YM Liverpool September 2026

FR

N E W S | I N T E R I O R S | H O M E S | L I F E S T Y L E | FA S H I O N | G A R D E N I N G

EE www.ymliverpool.com SEPTEMBER 2026

INSIDE

Dishoom Permit Room review Smart ideas for under-stairs spaces The season’s sharpest transitional jackets Liverpool Literary Festival 2026 preview

Alexei Sayle

Growing up Red, seven decades of protest and living life on the left

BRAND-NEW HOMES ACROSS THE

NORTH WEST

BRAND-NEW HOMES ACROSS THE

NORTH WEST

Sundial Place 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes Lydiate Lane, Thornton, Liverpool, Merseyside, L23 1AE Sundial Place 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

Maylands Park

Broad Lane/Lower lane, Rochdale OL16 4PT.

Maylands Pa

2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes Lydiate Lane, Thornton, Liverpool, Merseyside, L23 1AE

3, 4 and 5 bed Peter De Staple Nantwich, Che

Silver Hill Manor

Kings Park

3 and 4 bedroom homes Broad Lane/Lower Lane, Rochdale, OL16 4PT

3 and 4 bedro Fence Avenue Cheshire, SK10

Calder Rise

3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes Peter De Stapleigh Way, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 7TU

Lydiate Lane, Thornton, Liverpool, Merseyside L23 1AE.

Silver Hill Manor 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

Silver Hill Manor

Sundial Place

Kings Park

2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes Dunlin Drive, Cottam, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 0JX

Looking for a chain-freeCenturion move?* Village

3 and 4 bedroom homes 3 and 4 bedroom homes 3 & 4 bedroom homes Maylands Park 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes.

Broad Lane/Lower Lane, Fence Avenue, Macclesfield, Longmeanygate, Hall, Visit our developments and speakMidge to our Sales Peter De Stapleigh Way, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7GZ. * Rochdale, OL16 4PT Cheshire, SK10 1LT Leyland, Lancashire, PR26 buy 7TB Advisers about Part Exchange.

We could

Kings Park 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

Fence Avenue, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 1LT.

Calder Rise 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

your current home from you, giving you peace of mind of having a guaranteed buyer.

Dunlin Drive, Cottam, Preston, Lancashire PR4 0JX.

Centurion Village 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

Looking for a chain-free move?

Keckwick Lane, Daresbury, Warrington WA4 6SU.

Need help your *T&Cs apply.

Offerswith available on selected homes. Speak to ou deposit as a Key Worker?*

COMING DEVELOPMENTS...

Visit ourSOON developments and speak to our Sales

Learn more about our Key Worker Deposit Contribution* scheme. If you’re an essential worker, we could contribute £1,000 towards your deposit for every £20,000 spent on the purchase price up to a maximum of £25,000.

Longmeanygate, Midge Hall, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 7TB.

NOW OPEN - Queens Reach *2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

* Advisers about Exchange.

We could Alderbrook ManorPart 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes.buy Stansfield Drive, Grappenhall, Warrington WA4 3HD. your current home from you, giving you peace of mindGarden of having guaranteed St John’s 2, 3aand 4 bedroom buyer. homes.

Whittingham Lane, Whittingham, Preston PR3 2JE.

dwh.co.uk

Tudor Place 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, *T&Cs apply.

Offers Liverpool availableL32 on9PA. selected homes. Speak to our Sales Advisers to apply. find out more. *T&Cs Offers available on selected homes.

Speak to our Sales Advisers to find out more.

Loombrook Meadows 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes.

Cowm Top Lane, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 2PU.

dwh.co.uk dwh.co.uk

10

September

ISSUE #553

For this month’s cover interview, I sat down with Liverpool comedy legend Alexei Sayle. As he releases his latest memoir, How I’ve Tried to Change the World By Walking Down the Middle of the Street Shouting, Alexei reflects on growing up in a communist household just a stone’s throw from Anfield and a lifetime shaped by politics, protest and an instinct for doing things differently.

Elsewhere, we look ahead to the Liverpool Literary Festival, which returns to the Victoria Gallery & Museum next month with a packed programme of conversations, readings and screenings, and share some clever ideas from IKEA for making the most of that awkward space under the stairs.

Plus, Annie S handpicks the sharpest transitional jackets hitting the high street right now, Robin Brown heads to Dishoom Permit Room on Dale Street to sample its Ruby Murray lunch menu, and Heather Marsh takes us inside this year’s Southport Flower Show.

Finally, Jane Clare explores why New Zealand is such a natural home for Pinot Noir, recommends a handful of bottles to seek out and raises a glass to South Africa’s Cap Classique.

Enjoy!

23

30 9

13 LAWRENCE SAUNDERS Editor

Editor Lawrence Saunders editor@ymliverpool.com Design Marten Sealby sulazcreative.com ADVERTISING Sales 0151 316 0210 sales@ymliverpool.com DISTRIBUTION Enquiries 0151 316 0210

ia CaM rrAlex agheei re

ING

EE FR

NEWS | INTERIO RS | HO NEWS | INTERI FR ORS | HOME MIEOSN| |L G A R D E N I N G F ES H | IFA F ESSHT Y L E T Y L E | IFA E S | L I F E S T YSL E| L I O NE || G FA A SRH NEWS | INTERIORS | HOM DIEE ONNI N| GG A RDEN

EE FR

COVER IMAGE: GARY DOAK PHOTOGRAPHY ; ALL PRICES IN THIS ISSUE CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS

Hello and welcome to September’s YM Liverpool!

www.ymliverpool.com

2026 SEPTEMBER www.ymliverpool.

INSIDE

Dishoom Permit Room review Smart ideas for under-stairs spaces

com

AUGUSTwww.ym liverpool.

2026

com

JULY 2026

Sayl

Liverpool INSIDE actress stars as Katn NORD’s new iss The season’s sharpestEverdeen in menu reviewed The transitional jackets Hunger The ultimate Games: Growing up Red, seven Liverpool Literary al fresco On Stage decades of protest and setup Festival 2026 preview left Comedy Liverpool living life on the Festival previewed

ymliverpool.com

Summer’s surprise style trend

Julia Baird

To have the latest issue of YM Liverpool delivered through your door every month, contact sales@ymliverpool.com or call 0151 316 0210 to learn more about our subscription service.

YMLiverpool

INSIDE

Queens’ summ er menu review ed

New home s at Daresbury Garden Villag e Jane Clare’s wine trip to remem ber

ym_liverpool

ym-liverpool

Annie S’s summ John, the Cavern and er 40 years of Beatlewe fashion edit ek

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

© Precision Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Precision Publishing can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The cancellation deadline for advertising is strictly one week before publication and must be in writing to the sales manager.

YM Liverpool 3

NOT FOR

SAYLE

From growing up in a communist household a stone’s throw from Anfield to a career spanning stand-up, TV, film and political activism, Alexei Sayle has rarely followed a conventional path. As he releases his latest memoir, How I’ve Tried to Change the World By Walking Down the Middle of the Street Shouting, Alexei reflects on a lifetime of protest and explains why becoming an unlikely ‘national treasure’ hasn’t blunted his bite

This is your third memoir, following Stalin Ate My Homework One of the things that is horrific but useful about the Palestinian and Thatcher Stole My Trousers. What made you want to write struggle is that it’s an amazing way to gauge who somebody is in their another one now, and how did you decide what story you wanted essence. If they support the Palestinian struggle, then they are honest. it to tell?

If they cave in to the Israel lobby, then they’ll cave on other things Having written two volumes, I wanted to do a third, but my life after too. I’m sorry it has to be this way, but I think it’s a really useful way the mid-’80s was one of relative success really, and there’s no tension of judging somebody. there. It was only when I thought about my life on the left that I So if Burnham does something concrete – if he rescinds, for realised there was a story with a lot of tension, a lot of defeat, a lot of instance, the framing of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation; if struggle and a lot of battling. he commutes the sentences of those poor kids who have received six [So the new book] wouldn’t just be a litany of TV shows and or seven-year sentences, longer than they might get for manslaughter, meetings and movies. It would be about this lifelong struggle that I’ve in really harsh conditions; if he rolls back on jury trials and on sending been involved in, which has really been mostly about defeats rather arms to Israel – if he takes some concrete action rather than just than successes. words, then I would think more kindly of him.

Also, my editor at Orion Publishing felt that a book about the left, written by somebody who’s Andy Burnham is famously a big Everton The new book is been on the left their whole life, was right for fan. You grew up on Valley Road, very close this time. to Anfield, but you’ve said you never chose about this lifelong There’s a massive demand amongst people just between Liverpool and Everton. How did struggle that I’ve been you avoid gravitating towards Liverpool, to know what left ideas are, and for a justification of them, because often left ideas – particularly living so close to the ground? involved in – mostly pro-Palestinian – are made illegal. Support for It was weird, really, because it was an ordinary Palestine, direct action for Palestine, has been working-class suburb that would be transformed defeats rather than equated with terrorism by the British state. every fortnight into this kind of ‘backstage at successes.

I think people know that’s all a lie, really. And the circus’. Living so close to [Anfield], I felt like the idea of marches being ‘hate marches’ – I think we were part of the club, in some ill-defined way. a lot of people intuitively think that’s untrue. But It’s partly a joke, but the team we really they don’t quite know what the truth is, and so they’re looking for supported in our house was Moscow Dynamo – and, you know, guidance, I guess. wearing a Moscow Dynamo kit to school on a Monday morning would have been somewhat problematic [laughs].

At the start of the book, you compare Keir Starmer to My dad used to take me when I was a kid and we’d alternate Mussolini. Are you any more enamoured with his replacement? between Liverpool and Everton. But there was also this idea that, I’m cautiously pessimistic about Andy Burnham. Lenin – a somewhat if it wasn’t for football, the workers would be studying dialectical problematic individual [laughs] – sort of said that the purpose of the and historical materialism. And there is something in that, in a way Labour Party is to delude the British working class. I think Burnham – particularly now. Bread and circuses and all that. The way dying will carry on that tradition. empires distract from what’s going on through spectacle.

4 YM Liverpool

ROBERTO RICCIUTI

words lawrence saunders

INTERVIEW

YM Liverpool 5

INTERVIEW

So I’ve always had this weird, ambiguous relationship with football.

I know a lot about it and I follow it. I think it’s important to do that.

But I’ve never been able to get behind any particular team.

Does it strike you now just how unusual your childhood was?

Or did going on marches and growing up in that political environment simply feel normal at the time?

Oh no, I think I always knew [laughs]. You couldn’t really think that what I was doing was normal. You were aware that it was outside the mainstream, and we celebrated that. My parents always embraced it and thought our communism was one of the things that made us special.

It’s like being in any cult, in a way – you think you know the secret of how the world works.

You say you’re not being listened to, so what keeps you going back to the marches?

When faced with genocide, what else are you going to do, really, apart from protest? Also, it’s not difficult for me because it’s what my work’s about, and I think I’m in a position where it’s unlikely that I will be sanctioned or penalised for saying these things, which is not necessarily true of younger performers. Given that it’s easy for me to speak out, relatively cost-free, why wouldn’t I?

Alexei at an event to mark Jeremy Corbyn’s 40 years as MP for Islington North

Movies are weird in some ways because it doesn’t matter how big they are, whether it’s a Hollywood movie or a small independent thing, you’re always kind of standing in a field in somebody else’s clothes. You’ve got no money, and you can’t go and get a coffee or anything because you’re dressed as a pirate and you’re 50 miles away from civilisation.

So movies are always uncomfortable in that way. It’s just something people never see if they don’t work on them. One of the things actors do is disguise that. It was a big Hollywood movie, but it was also just standing somewhere in a stupid outfit. The role didn’t require a lot of acting. I was just me, doing my stuff.

Reading the book, I was struck by the sense that, despite all the defeats, you still seem to have some optimism.

You’re coming back to Liverpool in Is that fair?

November to talk about the book at a I think there are hopeful signs, particularly in the special event in Cains Brewery Village. Do My parents United States, in the way people are turning away you get back to the city very often? from the establishment Democratic Party. I think We’ve got family up near Ormskirk way, so we always embraced that’s very hopeful, and similarly [here in the UK] get back a bit. I try to. I was on Valley Road with the Greens. It’s not going to be an easy ride the other week for an article in The Guardian, our communism and for them, but there are some grounds for hope. and it made me realise that the previous time thought it was one Also, despite all the propaganda to the contrary, I’d been back to our old house was to do a little people have an intuitive sense that the solutions film for The One Show. of the things that to humanity’s problems undeniably lie somewhere I’d also been back to make a film for The One on what you call the left. Somewhere within Show about Homebaked Bakery, and another made us special. left-wing ideas lie the solutions to the climate at the Metropolitan Cathedral. So most of the emergency and the rise of autocracies. The times I’ve been back to Liverpool have been to solutions don’t lie with Michael Gove, or within the right wing. make films for The One Show [laughs]. It’s been my primary motive for It’s a neck-and-neck race, in a way, between the forces of darkness coming back. But yeah, I try to get back whenever I can. and the forces of light. They pull ahead, we pull ahead. I think there is cause for optimism.

You’ve been described as someone approaching ‘national treasure’ status. Do you find that amusing, given that you’ve Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – or, as you call it, Indiana spent so much of your life railing against the establishment?

Jones and the Sultan of Hatay – also gets a mention in the book.

I don’t mind, really, because it’s not as if I’ve diluted any of my beliefs.

How did your role as the Sultan come about, and what was it It’s kind of funny to me that I could have that status while remaining like being part of such a big Hollywood production? an unrepentant Marxist. I suppose ‘national treasure’ implies a kind of [Steven] Spielberg just asked me to be in it. The production was lack of bite. mainly based in the UK, so a lot of the lesser roles went to UK actors.

It was 1988, and I was hot at the time, as it were. I don’t know what So does that mean we’ll be seeing you on the next series of [Spielberg’s] thinking was. He said, ‘Do you wanna do this?’ and I Strictly Come Dancing? said, ‘Yeah, all right’.

No, no, no. I f ***ing hate that. It’s awful in so many different ways.

Where we filmed my scene, in Almería, Spain, I’d done a terrible scifi movie a couple of years before called Solarbabies. So we stayed in the How I’ve Tried to Change the World By Walking Down the Middle of same hotel and filmed in similar locations up in the mountains. I was the Street Shouting, is available now. Alexei will appear live at Content familiar with the place and knew some of the people where we were in Cains Brewery Village on 9 November, discussing the book in staying. That’s got nothing to do with the film [laughs]. conversation with Frank Cottrell-Boyce

6 YM Liverpool

ALAN DENNEY

In the book, you mention a photograph of your mother at a demonstration in Liverpool, saying she looked as happy as you’d ever seen her. Did you ever share that same sense of enjoyment when you were marching?

No, not really. I’ve always had a much more ambiguous relationship with marching, even today. I’ve been on more or less every Gaza march there’s been, and I’m proud to be in that crowd. But on the other hand, we’re not being listened to – or we’re only very slowly being listened to.

So there’s the rage and the impotence and the anger. It’s a very complicated emotion, I think, for me anyway.

But also, to me, those marches represent the best of Britain – middle-class people, Muslim kids from the East End and places like Luton, and lots of Jews. It’s amazing.

2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes From £199,995 to £419,995

Summerhill Park, Maghull

Choose from a range of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes

Your new Persimmon home is available now Our Summerhill Park development is perfectly situated for anyone seeking an ideal work/life balance in Merseyside.

These stunning new homes include: 5% deposit paid

or

100% part exchange T&Cs apply – offers available on selected homes only

Call our customer hub:

01513 057 191

Pintail Way, Maghull, Merseyside, L31 1GT

ADV ERTORIA L

The Cost of a Delayed Diagnosis – Consult the Legal Experts The case discussed below is based on a real matter handled by our team. To protect the privacy of the family involved, names and certain personal details have been changed

E

mily was just 30 years old when she experienced a thunderclap headache later described as a sudden “pop” in her head.

Over the following days, the headaches became increasingly severe. She also began to feel generally unwell. She sought medical advice more than once, visited her GP, was examined by paramedics, and later went to Accident & Emergency. During these appointments, Emily complained of severe headaches, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Despite these complaints, she was discharged without undergoing any further tests.

Emily was suffering from a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a serious and potentially life-threatening bleed on the surface of the brain. Tragically, the condition went undiagnosed, and she later died as a result.

For her family, the loss was devastating.

They couldn’t help but wonder: could more have been done?

Missed Opportunities

Looking back, there were several warning signs. Emily’s symptoms were consistent with those that might indicate a serious neurological condition.

Furthermore, there was a significant family history: her father had suffered from the same condition at the same age.

Unlike Emily, he received treatment in good time and made a full recovery.

While family history alone does not provide a diagnosis, it can be an important factor when assessing risk and deciding whether further investigations are needed.

The hospital accepted that, had appropriate action been taken, Emily would have been referred for a CT scan. The scan would have revealed the haemorrhage and led to an urgent referral for specialist neurosurgical treatment.

The hospital also accepted that, had the condition been diagnosed and treated at that stage, Emily would have survived.

The family also received a formal apology.

Although no apology can make up for such a loss, it served as an acknowledgement that mistakes had been made and helped to answer some of the questions the family still had.

Understanding Clinical Negligence Cases like Emily’s demonstrate that clinical negligence is not about an unexpected outcome alone. Doctors and nurses make difficult decisions every day, and medicine cannot eliminate every risk.

However, patients are entitled to expect that reasonable steps will be taken when significant warning signs are present.

Where a healthcare provider fails to meet the required standard of care and that failure results in avoidable harm, there may be grounds for a clinical negligence claim.

In delayed diagnosis cases, the central question is often whether earlier investigation or treatment would have changed the outcome.

Daniel Griffiths Director, Paul Crowley & Co

Why Seeking Advice Matters

Many people are unsure whether they should seek legal advice after a concerning medical experience. Some assume that what happened was unavoidable, while others feel reluctant to question medical decisions.

Often, seeking advice is simply about understanding what happened and whether the care met the expected standard. A legal investigation may involve reviewing medical records, treatment decisions, and independent expert evidence. For many families, this process provides answers, clarity, and accountability.

How We Can Help

At Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors, we understand that behind every claim is a family searching for answers during a difficult time. If you have concerns about a delayed diagnosis, missed warning signs, or any aspect of medical treatment received by you or a loved one, our Clinical Negligence team is here to help. We can provide confidential advice and assess whether there are grounds to investigate a potential claim.

The Investigation

Following a thorough legal investigation, the hospital accepted responsibility for failures in Emily’s care.

For expert Clinical Negligence advice, call 0151 264 7363 www.paulcrowley.co.uk

FOOD

Restaurant review

Dishoom Permit Room

By Robin Brown |

Indian |

££ |

Most days I get a text relating to medical procedures, my own or those relating to my children. A dermatology here, a cardiology there; a recent appointment with a maxillofacial surgeon was a particular highlight. So when a reservation for something called Permit Room popped up in my DMs recently, I assumed it was another meeting with someone who would make me feel guilty about my lifestyle or involve my arteries. As it turns out, my cholesterol was indeed about to take a hit.

As it turned out, I was being invited to a new Indian restaurant. Permit Room is a bar-led spin-off owned by Dishoom, a tilt at fine Indian dining currently reeling in positive reviews and customers down the M62. Inspired by late 20th Century Bombay, Permit Room pairs cocktails and beer with Dishoom classics like breakfast naan rolls and black daal. It’s a sort of amuse-bouche for the full Dishoom experience.

Why Permit Room? It all kicked off with the 1949 Bombay Prohibition Act, a slap of teetotalism that birthed clandestine, Goanrun ‘aunty bars’ in living rooms. By the 1970s you could legally buy a tipple only with a state permit ‘for the preservation of health’.

Thus, the permit room emerged: dimly lit, functional drinking dens lined with Formica tables where men furtively downed quarters of hard liquor over spicy peanut masala.

1 Dale Street, L2 2PP

It’s a fascinating, vaguely groovy slice of mid-century rebellion, and now it lives in a former bank on the corner of Dale Street and Exchange Flags.

The ambiance and decor are lush – a little colonial and a tiny bit kitsch – and the curation here is on point to an absurd degree. I lusted over some massive ‘70s oakeffect speakers, drank in the eclectic art and nodded along to a soundtrack that merged The Stranglers into Big Daddy Kane without blinking. There’s a newspaper, an actual bloody newspaper, for guests to peruse while they sip a chai or nibble a sausage naan.

The menu looks impressive and nighttime at Permit Room is an inviting prospect, however I went to check out their Ruby Murray set menu, an exercise in culinary monogamy: one pre-starter, one starter and one main to share for £29. This can save between £3 and about £15 depending on what you order and, if you share similar tastes, that might suit you beautifully. If you’re a meat and fish-eater and your wife doesn’t like fish or meat, well, bad luck.

One of the joys of sharing food is that you get to try different dishes. Digging into the same meal spoils the effect somewhat, it feels a bit like taking in the choices at a pick ’n’ mix and filling your bag full of cola bottles. Or going to a swingers’ club just to hold hands with your spouse.

Spend a bit more and you get access to a world of intriguing dishes, become the master of your own lunchtime in one of Liverpool’s most impressive spots.

At Permit Room, the Ruby Murray is perfectly nice. Some chilli cheesy garlic naan bites arrive and are perfectly unctuous, even if they feel a bit like the burger at the seafood restaurant: a bit of a sop to people who only like pizza or chips. A whimsical take on a chaat arrives: instead of crispy bread we have deep-fried spinach in amongst the various chutneys and yoghurts: messy, tasty and rather beautiful. I thought the matar paneer dish we shared as a main was a little ordinary and the boiled rice accompaniment hardly raises the stakes.

Food, but a bit cheaper and a fair bit faster, is no bad thing if you’re trying to fit in a meet-cute between office hours. From ordering to our main course arriving took a little over 17 minutes and service was superb, but I think Ruby Murray does The Permit Room a bit of a disservice. There’s not enough time to take it in, to salivate over a fascinating menu or simply enjoy being there.

If £15 a head (boiled rice is included, naans are a fiver extra) for a quick lunch suits you, you’ll enjoy the Ruby Murray. However, spend a bit more and you get access to a world of intriguing dishes, become the master of your own lunchtime and hang out in one of Liverpool’s most impressive spots. We tell ourselves we only have time for an expresslane set menu, but taking the shortcut here robs you of the show. Permit Room is far too good a venue to experience on the fast track.

VIEW FOOD PHOTOS @YM_LIVERPOOL

YM Liverpool 9

100% Leather jacket with covered buttons

Animal print parka jacket

River Island £69

Zara £149

Layer up Technical windbreaker jacket Stradivarius £39.99

Satin blouson sleeve cropped bomber jacket M&S £65

10 YM Liverpool

Annie S handpicks the sharpest transitional jackets hitting the high street right now

Thermowarmth™ Cord Collar Short Padded Jacket M&S £45

Lightweight bomber jacket Pull&Bear £35.99

FA S H I O N

Button-tab denim jacket H&M £54.99

High collar checked puffer jacket

Zara £49.99

Short pleated trench coat

Batwing sleeve jacket

Zara £59.99

NA-KD £75.95

ZW Collection linen blend fringed jacket Zara £149

Oversized bubblehem jacket H&M £44.99

YM Liverpool 11

What is your home worth?

JUST OP EN ED

City

0151 242 0870

Allerton

0151 733 1879

Crosby

0151 242 0870

Call 0151 242 0870 for opening offers in Crosby

Local, Friendly, Sorted.

Get your property valued today. Scan here www.marshall-property.co.uk

WINE

One foot in

THE GRAPES

Jane Clare considers why New Zealand is such a perfect home for Pinot Noir, takes a closer look at the heartbreak grape, and raises a glass to South Africa’s Cap Classique

NEW ZEALAND WINEGROWERS INC

I

t’s downhill from here then. We’re into September. How did that happen? Even though the nights are already drawing in, I’m not quite ready to start pouring chunky red wines just yet.

On my radar will be a glass of Pinot Noir because I absolutely love it. Winter, spring, autumn, winter. That’s the red wine for me.

The home of Pinot Noir is Burgundy in France; yet my absolute favourite styles hail from New Zealand.

Wine drinkers are trending towards lighter red wine styles, and New Zealand is perfectly poised to rise to the occasion with its Pinot Noir wines.

In fact, the grape is the country’s most exported red wine; other reds include Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pinot Noir is often known as the heartbreak grape; it doesn’t like excessively warm places. Its thin skins make it vulnerable to bad weather and pests.

New Zealand Winegrowers’ It prefers cool to moderate Pinot Noir grapes climates, and New Zealand – with its coastal influence and low latitude right down there in the southern hemisphere – is the perfect spot.

Don’t just take my word for it.

Charlotte Read, general manager of brand at New Zealand Winegrowers, says: “New Zealand Pinot Noir is celebrated for its purity, vibrancy and sense of place, offering bright fruit, natural freshness and elegant structure.

“It’s one of the world’s most captivating grape varieties because it combines complexity with elegance.

“New Zealand’s cool climate delivers a distinctive expression, with vibrant fruit, natural freshness and fine tannins that make our Pinot Noir both immediately appealing and incredibly versatile at the table with an array of cuisines around the world.”

Pinot Noir’s thin skins result in wines that have low to medium tannins – and therefore it is perfect if you don’t like that drying effect in your mouth you can get from many reds.

It is also great for people if they’re a bit nervous about taking their first steps away from white wines towards a red.

Flavours can include red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, cranberry and cherry; and often a bit of spice and black pepper. As they age, Pinot Noir wines may develop savoury notes.

It’s great to sip with mushroom risotto, duck or lamb. Oh, my word, I love it!

Here’s a handful of New Zealand Pinot Noir wines you should look out for:

M&S Classics Marlborough Pinot Noir (£12, M&S, Ocado): Cherry, cranberry and spice. What more could you want from a Pinot Noir?

Emma Marris Pinot Noir (£16, or £14 in a buy six deal at Majestic): Emma Marris comes from a winemaking family; she’s the daughter of the winemaker behind The Ned brand, Brent Marris.

Seifried Estate Pinot Noir 2024 (£17.99, www. robertsandspeight.co.uk): This hails from Nelson, which is to the west of Marlborough, hugging the coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Isabel Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir (£28, randhfinewines. co.uk): This one is sonamed because Isabel is the name of the mother of the founding wine producer, Mike Tiller.

Discover more about New Zealand wines at www.nzwine.com

Cap Classique If you kept an eye on your calendar of wine celebration days (I’ll hazard a guess that you didn’t), then you’ll know that September began with a nod to Cap Classique Day. If you popped a cork, you would have been right to do so.

Cap Classique is the name given to sparkling wines from South Africa; they are made in exactly the same way as Champagne. The bubbles have been created by a second fermentation which takes place in the very same bottle you buy.

And so, just like Champagne, Cava, Crémant, and other “traditional” styles of sparkling wine, it often has flavours of baked apples, apple crumble, caramel and brioche.

Probably one of the most well-known Cap Classique producers found in the UK is Graham Beck. Try Graham Beck Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut NV (£16.50, Waitrose).

JANE CLARE DIPWSET IS ON INSTAGRAM AS @ONEFOOTINTHEGRAPES. GET IN TOUCH IF YOU FANCY YOUR OWN WINE EVENT, OR YOU WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STUDYING WITH JANE FOR WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST WINE QUALIFICATIONS. EMAIL JANE@ONEFOOTINTHEGRAPES.CO.UK OR GO TO WWW.ONEFOOTINTHEGRAPES.CO.UK

YM Liverpool 13

PROPERTY

PROPERTY

Flexible threestorey living with a private top-floor master suite £259,995

14 YM Liverpool

SPREAD ACROSS THREE FLOORS, The Souter at Persimmon’s Summerhill Park development in Maghull offers a different approach to the traditional three-bedroom family home, making clever use of its footprint to create clearly defined spaces for living, sleeping and relaxing.

On the ground floor, a front-facing living room provides a separate place to unwind, while the kitchen and dining room opens onto the rear garden through French doors.

The ground floor also includes a convenient WC and handy built-in storage.

The first floor comprises two bedrooms and the family bathroom, with the rooms offering flexibility for children, guests or a home office. The top floor is reserved for the master bedroom, complete with a spacious en suite and additional storage. This separation creates a greater sense of privacy, while allowing the first-floor bedrooms to remain flexible as the household’s needs change.

Summerhill Park is a growing neighbourhood combining new housing with green spaces, pedestrian and cycle routes, and a central public park. Maghull’s shops, cafés and everyday amenities are close by, while Summerhill Primary School, Northway Primary School and Deyes High School are all within a mile of the development.

Maghull North railway station is within easy walking distance, offering direct services into Liverpool city centre, while the nearby M57 and M58 provide convenient road links across the wider North West.

For more information about The Souter or Summerhill Park, call 0151 305 7191 or visit persimmonhomes.com YM Liverpool 15

NEWS

Liverpool contractor completes £468,000 SEND facility at Knowsley Central School The scheme has brought previously vacant and underused areas of the Huyton school back into use LIVERPOOL-BASED Marshall Construction has completed a specialist refurbishment project at Knowsley Central School, creating new soft-play, sensory and accessible facilities for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The £468,000 scheme has brought previously vacant and underused areas of the Huyton school back into use. The work includes a sea-themed soft-play area, a flexible sensory room with specialist lighting, improved circulation spaces, accessible toilet and changing facilities, and new ramped access.

The project also involved extensive structural alterations, roofing works, mechanical and electrical upgrades, fire-safety interfaces, internal refurbishment and external improvements.

Marshall Construction worked closely with Knowsley Council, Knowsley Central School and its specialist supply-chain partners to coordinate the project and ensure the new facilities were ready for pupils returning to school.

Paul Marshall, director of Marshall Construction, says: “This was a significant and extremely proud project for everyone at Marshall Construction. The existing accommodation required extensive openingup, structural alterations and complete refurbishment before the specialist facilities

could be installed. Seeing the space transformed into such a vibrant and inclusive environment has been incredibly rewarding.

“We are particularly proud to have completed the project successfully and in time for pupils returning to school. This was our first major contract delivered for Knowsley Council, and we would like to thank the council’s project team, Knowsley Central School, our site team and all the specialist subcontractors and suppliers who contributed to its successful delivery.”

The soft-play installation provides pupils with a colourful and engaging space for recreation and development, while the adjoining sensory room offers a calmer and more adaptable environment. Accessible facilities were incorporated throughout the scheme, including specialist changing accommodation, accessible toilets, improved

circulation and ramped access for pupils with mobility requirements.

Paul adds: “Projects such as this demonstrate the positive impact that wellplanned construction and refurbishment can have on pupils, families and the wider community. We have made a clear commitment to growing our public-sector portfolio and supporting local authorities, schools and academy trusts with the improvement of their buildings.”

Based at Liverpool Innovation Park, Marshall Construction operates as a principal contractor across the North West, North Wales and the Midlands.

The company specialises in education and public-sector refurbishment, industrial and commercial refurbishment, fit-out, roofing and cladding, dilapidation works and compliance-led construction projects.

Paul Crowley & Co expands marketing department Tanya Domracheva has joined the law firm as part of its plans to develop client engagement and raise awareness of its services LIVERPOOL LAW FIRM Paul Crowley & Co has expanded its marketing department with the appointment of Tanya Domracheva, who joins as a marketing executive.

Founded in 1991, the company operates across a range of legal services including personal injury, clinical negligence, family law, conveyancing, wills and probate.

Tanya’s appointment forms part of the firm’s wider plans to develop its marketing and communications activity, with a focus on raising awareness of its services and improving engagement with clients and communities across the region.

In her new role, she will support marketing and communications campaigns, as well as help produce and share legal information for existing and prospective clients.

Paul Lowry, managing director at PC&Co, says: “Paul Crowley & Co has always been a people-focused business.

“We’ve built our reputation by supporting clients through some of

16 YM Liverpool

the most important moments in their lives, and it’s important that we continue to increase our ways of reaching and communicating with the communities we serve.

“Bringing Tanya into the team is another positive step as we continue to grow and invest in the future of the firm.”

CQC APPROVED AESTHETICS CLINIC THAT CREATES TRUE CONFIDENCE FROM WITHIN Cutting-edge aesthetic treatments that enhance and transform your natural features, by the UK’s leading Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Amanda Azzopardi • Anti-wrinkle treatments

• Collagen-stimulating treatments

• Dermal fillers

• Thread lifts

• Skin boosters and regenerative treatments

• Advanced laser and skin resurfacing

amandaazzopardi.co.uk | 0151 558 0742 YM Liverpool 17

Bringing the

Page to Life Liverpool Literary Festival 2026 returns for three days of lively conversation, fresh perspectives and a celebration of the written word

TAKING PLACE FROM Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October 2026, the University of Liverpool’s Liverpool Literary Festival will welcome readers from across the region to the Victoria Gallery & Museum for a packed weekend of conversations, readings and screenings featuring some of the biggest names in contemporary literature.

Now firmly established as one of the University’s cultural highlights, the festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to hear directly from celebrated writers, discover emerging talent and engage with the stories shaping today’s literary landscape.

This year’s programme features award-winning broadcaster Samira Ahmed, bestselling crime writer Clare Mackintosh, acclaimed author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, and Liverpool’s much-loved poet and performer Roger McGough.

“We are incredibly proud to once again bring such a fantastic lineup to Liverpool,” says festival director Professor Greg Lynall, head of english at the University of Liverpool.

“From debut novelists to established authors, the festival offers

18 YM Liverpool

audiences the opportunity to go beyond the page, hearing authors share personal insights into their work, taking part in Q&A sessions and having books signed after each talk.”

The festival opens on Friday 16 October with a special conversation featuring Roger McGough, whose contribution to poetry has earned him the titles of ‘the patron saint of poetry’ and ‘the godfather of modern poetry’.

Across the weekend, audiences can explore a range of literary genres and ideas. Crime fiction fans can hear from debut novelist Rebecca Philipson, while Mahmud El Sayed discusses his Arabfuturist science-fiction debut The Republic of Memory.

From debut novelists to established authors, the festival offers audiences the opportunity to go beyond the page.

EVENT

ALECSANDRA DRAGOI; MARC SETHI; TOBY MADDEN

Clockwise from far left: Alexandra Potter, Stephen Small, Clare Mackintosh, Rebecca Philipson, Saul Leslie, Lauren Mooney, Samira Ahmed, Mahmud El Sayed, Roger McGough, Thomas Glave, Benjamin Wood, Winnie M Li, Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Bestselling novelist Alexandra Potter will reflect on her latest feelgood novel So, I Met This Guy…, while Winnie M Li presents What We Left Unsaid, a thought-provoking examination of identity, division and belonging in contemporary America.

Other highlights include a fascinating discussion between scholars and writers Thomas Glave and Stephen Small, exploring transnational Black culture on both sides of the Atlantic, including in Liverpool, from the 1970s to the present day.

Music and literature come together when broadcaster Samira Ahmed presents her new book on A Hard Day’s Night, accompanied by a screening of the Beatles’ iconic first film and a conversation examining its enduring cultural impact.

The festival also celebrates emerging voices. University of Liverpool alumni Lauren Mooney and Saul Leslie will discuss their debut novels, while the winners of the festival’s annual short story competition will be recognised during a special free event.

Award-winning novelist Benjamin Wood will discuss his latest book

Seascraper, and former police officer turned bestselling crime writer Clare Mackintosh returns to Liverpool following her previous sold-out festival appearance.

The weekend concludes with Frank Cottrell-Boyce, whose latest book A British Childhood: How Our Children Live Now explores the changing realities of childhood through the lens of literature, education and social experience.

Curated by the University’s Department of English, the Liverpool Literary Festival has previously welcomed literary giants including Colm Tóibín, Ali Smith, Lemn Sissay, Philip Pullman, Sally Rooney, Alan Hollinghurst and Professor Dame Carol Ann Duffy.

Set within the Grade II-listed Victoria Gallery & Museum, visitors can also explore exhibitions throughout the weekend and enjoy the venue’s café between events.

Individual tickets, day passes and full weekend VIP passes are available at: www.liverpool.ac.uk/literary-festival/ YM Liverpool 19

Thornton development nears sell out as key workers make up a fifth of buyers WITH 90% of homes now sold, David Wilson Homes’ Sundial Place development in Thornton is celebrating a major milestone – and a surge in demand from key workers who account for one in five purchasers

N

estled in Liverpool’s sought after commuter belt, Sundial Place has become a standout choice for frontline professionals, many of whom have been supported by the housebuilder’s Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme.

The initiative offers eligible buyers thousands towards their deposit, helping make home ownership more achievable at a time when affordability remains front of mind.

Just north of Liverpool, Sundial Place blends semi rural village charm with excellent transport links, giving residents the best of both worlds; peaceful surroundings with easy access to the city

centre and wider motorway network.

Jennifer Burns, sales director at David Wilson Homes North West, said: “Reaching 90% sold at Sundial Place is a fantastic achievement and shows how strongly the development has resonated with buyers. Thornton offers a real sense of community and a quieter pace of life, without compromising on connectivity.

“It’s also incredibly rewarding to see so many key workers choosing to make their home here. Our Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme is designed to support those who provide essential services, and it’s making a real difference for buyers looking for a high quality, energy efficient new home.”

Among those who have benefitted from the scheme are first time buyers Ethan Toole, 23, a registered nurse, and Dillon Tulip, 24, an ADR class 1 HGV driver. The couple moved to Sundial Place after relocating from Norris Green and Netherton.

Having worked extra shifts to build their savings, Ethan and Dillon were introduced to the Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme.

Ethan said: “We first looked at David Wilson Homes because it was so close to my family – my nan lives just a stone’s throw away. When we saw the Key Worker scheme being offered to the NHS, it really helped sway our decision. Without it, we

A DVERTO RI AL

wouldn’t have been able to afford our deposit.”

The couple chose a three storey Greenwood home, praising its flexible layout and value for money. “When we were looking, the quality of build at Sundial Place really stood out,” Ethan added. “We absolutely love the layout – three double bedrooms, an en suite, and an open plan feel. Because it’s three storeys, it feels so much bigger inside.”

Born and raised in Merseyside, Ethan and Dillon are already enjoying everything the area has to offer – from Formby Beach to Burbo Bank, plus easy access to Liverpool’s vibrant city centre.

Alongside the Key Worker Deposit Contribution, David Wilson Homes is offering a range of incentives on selected plots, including Part Exchange and deposit contributions. Part Exchange provides a chain free move, with the housebuilder acting as a guaranteed buyer for an existing property.

All homes at Sundial Place are built with energy efficiency in mind, using modern construction methods and high insulation standards to help reduce energy bills and support more sustainable living.

For more information about available homes at Sundial Place, visit www.dwh. co.uk/new-homes/dev-002632-sundialplace-dwh or contact the sales team on 0330 029 1410

Are you a landlord, student or professional?

THEN GET IN TOUCH! Mistoria House Share is an HMO letting and management specialist, connecting landlords with students and professionals across Liverpool and the North West.

LANDLORDS

STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS

Fully managed or let-only

Rooms and shared homes

HMO letting specialists

1 to 12-bedroom properties

No let, no fee

Deposit-free renting available

24/7 online maintenance support

Online applications and support

FIND YOUR NEXT HOUSE SHARE

VIEW PROPERTIES

Scan the QR code to search available rooms and shared homes

LANDLORD SERVICES DEPOSIT-FREE RENTING

Contact the house share team today houseshare@mistoria.co.uk | 0151 317 5383 | mistoriahouseshare.com

HOME

Awkward no more: that space under the stairs

We could all use a little more functional space in our homes. And sometimes you don’t see it when it’s right under your nose. Or stairs

THE SORT-OF CLOSET Short on closet space? Make those stairs work double duty by mounting hooks to hang your outerwear. And the lower the hook, the easier it is for little ones to grab their own stuff. If you really want to maximise your wall storage, consider mounting a door front on hinges and add some hooks for shoes. Place a mirror behind it for quick outfit checks.

FJANTIG hook, 3 pack £2

HÖVOLM rack

£15

THE OFFICE SPACE Perfectly sized storage items like baskets, trolleys and shelves can give you extra space for supplies and paperwork if you don’t have an office in your home. For a more seamless look, try keeping them all within the same colour scheme.

FLÅDIS basket £9

FVATTENKAR desktop shelf

£17

THE STAIRCASE NOOK Everyone needs some extra storage from time to time. An under-the-stairs space can be just the right spot, and with the right modular storage RÅSKOG solution, it can be the perfect addition trolley to your room. £19

BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH IKEA WWW.IKEA.COM

YM Liverpool 23

EST. 2004

Maximise your Returns & Invest with Confidence Scan for more information:

Leaders in UK Property Investment 150+

Projects Launched

6,000

Since 2004, we have been helping investors secure

£1bn

Our partnerships with industry-leading developers

Units Sold

Gross Development Value

Over 2,000

Five-Star Reviews

Award-Winning Investment Agent

24 YM Liverpool

RWinvest is an award-winning investment agent specialising in the sale of off-plan buy-to-let property in the UK’s strongest property markets. high-income properties that achieve strong rental returns and long-term capital growth.

ensure each project is completed to an exceptional standard, offering clients premium investment properties at exclusive off-plan rates.

0151 808 1250 rw-invest.com

NEWS

New exhibitions explore identity and connection at FACT Works by Rae-Yen Song and Seema Mattu will take over the Wood Street arts centre from 18 September TWO NEW SOLO EXHIBITIONS exploring kinship, identity and connection will open at FACT Liverpool this month.

From Friday 18 September, works by Rae-Yen Song and Seema Mattu will take over the Wood Street arts centre, with both exhibitions running until February next year.

In •~TUA~• 大眼 •~MAK~•, Song creates an immersive installation centred around a glowing pond containing organic matter, invertebrates and microscopic life. Cameras and live video analysis allow the ecosystem itself to influence the exhibition’s changing lighting and sound.

Building on work shown at FACT in 2022, the installation draws on ancestral memories, ecology and science fiction. Its title refers to an ancestor remembered through family stories who drowned at sea aged 13 in 1950s Singapore, with tua mak meaning “big eyes” in the Teochew Chinese dialect.

Meanwhile, Seema Mattu’s LOCAL SUPERSTAR II follows the formation of Saheli, a South Asian queer sonic entity exploring music as a space for collaboration and care.

At the centre of the exhibition is a sculptural tour bus, while films document auditions, interviews, jam sessions and rehearsals. Visitors can also contribute their own sounds through playable instruments and an interactive sonic game.

Both exhibitions are free to visit and run at FACT Liverpool until Sunday 14 February 2027.

Mistoria appoints new branch manager Macbeth brings murder and madness to Shakespeare North

ANDREW P BROOKS; KEITH HUNTER; ASHLEY CARR

The Bard’s bloody tale of ambition, power and betrayal is reimagined in a fast-paced new staging at the Cockpit Theatre ONE OF SHAKESPEARE’S most famous and bloodthirsty plays, Macbeth, opens this month at Shakespeare North Playhouse.

A tale of ambition, murder, guilt and the supernatural, the tragedy follows Macbeth’s ruthless pursuit of the Scottish crown after an encounter with three witches sets him on a path towards power and destruction.

The new production brings together an ensemble of 10 storytellers and a musician for a fast-paced and atmospheric take on Shakespeare’s tragedy.

Directed, curated and co-facilitated by Shakespeare North Playhouse Associate Artist Ben Crystal, the adaptation has been created using a ‘quick-raise’ approach inspired by the theatrical practices of Shakespeare’s own actors.

The company uses a combination of improvisation, play and cue scripts, where performers receive only their own lines and cues rather than the complete text.

The setting should add another dimension to proceedings. Performed in the round inside Shakespeare North’s Elizabethan-style Cockpit Theatre, the production will be lit entirely by candlelight, providing a suitably eerie backdrop as Macbeth’s world descends into paranoia, violence and madness.

Macbeth is at Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot from Friday 11 September until Saturday 3 October.

Cara Scott will oversee portfolio of student and shared accommodation from Pall Mall office MISTORIA GROUP has appointed Cara Scott as the new branch manager of Mistoria House Share in Liverpool.

Based at the company’s Pall Mall office, Cara will oversee the performance and growth of the branch, managing a portfolio made up predominantly of student properties and leading the team across the lettings and property management process.

Mistoria House Share specialises in the letting and management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), providing accommodation for students and professionals across the North West. Its services range from tenant-find options to fully managed property services for landlords and investors.

Cara’s responsibilities will include maximising occupancy and rental income, maintaining relationships with landlords and tenants, ensuring compliance standards are met and helping to grow the Liverpool portfolio.

Cara says: “I’m incredibly excited to be taking on my new role as branch manager at Mistoria House Share in Liverpool.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring my experience in property and lettings into a role where I can really make a difference, develop the team and help drive the continued growth of the Liverpool branch.”

YM Liverpool 25

To see our full line up and book tickets, visit: liverpool.ac.uk/literary-festival or scan the QR code

26 YM Liverpool

FOOD

PREP 30 mins | COOK 1 hour SERVES 4 (1 pizza) INGREDIENTS • 225g strong white bread flour • 1 tsp caster sugar • 1 tsp easy bake yeast • 1 tsp sea salt flakes • Olive oil, for greasing Detroit sauce • 400g Mutti Finely Chopped Tomatoes • 1 tsp onion granules • 1 tsp garlic granules • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried parsley • 1 tsp dried basil • Pinch chilli flakes

Burrata, pepperoni & hot honey Detroit-style pizza If you’re a fan of sweet-meets-spicy, this one’s got your name written all over it. Creamy burrata, salty pepperoni and a drizzle of hot honey come together on a fluffy Detroit-style base for a pizza that’s worth getting messy for

• ½ tsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 tsp sea salt flakes • 1 tsp caster sugar Frico • 150g Galbani Cucina Mozzarella, grated • 5 slices Monterey Jack 1840 Sliced Cheese, halved Toppings • ½ x 90g pack Italian pepperoni slices • 150g burrata

METHOD 1 For the dough, set up a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Tip the flour, sugar, yeast and 160ml warm water into the bowl. Start mixing on a slow speed.

Once the dough has formed into a rough ball, add the salt, increase the speed to medium and knead again until smooth.

You can also do this in a large bowl, using your hands to bring the dough together and knead it until it springs back to the touch. Roll the dough into a smooth ball and transfer to a bowl greased with oil.

Cover with a clean, damp cloth and leave in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

2 Grease and line the base and sides of a roughly 25x20cm roasting tin with baking parchment. Transfer the dough to the lined tin and gently press it out with your fingertips to fill the space. Leave to prove in a warm place for 2-3 hours or until the

dough has completely filled the corners of the tin. Meanwhile, make the Detroit sauce.

In a pan, mix all the ingredients except the salt and sugar, then set over a medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes until reduced, stirring frequently. Once cooked, season with the salt and sugar and stir well.

3 Preheat the oven to 240°C, gas mark 9, and put a large baking tray in to heat up.

Put the tin with the dough on top of the hot tray and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Use a sharp spatula to run around the edges and release the dough from the tin, taking care not to cut into it. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.

4 Discard the baking parchment and return the empty tin to the oven for 5-8 minutes until piping hot. Remove from the oven and put the part-cooked base back inside.

Working quickly and carefully, press the slices of Monterey Jack firmly against the sides of the tin around the edge of the

• No.1 Parmigiano Reggiano, to serve • Hot honey, to serve • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

dough, that sizzle creates a crunchy frico.

Then press the mozzarella on top of the dough across the middle of the pizza. Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese starts to turn golden brown. Ladle the tomato sauce on top, arrange over the pepperoni and bake for another 3-4 minutes until the slices have curled upwards like cups.

5 Once baked, carefully ease the cheese crown away from the edges with a sharp spatula and transfer the pizza to a board.

Set aside to rest for a few minutes, then slice into 4 pieces with a sharp knife.

Smash the burrata with a spoon and top each slice generously. Finely grate over the Parmigiano Reggiano, drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with chives to serve.

THOUSANDS OF RECIPES CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.WAITROSE.COM/RECIPES

YM Liverpool 27

ADV ERTORIA L

How Do You Maintain Weight-Loss Progress?

Weight loss is only part of the story – maintaining progress and supporting the body as it changes are just as important

A

manda Azzopardi, founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics, believes successful weight management is about much more than reaching a particular number on the scales.

Her approach looks at the bigger picture, including nutrition, lifestyle, body composition and the changes that can happen as weight is lost.

That thinking sits behind the clinic’s Weight Loss Management Programme, which offers personalised guidance and ongoing support based around each client’s individual goals.

Building habits that last

One of the biggest challenges with weight management can be maintaining progress over the longer term.

Rather than concentrating solely on short-term changes, I encourage my clients to think about the everyday habits that can help support their progress.

That can include looking at eating patterns, activity levels and wider lifestyle factors. Regular appointments also

Programme includes regular check-ins, guidance and ongoing support, allowing me to monitor your progress and adapt the programme where appropriate.

Depending on your individual needs, your plan may also incorporate other treatments available at the clinic.

These include Slimyonik, to help mobilise metabolic waste; Aqualyx, a treatment used for localised areas of fat; and Dermalux® Tri-Wave MD, which can

What happens after you lose weight?

Reaching your goal is only one part of the journey.

Long-term weight management is about developing habits that you can maintain beyond the initial period of weight loss.

Nutrition, regular physical activity and general wellbeing can all play an important role in supporting your progress.

I want to help you look beyond shortterm results and find an approach that works with your lifestyle.

Regular check-ins also give us the opportunity to review your progress, talk through any challenges and make changes to your programme where appropriate.

Looking after your body during weight loss

Significant weight loss can affect more than the number on the scales.

Making sure you are getting enough protein, fibre, fluids, vitamins and minerals is important throughout the process, while regular physical activity can help support strength and muscle mass as your body changes.

You may also notice differences in your skin and body shape after losing weight, including areas of loose or crepey skin or localised areas of fat that remain despite an overall reduction in weight.

My approach takes these wider changes into account, so the support you receive is tailored around your own circumstances and goals.

“We’ll support you on your health journey and towards your weight-loss goals.” provide accountability and give us the chance to discuss what is working well and where additional support may be helpful.

The aim is to create an approach that feels manageable and realistic for you and your lifestyle.

Supporting your weight-loss journey Everything starts with a personal consultation.

I’ll take the time to discuss your weightloss goals, medical history, lifestyle and any concerns you may have before putting together a personalised plan based around your individual needs.

My Weight Loss Management

help stimulate collagen and support skin quality throughout your journey. We can also discuss supplements to support good nutritional habits.

It’s about more than losing weight

Successful weight management isn’t simply about reaching a target number.

It is about taking a longer-term view and having the right guidance in place as your body changes.

A one-to-one consultation gives us the opportunity to talk through your circumstances, your goals and the different elements that could form part of your personalised programme.

Book your Weight Loss Management consultation

Call 0151 558 0742 or email contact@amanda azzopardi.co.uk

amandaazzopardi.co.uk | 0151 558 0742

BUILDING A BETTER NORTH WEST

W W W. L E G A C I E . C O . U K

2023 WINNER

YM Liverpool 29

A

BLOOMING

great day out

Heather Marsh heads to Southport Flower Show for a day of colour, creativity and gardening inspiration NOW IN ITS 102ND YEAR, the recent Southport Flower Show transformed 34 acres of parkland into a spectacular celebration of horticulture, bringing together show gardens, colourful floral displays, specialist growers and plant societies, with inspiration around every corner.

From the grand floral marquee and awardwinning gardens to live demonstrations, garden experts and celebrity guests including Adam Frost, Joe Swift and Arit Anderson, there was plenty to see at every turn.

With its mix of gardening, food, entertainment and family attractions, the show offered something for everyone – but for me, the horticultural highlights were naturally the main attraction.

Here are some of my favourite sights, standout displays and worthy award winners from a memorable day among the blooms…

The British Pteridological Society with the Pteridological Cup

John Foley of Holden Clough Nurseries proudly shows off the nursery’s Large Gold Medal certificate

30 YM Liverpool

Chris Ashcroft of Ashcroft’s Perennials and Ornamental Grasses with the Sefton Chamber of Trade Trophy and the nursery’s Large Gold Medal

GARDENING

Peter Walker and Helleentje of Wacks Wicked Plants with their eyecatching display of carnivorous plants

National Sweet Pea Society members with the David Knowles Trophy for Best Society Stand

Sefton Park Palm House celebrates winning the John A. Chatterton Memorial Trophy for Most Creative Exhibit in the Grand Floral Marquee

UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY GARDENING! HEATHERMARSHYM@GMAIL.COM

YM Liverpool 31

Scan for tickets

Friday 2 October

We Are Scientists

Mountford Hall

Saturday 3 October

Thursday 15 October

Don Broco

Casper Walsh

Friday 4 December

Friday 23 October

Shed Seven

The Tumbling Paddies

Saturday 31 October

The Coral

Scan for tickets

Wednesday 4 November

The Feeling

Saturday 12 December

Keyside

Friday 18 December

Belle & Sebastian

Accepting New Private Patients New patient dental health check-ups now only £59* £99 • Routine Exam • Two Routine X-rays • Treatment Plan Emergency appointments available – £79.95 0% finance – Rates starting from just 0% representative APR Pay as you go or patient monthly membership dental plans • Implants • Composite Bonding • invisalign • Spark Aligners • Teeth Whitening

• Dental Veneers • Hygienist & Stain Removal Services • Children’s Dentistry • Crowns

• Bridges • Dentures • Root Canal Treatment • Surgical Extractions

Early morning and late-night appointments available 0151 428 6714 | 124 Gateacre Park Drive, Gateacre, L25 4RS | www.pbadentalhealth.com

*T&Cs apply

We offer a wide range of treatments from routine to cosmetic:

Motoring expert’s top tips for buying a new ’76-plate car

A DVERTO RI AL

With the new ’76 vehicle registration now in showrooms across England, Scotland and Wales, motorists are being urged by The Motor Ombudsman to do their homework before getting behind the wheel of a new car and signing on the dotted line

P

N

ail down a realistic budget Before deciding which make and model to buy, work out what you can comfortably afford – not just at the outset, but in the longer term.

Car ownership brings costs such as maintenance, insurance, fuel and charging, as well as road tax. These can become more expensive over time, especially after initial perks such as warranties and free servicing expire.

“It’s important to do the maths to ensure that your preferred make, model and fuel type is a viable proposition, not just now, but in the future,” says The Motor Ombudsman’s Bill Fennell.

E

xplore your payment options As an alternative to buying outright, a finance package can help spread the cost. Hire Purchase (HP) usually involves a deposit followed by monthly payments, with ownership passing to you at the end of the term. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is similar, but typically includes an optional final payment if you wish to keep the vehicle. Compare the total amount due over the contractual term to ensure you stay within budget.

W

eigh up what matters most To choose a vehicle that fits your day-to-day needs and lifestyle, write down your priorities for how you will use the car, whether for the commute, school run or longer journeys. This will help you decide on factors such as boot space, number of seats, towing capacity and access to charging points if you are considering an electric vehicle.

art-exchanging can help fund a new car Part-exchanging your existing car can be an effective way of putting together a deposit or contribution towards a new vehicle and offers greater consumer rights than selling privately. Online guides can give an estimate of what your car may be worth based on its age, condition and mileage, so it is useful to research this before settling on a trade-in value.

R

ead first-hand reviews for added reassurance Trusted reviews of different makes and models can offer a useful indication of what a car is like to own and how it performs. It is equally important to look at feedback about retailers on reputable review platforms and to buy from a trusted Motor Ombudsman-accredited retailer.

Bill says: “While online searches and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated summaries can generate quick answers, it’s important to double check any details provided are current.”

L

ook at warranty cover and extras New cars can include different warranties covering areas such as paintwork, batteries and manufacturing issues. A standard manufacturer’s warranty is typically three years, but can be as much as eight for some brands, so check what is included and how long it lasts.

A

sk about aftercare Before taking delivery, ask what aftercare support will be available.

This includes who your main point of contact will be, how maintenance should be booked, whether courtesy cars are offered and what help is available with software updates and apps.

E

T

G

E

xplore delivery times Around new registration plate periods, demand can be high, so confirm expected lead times with the retailer, especially if the car is being manufactured to your chosen specification. Ask for the expected delivery date to be confirmed when ordering, so there is a clear record should there be any build, shipping or handover delays.

et everything in writing Having all correspondence and paperwork documented, including anything agreed between you and the retailer, is essential, as it can be difficult to verify what was said during face-toface conversations. Check that all written information is accurate, including the vehicle specification and any added extras, before paying or signing contracts.

ry before you buy Taking a test drive of a showroom demonstrator across different roads gives you the chance to assess comfort, visibility, driving position, space and in-car systems before ordering. It is also an opportunity to ask questions about the car’s features, specification and practicality. xplain any concerns to the retailer If something is not to your satisfaction during the purchase process or after taking ownership, communicate any issues directly with the retailer first and give them the opportunity to put things right.

If the issue remains unresolved, you may be able to escalate the complaint to a free Alternative Dispute Resolution provider such as The Motor Ombudsman.

To find a Motor Ombudsman-accredited car retailer, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Business-Finder YM Liverpool 33

NEWS

What’s on...

Events not to be missed over the next four weeks

Annie, Empire 22-26 September

Liverpool Basketball gears up for historic first season New professional team will bring top-flight men’s basketball back to the city after more than a decade LIVERPOOL BASKETBALL is preparing for its inaugural campaign as top-flight men’s professional basketball returns to the city for the first time in more than a decade.

The newly formed club will compete in Super League Basketball during the 2026/27 season, becoming the competition’s newest franchise and playing its home games at the M&S Bank Arena.

Liverpool will play its first competitive fixture away to Caledonia Gladiators on 20 September, before making its home debut against Manchester Basketball at the M&S Bank Arena on 4 October, with a 4pm tip-off.

Liverpool Basketball aims to establish itself as a long-term part of the city’s sporting landscape, with plans to create a fast-paced, family-friendly live experience at the arena.

Jason Dolan, club founder and owner, says: “From the beginning, we’ve talked about building something Liverpool can call its own. That’s what ‘Our Home. Our City. Our Team.’ means to us.

“The M&S Bank Arena is our home, Liverpool is our city, and our ambition is for this to become a team that the people of Liverpool are proud to call their own.”

Former NBA player and veteran coach Roy Rogers has recently been appointed the first head coach in the club’s history.

Claire Sweeney stars as the villainous Miss Hannigan as the much-loved West End production comes to Liverpool for one week only.

From Letter To Brezhnev, 11 Sep Royal Court 11 Sep Boney M., Liverpool Cathedral 12 Sep

André Rieu, M&S Bank Arena

18 Sep Charlotte Church’s End Times Pop Dungeon, Invisible Wind Factory 19 Sep

David Essex, Philharmonic Hall

From Death of a Salesman, 19 Sep Everyman 20 Sep Echo & the Bunnymen: Album Launch Show, Camp and Furnace 26 Sep British Musical Fireworks Championship, Victoria Park, Southport

New country and rock bar to open on Wood Street DeeDee’s Den & Dive will bring live music, American comfort food and a free jukebox to the Ropewalks A NEW BAR FROM THE TEAM behind Liverpool rock venue Diego’s Demise is set to open in the city centre this month.

DeeDee’s Den & Dive will launch on 12 September, taking over part of the Black Rabbit Shot Co on Wood Street.

Described as the ‘little sister’ of Diego’s Demise, the new venue will have a focus on country, classic rock and rock ’n’ roll, with live performers and a free jukebox. It will also serve American comfort food alongside a selection of flavoured whiskies.

The venue will open in phases, beginning with the upstairs ‘Den’, where the food offering will include American pancakes and bacon butties. A basement ‘Dive’ is due to follow shortly afterwards.

The team also plans to use the venue to showcase emerging local musicians.

34 YM Liverpool

In Conversation with Stephen Graham & Orly Klein, Playhouse 23 September

Liverpool-born award-winning actor Stephen Graham and psychology lecturer Orly Klein take to the stage for a candid conversation about their book Letters To Our Sons, exploring the highs, lows and realities of fatherhood.

BOX OFFICE: 0151 433 7156 BOOK NOW AT SHAKESPEARENORTHPLAYHOUSE.CO.UK

YEAH YEAH YEAH PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

SAT 24 OCTOBER

LIVERPOOL DOME

GIGSANDTOURS.COM | TICKETMASTER.CO.UK | CASTBAND.COM PRESENTED BY SJM CONCERTS BY ARRANGEMENT WITH MOTION AGENCY

AN SJM CONCERTS PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH WME

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER

O2 ACADEMY LIVERPOOL GIGSANDTOURS.COM • TICKETMASTER.CO.UK THE NEW ALBUM ‘388’ OUT NOW