HIP TRIPS: LIVERPOOL THE NEW YORK OF EUROPE
It was the Victorians who would describe Liverpool as ‘The New York of Europe’, and in the 19th Century the cities wealth exceeded London’s. Much of that wealth can still be seen in Liverpool today – it’s all intricate sandstone buildings, and golden-gilt fronted pubs. Buildings are high, and it’s a city that still doubles as New York in British films.
Of course, much has changed during the 20th Century, not always for the best, but to Liverpool’s credit, the scars of a Tory Government has left this a city with an overwhelming Labour majority. But perhaps the best of this North Western city is its people – imbued with pride of their city, they make marked effort in their outerwear including smiles for the tourists that I have not witnessed before. Liverpool is the epitome of ‘style-with-a-smile’.
The women ooze glamour and are impeccably dressed and coiffed – reed-like hairpins decorating the streets that are lined with cool independent coffee houses, cobbles and foreboding Victorian and Georgian facades.
Visit for a damn good night out, with all the youth and glamour and historical artefacts your eyes could ever wish to feast on. Here Team Fused round-up some of the hippest treats…
Where to drink – The Florist
14 Hardman Street
Built in a former school for blind children, and sitting in the University quarter, visit for the floral décor and matching botanical cocktails. A shrine to all that’s blooming and pretty, it’s Instagram-friendly at every turn from the cutlery to the curtains and all in between. Expect tentative staff and a splendid Sunday service roast plus the delectable Parma Violet Cocktails complete with clothes pegs and petals.
Where to stay – Z Hotels
2 North John Street
From as little as £60 a night for a double room, you’re sure to be comfortable in style here with the extra cash to spend on the city. I slipped out easily for a cigarette at 4.30am on a Saturday night and saw a city still in full-swing without feeling unsafe. It is small, but the shower rooms here make for a quirky talking point – you can see inside the bathroom from the bed as the walls are made of glass!
Where to party – Constellations
35 – 39 Greenland Street
With dub and spoken words nights, Sunday roasts and even a Louis Theroux appreciation night, Constellations is the place to go for an all-night party. Think 6 Music’s playlist in a large venue that’s all industrious inside with graffiti-fied exposed brick work with enough floor space to get everybody dancing underneath the glitterball.
For a big day out – The School of Floristry
Studio 1, Brookf ield Business Centre, Brookfield Drive
For a day out with a difference try the beginner’s guide to floristry in Aintree – a short train ride from Lime Street and a whole day of pleasure for under £150. Impress friends later with your new-found floristry skills and learn the lingo (wonderful ‘secondary flower’, dah-ling!)
Best coffee house – 92 Degrees Coffee
24 Hardman Street
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the East Village of New York here at 92 Degrees with its affordable art decorating the walls and adverts for reggae weekenders in the bathroom. Recline in one of the chesterfields over a latte or sit in an old-school-style school seat with a cola. There’s also a great array of books to read if you’ve time to kill including William Gibson, and Alan Bennett tomes.
Best place for art – The Tate Liverpool
Albert Dock
Set in Albert Dock, The Tate Liverpool is worth visiting from afar, if only to see Duchamp’s Fountain and Jeff Koons’ Balls side by side. It’s a great beginner’s guide to the world of modern art set inside womb-like walls of fuchsia, but name checks every artist worth knowing about in the last century. For those already familiar with the contemporary art scene, the Tate Liverpool is like a playground or delight and surprise when you found that *that* artwork is right here.
Words: Erica Crompton
