Development in Focus Frederiks review Liverpool International Tennis Tournament
LFC parade route map
Of course Denzil is in it as well – played by Bradley John. He’s worked hard on his accent! He’s going to be scared obviously when we come to Liverpool but he’s done a great job – he’s not as bad as me and Harry (Enfield) (adopts scouse accent): “Calm down! calm down!” [laughs].
When you initially came on board with the project, was it just to help with the writing, or did you always plan to be in the show as well?
No, I was coerced into playing Grandad by the producer and director, Caroline Jay Ranger. When I asked, “Who’s going to play Grandad?”, she replied, “Well, you are!” I always liked Grandad – he was quite a sympathetic character. There was a bit of vulnerability about him. A lot of the other characters in Only Fools were pretty brassy and bold –obviously, that was the point – but you have to have some vulnerability somewhere, and I thought he had that. I loved Leonard Pierce; I thought he was a great actor and a great performer. Kathy Burke and I have often talked about him.
It took a lot of persuasion from the producers to get me on board – this is Only Fools and Horses, and that would weigh heavily on anyone’s shoulders.
But I do a little cameo as Uncle Albert at the end! For most people, he’s probably more the face of Only Fools than Grandad. Jim and I talked about it, and he said, “We can’t not have Uncle Albert in it!” So he makes a brief but very dramatic appearance. It’s great fun to do him – a lot of beard waggling goes on.
The eighth series of Gone Fishing is out later this year – so I take it you and Bob are quite sick of each other just yet?
No, I’ll tell you what I’m sick of – him winning that Last One Laughing. He claims he asked me to be on it with him, but I don’t think he did! I might have beaten him, mightn’t I? When he was doing his jokes at the end, I was going: “Heard it, heard it, heard it, heard it” [laughs]. It was a good show though, wasn’t it? I know it’s been done elsewhere, but it’s a great format – I thought it worked really well. And obviously, for me, it was great to see Bob win.
The new episodes will have even more of a personal edge, with each fishing location chosen for its significance to you or Bob. Without giving too much away, was this a particularly poignant series to film?
To be honest, every episode is personal. We might not have been to that exact spot before, but I’ve certainly fished most of the rivers we visit. For this series, though, we did choose one or two locations that are particularly meaningful to us – places that go right back to our twenties and thirties, which feels like a long time ago now! We love doing the show; it’s a joy. And hats off to the BBC – they get bashed a lot these days, but they’ve been brilliant with us.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical runs at the Liverpool Empire (9-21 June). For tickets: OnlyFoolsonStage.com
MDVS honoured with King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Local organisation works to protect the most vulnerable families by safeguarding women, young people and children
LIVERPOOL LAW FIRM Paul Crowley & Co
Solicitors has congratulated Merseyside Domestic Violence Services (MDVS) on being awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) – the UK’s highest honour for volunteer groups.
Equivalent to an MBE, the award recognizes MDVS’s extraordinary commitment to supporting vulnerable women and girls affected by domestic violence and abuse.
Founded in Liverpool in 2003, MDVS provides immediate support, long-term recovery programmes, and educational outreach for those impacted by domestic abuse. The prestigious King’s Award, presented by The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Richard Charles Kemp CBE, celebrates their remarkable work in empowering women and acknowledges the unwavering dedication of their volunteers.
Co-founders Jacqui and Ayla Nasuh bring immense compassion and dedication to the charity’s vision. Their leadership has fostered a safe space for countless survivors to heal and rebuild their lives. Julie Jones, owner of Paul Crowley & Co and a trustee of MDVS, says: “Jacqui and Ayla are the heart and soul of MDVS. Their work is transformative and inspirational. They have created a service driven by empathy and purpose, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of their tireless efforts.”
The King’s Award not only celebrates MDVS’s achievements but also shines a spotlight on the urgent issue of domestic abuse. This national recognition enhances visibility, increasing public awareness, community engagement, and funding opportunities to help the service expand and
reach more individuals in need.
Julie adds: “At Paul Crowley & Co, we are proud of our association with MDVS, exemplifying values of service, compassion, and leadership. We look forward to their continued growth and success in their life-changing work.”
Indoor adventure parks bring highenergy entertainment to Merseyside
City tennis tournament returns with top-class action
The Liverpool International Tennis Tournament will showcase emerging talent alongside established players
THE LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL Tennis Tournament returns next month, offering top ATP and WTA players essential grass-court practice ahead of the world’s most famous tennis event – Wimbledon.
Since its inaugural event in 2002, organisers Northern Vision have brought some of the world’s top players to Liverpool, including Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer, Marat Safin, Caroline Wozniacki and Martina Hingis.
After the success of last year’s edition, MD at Northern Vision, Anders Borg wants to reinforce Liverpool’s position as one of the UK’s top tennis locations, especially for young players.
“In Liverpool, it’s hard to compete with football. But all kids should have two sports up to the age of 12 or 13. We’d like tennis to be their second sport, if not their first,” he says.
“We built the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament to encourage youngsters to get involved in this fantastic sport.”
The event kicks off with a fun and educational ‘Kids Day’ at Wavertree Sports Centre on 18 June. The main tournament follows from 19–21 June at Liverpool Cricket Club, showcasing top emerging talent alongside established players.
General admission tickets are £22 for adults, with free entry for young children. Corporate hospitality tables start from £125 per person and include welcome drinks, a three-course lunch, afternoon tea and other perks.
To find out more, visit liverpooltennis.co.uk
Jump Inc Liverpool and AirHop Cheshire Oaks aim to make physical activity accessible and enjoyable
TWO INDOOR TRAMPOLINE and activity parks are offering Merseyside residents new opportunities for active leisure, with venues in Hunts Cross and Cheshire Oaks attracting families, school groups, and community organisations.
Jump Inc Liverpool, located in Hunts Cross Shopping Centre, and AirHop Cheshire Oaks, based in the Coliseum Leisure Park, are part of the AirHop Adventure Parks group. Both sites feature a range of indoor activities designed to encourage physical movement in a controlled and inclusive environment.
The parks cater to a wide audience, with sessions tailored for young children, those with additional needs, and larger group bookings. Regularly scheduled events include dedicated toddler mornings and quieter sessions designed to support visitors with sensory sensitivities.
In addition to offering general admission, the venues work closely with local schools and community groups to provide flexible booking options. The aim is to make physical activity accessible and enjoyable, while promoting social engagement and movement-based play.
According to industry estimates, 10 minutes of jumping can provide similar cardiovascular benefits to a 30-minute run, while also improving coordination and balance with less impact on joints.
By Will Carr
|
Small Plates
| ££ | 32 Hope Street, L1 9BX
Dave Critchley is the greatest chef you’ve probably never heard of. The two-time Great British Menu contestant has crafted culinary masterpieces for some of the North West’s top restaurants – and for four years, he had Liverpool Football Club dribbling off the pitch as much as on it. So when I heard that Dave would be working his epicurean magic on Frederiks’ spring menu, it was hard not to get excited.
If you’ve never been to Frederiks, then you need to address this immediately. Located just down the street from the Philharmonic, it effortlessly blurs the line between understated restaurant, sophisticated cocktail bar, and live music venue – all wrapped up in décor that wouldn’t look out of place in a tastefully retro ’70s lounge.
We were advised to order two to three small plates along with a couple of sides and snacks, so I began with the oven-baked focaccia (£5.95) – Italian for “gigantic slab of delicious herby bread”, served with basil oil.
The buffalo cauliflower wings were a surprise hit. This standout dish delivered an intense flavour and satisfyingly crunchy texture.
The pan-fried cod (£8.50) – swapped out for sea bream in my case – was superb. Presented on a bed of peas, its light, delicately sweet flavour paired beautifully with a mint and lemon butter coating.
Next on Frederiks’ culinary conveyor belt was the buttermilk chicken (£8.75). Seasoned with smoked paprika, the chicken – tenderised and subtly tangy from its marinade – was a marvel. The buffalo cauliflower wings (£6.95) were a surprise hit. Quite possibly our favourite course of the evening, this standout dish of deep-fried cauliflower served with garlic aioli delivered an intense flavour and satisfyingly crunchy texture, leaving us wondering why all vegetables aren’t deep-fried.
Taking inspiration from Italian and American cuisine, the mac and cheese (£7.25) arrived alongside the pork meatballs (£8.50). Infused with Colman’s mustard, parmesan, and black truffle, the mac and cheese was delightfully creamy while retaining a gentle, warming spice. The meatballs, served in a rich arrabbiata sauce, had an impressively authentic flavour – one that even an Italian grandmother might be proud of.
For dessert, I ordered the New York cheesecake (£7.75), topped with white chocolate and raspberries. It was simply exquisite – soft and creamy, with a slight sharpness from the berries that added an intriguing depth of flavour. My partner chose the bedino (£6.75), a traditional hazelnutinfused chocolate pudding that looked and
tasted like a rich chocolate mousse, finished with a scoop of ice cream.
“We want guests to feel like they’ve been fed,” was the simple brief given to Dave when he took on the challenge of designing a new spring menu for Frederiks. And overall, I’d say his efforts amount to nothing short of a triumph. While the tapas-style approach might not appeal to everyone, the intentionally small plates focus on quality over quantity – at times feeling like an incredibly unpretentious tasting menu. If you’re as gluttonous as I am, you’ll want more than the suggested two to three dishes.
The thumping music, meanwhile, is tailormade for sharing food, sipping cocktails, and indulging in tipsy laughter. If you’re hoping for a quiet business lunch or a low-key romantic dinner, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you want to kick off your night properly before heading to the Philharmonic, you won’t find anywhere better.
Futurecollectibles
designed for today
A celebration of Scandinavian design and the time and care taken to create it
PRAISED BY FOUNDER INGVAR KAMPRAD as the “best of IKEA” when first launched in 1985, the STOCKHOLM 2025 collection blends durability and craftsmanship to create beautiful and timeless furniture. In its latest and largest iteration, the 96-piece collection offers a diverse range of furniture, textiles, lighting, and accessories across the home. Materials take centre stage – carefully chosen for their quality and how they age and interact with one another. Solid woods paired with tactile surfaces and natural fibres, linen, and leather, combine to create unique expressions in sturdy wood furniture, handwoven wool rugs, mouth-blown glass, and handcrafted rattan pieces.
“The purpose of the STOCKHOLM collections has always been to prove that high quality doesn’t
Hosting hacks to make
ENTERTAINING
Check Marble Top Drinks Cabinet
Stainless Steel Cocktail Tool Set & Marble Stand
£40
a breeze
Simple tricks to streamline your spring gatherings
n EAT FAMILY STYLE (AND MAKE EVERYONE MORE RELAXED)
Dinner parties are more relaxed these days, with sharing and feasting platters the main event. Invest in platters, serving bowls and wooden boards so you can put the food down in the middle of the table and let everyone serve themselves.
£1,149 Bubble Glass Jug
n CREATE A CENTREPIECE
Stainless Steel Lidded Ice Bucket
£20
If you’re planning to serve cocktails, add a sense of drama by serving your drinks from a 1970s-inspired cocktail cabinet.
Boxed Ceramic Bud Vases, Set of 3
£25
Big Love Feast Oblong Stoneware Platter
£55
Fusion Acacia Wood Salad Bowl
£40
n MAKE EVERYONE THE DJ
Set up a collaborative playlist that everyone can add music to, before or on the day – or lay out your vinyl collection for guests to flick through.
Hand Painted Stoneware Vase
£15
Wave Glass Vase
£30
n MIX AND MATCH YOUR FLORALS
Loosen things up in your space by incorporating different types of flowers and foliage for a spring feel.
£20 Pro-Ject E1 Phono Turntable
£299 Marshall Emberton III
Speaker
£399
THE SAUNTON AT RIVER WALK in Bromborough is a new-build home thoughtfully designed to meet the demands of busy family life.
At its heart, this three-storey, three-bedroom property boasts a bright, open-plan kitchen and dining area with direct access to the garden, creating a seamless indooroutdoor feel. Additional features on the ground floor include an enclosed porch, a handy storage cupboard and a convenient WC. Upstairs, the top-floor master bedroom benefits from an en suite, while the two remaining wellproportioned bedrooms are ideal for children, guests or a home office.
The wider River Walk development is ideal not just for families, but also for first-time buyers and downsizers, offering a great choice of Persimmon’s two, three and four-bedroom homes.
Located on the eastern side of the Wirral, Bromborough is a lively town with everything you need for day-to-day living – and then some. Whether you’re popping out for essentials or planning a day out, there’s plenty on your doorstep, including the shops and cultural highlights of neighbouring Bebington. And if you’re a fan of the arts, Liverpool is just across the river, while the Lady Lever Art Gallery is only a half-hour walk away.
When it’s time to get outdoors, you’re spoilt for choice. There are family-friendly coastal walks at Port Sunlight Park and Shorefields Nature Park nearby, and over on the west side of the Wirral, Royden Country Park is a great spot to explore – with woodlands, a walled garden and a café, it’s perfect for a summer picnic or a relaxing weekend stroll.
For more information about The Saunton or River Walk, call 0151 305 6891 or visit persimmonhomes.com
Liverpool FC icons to reunite for Istanbul 20th anniversary gala
Comedian John Bishop will host a special Q&A with Jamie Carragher, Rafa Benitez and Didi Hamann
Liverpool FC fans will have the chance to relive one of football’s greatest moments this May, at a special event marking the 20th anniversary of the club’s unforgettable 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul.
On Saturday, 24 May, a gala dinner will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Liverpool, bringing together football legends, entertainers, and supporters to commemorate that historic night. The event will be hosted by comedian and devoted LFC fan John Bishop, who
“Istanbul is a night that’s always going to be close to the hearts of every Liverpool fan. It’s going to be a brilliant evening –emotional, fun, and full of memories.”
famously quit his day job to become a full-time comic in the wake of the Istanbul victory.
The gala anniversary dinner will allow attendees to relive the drama of the famous 3-2 penalty win over AC Milan, with a star-studded Q&A session featuring Jamie Carragher, Rafa Benitez, and Didi Hamann, who were all integral to the unforgettable comeback. The trio will share their memories and insights from the 2005 final, offering a behindthe-scenes look at one of the most remarkable moments in football history.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy dinner and drinks while watching highlights from the match, bringing the magic of Istanbul back to life. It will also feature a live performance from the Lightning Seeds, whose iconic anthems have become synonymous with football celebrations.
All proceeds from the gala will benefit the 23 Foundation, a charity supporting disadvantaged young people in Liverpool and beyond.
Jamie Carragher says: “Istanbul is a night that’s always going to be close to
the hearts of every Liverpool fan, and it’s a privilege to be part of this special celebration. It’s going to be a brilliant evening – emotional, fun, and full of memories. We’ll get the chance to share those incredible moments with the fans who were right there with us, living through every second of that night.
“We’ll all be reliving that unforgettable moment together, and the best part is, it’s all for such a great cause. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there and sharing what’s sure to be an unforgettable night.”
In addition to the dinner and entertainment, guests will have the opportunity to bid on exclusive memorabilia, adding to the excitement of the evening. This will be a once-in-alifetime chance to connect with football legends and fellow supporters, all while supporting an important cause.
Tables are available now, with demand expected to be high. Fans are encouraged to book early to secure their place at this momentous celebration.
For more information, please visit: www.istanbul20.com
Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade
FIVEWAYS
Liverpool FC will parade through the city’s streets to celebrate their record-equalling 20th English league title
THE BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY (26 May) event will take place the day after the final game of the 2024-25 season and will begin at 2.30pm.
The 15km victory route, the same as the 2019 and 2022 parades, will start at Allerton Maze in the south of the city. It will then travel northbound on Queens Drive towards the Fiveways roundabout and on to the Rocket flyover.
From there, it will journey along:
• Queens Drive
• Mill Bank
• West Derby Road
• Islington
• Leeds Street
• The Strand
• Route finishes at Blundell Street
It is anticipated the parade will last between three and five hours, though this is subject to change.
As in 2019 and in 2022, the key advice to supporters is to line the entire route and plan travel in advance. Supporters are reminded that bringing their own pyrotechnics/flares is prohibited in order to protect the safety of all in attendance. Those planning to line the route and cheer the team on should expect the city to be extremely busy – not only on the Monday, but also in the days beforehand, as Liverpool will be hosting the major music event, Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
EDGE LANE
EDGE HILL KENSINGTON
LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE
BALTIC TRIANGLE
WAVERTREE
STANLEY OLD SWAN
WEST DERBY
VAUXHALL
ROCKY LANE
TOXTETH
clipping. Box (Buxus sempervirens) is a classic choice, especially for period properties –but beware of box blight, which wiped out 20-year-old plants in my own garden. That experience led me to explore alternatives such as Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) and yew (Taxus baccata). Don’t be put off by yew’s reputation as a slow grower – it can easily put on at least a foot of new foliage per year. Be a little patient; it’s well worth the wait.
For small gardens, low hedges can serve as neat dividers between planting areas, paths or seating spaces. Consider fragrant lavender lining a walkway or tightly clipped rosemary framing a herb garden.
More informal and rustic hedgerows, such as those made from hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, and hazel, have served as vital habitats for centuries. They also make beautiful, wildlife-friendly garden features.
For more adventurous gardeners, mixed hedges are becoming increasingly popular. Combining different colourful species, like the crimson leaves of Photinia (Red Robin) with the bright green foliage of Griselinia, creates a head-turning feature that makes a real statement in any garden.
Fast-growing hedges like Leylandii are a great choice for impatient gardeners, but they require vigilant maintenance to prevent them from growing out of control. Our Leylandii hedge demands skilled annual upkeep to maintain its appearance and keep it at regulation height – an expense worth considering before planting. But fear not! Laurels have always been my go-to alternative.
Here are the most popular types that I’ve grown and tested, and I wholeheartedly recommend them…
• Cherry Laurel or Common Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a robust, fast-growing evergreen shrub, known for its handsome, glossy green leaves and dense growth habit. Ideal for creating thick, privacy-providing hedges, it can grow up to seven or eight metres, giving conifers a run for their money.
• Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) belongs to the same family as the cherry laurel, but it’s a smaller variety with darker leaves. It’s still well-suited for hedging and, like the cherry laurel, is tolerant of full sun, dense shade, and shallow, chalky soils. It is also considered hardier than the cherry laurel.
• Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis), with its aromatic evergreen leaves, makes the perfect hedge for any kitchen garden – and I can vouch for that! It just needs a warm, sunny spot to thrive.
Instant impact
But if it’s an instant hedge you are looking for, why not consider something practical like the Cherry Laurel Genolia Instant Hedge Unit (£255 from www.grasslands.co.uk).
Genolia is a fabulous hedging laurel, specially bred to maintain a tidier, more compact form. To plant, dig a trench at least 30-35cm wide, slit the sides of the grow bag, and lift the plant into place. It can be lifted by one strong person, though two are recommended for ease. Backfill with fine soil and water thoroughly. And just like that –your hedge is done!
Planting for success
Planting a hedge is a long-term investment, and preparation is key to ensuring success.
The best time to plant is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring, especially if you’re using bare-root plants, which are more economical and establish quickly. However, container-grown plants can be planted at almost any time of year – I’ve just planted one now! You just need to pay more attention to watering, particularly during dry periods like the one we’ve been experiencing, and, of course, in the summer months.
Hedge maintenance
Watering new hedges well during their first year is crucial. Applying a thick mulch helps to suppress weeds and retain moisture, aiding the establishment of your new hedge. If you want a tall hedge, it’s wise to clip the tops lightly in the first year to encourage bushy, dense growth from the base upwards.
Crafted over time, regular trimming is vital to achieve healthy growth and maintain the desired shape. For formal hedges, clipping once or twice a year is ideal – typically in early spring and again in late summer. Flowering hedges, like Ceanothus and Forsythia, may only need to be cut once a year, after they have flowered.
Sharp tools make all the difference. Whether you prefer hand shears or powered hedge trimmers, clean cuts help prevent disease and ensure a neater finish. Always take care and heed safety precautions when using them. Investing in an RCD (Residual Current Device) circuit breaker for your hedge cutter is a good idea, especially if, like my husband, you’re prone to cutting through the cable. I suspect this was always a deliberate ploy to avoid trimming the hedge altogether!
Lastly, feeding hedges with a balanced fertilizer in spring can promote vigorous growth. Even tough old privet responds well to a good feed, while a mulch of organic matter always works wonders.
Unit
Leylandi
Red Robin
What’s
on...
Events not to be missed over the next four weeks
Liverpool’s newest mural honours life-saving hero
James Clarke rescued many locals from drowning in the docks and taught countless others how to swim
A STRIKING NEW MURAL has been unveiled in North Liverpool celebrating the legacy of a unique life-saving hero.
James Clarke – a pioneering figure who dedicated his life to rescuing others, teaching water safety, and building community in the city he made his home – has now been immortalised in the city’s newest piece of public art.
Commissioned by Liverpool-based charity Mandela8 in partnership with Riverside Foundation, the mural celebrates James’ legacy and shines a light on the positive stories and histories of diversity in our communities.
Born in 1886 in what is now Guyana, James arrived in Liverpool as a teenager and quickly became a beloved local figure.
From rescuing children from the docks and canals to teaching hundreds to swim at Wavertree Swimming Club, he became a symbol of selflessness and solidarity in Liverpool. His bravery earned him multiple medals and a certificate from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society.
The mural, located in Athol Village in Kirkdale, was painted by acclaimed local artist John Culshaw. It was officially unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp CBE.
The family of James Clarke said: “His story is one of strength and perseverance. Despite facing racism and physical abuse, he never let those struggles define him.
“In today’s world, where immigration is often spoken about negatively, his life shows the true impact of those who come here, work hard, and dedicate themselves to helping others. His journey is a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, determination and kindness can make a real difference.”
Son of former Liverpool FC manager behind plans for new padel facility
Marc Klopp is a partner at Padel FC, the preferred bidder to build courts at Liverpool Tennis Centre
THE SON OF LIVERPOOL FC’S legendary former manager Jürgen Klopp is behind plans to open a new £500,000 padel facility in South Liverpool.
Marc Klopp is one of four partners at Padel FC, the company named by Liverpool City Council as the preferred bidder to construct six indoor and three outdoor padel courts on a plot of land at the Liverpool Tennis Centre in Wavertree.
Padel FC, which also lists Liverpool-born former footballer Bradley Orr as a director on Companies House, has committed to a £500,000 investment during the initial construction phase.
Thought to have been invented by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico in 1969, padel is widely regarded as the fastest-growing sport in the world. A racquet sport combining elements of tennis and squash, it is typically played in doubles. With smaller courts and faster-paced games, padel is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, which contributes to its increasing popularity.
The Girl on the Train, Playhouse 13-17 May
Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel – an international phenomenon with over 20 million copies sold – this gripping new play, starring Louisa Lytton (EastEnders), will keep you guessing until its final, heart-pounding moment.
22 May Armando Iannucci, Philharmonic Hall
22 May Kylie – The Tension Tour, M&S Bank Arena
24 May Michael Kiwanuka, Olympia
28 May Something About Lennon, Floral Pavilion
30 May Writing on the Wall presents Dr. John Cooper Clarke, Everyman
Until 7 Jun Hamilton, Empire
Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025, Sefton Park 23-25 May
The UK’s festival season kicks off right here in Liverpool, with more than 100 acts performing across four stages – including headline sets from Tom Grennan, Sam Fender and Mumford & Sons.
