heredia, Marqués de Murrieta, La Rioja Alta, Muga and many other venerable old Bodegas. The main city here is Logroño, with the old town a must-see for visitors, although many would argue that Haro, 40km to the north-west is the ‘spiritual’ capital of the region. The Basque section of Rioja, Alavesa, is the smallest of the three zones and is to the north of the Ebro River which dissects the region. Alavesa reds have historically been Tempranillo – with a reputation for being more elegant than those produced south of the river! The delightful 12th Century town of Laguardia is the hub of wine production in the Alavesa and is well worth a detour. Rioja Oriental is the easternmost zone and was known as the Rioja Baja until it was ‘rebranded’ in 2018. Historically, the vineyards here were regarded as inferior on account of a more Mediterranean climate and lower altitude, but useful for blending especially in lighter vintages for Alta and Alavesa. These days, it is forging a reputation in its own right with some wellmade, characterful wines being produced.

Rioja Santiago ‘Segundo Año’ Tinto 2018

Eguren Ugarte Rioja Rosé di Vin 2020

Santiago is the oldest Bodega in Haro dating back to 1870. Although historically the wines here have been on the ‘traditional’ side, this oak-aged Tempranillo represents something of a departure in so far as it is aged for at least two years. A delightfully accessible, mediumbodied wine with red berry aromas and gentle tannins. £9.95

Although regarded as red wine territory, Rioja produces some excellent whites and rosés as well. This is a new listing from a 6th generation, familyowned Bodega just outside Laguardia. It works extremely well however being softer and more creamy-textured than the norm whilst still retaining alluring wild strawberry aromas. £12.95

Eguren Ugarte Rioja Blanco 2020

Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Tinto Reserva 2015

The majority of unoaked white Rioja is made from Viura, sometimes with a little Malvasia blended in, creating dry whites that I find a bit ‘meh’! This one, however, is a blend of five different varieties and is an excellent example of a wine ‘greater than the sum of its parts’! Fresh, fruity and vibrant with a deliciously crisp, refreshing and fruit-driven dry palate. £9.50

One of the most highly regarded wineries in Spain. Murrieta’s Ygay Estate just outside Logroño provides all of their grapes – nothing is bought in. This is 80% Tempranillo and 12% Graciano with a little Mazuelo and Garnacha aged 18 months in mostly new American oak. Elegant and poised but full-bodied with a rich palate balancing ripe fruit with a savoury edge. £23.95

TO CLICK & COLLECT ANY OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS OR TO VIEW THE REST OF OUR RANGE PLEASE VISIT WWW.WINETIMEWINES.CO.UK

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VideOdyssey Studios Take a slice of the ‘UK’s last video shop’ home for the film fan in your life. Mean Streets ’80s Casuals collab tee shirts, handmade baby Audrey II plants, tote bags and more. Now available online: etsy.com/uk/shop/ VideOdyssey

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Liverpool’s Olympic star explores famous Royal Liver Building Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist marvelled at history and architecture on display inside iconic city landmark

ianca Walkden was stunned after joining the Royal Liver Building 360 tour and taking a chance to explore the world-famous building.

says: “The tour was unbelievable and more than I expected.

The three-time taekwondo world champion also went behind the scenes to learn more about the Royal Liver Building clocks.

“The display, the building and being able to go up onto the roof to see the whole city was amazing. All those little touches they have kept from the original documents and architecture, it’s brilliant.

As well as the clocks, which Bianca viewed as part of the RLB360 attraction, she was also provided with a guided tour and watched a thrilling digital projection show.

“I’d definitely recommend coming down if you haven’t already seen it. You’ve been stuck in for so long and this is the best way to come back out and enjoy the city and see what it’s all about!”

The light, sound and digital effect display located inside the historic clock tower is set against the backdrop of the ticking of the original mechanisms, bringing the history of the Royal Liver Building to life with a captivating tale of how a city full of culture, sport, history and music has made its mark on the world and evolved into the place we see today.

The Royal Liver Building clocks are the largest electronically driven clocks in the UK and were started on 22 June, 1911 at 1.40pm to coincide with the exact moment of the coronation of King George V and were subsequently named the ‘Great George Liver Clocks’

Bianca, who suffered an agonising defeat in the last second of her semi-final in Tokyo this summer before rousing herself just hours later to win bronze,

The RLB360 visitor centre is free to enter, regardless of whether people tour the building, and Bianca spent time learning about the history of the Royal Liver Building while viewing historic displays and an archive gallery. For tickets and special October half-term offers please visit www.rlb360.com/times-prices

The giant timepieces were designed by Gent & Co, a company that concepted and created a ‘waiting train movement’ mechanism especially for the Royal Liver Building. There are four clock faces on the two towers in total – three on the west tower and one on the east. YM Liverpool

HOME

PROPERTIES in focus Reay Court, Borough Road, Wallasey CLOSE TO THE SEACOMBE FERRY TERMINAL, Reay Court benefits from free laundry facilities and beautiful, enclosed gardens including a shed with gardening tools. The property provides a warm and welcoming community, with weekly social activities to bring residents together.

St Peter’s Court, Alexandra Drive, Aigburth LOCATED A FIVE-MINUTE STROLL from Lark Lane and its abundance of shops, bars, restaurants and community hall, which holds yoga classes, craft fairs and vintage fairs. St Peter’s Court boasts private parking and an onsite launderette. Rent includes service charges, heating, water and use of the launderette.

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REGENDA HOMES is a housing association with over 10,000 properties spread across the North West and Merseyside, including homes for older people. Suitable for those aged over 55 and in receipt of certain benefits, or anyone aged over 60, its independent living schemes benefit from an onsite scheme manager, with help available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in the event of an emergency. To find out more, visit www.regenda.org.uk/ homes-available-now or call 0344 736 0066

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NEWS

RIVER OF LIGHT TO RETURN THIS AUTUMN

Outdoor art gallery back to illuminate Liverpool’s waterfront once again AFTER THE EVENT’S HUGE SUCCESS in March which saw around 120,000 people safely enjoy the River of Light Trail, demand has been high for the spectacle to return to the city. From Friday 22 October to Sunday 7 November, light installations with the theme ‘Rhythm of the Light’ will take over the city centre, with each artwork inspired by Liverpool’s musical heritage, the majority of which will have an accompanying soundtrack. Visitors can expect the usual awe-inspiring pieces similar to the scale of the stunning installations which transformed the waterfront earlier in the year. Highlights included the iconic Rainbow Bridge by Josh Zubkoff and Srikanth Guttikonda, Neighbourhood by Sergey Kim – a beautiful illuminated washing line on Castle Street – and End Over End by Studio Vertigo which saw a giant slinky installed at Liverpool ONE.

The autumn route will be designed to allow people to maintain social distancing, but anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should not visit the trail. River of Light will be delivered by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team and is supported by Arts Council England. To get the latest information visit visitliverpool.com/riveroflight or follow @visitliverpool (Twitter and Facebook) or @visitliverpool_ (Instagram). Councillor Harry Doyle, cabinet member for culture and visitor economy, says: “The response to the event in March was overwhelming – people’s appetite to be part of a cultural event after living through the dark times of a pandemic was evident. “With restrictions eased, we hope to reach an even larger audience this year as we will be able to welcome people from outside of the city.”

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS AT AINTREE RACECOURSE... World-famous venue excited to welcome back partygoers for the festive season LOCKDOWN IS OVER and we all deserve to have a party and celebrate with our loved ones! It’s time to get your family and friends together, dust off those dancing shoes and party like it’s 1999… ok, well 2021! Aintree Racecourse has an enviable reputation for hosting some of the best Christmas parties in town with mouthwatering menus and thirst-quenching drinks packages making life simple for the allimportant party organiser. The team at Merseyside’s world-famous racecourse is excited to have people back through its doors again and whether you’re

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booking your work Christmas party or a shared table with family and friends, its venues offer a unique sense of occasion for any event during the festive period. Enjoy a drinks reception, three-course meal, entertainment and then dance into the early hours with resident DJ and disco.

Available dates: Friday 3, 10 & 17 December; Saturday 4, 11 & 18 December. Book online at thejockeyclub.co.uk/aintree or contact Aintree Racecourse’s Christmas events team on 0151 522 2922; email: enquiries@jockeyclubvenues.co.uk

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Sh ow on ap vi art ew m no ent w s

DREAM BIG Wake up to this view every day! Tobacco Warehouse presents stylish, Titanic-sized apartments in an iconic building on Liverpool’s Stanley Dock. • Duplex apartments with waterside & city views • Sizes from 980 - 2,700 sq ft (91 - 250 sq m) • Original architectural features • The ultimate in dockside living • Adjacent to the award-winning Titanic Hotel Visit our stunning Tobacco Warehouse show apartments to experience the ultimate in dockside living. To arrange a viewing, or for more information, contact our sole sales agent Logic Estates on +44 151 920 2404 or email info@logicestates.co.uk

www.TobaccoWarehouse.co.uk 36

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