Summer of Sound New Haydock homes Wavertree Town Hall review Jane Clare on wine
LennyHenry Sir
Comedy legend talks Liverpool, legacy and his first stand-up show in 16 years
June
Hello and welcome to the June edition
of YM Liverpool
First up this month is our interview with bona fide national treasure Sir Lenny Henry.
For more than five decades, the actor, writer and comedian has been telling stories on stage, on screen and through a host of characters etched into our collective memory.
Lenny’s new live show, Still at Large, his first in 16 years, heads to the Playhouse in October, and we caught up with him to talk swimming with sharks, Ken Dodd, Comic Relief and why Liverpool is always more than just another stop on the tour.
Elsewhere, we check in at Anwyl Homes’ new Sandon Gates development and give you the lowdown on Summer of Sound at Museum of Liverpool and Liverpool BID’s Celebrating Summer events programme.
Plus, Annie S shares four summer-ready outfits defined by bold colour pops, Robin Brown visits the recently reopened Wavertree Town Hall for a spot of Sunday lunch, and its strawberry fields for Heather (Marsh) as she shares her simple guide to growing an all-time summer favourite.
Finally, Jane Clare raises a glass to rosé season, exploring the many shades and styles of pink wine –from fashionable Provence pours and deeper Spanish rosados to celebratory bubbles and supermarket favourites. Enjoy!
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(Funny)
Back in Business
For more than five decades, actor, writer and comedian Sir Lenny Henry has been telling stories – on stage, on screen and through a host of characters etched into our collective memory. His new live show, his first in 16 years, sees Lenny return to the experiences that shaped him while exploring the ideas, challenges and creative sparks driving him today. As Still at Large heads to the Playhouse, the comedy legend talks swimming with sharks, Ken Dodd, Comic Relief and why Liverpool is always more than just another stop on the tour
On holiday in Greece recently, Sir Lenny Henry made use of his PADI qualification by going on a scuba-diving trip. He had a glorious time but found himself slightly disappointed by the fact that there weren’t any sharks there.
“When I got back to the boat, I thought: ‘Well that’s good, isn’t it? That’s a good thing there were no flipping sharks’,” he laughs. The year before, he’d taken part in the gripping ITV show, Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, in which he and a few other famous folks shared Grand Bahamas waters with the sort of predators most of us would pay good money to avoid.
What he describes as “the most extraordinary experience of my life” is one of the subjects he chats about in his new live show, Lenny Henry: Still at Large. It is his first stand-up show in 16 years, and one he worked on for around 18 months. The show is touring the UK now and arrives at Liverpool Playhouse in October.
The Liverpool stop is more than just another date on the tour, though; the city holds plenty of memories for Lenny.
“When people ask me about Liverpool, I always think of the Adelphi Hotel,” he says.
“If you were filming or on tour in the city back then, that’s where you stayed. I’ve got other loyalties now, but I still have a soft spot for it.”
What he remembers most about the oft-maligned Liverpool hotel, though, is its fire alarm.
“We were filming Coast to Coast, and after a long day, we’d finally got to sleep – only for the alarm to go off at three in the morning,” he recalls.
“Before long, half the British acting profession would be standing outside in the car park in their pyjamas. It happened so often that we started joking that someone was sneaking into our rooms and trying on our clothes. Whatever the reason, we always went back. The Adelphi had that effect on people.”
Perhaps his fondest Liverpool memory, though, is a comic one: seeing Ken Dodd live for the first time. “He did so many gags, so fast, all the comics upstairs were yelling, ‘‘Are hey Doddy, slow down, I just dropped me pencil!!’”
That memory of Dodd’s relentless comic energy feels especially fitting now, as Lenny returns to Liverpool with Still at Large – and to stand-up itself – after more than a decade away from the form.
“I haven’t done stand-up for 16 years but that doesn’t mean I’ve not been doing comedy,” says the man who has more than earned his national treasure status. “I do corporate gigs and I host things. And it’s not like I gave up being funny – it’s just that I gave up doing it for my job. I always thought of stand-up as my job and everything else as my career; I’ve written books and I’ve been an actor and lots of other things. I’m still doing those things, but this seems to be the right moment to come back to doing stand-up comedy.”
Lenny’s career has always encompassed a wide spectrum of entertainment, and that variety seems to suit him, depending on where he is in his life. He started out doing funny impressions (in 1975, as a teenager, he scooped the ITV talent show New Faces with his winning impersonations of characters such as Frank Spencer and Stevie Wonder), and in the 51 years that followed has done everything from television hosting and sketch comedy to acting, producing and writing. Oh, and helping raise millions for charity.
That’s what I’ve always loved about Liverpool, it’s funny, warm and resilient, but it also cares deeply about people.
Liverpool, unsurprisingly, was also where Lenny had a go at learning a Scouse accent. During Coast to Coast, local actor and Frank Sinatra impersonator David Knopov took him under his wing.
“He’d patiently coach me between filming sessions, and I spent weeks wandering around saying, ‘Alright there, laaaar?’ to anyone who’d listen,” he laughs. “Whether I ever got it right is another matter.”
One of Lenny’s most meaningful experiences in the city came later, when he made Colour Blind, inspired by the tragic murder of Anthony Walker. “It was a comedy-drama, which might sound unusual, but I felt that difficult subjects can sometimes reach people more effectively when approached in an unexpected way,” he says.
Working with Liverpool writer Tony Lindsay, Lenny explored prejudice, identity and racism through both humour and drama.
“The goal was never to make light of a tragedy, but to get people talking and thinking differently,” he says.
The film featured a strong local cast, including Cathy Tyson, Louis Emerick and Neil Fitzmaurice, and Lenny says he loved filming in the city. He is also grateful to the Anthony Walker Foundation and Liverpool Football Club for supporting the film and helping it reach schools, where it sparked important conversations about racism.
“That’s what I’ve always loved about Liverpool,” he says. “It’s funny, warm and resilient, but it also cares deeply about people. Every time I visit, I’m reminded why I enjoy coming back.”
The breadth of his talents and experience is impressive – as is his work ethic. Among his extensive credits are co-hosting riotous kids’ show Tiswas; starring in sketch show Three of a Kind alongside Tracey Ullman and David Copperfield (no, not that one); fronting The Lenny Henry Show; co-founding Comic Relief; playing the lead in BBC drama Chef! (based on his own idea and made by his own production company), earning plaudits for playing Othello in the Shakespeare tragedy and appearing in The Lord of the Things: The Rings of Power
While his early comedy evolved from impressions to telling hilarious stories about his early life and growing up in Dudley to Jamaican immigrants, his new show deals with the life of “21st Century Lenny”. He’s got a PhD, a knighthood, an impressive career – and he still has funny bones.
“I talk about ageing, about body malfunction, about my partner Lisa (Makin, a producer and casting director) and what it’s like when you get to a certain age and end up spending a lot of time in garden centres.”
The second half of the Still at Large takes a different form – though still with the aim of making everyone laugh. He shows clips of some of the many shows he’s been in over the years (and, gosh, there have been a lot) and takes audience questions.
In forums such as these he’s used to people asking things such as why he got into Shakespeare and what it was like acting with George Clooney (he played the Hollywood star’s character’s former acting coach in the 2025 movie Jay Kelly). But during a recent appearance on ITV’s The Assembly, in which celebrities take it in turns to be questioned by people with neurodivergence and learning disabilities, he had to field one of the more amusingly personal questions of his career. One young woman asked him about the order in which he washed his body parts – and, in case you’re wondering, it’s armpits first.
As for why he got into the Bard, the spark was ignited when he presented the BBC Radio 4 show, What’s So Great About Shakespeare?, part of a series in which he investigated the value and pleasures of cultural icons.
It coincided with him feeling like he was on a sort of treadmill of stand-up tours – something that was starting to lose its sparkle.
Spending time with Barrie Rutter, founder of the Northern Broadsides theatre company, for the radio show was a life-changing experience. Doing a spot-on impression of the Yorkshireman, Lenny says: “He said: ‘My dad was a fisherman, your dad worked in a factory – let’s work’. He came down to London to teach me the last speech from Othello. And it was one of the most extraordinary and electrifying experiences I’ve ever had.”
A year later, in 2009, Rutter offered him the lead in that very play, and something clicked. “You know that saying: when you’ve got your ladder against the wrong building, and you get to the top of it and realise you want to be on that other building over there? It was like that.” Soon after that he starred in the National Theatre’s The Comedy of Errors
That’s not to say his love of acting shut down other aspects of his career. It’s really worth reading his two memoirs to get an idea of how much he’s done – and why. Who Am I, Again? covers the early part of his life, growing up in Dudley, navigating racism, friendships and his mother’s desire for him to “hintegrate”, plus making his way into showbusiness, and learning to have more say in the kind of work he did.
The second, Rising to the Surface, goes into a lot of detail about his career. Both books are packed with creative protein about the development of some of his famous characters, such as Theophilus P Wildebeeste and DJ Delbert Wilkins, and both provide fascinating insight into the way showbusiness decisions are made.
He writes about attempts he made to boost diversity in television production – an imbalance he felt sharply, particularly when filming in various parts of Africa for Comic Relief and being the only Black person on the team. He’s candid, too, about the jobs that didn’t work out so well, about hoping to become a singer, about the sacrifices
and mistakes he made, and, vitally, about how much he values collaboration with other creatives.
Interestingly, it was while on tour promoting Rising to the Surface that the excitement of live comedy started reawakening in Lenny.
“I was doing these book tours and I was loving the bit where they asked questions and I could improvise. I just kept thinking: ‘Well, this is like doing stand up!’ I talked to Alexei Sayle about this, and he said the reason he started doing stand-up again was for a similar reason: he was talking about his books, which led to him doing material, and that got me thinking about my new material too,” says Lenny.
Sir Lenny, who turns 68 in August, hosted the Comic Relief Marathon for the last time in 2024 and, while acknowledging his legacy with the charity, is remarkably modest about it. “I am very proud of it,” he says. “Every aspect of it has made me proud and there are moments when you wonder where we would have been without it.
“Richard Curtis was the driving force though. The last show raised over £30 million again and that’s a testament to everybody in the business and everybody in the country who’s put their hand in their pocket to help. It’s been a wonderful thing and it is a legacy but it’s our legacy –not just mine.”
Lenny Henry: Still at Large is at the Playhouse on 10 October 2026
I am very proud of Comic Relief. There are moments when you wonder where we would have been without it.
Lenny on stage during his Still At Large tour
Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2026
Liverpool law firm Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors is celebrating a major national achievement after being named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026. The accolade recognises organisations across the UK that set the standard for workplace culture, employee engagement and overall staff experience, placing people at the heart of how they operate
For Paul Crowley & Co, the recognition represents far more than a single moment of celebration. It reflects a culture that has been carefully built and protected over many years, shaped by collaboration, support, development and genuine care for the individuals behind the firm’s success. These values have long guided the firm’s approach to leadership and continue to influence how it grows, adapts and supports its colleagues.
This year, only 34 legal service organisations across the entire UK earned a place on the prestigious list. Among them, Paul Crowley & Co stands out as the only Liverpool based law firm recognised within its size category, marking a rare distinction in a profession known for its demanding pace and high expectations. The achievement serves as a strong endorsement of the firm’s values and the dedication of its team.
The award is based entirely on anonymous employee feedback, offering an authentic reflection of the
staff experience. The firm achieved an impressive 96 percent job satisfaction score, alongside equally exceptional ratings across all measured areas. Colleagues described feeling informed, trusted and proud to work at the firm, highlighting the supportive and inclusive environment that defines daily life at Paul Crowley & Co.
This positive culture is reinforced through consistent, meaningful action. Monthly staff surveys ensure every voice is heard and every member of staff has the opportunity to shape the workplace. Professional development is a clear priority, with funded training courses, study leave and structured career pathways designed to help staff grow and progress. The firm also places strong emphasis on wellbeing and flexibility, offering a set work from home day, regular social events, free parking, mileage reimbursement and generous annual leave that increases with length of service. Each colleague also receives an additional day off for their birthday, and
long service gifts recognise loyalty and contribution.
Managing Director Paul Lowry said ‘This award holds real significance for us because it reflects the views of the people who know our firm best. Their feedback shows that we have built a workplace where colleagues feel trusted, valued and genuinely supported to grow. That culture is shaped every day by the dedication, professionalism and spirit of our staff. This recognition belongs to them, and I am incredibly proud of the team and everything they continue to achieve.’
The recognition comes at a time of significant momentum for the firm. Paul Crowley & Co is seeing sustained growth across all departments and is expanding as part of a planned period of development. For those seeking a supportive, ambitious and high performing workplace several new opportunities are now available on the firm’s website, reflecting both the strength of current demand and the firm’s commitment to investing in its future.
By Robin Brown
|
Pub
| £ | 89 High Street, L15
First, a confession. I don’t rate Sunday lunches in pubs. Too much of the time they’re an excuse to send out cremated meats with a side serving of overcooked veg, Bisto and Aunt Bessie’s. Secondly, well, another confession. I loved Wavertree Town Hall in its former guise: a seriously impressive affair with superb European-influenced small plates, a welcoming team and a lovely ambiance. With that out of the way, I shall now commence my review of Wavertree Town Hall, recently reopened by the team behind city centre haunts like Abbey Road and Harrison’s Bar, who really know how to balance a match-day crowd with a neighbourhood pint and fish-finger butty.
First impressions are good. Some of the blingier trappings of the old town hall are gone and the place looks a bit more restrained now, although I kept expecting to see an AI artwork of a cow wearing a military uniform. Thankfully the two front rooms are largely untouched and still have the air of magnificence that befits the municipal trappings of the building. Draught Bass on tap caught my eye immediately, as did a large stag head mounted atop the hearth, to which I returned again and again, courtesy of my toddling daughter (“Deer! Deer!”). It is a fittingly stoic centrepiece for a building that still sports the Latin motto ‘Sub Umbra
8HF
Floresco’ – “In the shade I flourish” – above its entrance; a nod to Wavertree’s long-lost independence from the city centre. There is, as is the law these days, a Paul Curtis artwork – this one featuring George Harrison, who was born just down the road on Arnold Grove and whose parents registered his birth in this very building in 1943.
Out the back, there is now a large woodpanelled room featuring a second bar, darts lanes, a fruitie and about 47 large-screen televisions, a sensory overload that felt less a Grade II-listed building and more a woodpanelled Currys showroom. Resplendent with Toby jugs and old beer bottles, it has a whiff of the ‘pub-themed pub’ archetype that Rob Gutmann has so successfully exported around Liverpool. When we arrive, there are several families eating roast dinners while a few solitary men drink Madri and frown at their phones, occasionally popping over to be quizzed by Egyptian gods at a quid a pop or throw some arrows. It’s a rather odd juxtaposition, as if the Town Hall is straddling its own former life and trying to blend in with the other pubs (hardy, surprisingly busy, lager) on Wavertree High Street.
To the food. We were invited to try the Sunday lunches, so Sunday lunches we had, though the nippers also made inroads
My 200-day aged, grain-fed Black Angus sirloin was pink, tender and delicious. Accompanying greens were crisp and juicy, a celeriac puree delightfully smooth.
into a huge meat feast pizza (well-cooked, Neapolitan-style, cheap at £11) and hummus (one traditional, one spicy, loads of veg and bread, £7). My 200-day aged, grain-fed Black Angus sirloin (£15) was pink, tender and delicious. Accompanying greens were crisp and juicy, a celeriac puree delightfully smooth. My wife had a nut roast (£15), which was OK, though there didn’t appear to be any nuts in it. Does that technically make it just ‘a roast’?
Sadly our roasties had the texture of having been reheated and the Yorkshire puddings were not homemade – at least not on the same day. As someone who grew up on these fluffy delights, this is very disappointing. Proper Yorkshires are cheap, quick and easy to make. They should be gloriously irregular and they need a combination of crisp and pillowy textures; you can always tell a pre-made pud due to their almost crystalline structures, like a savoury meringue – designed to withstand a nuclear winter rather than absorb gravy. If you have good chefs, let them cook, I say.
Nevertheless, the fact this building is in use, being cared for and patronised is something of a relief. It may have a storied history, but it’s only a few short decades since the Town Hall was flirting with demolition – and for locals who might hanker after the Gutmann template of decent prices, good beer and pleasing environs, it’s fair enough. Please sort out the Yorkies though – egg, flour, milk and hot fat. You’ll never look at Aunt Bessie again.
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One foot in THE GRAPES
Jane Clare raises a glass to rosé season, exploring the many shades and styles of pink wine – from fashionable Provence pours and deeper Spanish rosados to celebratory bubbles and supermarket favourites
It’s June, it has to be rosé season, right? And the wine marketeers seem to agree, as this month there are two official days to enjoy pink wine. I imagine many of you already had plans to enjoy rosé this summer –in sitting rooms, back gardens, picnic spots and festival fields.
National Rosé Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in June – which this year is 13 June. But don’t worry if you’ve missed that one, as another diary date comes along later in the month; International Rosé Day is on 26 June.
I have to keep on my toes with all the marketing wine days dotted here and there throughout every year.
Do you have a favourite pink? Do you feel all elegant and exclusive when you’re sipping a Whispering Angel (RRP £22.50 from Waitrose) – or maybe you prefer one from a pop idol – Kylie Minogue Signature Rosé (around £9.75 from Asda) – or perhaps a medium sweet pink such as Barefoot White Zinfandel (widely available) is the wine that floats your boat.
You only have to stand in front of a wine aisle to see that you have many choices when it comes to pinks!
Almost all rosé wines begin life in the same way as red wines. There’s a couple of exceptions (where a red wine is mixed with a white, often in Champagne); but the majority of rosés start out life in the same way as a red wine.
Black grapes arrive in the winery all geared up for their journey from the vineyard to your glass in Liverpool. The grapes are crushed, which puts those purply-black skins in contact with the grape juices, giving them colour.
Then, after a short while, rosé winemakers remove those skins from the juices.
The length of time the skins and the juices mingle depends on the style of pink a winemaker wants to create.
Let’s head back to those wine shelves again and explain what you see; the paler pink wines will have had less skin contact than the wines which are a darker shade.
And in many cases, a rosé will be darker because the original black grape varieties had more colour in their skins.
And so rosé wines can appear in all colours – from a pale blush, through to a candied pink, and salmon pink, and even the colour of an onion skin.
Perhaps the most fashionable of all pinks (at the moment) are rosés from Provence in the south of France.
This is where Whispering Angel comes from – made by Château d’Esclan – and this year the very trendy wine is celebrating its 20th vintage.
Provence has three appellations: Côtes de Provence mainly in the east; the most westerly is Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence (influenced by both sea and mountains); and the Coteaux Varois en Provence where vines grow at altitude.
And so even these wines from Provence have their own variations in style, in freshness and in ripeness of flavour.
Deeper-coloured rosés are championed in Navarra, in the north of Spain. A couple of years ago I spoke to the head of the wine region who told me: ‘We’re convinced this pale Provence style is a fashion. We want to keep our identity and our producers will continue making rosado our way’.
There’s so much to enjoy in the rosé wine world.
And so, whether you’re a pale pink person, or a deep pink person, or a sparkling pink person, this is your month.
Pour a glass of rosé and enjoy June!
Three rosé wines to try
Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV (RRP £60, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Majestic, Ocado, Waitrose): Having a celebration? Then enjoy some pink bubbles! It’s a red-fruited celebration sip which has a delicious biscuity shortbread bite.
Chassaux et Fils Sainte Victoire
Provence Rosé (£8.99, Aldi): This Provence rosé won a silver medal at the International Wine and Spirits Challenge. It has a lively grapefruit zest and lots of sun-licked red fruits.
Jardin de Roses (£10.50, Tesco): I just love the labels of these pretty wines which taste of cherries and strawberries. They are from the Languedoc and there are six different labels featuring six different roses.
IAN PROWSE
National Museums Liverpool presents SUMMER OF SOUND as
part of 40th anniversary
celebrations
From 24 July to 29 August, Museum of Liverpool plays host to bright new acts, international artists and a soon-to-be-announced legendary Liverpool band
LOCAL LEGEND AND CULT MUSIC ICON Michael Head is set to headline a summer of live music and fun events at the Museum of Liverpool with The Red Elastic Band, as National Museums Liverpool (NML) continues its 40th anniversary celebrations.
‘Summer of Sound’ is a summer-long series of gigs, special events and talks taking place in the museum, created in partnership with Liverpool’s world-famous Cavern Club.
A wave of Liverpool acts will take to the stage at the riverside venue this summer, with cutting-edge artists and local legends performing across six weeks of music at the iconic waterfront location.
Summer of Sound celebrates the vibrancy and legacy of Liverpool’s music scene… and there’s also a chance to try out a music-themed bingo event.
From 24 July to 29 August, Museum of Liverpool plays host to musicians spanning decades and chosen especially by The Cavern Club to celebrate this history of Liverpool music.
Headline act Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band will perform at Museum of Liverpool on Saturday 15 August to an intimate audience.
The group is the latest project from Liverpool singer-songwriter Michael Head – formerly of The Pale Fountains, Shack and The Strands – a cult icon of the 1980s and ’90s, described by the NME as “a lost genius and among the most gifted British songwriters of his generation”.
tales and spirit of 1950s Liverpool, as The Quarrymen perform skiffle and early rock ’n’ roll that inspired a generation… and first-hand anecdotes of where it all began for The Beatles.
On 1 August, one of Liverpool’s most exciting new bands tops the bill on a night hosted by BBC Introducing’s Dave Monks. Handpicked by Dave – the city’s very own new music champion – the packed event showcases Liverpool’s brightest new talent. Headliners STONE are known for their explosive live shows, blending punk, garage rock and electronica.
A celebration of all things Merseybeat visits the Museum on 8 August, transporting audiences back to the Swinging Sixties. ‘This is Merseybeat’ is a vibrant live show celebrating the music that launched the British Invasion and the global phenomenon of the Mersey Sound.
Summer of Sound heralds Liverpool’s musical legacy, while also championing the very best in new music that the city has to offer.
Summer of Sound starts on 24 July with the first in a series of weekly musical bingo events. Tom Kelly’s Musical Bingo combines live music and dabbers as audiences mark off their music themed bingo cards when they hear a song performed. This exciting new bingo experience takes place each week in the museum.
Then on 25 July, Liverpool’s rock ‘n’ roll pioneers The Quarrymen present a special evening of songs and stories. Listen to the sounds,
On 22 August, The Cavern’s much-loved open mic night takes residence in the museum for a oneoff evening. Former Pele and Amsterdam singer Ian Prowse presents The Monday Club: a regular Cavern night that celebrates the grassroots spirit of Liverpool’s music scene with one rule – only original songs. Artists hand-picked by Ian will perform, before a special set from the Amsterdam lead singer tops off a special night.
Then, to close this year’s Summer of Sound, International Beatleweek takes over the Museum of Liverpool on 29 August, as some of the very best Beatles tribute acts from around the world descend on the city.
There’s also a chance for musicians to take part in this year’s Summer of Sound, as NML brings its popular Museums Sessions Live back to Museum of Liverpool. An open call to all musicians in the city, Museum Sessions Live gives artists the chance to perform in the
MICHAEL HEAD & THE RED ELASTIC BAND
THIS IS MERSEYBEAT THE QUARRYMEN
venue’s vibrant Atrium across multiple dates.
Kerry Williams, head of partnerships at National Museums Liverpool, says: “This summer, we’re celebrating National Museums Liverpool’s 40th anniversary in style, with a host of amazing live music events. Summer of Sound heralds Liverpool’s musical legacy, while also championing the very best in new music that the city has to offer.”
Summer of Sound headlines National Museums Liverpool’s yearlong programming as part of its 40-year anniversary celebrations, featuring a packed programme of exhibitions, events, talks and more.
Highlights include Beyond the Label talks, giving people the opportunity to meet museum curators and find out the stories behind some of the museum’s most beloved objects. This year’s talks
cover subjects including archaeology in Liverpool, contemporary art exploration of art and science in Victorian times and more still to be announced.
Other events include a bug hunt around World Museum for younger visitors, special courses looking into ancient cultures, an exploration into the secrets of the Titanic and a chance to find out the processes of Ancient Egyptian mummification.
To find out more about Summer of Sound and to book tickets, visit: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/summer-of-sound. For full listings across National Museums Liverpool’s 40th anniversary year, visit: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whats-on
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Ashtons expands into Liverpool with Allerton Road office
Estate
agency launches new branch as part of plans to build a wider presence across city
ASHTONS ESTATE AGENTS has opened its first Liverpool branch with a new office on Allerton Road, bringing its North West network to 11 locations.
The branch, at 102 Allerton Road, provides residential sales and lettings services to customers in Liverpool and the surrounding areas. It is led by Rob and a local team, and operates as part of Ashtons’ wider regional network.
Founded more than 20 years ago, Ashtons has offices across Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. The South Liverpool opening is described by the business as the first step in a longer-term strategy to build a wider presence in the city.
The company identified Allerton Road as a key area due to its established residential market, strong community identity and concentration of independent retailers, restaurants and local businesses.
Ashtons describes its approach as combining the personal service of a family-run business with the structure and systems of a larger regional agency, alongside a focus on staff training, marketing and customer service standards.
Nick Johnson, land and new homes manager at Ashtons, says: “Ashtons has grown organically across the North West over the past
two decades, and with strong family ties to Liverpool, opening here always felt like a natural next step for the business.
“We identified a real opportunity in the local market where our approach to customer service, marketing, and results-driven selling could genuinely make a difference for homeowners.
“Being positioned amongst the area’s independent businesses gives us fantastic visibility and allows us to become part of the everyday fabric of the area.”
Trainee solicitor promoted after apprenticeship completion
SAL Group to sponsor new YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards category
Accolade will celebrate contractors delivering high-quality developments across the region
SAL GROUP has been announced as the sponsor of the new ‘Building Contractor of the Year’ category at the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2026.
Liverpool-based SAL is a specialist construction and contracting company working across the UK in the residential, student accommodation, healthcare, education, commercial and leisure sectors.
The group comprises several specialist divisions, including SAL Construction, SAL Joinery and SAL Ceilings & Partitions (SAL CAPS), providing services spanning joinery, drylining, suspended ceilings, steel frame systems, plastering, fire protection and refurbishment works.
In recent years, SAL has worked on a wide range of major developments across Liverpool and the North West, including residential schemes, hotels, student accommodation and commercial projects.
The all-new ‘Building Contractor of the Year’ category will honour a Liverpool City Region contractor delivering high-quality construction work with reliability, technical expertise and outstanding execution.
Gerry White, head of operations at SAL Group, says: “SAL Group is delighted to sponsor such a prestigious category within our industry. The work YM Liverpool and its awards do to raise the profile of local businesses is fantastic, and SAL is happy to help with that.”
Matt Campbell has progressed swiftly through a structured training route at PC&Co
A TRAINEE SOLICITOR has progressed from new recruit to fee earner in just three years at a Liverpool law firm.
Matt Campbell joined Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors in October 2023 and was noted for his professionalism, attention to detail and ability to support clients on sensitive matters. His proactive approach and willingness to learn saw him identified early as a promising member of the Private Client team.
Less than a year after starting at the firm, he began a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship, combining formal study with hands-on experience across a broad range of Private Client work. This enabled him to develop practical skills including document drafting and client support, while steadily building confidence and capability.
Matt says: “Being given the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility early in my career helped me grow in confidence, and I’m looking forward to progressing further.”
Since completing his apprenticeship with distinction in December 2025, Matt has been promoted to Trainee Private Client Fee Earner and continues to expand both his caseload and expertise.
Get outside and celebrate summer in Liverpool
Free live music, foodie giveaways, walking trails and pop-up activities are bringing extra colour to the city centre
LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE is set to come alive this summer with a programme of free weekly events designed to encourage people to get outside, explore new places and enjoy the city.
Celebrating Summer, organised and supported by Liverpool Business Improvement District, will run from 18 June until 27 August, with events taking place across key locations including Bold Street, the waterfront, Hope Street, St George’s Quarter, Derby Square, the Commercial District and more.
The programme will bring a mix of live music, sport, food, games and wellbeing activities to the city, offering something for workers, residents, visitors, families and friends to enjoy throughout the summer months.
Katie Bentley, director of strategic partnerships and communications at Liverpool Business Improvement District, says: “Celebrating Summer will add joy and activity for everyone in the city centre this summer. We want to keep this city centre accessible to everyone.
“Whether you want to dance to live music in the street, or have a quiet moment to chill and relax, there will be something for everyone and their family and friends. There will be animation and activity across the whole of the city.
“Our message is simple; get outside and relax, enjoy the city and everything it has to offer. And it’s all free.”
Pickleball at Williamson Square – Your chance to play the fun, fast-growing paddle
sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Easy to learn and suitable for all ages and abilities, pickleball will be popping up at Williamson Square from 12pm to 2pm on 28 May. Equipment will be provided, so people can drop in and play.
Tennis is in play! – Free pop-up tennis courts will appear at locations across the city centre ahead of the International Tennis Tournament at the end of June.
Visitors can have a go at Castle Street on 23 May, Mann Island on 3 June, Williamson Square on 4 June, Exchange Flags on 5 June, Hilton Liverpool City Centre on 6 June and St Nicholas Parish Church Gardens on 11 June.
At each location, people will be given a quick tutorial before hitting the court.
Get playing and learning chess – Following the success of the World Chess Championships last summer, chess events will return to the city as part of Celebrating Summer.
Working with Chess in Schools and Communities, the programme will offer people the chance to play against a grandmaster, learn from experts and enjoy games with colleagues during the Chess Weekender. A simul event will take place at Williamson Square on 26 June, while coaching sessions will be held at Exchange Flags on 28 June.
Golf at St Paul’s Square – Get ready for The Open with a pop-up golf course at St Paul’s Square. Visitors will be able to try six holes, compete with colleagues and friends, and have the chance to win prizes. The popup Open will be on site from 6-10 July.
Relaxing sound baths – For those looking for a quieter way to enjoy the city, a sound bath will take place on the rooftop at Tempest on Tithebarn in the Commercial District.
The session takes place at 12.15pm on 18 June, with all equipment provided. Participants are advised to dress for the weather.
Pop-up play – Giveaways, live music, giant games and places to relax will appear across the city centre on Thursdays throughout the summer.
The Celebrating Summer pop-ups are funded and supported by Liverpool Business Improvement District to bring animation, footfall and fun to different areas during the summer months.
Confirmed dates include Exchange Flags on 18 June; Derby Square on 25 June; St Paul’s Square on 2 July; and Princes Dock at Liverpool Waters on 9 July.
More across the city – Other free events will include live music at Princes Dock and Williamson Square, street theatre on Bold Street, circus acts at the Pier Head, food giveaways at Exchange Flags and Derby Square, and a chill-out session with deckchairs along the waterfront.
The full Celebrating Summer events programme is available at liverpoolbidcompany.com/ celebrating-summer
Q & A
AMANDA AZZOPARDI
Owner
of
Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics
Discover how Amanda Azzopardi transitioned from 25 years in nursing and emergency medicine to leading an aesthetic practice with clinics in Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales and London. Liverpool’s renowned skin specialist shares her insights on safe, effective treatments, the value of patient education, and navigating an ever-changing industry with integrity
Firstly, could you tell us a bit about your background – what inspired your journey from healthcare into aesthetics?
I’ve been in healthcare for about 25 years. I started off in Australia, where I did my nursing and midwifery degrees, followed by a Master’s in midwifery. I moved to the UK in 2009 and went on to complete a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) in Emergency Medicine at Bangor University. I then worked in the NHS, focusing on trauma and emergency care. There was a large number of people presenting with dermatological issues – such as inflammation, acne, and skin damage – but there simply weren’t enough resources available. I started thinking that maybe I could provide some kind of service for people. I’ve always been
drawn to skin care and helping people look after their appearance, and I really enjoy working with people.
Opening your first clinic in Childwall must have been a huge milestone. What stands out most in your memory from that time, and how did you go about growing the business to open further sites in Liverpool, London, Manchester and North Wales? Oh, I was completely overwhelmed! I had no idea how to run a business – I wasn’t a businessperson, I was a nurse. I thought I’d do a few laser treatments, maybe fix a few lips on the weekend, and that would be it – a side hustle. But it grew, and then it grew even more – and I found I really enjoyed it. What I especially
loved was being able to actually connect with people, to know their names. In the NHS, I could see 15 people in one shift and by the end, I’d have no idea what the first person’s name was. In the clinic, I finally had the time and space to build real relationships with my clients, and that made all the difference.
[The expansion] was really driven by demand. People kept asking me, ‘Why aren’t you in London? I’d love it if you were there’. After expanding our marketing efforts, I realised I had clientele in London, so I set up a little satellite clinic and started travelling there regularly.
Each clinic is very different and serves a distinct demographic. For example, here in Liverpool, some people suggested I open in the city centre because it’s easier for transport, and we started getting
many calls from Manchester too, so a satellite clinic there was a no-brainer.
You have over two decades of experience in women’s health and emergency care. Has that shaped your approach to aesthetic practice?
100%. My knowledge of anatomy has really helped me – especially with skin and explaining things during consultations. It’s important for keeping people safe. I’m continually learning, doing various update courses, and I revalidate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Having a medical background really reassures people that you know what you’re doing. It gives them extra confidence that they’re in safe hands – especially in such an unregulated industry, where the rise of pop-up clinics can pose real risks.
“I believe in educating my clients. When you come to see me, I’ll share insights on preventative ageing and help you understand how best to care for yourself.“
Your approach is very personalised and thorough. Why is an in-depth consultation process so important to you?
I want to enhance your natural features, not change your appearance. To achieve that, I need to fully understand your concerns, otherwise I can’t meet your expectations or provide the right treatment advice. That means gathering detailed information about your medical history, medications, allergies, and more importantly, about you as a person and what you hope to gain from my service. My free consultations typically last up to an hour. We do a skin scan, we talk through your worries, and I focus on making you feel comfortable.
I also believe in educating my clients. When you come to see me, I’ll share insights on preventative ageing and
help you understand how best to care for yourself moving forward. It’s not just about a one-off financial transaction; it’s about your long-term ageing journey.
You specialise in addressing skin changes related to ageing. What are some of the most common concerns clients come to you with?
Common concerns around skin changes can include pigmentation, often caused by sun damage or high-energy visible (HEV) blue light – such as the kind emitted by computer screens.
Hormonal changes can also impact the skin, sometimes leading to conditions like melasma – more commonly seen in women. Other inflammatory concerns include acne and rosacea, both of which can affect teenagers and adults.
Addressing these and other concerns isn’t just about skincare products or laser treatments – it’s also about understanding lifestyle triggers such as diet, exercise, hydration, and daily habits.
With so many new trends in the industry, how do you decide what’s worth offering and what’s just a passing fad?
There are only five key components in the ageing process: bone resorption, muscle and ligament changes, superficial and deep fat pad shifts, and skin quality. If you have the right tools in your toolkit to address each of those, then you simply don’t need to chase every new fad that hits the market.
You need treatments that genuinely stimulate collagen production, you need a healthy diet at home, you need tools
like lasers to manage things like skin tags, sunspots, or inflammation. For structural concerns, you can reposition fat pads with threads or surgical lifts, you can lift sagging eyes through non-surgical or surgical methods, and you can replace lost volume with dermal fillers.
I only use treatments and products that are thoroughly tried, tested, and backed by robust evidence – meaning doubleblind, randomised, controlled clinical trials. If there’s no solid clinical evidence behind something, I won’t use it.
Are there any new treatments or innovations you’ve recently introduced?
We have recently introduced the next level of care – surgical procedures. A natural extension of this is our focus on regenerative medicine, where we prepare the skin ahead of surgery using growth factors, stem cells, amino acids, and peptides. When the skin is in optimal condition, you always achieve a better surgical outcome.
That said, I’d estimate that about 80% of our clients will never opt for surgery –but if they do, we can now keep everything in-house and offer a seamless experience.
I think the next step will be the introduction of advanced resurfacing treatments, such as erbium and CO₂ lasers. These allow you to completely regenerate the skin in a single treatment.
And finally, what’s your number one, can’t-live-without skincare product?
Without a doubt, sunscreen! Prevention is always better than cure, and protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is absolutely fundamental.
That said, I also absolutely love tretinoin – prescription-strength vitamin A – which I simply couldn’t live without. It keeps the skin’s cell cycle turning over, promoting renewal and maintaining healthy skin. But if I had to pick just one, sunscreen will always be my number one go-to because protection is everything.
DEVELOPMENT
Convenience meets community at Anwyl Homes’ newest development in Haydock
From £331,995
ANWYL HOMES’ SANDON GATES is beginning to take shape in Haydock, bringing a new collection of homes to a well-connected location between Liverpool and Manchester.
Flintshire-based Anwyl has been building homes for almost a century, with a focus on practical design and layouts intended to support modern living. That approach underpins what the housebuilder describes as its “Anwyl Difference™”.
At Sandon Gates, that translates into a development of two, three and four-bedroom homes set within easy reach of local amenities, schools and green space, as well as strong transport links via the M6 and A580, putting both Liverpool and Manchester within easy reach.
Alongside its location and specification, the development places emphasis on day-to-day living, with layouts designed to offer practical, usable space for modern households.
As a family-run business, Anwyl takes a longterm approach to housebuilding, with homes designed for life beyond move-in day.
That commitment continues once residents have moved in, with a dedicated customer care team providing support as they settle and ongoing aftercare where needed.
Sandon Gates forms part of ongoing residential growth in Haydock, a well-connected location with strong transport links and easy access to nearby towns including Newton-le-Willows and Warrington, as well as a wide range of retail and leisure provision across the region.
Lyme and Wood Country Park is also just a short drive away, with golf courses, gyms and other recreational facilities also within easy reach.
For early updates on Sandon Gates and the opportunity for priority reservation, register your interest at anwylhomes.co.uk
Charm the Gatekeepers –Unlock Your Mortgage
Worried your credit file could hold back your moving plans? Martin Green explains what lenders really see – and why understanding your report can make all the difference
My name is Martin Green from J&M Green Mortgage Services Ltd on Allerton Road. I’m an independent mortgage adviser with 20 years of experience, and my firm has completed well in excess of 10,000 mortgages over the years.
You can save for years, build a hefty deposit, and have a solid income – but if your credit file has a blemish, it can derail even the best laid plans. When it comes to getting a mortgage, the credit report companies are the gatekeepers.
provide briefer versions of your Experian file. Understanding these different sources is key, because what you see on a free app may differ from what a lender sees on your full credit report when you apply for a mortgage.
What lenders see may differ from what you see
When you apply to see your credit report online, it’s sometimes only as accurate as the data you’ve provided. If there are mismatches such as
It’s not just about checking your score now and then – it’s about understanding how every piece of your credit file could shape the mortgage you’ll be offered. Being proactive with your credit isn’t just sensible – it’s essential groundwork for achieving your home-ownership dream.
Know who holds your data
In terms of who holds your credit data, you’ve got three key players – Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. They collect the main credit information lenders rely on when making a decision on your credit score. But beyond them, you’ve got consumer-friendly platforms like Credit Karma or Clear Score which interpret that data for you too. Some banking apps also
Martin Green Director
address inconsistencies, variations in name formats, or gaps in electoral roll registration, the report might not reflect the full picture. That means when you apply for a mortgage, the picture you believe you’re showing isn’t necessarily what the lender sees, potentially harming your chances of approval.
Get the full picture before you apply
Many people assume they know their credit position already, but until you have a clear, accurate credit report from multiple agencies, and you’ve spoken to an experienced mortgage adviser, you won’t fully understand your credit worthiness. Misconceptions are often discovered due to a lack of credit
accounts, expired data or rogue parking fine CCJs; it’s easy to overestimate or underestimate your position. Only by combining accurate reports and expert advice can you truly understand your credit’s impact on your mortgage journey. A Checkmyfile report pulls together data from Experian, Equifax, and Transunion, giving you the clearest overall picture of your credit profile.
With that comprehensive report, alongside professional advice, you’ll know exactly where you stand before applying for a mortgage.
Navigating lender scoring
Once you have a clear picture of your credit report, the next step is understanding how to navigate lender scoring. While most lenders rely on Experian for assessments, a few of the more prominent lenders – namely Coventry, Accord, and NatWest, rely solely on Equifax. That means if one of the credit files is worse than the others, or, as sometimes happens, if you have a default, CCJ, or missed payment registered on just one agency, you can sometimes navigate around that depending on which agency the lender uses to assess your application and credit score.
Why expert interpretation counts
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that a strong credit score on our credit file, doesn’t always translate to a strong mortgage application score. Lenders own internal credit scoring can often be impacted by internal business levels, product competitiveness, market conditions and a whole myriad of personal and mortgage criteria! So, the first step is not only to get a comprehensive report, but also to ensure you’ve sent it to the right person to interpret it for you!
The Scouser helping lead England’s bid for World Cup glory this summer
Anthony
Barry previously worked alongside Thomas Tuchel at both Chelsea and Bayern Munich
AS THOMAS TUCHEL prepares to lead England into this month’s World Cup, attention is turning to one of the most influential figures behind the scenes –Liverpool-born assistant coach Anthony Barry.
Barry, widely respected across European football for his calm approach and tactical intelligence, has become an important part of the Three Lions’ backroom staff ahead of the tournament. While Tuchel leads from the touchline, Barry is understood to be heavily involved in the detailed preparation, planning and tactical work that underpins England’s campaign.
Having previously worked alongside Tuchel at Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Barry was brought into the England setup as part of the German coach’s trusted coaching team.
Born and raised in Liverpool, Barry’s football education began in the heart of the city – playing on local pitches and parks. Those who know him from his early years say his understanding of football was clear from a young age, with a natural curiosity
for tactics and coaching that set him apart.
One source close to the England camp said: “Anthony is absolutely central to what’s going on behind the scenes at England as the squad prepares for the World Cup.
“Thomas trusts him completely, and the players really like working with him. He’s calm, he’s clear, and he’s brilliant at getting his ideas across in a simple way.
“He’s a Scouser who understands football properly – that comes from growing up in Liverpool. He sees the game quickly and he’s very strong on the details.
“Inside the camp, he’s heavily involved in tactical preparation. He doesn’t look for attention, but his influence is definitely there.”
“He’s very composed and very focused. Everything he does is about helping the team be better prepared.”
Barry has built a strong reputation through coaching roles in England and across Europe, earning recognition as one of the most detail-driven assistant coaches in the modern game. His rise has been steady, shaped by experience at elite clubs and working alongside some of the game’s top managers.
As England continue their preparations for one of the biggest tournaments in recent years, the Liverpool-born coach remains a key presence behind the scenes – quietly helping to shape the team’s push for World Cup glory.
England begin their campaign against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on 17 June. Tuchel’s side then face Ghana at Gillette Stadium in Boston on 23 June, before completing their Group L fixtures against Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 27 June. The top two teams in each group will progress automatically, with some third-placed teams also advancing.
He’s a Scouser who understands football properly –that comes from growing up in Liverpool. He sees the game quickly and he’s very strong on the details.
SGD Fire Protection named Official Drinks Reception Sponsor for YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards
Huyton-based fire protection specialist has confirmed its backing for the long-running industry ceremony
SGD FIRE PROTECTION has been announced as the Official Drinks Reception Sponsor for the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2026
The Huyton-based fire protection specialist, founded in 2022 by director Shaun Davidson, will support the opening drinks reception at the annual awards, which celebrate success across Liverpool’s property and business sectors.
SGD Fire Protection has grown rapidly since its launch, delivering passive fire protection services across the UK with a focus on responsiveness, quality workmanship and competitive pricing.
The company also places a strong emphasis on social value, with more than £1 million contributed to community initiatives last year through local partnerships, training and support programmes.
This commitment is reflected in its ongoing work across Merseyside, including a
partnership with Prescot-based not-for-profit Evolving Mindset, which provides mental health and wellbeing support across the region. The collaboration includes support for counselling facilities aimed at improving access to services for both adults and young people.
Building on this wider community investment, SGD recently announced the launch of the SGD Foundation, aimed at supporting projects across the Knowsley Borough.
Shaun Davidson, director of SGD Fire Protection Ltd, says: “We’re pleased to confirm that SGD Fire Protection Ltd will be sponsoring the Official Drinks Reception at the upcoming YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2026.
“Best of luck to all the nominees ahead of the ceremony. We’re looking forward to an incredible evening in November.”
The YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2026 will take place on Wednesday, 25 November at Titanic Hotel Liverpool.
Mountford
How to pack theperfectpicnic
Picnicware and al fresco dining essentials to elevate your outdoor experience
THERE’S SOMETHING SO ENJOYABLE about eating outside. Maybe it reminds us of eating snacks in the playground as kids, or maybe it’s just because the English weather is so temperamental that it’s always a novelty when you can actually dine al fresco.
This summer we’re preparing to picnic like never before. Whether you want to treat your picnic like a full on dining experience with picnic baskets, glassware, plates, bowls and cutlery or you prefer to throw down a rug and eat with your hands, we have all the things to pack for a picnic.
PLATES, BOWLS AND SERVEWARE
Filled woven picnic hamper
£80
n GLASSWARE
Mango wood enamel print bowl
£25
Set the tone with vibrant plates, bowls, serveware and napkins to add a dose of colour to your picnic. Melamine and mango wood are ideal for al fresco meals because they’re lightweight to carry and shatter-proof, making them suitable for all ages. We love a classy food cover, too.
Steer clear of disposable glasses and invest in stackable, lightweight reusable ones to give your picnic a pop of colour. No little ones invited? Coloured glass is a great option. And don’t overlook jugs – choose a joyful, coloured design and we guarantee you’ll use it on repeat.
Bubble colour rim
wine glass
£10
Wave plastic picnic tumbler
£4
n BLANKETS AND LIGHTING
A decent picnic blanket is the bedrock of any successful picnic. Look for ones that are hard-wearing and easy to machine wash. Equally important is a picnic hamper to keep snacks safely squish-free, or a cool bag for a chilled glass of something lovely. If you’re having a grown-up picnic, elevate your afternoon by accessorising with soft furnishings, outdoor lighting and speakers. We like draping festoon lights up high and dotting lanterns around to make the most of those dusky summer evenings.
Rustic stripe picnic rug
£30
n CUSHIONS AND SEATING
Add a little extra comfort to your picnic by layering with a mixture of outdoors cushions, pouffes or even low-level seating – ideal if you have older guests. The super organised among us may even want to throw in a folding picnic chair. And relax...
Striped round indoor/outdoor cushion
£15
outdoor table lamp
£65
Inka indoor/ outdoor cushion
£15
Baresi
for Strawberry fields
Heather...
… as she shares her simple guide to growing this all-time summer favourite
WHO DOESN’T LOVE A STRAWBERRY?
For us Brits, this delicious little fruit epitomises summertime, whatever the weather. As the nation’s favourite summer fruit, strawberries are a cherished classic with real nostalgic appeal. Even now, a bowl of strawberries and cream feels like the season’s ultimate treat.
Their iconic flavour appears in everything from ice cream and milkshakes to medicines and lip gloss. For many of my age, strawberry jam – Robertson’s preferred – was once a store-cupboard staple, essential for that afterschool jam butty, the go-to snack for most kids back then.
But strawberries offer more than great taste. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, they can help support eye health, protect against age-related degeneration, and may even assist the body in reducing uric acid, which can irritate inflamed joints.
And if that’s not enough, it comes as no surprise to me that scientific research has shown eating strawberries can help release feel-good endorphins, reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation and happiness. What more reason do we need to eat this glorious superfruit? None that I can think of.
However, even though this most quintessentially juicy fruit is eaten by the bucketload during the summer months – with an anticipated 7,500 tonnes consumed at
Wimbledon alone in just a fortnight – sadly, buying strawberries has never been cheap. Even visiting a pick-your-own farm, while making for a lovely family day out, can end up being very expensive.
Compared with other fruits, strawberries have always been classed as high-end and considered something of a luxury, making them pricey even in season. However, if there is one fruit truly worthy of growing yourself, it has to be the strawberry. And, being one of the easiest and most rewarding fruits to grow, what are you waiting for?
Here’s how…
Grow and then pick your own
Compared with imported varieties that can be bought all year round, nothing beats the taste of a homegrown strawberry. Easy to care for, they can be grown in even the smallest of spaces – it all depends on how many you want to grow.
Strawberries are sun lovers, so a sunny spot is key to growing these little fruits successfully and productively. Growing a few plants in between flowers and shrubs works well, and is often how many gardeners choose to grow them.
However, strawberries will happily grow in all manner of pots and containers, in all shapes and sizes. Stacked old tyres are great fun for growing strawberries, while hanging
baskets are perfect for letting the flowers, and then the fruits, tumble down – with no straw mats needed if you grow them this way. Even window boxes will provide you with a bowlful, while manger-style planters, now favoured by commercial growers and pickyour-own farms, are another excellent option. The choice is endless.
However, if you have the space and want to grow a plentiful amount to see you through the summer, I find a traditional raised bed is best.
Cost-effective DIY raised beds are simple to make and really worth considering. I’ve recently made one using a couple of old railway sleepers, but there are all kinds of timber you can repurpose.
Old scaffolding planks are a good option and are usually a lot cleaner. One hazard of
Strawberry farm
using old sleepers, by the way, is that they can often be covered in oil and tar, so do be careful. But if, like me, you’re into upcycling, there is plenty of timber you can put to good use to make a low-budget raised bed. Wooden pallets are usually easy to get hold of and are ideal.
Failing that, ready-made raised beds can be bought relatively cheaply from B&Q and Wickes, while Screwfix also offers a very good, sturdy option.
So, once you’ve got your raised bed assembled – and remember to site it where it will get maximum sunshine, as strawberry plants need at least six to eight hours of sun a day to thrive – the next job is filling it ready for planting.
How to fill a raised bed
For raised beds, bulk bags of compost or topsoil are usually cheaper and easier than buying lots of standard bags. A bulk bag is about a tonne, usually priced with delivery included, and none will go to waste. Choose quality-assured peat-free compost. Look for the RSS logo – the Responsible Sourcing Scheme – or ask for proof of testing. This ensures green-waste compost has been safely processed, is toxin-free and won’t harm your plants or the environment.
Pick and mix
Choosing strawberry plants can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Some varieties fruit in early summer, while others crop later in the season, with mid- and late-season types usually giving the biggest harvests. Perpetual varieties tend to produce
A berry good choice
Strawberry plants can be bought in lots of places, from supermarkets to garden centres, although specialist suppliers usually offer the widest choice of varieties. Locally, I found Aigburth Garden Centre brilliant. With an excellent selection of competitively priced multipacks to pick from, I was spoilt for choice.
smaller yields, but will continue fruiting throughout the summer.
The best choice depends on where you’re growing them and how much fruit you want. In my own strawberry bed, I grow a mix of varieties so I can enjoy a steady harvest all summer long.
Plant strawberries about 30cm apart, making sure the crown is level with the soil. Early autumn is a good time to plant, but even now you could have a go, as long as you keep them well watered until they establish themselves – especially when it’s hot, as it is at the time of writing. Planting a few in pots or containers is fine at almost any time, too.
Plants produce their best crops when they are around two years old and generally last for three or four years. Replenishing your strawberry stocks is very easy and economical. New plants usually come from the mother
plant, which sends out runners just after flowering. Simply pin down the long stem, with the little new plant at the end of it, into a small pot of compost and let it take root before snipping the stem and replanting it wherever you want.
Keeping fruit clean and dry is essential. Straw is traditionally used as a bed underneath the fruit, protecting it from coming into contact with the soil, where it may rot or be eaten by slugs. Rumour has it this is how strawberries got their name.
What to plant
There are plenty to take your pick from, so you’ll soon have your own ‘strawberry fields forever’
n I have a very soft spot Cambridge Favourite, as it was the first strawberry I grew back in the summer of ’83, when I was newly married and had my very own first garden. Once the most popular variety to grow, it remains a classic today – vigorous, reliable and quick to establish, producing soft, sweet fruit from late June to mid-August. I love it!
n Honeoye is what I’ve started growing this year. It is a variety that’s highly rated for an early crop, harvesting from June onwards. With excellent flavour and juicy flesh, fingers crossed it delivers. I’ll let you know.
n Flamenco has been bred in this country, meaning it is hardy and well adapted to our British climate. A perpetual variety, it produces firm, flavoursome fruit and crops steadily from July through to the end of September.
n Diamante is a strawberry bred for smaller gardens, an everbearing compact variety that earns its keep, cropping throughout the season, perfect for growing in pots on balconies window boxes and hanging baskets.
n Sonata is another variety I’m trying my hand at this year in my new raised bed. A mid-season variety with a very sweet flavour, its fruits are large and firm. It is also hardy and bred to withstand rainy weather – definitely a plus in this country, I’m sure you’ll agree.
n A tough, versatile mid-season variety, Red Gauntlet is a heavy cropper of large fruit and often produces a small second crop in autumn. Known for its cold hardiness, it is well suited to growing here in Liverpool.
Liverpool creatives, charities and business leaders sweep British LGBT Awards
High-profile national ceremony shines spotlight on those driving positive change across society
A HOST OF LOCAL NAMES were celebrated in central London, with figures from the creative, charity and business sectors taking home prestigious honours at this year’s British LGBT Awards.
Leading the city’s success were Carpenters Group and Michael Boland from MSB, who were each presented with the coveted Daily Mirror Spotlight Award in recognition of their commitment to championing inclusion and support within the LGBTQ+ community.
Kamran Rasul from Chapel Street’s The Dental Clinic was celebrated on the night too, receiving the Business Icon Award for his contribution to business leadership and advocacy.
The ceremony also paid tribute to acclaimed Liverpool writer and producer
Harvey, who received a Special Recognition Award for his services to television, film and theatre. Jonathan, who is best known for the 1993 coming-of-age comedy-drama Beautiful Thing and for penning more than 300 episodes of Coronation Street, was presented with the honour by fellow Liverpudlian and BAFTA-nominated actor Ellis Howard, alongside Corrie legend Helen Worth. Ellis also took home the Rising Star award.
Further recognition went to Liverpool charity Sahir House, honoured for its
longstanding work supporting LGBT+ communities. The accolade reflects its continued impact in helping to create a more inclusive and compassionate Liverpool City Region.
Adding to the significant Liverpool presence on the night, actress Sunetra Sarker took to the stage alongside her Loose Women colleagues Jane Moore and Kaye Adams to present Boy George with the Music Icon of the Year award.
The British LGBT Awards are among the UK’s most high-profile celebrations of LGBT+ equality, inclusion and achievement, recognising those who continue to drive positive change across society.
Legacie backs Tony Blair’s call for planning reform to unlock growth across North West
John Morley says the former PM has “a strong point” as he warns that red tape is slowing regeneration in communities that need it most
THE FOUNDER OF LIVERPOOL-BASED property developer Legacie has backed comments made by former Prime Minister Tony Blair regarding the growing obstacles facing developers across the UK.
Legacie, which has delivered a number of landmark residential and commercial schemes across the North West including Liverpool’s Parliament Square, Heaps Mill, The Gateway and Salford’s Embankment Exchange, said Blair was right to highlight the damaging impact of excessive regulation and delays on development and investment.
John Morley, founder and CEO of Legacie, says: “Tony Blair has a strong point. Obstacles often delay major schemes that could otherwise deliver homes, jobs and long-term investment into local economies.
“Developers across are facing increasingly complex planning processes, rising regulatory
burdens and significant delays which can delay projects for years. It ultimately slows down regeneration in the communities that need it most.
“There is a real opportunity for government and local authorities to work more closely with responsible developers to unlock growth, accelerate regeneration and deliver muchneeded housing and commercial space.
“They should listen to Mr Blair’s
comments and ensure the planning and regulatory environment supports, rather than hinders, sustainable development.”
Legacie has delivered a number of largescale residential and mixed-use developments across the North West, particularly in Liverpool and Manchester. Its projects have formed part of wider regeneration efforts, helping bring new homes, investment and activity to key urban areas.
Jonathan
(L-R) Michael Boland, Kamran Rasul and Carpenters Group were all winners at the British LGBT Awards
New lifestyle venue launches in South Liverpool
‘twenty’ is located inside the former Liverpool
Savings Bank building on Smithdown Place
A NEW LIFESTYLE DESTINATION has opened in South Liverpool, bringing together food, drink, floristry, independent retail and events under one roof.
twenty, located at 20 Smithdown Place, launched following an 18-month renovation of a former Liverpool Savings Bank building, which dates back to the 1930s and later operated as TSB.
Founded by Laura McCumiskey, of Laura’s Deli & Wine, and Anna Forster, of Mary Mary Florals, the venue has been designed as a space for “discovery, connection and supporting independent brands”.
Guests gathered for the official launch event, where they were welcomed inside the transformed building for an evening of food, drink and floristry. The newly installed wine window, complete with bell, proved a big hit.
Open from 8.30am until late, twenty offers natural wines, seasonal small plates, year-round floristry and a rotating collection of curated brands. It is also set to host workshops, flower markets, tastings, panel talks and live music in the coming months.
Laura said the concept is about “moving from transaction to connection”, adding that high streets need places that give people a reason to stay.
For Anna, the aim is to create somewhere independent businesses can collaborate and grow together.
The Black Horse and
Rainbow
to replace Berry Street’s Red Door
Independent hospitality operator DGB Hospitality Group has acquired its ninth Liverpool city centre venue
DGB HOSPITALITY GROUP (DGB) is set to open its new concept, The Black Horse and Rainbow, in the Ropewalks this summer following a £750,000 investment.
The site joins DGB’s portfolio of Gloria’s, Petit Café Berry Street, Petit Café Lark Lane, Loretta’s, Three Piggies, Pogue Mahone, Motel and Teddy’s, with the project also creating 25 new hospitality jobs in the city.
The new venue occupies the current Red Door site on Berry Street. DGB will honour the building’s heritage whilst undertaking an “extensive refurbishment” and redevelopment across the three-storey property, which also features a 250-capacity beer garden, outdoor heated terrace space and a dedicated function room. It will open in July, with the launch date to be announced.
The Berry Street site was originally home to The Masonic Arms, a live music venue, before becoming Trader Jacks. The original Black Horse and Rainbow launched there in 1990, later changing to The Metropolitan before reopening as Red Door in 2015.
The new Black Horse and Rainbow will focus on “world-class continental beers”, cocktails, wines and spirits, alongside “nostalgic bar snacks” and a garden barbecue menu designed around “social drinking and outdoor hospitality”.
What’s on...
Events not to be missed over the
next four weeks
Africa Oyé, Sefton Park 20-21 June
The UK’s largest celebration of African and global music returns with live performances, DJs, food markets and cultural activities across the weekend.
12 Jun – Liverpool Art Fair
26 Jul Royal Liver Building
12-13 Jun Liverpool Craft Beer Expo, Black Lodge Brewing
14 Jun Beverley Knight, Philharmonic Hall
18 Jun Paul Weller, Pier Head
18-20 Jun Liverpool International Tennis Tournament, Liverpool Cricket Club
19 Jun Peter Kay, M&S Bank Arena
25 & 27 Jun Foo Fighters, Anfield Stadium
4-5 Jul Super League Magic WKND, Hill Dickinson Stadium
Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Empire Opens 2 July
Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film comes to life on stage in a dazzling jukebox spectacular packed with romance, drama and show-stopping numbers. Featuring the original score alongside more than 70 modern pop hits, the production follows a passionate love story set against the glamour and excess of Paris’s legendary Moulin Rouge.
