Yay Wirral! January/February 2021

Cover Illustration ©Jasmine Ralph Artist

FREE!

January/February 2021

Yay l!

Wirra

A Guide to the Best in Events, Food and Culture across our Peninsula

WWW.YAYEVENTGUIDES.CO.UK

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Welcome!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! As I write this, I hardly know where we will be as both a borough and as a nation between now and the time this copy is in your hands, our readers. What I do know is that that there has never been a more important time to support your community and the local, independent businesses that provide the fantastic range of products and services that we have right here on our doorstep.

It has been our pleasure to work with those businesses and organisations as we move into what we sincerely hope will be year of hope and healing.

As always (I can officially say that now that we are 3 editions in!) you will find your January/February Yay Wirral! crammed with features and articles from local business people, charity and community organisations, recipes, local area hotspots, news and much more. Check out our 'Where to Eat - Hoylake' guide, although you might well find yourself taking away. And please, take in the dozens of local businesses from bakers to specialist carpet cleaners who are mentioned in our guide and need your custom more than ever.

On that note, thanks to you, our readers who by choosing to shop with these businesses allow myself and my small team to run our business and pay our bills.

Until next time...

Kate x EDITOR EDITOR@YAYEVENTGUIDES.CO.UK

P.s. What about our cover illustration by the very talented Wirral 17 year old Jasmine Ralph!

Check out more of Jasmine's work on Instagram @jasminescreations

Where to eat Wirral

Hoylake Barbetta 6 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AE Deli & Bistro "I just ate the best grilled cheese sandwich I've had in my life.

Highly recommended!."

The Artizan 36 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AF Cosy, comforting - Pub Grub.

0151 378 9287 "Great place for food and many different beers and Gins plus other stuff. Great welcome and after trying the burger I truthfully say the best I've had in some years. I travel alot so that's saying something of the quality . Give it a try it's well worth it" The Quadrant 5-6 The Quadrant, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2EE Restaurant and Bar 0151 632 4444 "Tonight was exceptional! I cannot praise both the chefs and the back of house staff enough - honestly if you are beginning to venture out of lockdown and fancy spoiling yourselves please visit and certainly ask what the fish of the day is!!!"

Charelles Cafe 103 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 5AA American Burgers and Chicken 0151 345 6291 "Fabulous food and customer service. Lovely large portions and all cooked to perfection...would definitely recommend and will be coming again!"

Golden Palace 32 Birkenhead Rd, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BW Chinese Takeaway 0151 632 3938 "Great food - good portion sizes. Slightly different to your normal takeaway, but in a very good way."

Green Lodge Restaurant 2 Stanley Rd, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 1HW Pub Grub 0151 632 2321 "Great service. Friendly. Good beer and super fish and chips.

Lovely after a good beach walk."

Where to eat Wirral

Hoylake Ground 7a The Quadrant, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2EE Coffee Shop & Cafe.

0151 632 6487 "Good vegan, veggie and regular breakfast cooked exactly as we asked for it. Attention to detail" Julians 20 Birkenhead Rd, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BW Contemporary British/European 0151 632 6241 "Fantastic place. Food was amazing. Service was amazing and hospitality was the best I've ever experienced. Thanks team" Khao Soi 46 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AF Thai 0151 632 3366 "I like Thai food and this is, possibly the best I've tasted. Great food if you're in or around Hoylake and well worth trying!

Fabulous staff who always make you feel at home too!"

Lazaros 47, 49 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2BQ Greek 0151 632 0400 "Just had an early evening meal at Lazaros . Wow the food was fantastic and the staff really helpful and friendly. It's the best restaurant meal I've ever had and I've had a few.... Ha Ha.We will definitely be going again. Thank you to all the staff" Lino's 122 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BH Mediterranean 0151 632 1408 "Quality of the food here is 5 stars every single time. So reasonably priced for the quality, and the service is always fantastic. There is a reason this place has been going for so many years and you will understand why when you visit!"

Where to eat Wirral

Hoylake Monte Carlo 22-24 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AE Italian 0151 632 2041 "Sitting outside eating on a warm evening, you would have thought we were in the Mediterranean, the staff were very attentive despite there being a large party inside. Great place."

Mother India Kitchen 94 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BD Indian 0151 632 4057 "Our number 1 for Indian takeaway. Lots of gorgeous veggie options (always a good sign if you're looking for authentic Indian food as India is a very heavily vegetarian country!). Have also ate in a few times and had a lovely experience."

Nine Leaves 7-9 Albert Rd, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AB Tea Room 0151 633 2505 "I have only recently discovered this place and I will now never go anywhere else!The choice of tea is fantastic, the homemade cakes are amazing (I've tried them all) and the prices are beyond reasonable. It's the perfect place to just sit and relax.Children and dogs are welcome and the lovely lady that serves you will also bring everything to your table."

Popsys Hoylake Parade community centre, 31 Hoylake Rd, CH47 3AG Licensed Coffee Shop & Bistro 07584 071925 "Love this place. Bright calm immaculate inside. lovely staff gorgeous food. Very welcoming. My granddaughter an I drop in after play on the beach. Covid rules in place. Hand sanitiser plentiful. Tried to day for the first time take away service. Text my order through arrived ready and waiting freshly cooked to perfection. It really is the jewel in Hoylakes crown. Call in you with your take away order you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy" Quirky Cafe 124e Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BH Cafe "Absolutely love this cafe, never fails with the food! The mad hatters section has the most delicious salt and pepper chicken wraps and munch boxes! Pick and mix sweets&waffle box, endless supply of different cakes, milkshakes, slush! Always look forward too coming here, staff are so lovely and welcoming! So happy they are now delivering too :) !!"

Where to eat Wirral

Hoylake The Ship Inn 80 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BB Pub Grub 0151 632 4319 "An excellent range of beers and the food is great! All locally sourced and freshly prepared. The chips are amazing! Well worth a visit and dog friendly too :)" Trappist House 9, The Row, Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BB Bistro 0151 633 2518 "Really authentic feeling Belgian restaurant. Food was great, service was quick and friendly. The best beer menu I've seen outside of Belgium, with several available on draft.We travelled some distance to visit, but it was well worth the trip."

Whitts End 43 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2BG Wine and Cocktail Bar 07368 348274 "Popped into this charming and friendly bar and loved it from the get go. Staff were great. Good selection of beers and wine ect and they have live music on a Saturday. Decor is modern and comfortable. A very relaxing experience."

Banks Coffee Shop 52 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BB Coffee Shop 07584 071925 "Brilliant , friendly, polite service. The food was delicious and tea, coffee were excellent. Lovely building and furniture, with a lovely vibe to the whole place. The young staff gave excellent customer service, and were very professional, and friendly when advising customers on Covid guidelines. Can't fault the place. Will most definitely be going there again."

OUR COMMUNITY

ONE WEST KIRBY

Residents and businesses in West Kirby have been asked to submit their views on the town's future.

A survey has been conducted by One West Kirby – a new, community interest company set up by a group of local residents. The aim of the group is to make sure that West Kirby can sustain and diversify it's position as a vibrant town centre on West Wirral, attracting visitors to it's town centre, water sports, wildlife and leisure facilities. Retired solicitor and Trustee of the Tranmere

Rovers Trust, David Rawlinson, is one of the founding members of One West Kirby. He said: "West Kirby is at a point of change and opportunity. With the impact of Covid-19, changing demands on the high street, and changes afoot in the future use of the Concourse building and other town centre premises, we believe that now is the time to work with local residents, voluntary organisations and businesses to develop a set of consensual priorities and ideas and to input directly into future plans for the town."

David Rawlinson

One West Kirby has been set up to take this forward.The group aims to build on conversations with local residents, voluntary organisations and businesses and, with a public consultation to open discussions, to promote a prospectus of ideas that can then be worked on with Wirral Borough Council to develop a masterplan for West Kirby town centre.

West Kirby Beach ŠTrip Advisor

One West Kirby member, Malcolm Williams, who runs the Little Eye micro-bakery and is coorganiser of West Kirby Farmers Market, added: "We would like to build on the great work that already goes into the sustaining, conserving and renewing of our town, from the Marine Lake to the Beacon, in the parks and in the public realm – and engage with the local authority to develop plans that will lead to future investment of time, energy and money in West Kirby."

A summary of the responses from the survey taken out by the group in December will be published in the new year. One West Kirby wants to draw expertise from a range of backgrounds and experiences to better represent the local community and is actively seeking and encouraging applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to join its working group.

For more information, contact info@onewestkirby.org About One West KirbyOne West Kirby set up as a community interest company in 2020 by a group of local residents concerned to make sure that West Kirby can sustain and diversify its position as a vibrant town centre on West Wirral, attracting visitors to our town centre, water sports, wildlife and leisure facilities. www.onewestkirby.org

Malcolm Williams

o7752 594 796

NEW YEAR COOKING

THE COMFORT OF FOOD Delicious homemade recipes courtesy of Christopher Drake of Wirral's own Christopher Drake Catering Co.

Steak with Goulash-style sauce & Homemade Chips 3 tsp oil (rapeseed ideal but not essential), plus extra for the steaks 250g potatoes Handful of fresh thyme leaves 2 small onions (or shallots), halved and sliced (190g there or there about)* 1 green pepper, deseeded and diced* 2 cloves of garlic, sliced 1 tsp smoked paprika 85g cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tbsp tomato purée 1 tsp beef or vegetable bouillon powder 2x 6-8oz steaks (fillet for the best flavour but whichever steak is your preference), rubbed with a little oil and seasoned to your taste 200g bag of baby spinach, wilted in a pan or the microwave

Follow Christopher on Instagram or Facebook christopherdrakecatering

Heat oven to 240°C/220°C fan/gas 7 and put a wire rack on top of a baking tray.

Cut the potatoes in to chunky chips (of your size preference. You can peel them or leave the skin on for that extra crisp). Toss the potatoes with 2 tsp oil in a bowl, then scatter them over the rack and set aside until ready to cook.

Heat 1 tsp oil in a non-stick pan on your hob at a mediumhigh heat, add the onions, cover the pan and leave to cook for 5 mins or until starting to go brown and soften. Take off the lid and stir – they should be a little charred by now so don’t panic! Chop the green pepper and garlic then stir in, cover the pan, pop down to a medium heat and cook for another 5 mins. After you’ve done this, pop the potatoes in the oven and bake for 15-20mins.

While the potatoes are cooking, stir the paprika into the onions and peppers, pour in 150ml water and stir in the cherry tomatoes, tomato purée and bouillon. Cover and simmer for 10 more mins.

Pan-fry the steak in a hot, non-stick pan for 2 and a half mins each side depending on their thickness. Rest the steaks for 5 mins on a side plate.

Spoon the goulash sauce onto plates and top with the juicy steaks. Serve the chips and spinach alongside. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the top as a garnish and enjoy

WIRRAL

KIDS...

Tired of being stuck in? Check out our editor's pick of the best the Wirral has to offer for Kids. This edition, Wallasey.....

Earlston Park and Library Earlston Road, Wallasey

As far as things to do with younger kids goes - this one is a double whammy. A lovely leafy playground, set within a small park, this one is especially pretty in the autumn. The playground itself is ideal for toddlers and young children. Wallasey Central Library (oh god when will Libraries reopen!?) is right next door with a seperate Children's building decked out perfectly for little ones.

@wirral libraries facebook

Post-covid they run regular baby and other groups.

Vale Park New Brighton

A real Wirral gem for all ages. A pretty, hilly park, Ideal for an outdoor picnic with views across the river of the Liverpool skyline. Also features a well maintained playground, band stand which (again post-covid!) hosts summer shows and lovely coffee shop which has continued to offer a well organised take out service throughout the pandemic. Also of note is the lovely fairy garden. A perfect place for small children to explore a mini fairy village with troll tree, memory garden, tooth fairies house, fairy clothes line, and other hidden surprises set Šwirral.gov.uk

amidst the bushes and trees

WIRRAL

KIDS...

Brightside Arcade New Palace and Adventureland Marine Promenade New Brighton

Super old school fun! Think Vegas on a budget!. Grab yourself a stash of 2p coins and probably a large bottle of hand sanitiser and head down to the legendary New Palace complex in New Brighton which has been open since 1912. Hours of fun for kids of all ages from slot machines to retro fairground rides.

Grab some fish and chips for lunch @www.new-palace-new-brighton.co.uk/

polished off with a slushie, bar of rock or bag of freshly made sugary donuts. Perfect! See .new-palacenew-brighton.co.uk

Promenade Bike Ride or Scoot

New Brighton It always takes a visiting guest I think to make us appreciate what we have right on our door step. New Brighton promenade sat almost 4km long is mostly traffic free with great cycle paths along the way is a fantastic amenity for kids of all ages. The ideal stretch for mastering that new Christmas bike or scooter with plenty of great sights and amenities along the way

WIRRAL

KIDS...

Harrison Park Harrison Drive Wallasey

Great for all ages, Harrison Park in Wallasey Village features a nautical themed playground complete with huge outdoor sandpit (don't forget your bucket and spade!). Dune walks, 2 free full sized tennis courts, football pitches and bowling green.

See www.friendsofharrisonpark.info/

@friendsofharrisonpark

The Breck Breck Road, Wallasey

Set on a ridge 80 feet above sea level this woodland area between Wallasey Village and Poulton is a favourite for dog walkers and local ramblers but is the perfect outdoor natural playground for children old enough to confidentially run and climb. The area is a hive of secret paths and passageways between the trees and dunes and the ideal location for a scavenger hunt. Maintained by local volunteers, the recent addition of a new mysterious mushrooms and a woodland gnome home is fantastic for toddlers.

See facebook.com/WallaseyBreck/ , @Kimberley Phillips

WIRRAL

KIDS...

Stollies Wallasey Village

This family ran restaurant/cafe is one of Wallasey's if not the Wirral's most family friendly eateries. A fantastic kids menu that isn't just about chicken nuggets - fab pancakes and homemade milkshakes. Check out their snug, equipped with toys and books and super friendly baby changing area.

Booking highly advisable during the pandemic.

Tel - 0151 306 0986

@stollies

Monkey House Manor Road, Liscard

Ideal for toddlers and kids under 6.

This well ran soft play is an exhausted parent's dream. Compact enough that you can keep an eye on your kids at all times from the comfort of your seat whilst sipping a cuppa. Not only is this centre great value for money compared to larger soft plays, it boasts a lovely, equally good value in house cafe. Check out their socials for details of regular special events including music and dancing sessions with Miss Freckles.

Booking essential via the Facebook Page facebook.com/Monkeyhouse-Softplay

Šmonkey house

HIDDEN WIRRAL!

Wirral History

Way back before New Brighton existed, the area was known as Ye BlackRock. This area was what we now know as New Brighton Resort situated along the main Promenade. However further up heading in the Seacombe direction, the area was part of Liscard. The Liscard and New Brighton borders have changed dramatically in the last 150 years and the rise and importance of New Brighton has seen the deflation of the area of Liscard. The Magazine Village has now changed from the area of Liscard to New Brighton.

Two of the oldest pubs of Wallasey are located within this small village and it still remains one of Wirral's hidden Gems.The Pilot Boat Hotel was formerly a Morgue in New Brighton, opening in 1747 it is the oldest surviving pub in Wallasey. Several ghosts roam are said to roam the cellars. Many tall tales and ghost stories have been recorded by various landlords over the years in this former haunt of Seaman, Smugglers and Vagrants.The Pilot Boat pub was The Admiral Benbow of the North West. The odd Smuggler would stray in from time to time, regaling tales to the locals, driving fear and excitement into their hearts.

Wirral History Join our Historic GhostWalks in March 2021 which start and finish at this Historic Hotel.Legends, folklore, ghost stories and history come to life as you depart on an intriguing Tour through 400 years of haunted history.Book Online at www.hiddenwirral.org Hidden Wirral Myths & Legends

Tours are available in Autumn every Tuesday Night at 6pm till 7.30pm

Tickets available online via www.hiddenwirral.org Twitter @hiddenwirral

Join the Biggest Wirral History Group on Facebook HiddenWirralMythsLegends/