A TASTE OF THE SEASON
The Beatles Story Francie’s Focaccia and Co ee Events Delhi House
CONTENTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Welcome to Titanic Hotel Liverpool’s newspaper The Navigator, which has been created to guide our guests around the best of what Titanic Hotel, the city of Liverpool and surrounding areas have to offer.
With the arrival of spring, we’re celebrating the season, whether that’s gorgeous fresh produce taking the spotlight in our Stanley’s Bar & Grill restaurant or places to get out and enjoy nature as it comes out of hibernation.
Our chefs have been busy sourcing the harvest’s top picks, especially locally grown, to create a new menu, and as always we’ll have some delicious new cocktails in our Rum Bar that are perfect for warmer weather and al fresco drinks on the Colonnades.
Spring is a great time of the year to be in and around Liverpool because there’s so much going on including outdoor festivals like On The Waterfront and Africa Oyé, global music superstars
at Anfield and some fabulous shows coming to the city’s theatres.
We’re here to tell you more about what’s happening and offer suggestions so you don’t miss out on something special.
Please enjoy this issue of The Navigator and we hope it helps you get the most out of our beautiful city.
BRIAN CONNOR
WHAT’S ON...
APRIL
CHRIS MCCAUSLAND
April 11 • Philharmonic Hall
Scouse comedian Chris McCausland is still one of the most popular contestants – and winners – of Strictly ever, but this year he’s back to his day job and after his sold-out shows in 2025, Chris returns with Yonks! With a long live gig CV and appearances on TV shows including Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, QI and The Last Leg, he’s literally been busy becoming an absolute master of stand-up for …. well, yonks!
RICK ASTLEY
April 16 • M&S Arena
Rick Astley’s renaissance has kept on going after his huge Glastonbury set a few years ago, and now a whole new generation of fans has discovered the Newton-leWillows’ favourite pop icon. He’s back performing live again, bringing his The Reflection Tour to Liverpool for one night with a crowd-pleaser set of hits, including Never Gonna Give You Up of course, and a special guest appearance by Gabrielle.
DOUBLE INDEMNITY
April 14-18 • Playhouse Theatre
Actress Mischa Barton, who’s probably best known for her award-winning role as Marissa Cooper in noughties hit TV show The OC, takes centre stage at the Playhouse as one of the greatest crime novels of the 20th Century is brought to life. When an insurance salesman meets a seductive potential client to discuss her husband’s life policy, they turn their minds instead to plotting the perfect murder.
BEER FESTIVAL
April 23-26 • Bombed Out Church
The Bombed Out Church at the top of Bold Street is a Liverpool landmark that hosts a line-up of diverse events through the year and this promises to be a fantastic weekend for drinks lovers. There’ll be up to 100 real ales and draught beers, ciders, plus a gin and an alternatives bar, street food from pizza experts Dough Bros and burgers from Fully Loaded Grill plus live music from Splintered Ukes, Ukebox and more.
MAY
MISS SAIGON
Until May 2 • Liverpool Empire
Legendary musical Miss Saigon has been reborn in a spectacular new production featuring a soaring score of hit songs including The Heat is On, The Movie in My Mind, Last Night of the World and The American Dream. Powerful and incredibly moving, the story set in the last days of the Vietnam War, follows the ill-fated love of a 17-year-old forced to work in a Saigon bar and the GI who she falls for.
THE ASSASSINATION OF MARGARET THATCHER
May 2-23 • Everyman Theatre
Based on a short story by Hilary Mantel, this world premiere is a darkly funny and gripping psychological thriller created for Liverpool, the Everyman and uncertain, often violent, political times. It’s set in late summer 1983, when out in the street the world waits to greet Margaret Thatcher as she emerges from hospital. What happens next is a game of power, class and conviction asking the biggest ‘what if?’.
From concerts to comedy tours, Liverpool is home to a bursting selection of events over the next three months.
JUNE
SOUND CITY
May 2-3 • Various venues
As the UK’s leading independent festival for new music, Sound City always has a brilliant programme of established and emerging artists. For 2026 it has more than 150 artists across 10 different venues including Grand Central, Arts Club, The Jacaranda and Kazimier Stockroom, and a conference of industry experts and innovators on May 1. Music headliners are Keo on Saturday and Jalen Ngonda on Sunday.
DANNY BEARD
May 30 • 02 Academy
After sashaying onto our screens and into the nation’s hearts on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Danny Beard has built a devoted fanbase for their live stage performances packed with trademark honesty and even sharper humour. Danny’s back on stage for 2026 with Homecoming Live, a brand new live experience promising big vocals, big laughs, brutal reads and real heart - rescheduled from October 2025.
IAN SMITH
June 5 • Hot Water Comedy Club
Hot Water Comedy’s well bedded in to its new home at Blackstock Market and bringing some of the best touring comedians in the country to Liverpool. Multi-awardwinning stand-up comedian Ian Smith, who’s twice been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, is coming to Hot Water with his new show Foot Spa Half Empty about stress, love and buying a magic spell off Amazon.
AFRICA OYE
June 20-21 • Sefton Park
The UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture is back in Sefton Park showcasing a programme of artists from nations across Africa and music from South America and The Caribbean with salsa, soca and reggae. There are also more than 90 stalls selling food, drink, arts and crafts and fashion from Africa and beyond as well as an extended Oyé Active Zone with creative activities and workshops for all ages.
CREAM CLASSICAL
June 20 • Pier Head
On the Waterfront has become a festival fixture, taking over the Pier Head every summer and attracting some massive artists to the waterfront stage. This year’s line-up includes Paul Weller, Snow Patrol and Red Rum Club, but for clubbers it’s all about Cream Classical on the Saturday. Alison Limerick headlines, with Robyn S and Julie McKnight, plus DJ sets from Todd Terry, Chicane, Seb Fontaine and many more.
FOO FIGHTERS
June 25 & 27 • Anfield Stadium
Some of the biggest music stars in the world have played at LFC’s home over the past few years, with artists like Taylor Swift, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen on the hallowed Anfield ground. Summer 2026 sees more megastars including two nights from Grammy winning, American rock band Foo Fighters, fronted by the phenomenal Dave Grohl, on the only UK stadium dates of their global Take Cover Tour.
THE THEATRE SCENE AND THE TOURING SCENE AROUND THE UK SEEMS REALLY HEALTHY TO ME, WITH AUDIENCES WHO SUPPORT THEIR LOCAL THEATRES AND GO REGULARLY, SO I’M VERY GRATEFUL FOR THAT.
10 MINUTES WITH
ADAM GARCIA
Image: Paul Coltas
The original big screen version of The Bodyguard back in the early ‘90s made Whitney Houston a movie star as well as one of the biggest-selling music artists on the planet.
Oscar-nominated, it co-starred Kevin Costner as a former US Secret Service agent hired to protect a famous actor and singer from an unknown stalker.
And if the acting won millions of fans, the soundtrack was next level including classics like Queen of the Night, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the best-known songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.
This summer, the award-winning smash hit musical of The Bodyguard is coming to Liverpool Empire for one week in June as part of its UK and Europe tour.
The Navigator caught up with Australian leading man Adam Garcia – star of musicals such as Saturday Night Fever, Wicked and Kiss Me Kate and the movie Coyote Ugly - to chat about taking on the iconic role of Frank Farmer alongside Sidonie Smith as Rachel Maron, the enduring appeal of the love story, and life on the road…
AWhat can audiences expect when they come to see the show?
Adam: I remember seeing opening night when it first played the Adelphi in London and I loved it. I was intrigued because I enjoyed the film so much because it’s about relationships, plus of course it’s got that legendary soundtrack. The choreography is amazing, as is the way it’s staged and structured.
What’s your take on Frank Farmer as a character and are you anything like him?
Adam: Frank is resolute, loyal and honourable. He’s kind of quiet and speaks when he needs to. He’s efficient, well-trained and possibly slightly jaded, but he’s a good man. Am I anything like him? Not at all! I was speaking to my wife about this and she was like ‘Now, if you could just be like Frank ...’ The same thing happened when I did a show called If/Then and she said ‘The guy you played was really lovely ...’ so maybe it’ll wash off.
The Bodyguard features an incredible soundtrack, with hits made famous by Whitney. Do you have a favourite number in it?
Adam: I’ve always loved I Wanna Dance with Somebody. I grew up with that song and watching the dancers in the video. If I’m out somewhere and it comes on then I’m up and dancing, straight away, no problem, no questions asked.
What do you think makes this such a compelling story?
Adam: Because it’s about heroes and villains, and
it’s about how these two people are drawn to one another yet it’s forbidden love. There’s something about the need of these two people and yet they’re not meant to have this, which is quite a beautiful story. I guess you can go into tropes but there’s a sort of fantasy element of a knight in shining armour or someone always there in the background to take care of you and your family. That’s got romantic overtones too.
On stage is one thing, but do you think you’d make a good bodyguard in real life?
Adam: Yes and no. Many years ago I went to a club in London that was really hard to get into. There was a table that I really wanted to sit at so I pretended to be a bodyguard for some other people who were there. It was all about the attitude of being unflinching and scanning the room, and I did manage to get a good couple of feet in front of me where no one would come into the same space. They assumed the people I was pretending to be guarding were important. I don’t actually think that they were, but it was about creating an illusion or a presence of power and authority. So after that I can say that I’ve had a taste of it!
What do you enjoy about touring with a show?
Adam: The real joy is getting to see the country and getting to see different audiences and how they respond. For me, it’s also about going to really lovely old theatres and phenomenal theatre towns where audiences love plays and musicals and the venues are packed every night, and it’s about visiting relatively new theatres. The theatre scene and the touring scene around the UK seem really healthy to me, with audiences who support their local theatres and go regularly, so I’m very grateful for that.
Is there one thing you couldn’t be on the road without when you’re touring?
Adam: I have a very special backpack that I’ve been touring with for a while. It’s really efficient and it packs everything I need. I also have a suitcase that goes on the bus, of course, but I like my trusty backpack. That and a set of good headphones.
The Bodyguard is at Liverpool Empire from 15th - 20th June.
Image: Paul Coltas
RECONNECT
Liverpool’s known around the world for so many different things – as a capital of music, the home of football, for its incredible architecture and maritime history. It’s also a fabulous destination for nature lovers, and not just because of our enviable waterfront location.
SEFTON PARK
This 235-acre Grade I historic park, three miles from the city centre in south Liverpool, has so many beautiful features and monuments – from Old Nick’s caves to the Fairy Glen and Peter Pan statue - as well as its boating lake and stunning Victorian glass Palm House. Large fields, wooded areas, lakes and ponds also create a haven for wildlife. Swans swim alongside flocks of Canada geese in the main lake and in the smaller ponds you can spot several varieties of duck, moorhens, coots, herons, and cormorant. The park’s also popular with woodland and garden birds so keep a look-out!
CROSBY BEACH
Unpredictable tides mean it’s not a beach for taking a dip, but Crosby – which is the start point for 22 miles of Sefton coastline - is still one of the most popular beach destinations in the region. There’s a huge stretch of sand, perfect for a walk with views across to Wirral and North Wales, and it’s renowned for having some of the best sunsets anywhere in the UK. What sets this beach apart though is its Iron Men, internationally acclaimed artist Antony Gormley’s Another Place installation. 100 cast iron figures stretching along the coast and almost a mile out to sea are a superb selfie spot.
FORMBY BEACH AND NATURE RESERVE
Formby’s pinewoods are home to the iconic red squirrel and it boasts some of North West Europe’s most important sand dune habitats, where rare species including natterjack toads live. National Trust Formby helps to protect the coastal nature haven in Formby and it’s a must-go for nature watchers especially in the busy summer months. Formby’s dunes, heathlands, grasslands and woodlands create habitats where many rare and more common plants and animals thrive – everything from sand lizards and wading birds, to hundreds of varieties of wildflowers, butterflies and moths.
SPEKE HALL HIDDEN PATHS TRAIL
Speke Hall is an oasis of green on the edge of Liverpool, not far from the airport, which has a rare Tudor house complete with priest hole, Gothic revival furniture and William Morris wallpaper at its heart. As well as gardens, a kitchen garden and woodland known for bluebells, it has a Hidden Paths Trail starting from Home Farm Courtyard. The 1.2mile trail, where you can spot birds, butterflies and beetles, takes you around the orchard, into the formal gardens and through the woodland – with an optional loop through the bee and butterfly wildflower meadow in spring/summer
Image: Simon Davies / CC
Speke Hall
Crosby Beach
Image: Repton1x/CC
CALDERSTONES PARK
Another beautiful parkland space in south Liverpool, Calderstones Park is made up of 94 acres of natural beauty including Old English gardens and a hidden gem Japanese garden with native Japanese shrubs, trees and topiary, the 1,000-year-old Allerton Oak, a lake with ducks and geese, and the historic Calder Stones which are believed to be older than Stonehenge. It also features Calderstones Nature Reserve, developed and maintained by The Friends of Calderstones Park, which appeared on BBC 2’s Gardeners’ World series and was described by presenter Monty Don as spectacular.
HILBRE ISLANDS NATURE RESERVE
What could be nicer on a sunny day than a coastal walk where there’s a good chance of spotting grey seals? Hilbre Islands in the River Dee estuary can be reached on foot from West Kirby dependent on tide times, so you need to check those before setting off so you don’t risk getting stranded! It’s a popular spot for bird watchers, well known internationally, but the island’s colony of seals is probably the main attraction. They’re there all year round but numbers are at their highest in the summer when you often see them swimming around or hauled out on the sandbanks.
SEAFORTH NATURE RESERVE
Heading out of Liverpool along the waterfront, before Crosby you reach Seaforth Nature Reserve, a coastal home to hundreds of thousands of waders and seabirds. It’s within the Port of Liverpool perimeter, so you’ll need a day pass to go in, but you’ll find a special protection area and a major roosting site for a spectacular variety of waders, seabirds, ducks and small birds. Spring is prime time for spotting migrating little gulls on the way to their breeding grounds in Finland and spring/ summer brings swifts feeding over the freshwater pool and osprey passing as they migrate.
Hilbre Island
Formby Pinewoods
Calderstones Park
Sefton Park
Image: Shutterstock
Image: Ben James/CC
Image: Milo Kaye/CC
Image: Repton1x/CC
A TASTE OF THE SEASON
PRODUCE
With global ingredients now so readily available, the food we eat can often have travelled thousands of miles before it gets to our plates.
But guests and chefs are becoming increasingly conscious of where and when the produce that goes into creating dishes is sourced.
At Titanic Hotel, we always prioritise quality and sustainability, and the team at Stanley’s Bar & Grill is very aware of the need to not only choose local whenever possible, but seasonal too.
The result is menus which reflect our relationship with local growers and businesses, and also showcase the freshest nutrient-rich produce.
Nature has a growing cycle, so our chefs try to follow that and design dishes which align with what’s being harvested.
That means the ingredients don’t just taste better, they’re better for diners because they contain many more nutrients than out-of-season.
For instance in winter, root veg is at its best and plentiful for hearty warming meals whereas in spring the emphasis shifts to fresh greens and in summer we make the most of an abundance of beautiful berries.
Restaurant manager Peter Thomas says the hotel’s commitment to seasonal produce greatly enhances the dining experience for customers because it delivers a combination of superior quality and value.
“The benefits are most noticeable in taste and freshness,” he explains. “Fruits and vegetables in season are harvested at peak ripeness, so they have better flavour, aroma, and texture. Diners can clearly notice the difference in quality compared to out-of-season produce that may have been stored or transported long distances.
“Because seasonal produce is fresher, it typically retains more vitamins and minerals which allows diners to enjoy meals that are not only delicious but also healthier.”
Focusing on what’s in season gives Stanley’s chefs the opportunity to vary dishes more often so guests, especially those who return regularly, can enjoy frequently-changing menus.
“Seasonal menus provide greater variety and excitement,” adds Peter. “When Stanley’s Bar and Grill changes its dishes with the seasons, diners experience new flavours and ingredients throughout the year which helps keep things interesting.”
Peter says seasonal and sustainable often go hand in hand which is an added bonus.
“Many diners appreciate knowing that our food is locally sourced and environmentally responsible. Seasonal produce often comes from nearby farms, reducing transportation and supporting local communities. This gives customers confidence that they are making a more sustainable and ethical dining choice.”
Stanley’s offers a classic British-influenced menu, combining grill classics with modern, ingredient-led cooking.
Head chef Frank Haar relishes the challenge of creating new dishes using seasonal ingredients as the heroes.
“Seasonality for us isn’t just about changing a few garnishes — it’s about letting ingredients genuinely lead the plate,” says Peter.
“Creating new seasonal dishes is one of the most rewarding parts of the job because it gives chefs the chance to build dishes where the produce is the star, cooking techniques enhance, not overpower and flavours feel fresh and balanced.
“Seasonal cooking is creativity within nature’s limits so that means working with what’s at its peak, whether that’s spring asparagus, fresh peas, heritage tomatoes in summer, or game in autumn.
Limiting ingredients to what’s naturally available fuels creativity rather than restricting it.
“For spring, the season’s must-haves are fresh, vibrant, and symbolise renewal after winter - think tender, bright, and flavourful.
“If I had to pick one must-have hero ingredient for spring, it would be asparagus. It embodies the season: tender, vibrant green, versatile across appetisers, mains, and even sides, and it’s widely recognised as a springtime delicacy.”
Having strong connections with local growers and producers is key to making Stanley’s seasonal menus work.
“At Titanic Hotel Liverpool, we’re proud to work closely with a trusted network of local growers and regional producers across the north west. Building these relationships allows us to source ingredients at their seasonal peak, ensuring the freshest flavours and highest quality on every plate,” says Peter.
“Working directly with suppliers lets us shape our menus around what’s naturally abundant, celebrate hero ingredients, and respond quickly to changing seasons. It keeps our menus exciting, sustainable, and truly reflective of the region we’re proud to be part of.”
TITANIC HOTEL LIVERPOOL’S FOCUS ON FLAVOURS DOESN’T END WITH OUR FOOD MENUS, IT ALSO EXTENDS TO THE BOTANICAL TEA PAIRINGS FOR AFTERNOON TEA.
“Afternoon Tea is all about elegance, balance, and harmonising flavours, and botanical teas - herbal, floral, or fruit-infused - can elevate the experience,” says Peter.
“Our head chef or tea curator often pairs each tea with specific sandwiches, scones, or pastries to create a cohesive tasting journey. Here are our caffeine-free botanical teas:
JEWEL OF AFRICA
Rooibos, sandalwood, redcurrants and peony blossoms bring the calmness of a peaceful sunset. Award-winning tea.
MELLOW MINT
Lush spearmint and zestful peppermint are carefully blended for a smooth, almost creamy flavour thrill. Award-winning tea.
LIQUID LULLABY
Chamomile gets the quintessential treatment; feelgood dreams are created with this blend of oats, valerian root and lavender.
WHITE PEACH SANGRIA
A deep crimson infusion of peaches, hibiscus and pineapples, this is a juicy fruit tea that quenches your thirst whether it is served hot or cold.
REFLECT & RESET
When life is busy and the pace feels fast, it’s important to take time out to reflect and reset.
At Titanic Hotel we’re more than a beautiful place for our guests to stay or enjoy a meal, we’re somewhere where you can find some much-needed peace and rejuvenation.
Every aspect of the hotel is designed to nurture wellbeing, from the soothing neutral colour tones of our bedrooms to the mind and body relaxation of Maya Blue’s thermal suite.
Even our location lends itself to a complete everyday stress getaway. What could be nicer than leaving the hustle and bustle of the city centre behind to be surrounded by tranquil waterside views?
Although we’re only a short walk from Liverpool’s major attractions, sitting out on the Colonnades at Stanley’s with a coffee feels like a world away – no traffic, no crowds, no noise. Just time to breathe, unwind and take things more slowly.
If you’re staying with us at Titanic, you can ease yourself into the day by starting with a delicious freshly-cooked breakfast delivered to your room. Treat yourself to a lie-in and a lazy morning, there’s no need to rush!
All our rooms benefit from lots of natural daylight, and bathrooms which have drench showers and complimentary ESPA products for added indulgence.
Beneath the hotel’s ground floor lies our subterranean sanctuary Maya Blue, a low-lit
space created for calm where total relaxation and restoration are always the number one priority.
The warmth of the hydrotherapy pool is the perfect way to soak away any physical tensions or aches in an environment that benefits mental health too by releasing endorphins to boost your mood.
And when you return to the hotel and your room after making the most of our amazing city? Sink back into Egyptian cotton bedding, rest your head on natural fibre pillows that mold to your shape for maximum comfort … and ensure you end the day as blissfully as it began.
New penthouse launches at world’s largest brick-built warehouse
Top-floor apartment blends contemporary design with heritage features and offers sweeping views across Liverpool and the River Mersey
A NEW PENTHOUSE show apartment has launched at Tobacco Warehouse, the world’s largest brick-built warehouse.
Standing beside Stanley Dock in Liverpool’s historic docks quarter, the top-floor apartment was created with the addition of a new upper level to the Grade II-listed landmark.
Dressed by Natalie Holden Interiors, the penthouse is one of nine on the top floor, each with a generous private roof terrace tucked behind the original parapet. From there, residents can take in views across the city, the River Mersey, or the Titanic Hotel, and the new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The penthouses are part of a wider scheme that will eventually deliver more than 550 loft and penthouse-style homes, alongside 100,000 sq. ft of dock-level commercial space, cementing Tobacco Warehouse as the centrepiece of the wider Stanley Dock regeneration area.
Spanning 1,050 to 1,700 sq. ft, the Tobacco Warehouse penthouses combine contemporary urban living with the character of a historic landmark and have been described as “Liverpool’s finest and most authentic residential properties.”
Arranged on a single level for easy lateral living, the accommodation features an entrance hall with a utility and cloak cupboard, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious open-plan reception. The kitchen, complete with a central island breakfast bar and dining area, opens through floor-to-ceiling sliding doors onto the full-width roof terrace.
Leanne Lees, interior designer at Natalie Holden Interiors, says: “These penthouse interiors were designed to feel effortlessly sophisticated yet highly liveable; a space that supports everyday comfort while still delivering visual impact.
“A key driver of the scheme was introducing a sense of heritage and character into what is ostensibly a newly built space, using materiality and detailing to create warmth and authenticity.
“Every selection was considered in relation to light, proportion, and longevity, resulting in an environment that feels cohesive, timeless, and distinctly premium.”
Pat Power, director of Stanley Dock Properties, adds: “Following the success of Phase 1 sales at Tobacco Warehouse, we are thrilled to launch the penthouses and new penthouse show apartment, which perfectly showcases not only the incredible heritage features of Tobacco Warehouse, but also stunning views across Liverpool’s evolving city scape.”
The penthouses at Tobacco Warehouse are likely to attract buyers drawn to the building’s distinctive architecture and history, as well as its proximity to leisure and retail amenities and its views across the surrounding area. The landmark building and its South Lane location may also be familiar to potential buyers through its appearances in a number of film and television productions, including Captain America, Peaky Blinders and, most recently, House of Guinness.
Tobacco Warehouse is part of the £260 million mixed-used regeneration of Stanley Dock, which also encompasses the North Warehouse, now the Titanic Hotel, and a new ‘super restaurant’ due to launch later this year in the pumphouse.
All apartments at Tobacco Warehouse have an EPC rating of B and are connected to the local energy network, Mersey Heat. Penthouse owner’s will not only have use of the building’s vast communal spaces, with a residents’ lounge, co-working areas, 24-hour concierge and coffee
“A key driver of the scheme was introducing a sense of heritage and character into what is ostensibly a newly built space, using materiality and detailing to create warmth and authenticity.”
dock, but can also benefit from a 10% discount on all food and drink at Titanic Hotel Liverpool. Penthouse apartments are available from £430,000, with the final two remaining duplex apartments for sale from £375,000.
For further information on Tobacco Warehouse please contact 0151 920 2404 or visit www.tobaccowarehouse.co.uk
Large scale 1 & 2 bed apartments of 1050 to 1700 SqFt, plus full width terraces with extensive city skyline, Bramley Moore or Mersey views.
