YM Liverpool December 2024 by YM Liverpool

YM Liverpool Awards 2024

Bastion Point in focus

Christmas Day wines

Festive fashion

December

Welcome to December’s YM Liverpool !

First up this month I’m delighted to bring you our chat with a much-loved celebrity chef who has been a staple of weekend TV for more than 30 years now.

James Martin heads out on the road with his all-new live tour in 2025 and we find out just what audiences can expect when the butter-loving Yorkshireman arrives at the Philharmonic Hall in February.

Meanwhile, we’ve got all the winners and best pics from the Crowne Plaza as the prestigious YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards returned once again.

Hosted by Claire Sweeney, the glittering ceremony saw accolades handed out across more than 20 categories ranging from ‘Property Developer of the Year’ and ‘Business Leader of the Year’ to ‘Property Agency of the Year’ and ‘LCR Business of the Year’. Elsewhere, we shine the spotlight on a collection of brand-new apartments perfect for young professionals and John Lewis recommends a selection of kitchen gadgets that will keep your Christmas cooking stress-free.

Plus our resident gardening guru Heather Marsh gets in the festive mood, and WineTime’s Jon Atkinson offers his alternative recommendations for Christmas Day drinks.

Finally, on behalf of everyone at YM Liverpool, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.

LAWRENCE SAUNDERS Editor

Editor Lawrence Saunders editor@ymliverpool.com

Design Marten Sealby

ADVERTISING Sales 0151 316 0210 sales@ymliverpool.com

DISTRIBUTION Enquiries 0151 316 0210

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

Liveand Cooking

Celebrity chef James Martin will be celebrating a major milestone in 2025 when he heads out on the road with his all-new live tour. James’ fifth tour will include his 100th live show and comes after four sold out tours which have seen him cooking on some of the most famous stages in the country. The Yorkshireman, who has been a staple of weekend TV for more than 30 years, arrives at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall on 25 February

James Martin Live will see the popular TV chef and best-selling author visit 20 amazing venues across England, Scotland and Wales, combining the perfect ingredients of mouth-watering dishes with his warm Yorkshire wit.

So how did James get to show 100?

“I’d been doing live demos at food festivals for years, and was at the Good Food Show one year, when someone from Live Nation had been dragged along by their wife,” he explained.

“I was always fortunate at events, my demos would be really popular and have full crowds and this guy couldn’t believe this half-hour stage show with food. He came up to me at the end and said you should take it on the road… And the rest is history.

“It’s amazing to think this is my fifth tour – and we’ll mark the 100th live show while we’re out on this tour… What a landmark!

“It’s funny, I remember, looking back, the incredible Keith Floyd said, ‘One day chefs will be rock and roll’ –and here we are.”

And in James Martin’s case, that’s truer than for most as he combines the live cookery show with his love of music.

“There have been a few chefs who have done tours, and even Ready Steady Cook did it 25 years ago, they haven’t all worked but it seems like something has clicked with my shows and that’s amazing,” he said.

“We spend a lot of time in the pre-production phase, thinking about and planning what we are going to do. I

have the same producer as the Strictly Come Dancing live tours, and we have a brilliant team on board from Live Nation and Cuffe and Taylor.

“People ask what the shows involve… It’s food, comedy, music and a great, great night out. And for four tours now, people seem to like it.

“Bringing that all together seems to be the secret recipe for success.”

And the landmark show seems to have inspired a reflective mood in James’ plans for the 2025 tour – which he describes as a chance for him to ‘share everything I’ve learned in 40 years of catering, 32 years of which have been on TV.’

The new tour is set to be a journey through recent retro food history, taking fans on a culinary exploration from the ’50s through to the ’80s, as well as a trip round the world – courtesy of James’ back catalogue of food travel shows.

“I started putting the show together with a blank piece of paper three months ago and now I’ve locked in about 80% of it,” James explained.

“The show will feature all new recipes which we’ve been developing already – and all new stories from my career.

“We’re going to be going back through time, looking at food from the decades, from the ’50s and ’60s through to the ’80s with recipes and a couple of dishes from each one.

“What’s great now is that we have eight years of past catalogue with the ITV series, the global TV shows, taking in France, Spain, the US, the UK, there’s all that to feed from too.

“The research has been fascinating, going back to look at it all, and the ’50s had some bloody hilarious food.”

Alongside the food – all prepared in James’ own inimitable style, with recipes specially designed to make audience members’ mouths water – James brings plenty of surprises to his live show.

Previous tours have seen him build the ‘biggest and best bacon and cheese butty’, perform ‘surgery’ on a Barbie doll to create a Baked Alaska and invite audience members to show off their tattoos.

But one common feature is the live music segment… And he’s already been working hard at it.

“I’ve got a few good surprises planned,” he teased. “I’ve just had something delivered from eBay for the intro section of the show and will be having it pimped up ready to rock.

“There’s a theme that’s going to involve a bicycle, which will run through the evening, and it’s going to be very funny.

“And then there’s the music! I have been rehearsing with the band for seven months already, just for that nine-minute segment, but that means that once we’re on the road and doing the shows, I can really enjoy it.

“It’s going to be a bit different this time to the last two tours – and we’ll be going all out with it at the end of the show.

“The music sections are always a real highlight! I remember The London Palladium show last year, a Sunday night, everyone on their feet, disco balls and lights – it was a real party, and we want to make that happen again.

“People say ‘Why don’t you just record it – no one would know’, but I love to do it live.

“It’s something I think I learned from doing Strictly Come Dancing – which was 19 years ago. Those dancers were multiple world champions, and there was me, a chef from Yorkshire. I didn’t want to go out there looking like an idiot on live Saturday night, prime-time TV and learnt to never underestimate a live performance.

It’s funny, I remember the incredible Keith Floyd once said, ‘One day chefs will be rock and roll’ –and here we are.

“People think the live shows are going to be like my Saturday morning show, but it’s really not – it’s fast-paced, fun comedy, made by a great team and it is really cool.”

As if further proof was needed of James’ ‘rock n roll chef’ status, there’s one addition to this tour which he thinks seals the deal: “Every time we go out we make it better in every way – from visuals to content… And this time for the first time, they’re giving me a tour bus, so I must be doing something right! There is a kitchen on board, but I will not be using it.”

With almost 100 live shows under his belt, what does James look back on as his favourite touring memories?

“Every show is special. When I look at the list of places we’ll be going to this year, they are serious venues – Birmingham Symphony Hall, Newcastle O2, The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. If I walked out there and was rubbish…” he shudders.

“When I’m in places like this, even rehearsals and sound checks are a ‘moment’ for me. You get time to look out at the venue and see all its glory, and I get goosebumps.

“But, on my last tour we played a Sunday night at The London Palladium. Walking out on that stage, seeing my mum and dad in the audience was magical. They knew how much I had worked and for how long to get there.

“I could see my dad and the look on his face. In the bar after he said: ‘You’ve done alright son’. It was such a kudos to be able to bring them there for that moment. That to me was not only a highlight of touring, but a highlight of my whole career.

“Who’d have thought setting out as a kid going to catering college, wanting to become a chef, that I’d end up selling out The London Palladium?

“A lot of other chefs were there that night too and having that acknowledgement from your peers is special.”

James cites the likes of Keith Floyd for breaking the mold of ‘matriarchal food lessons’ on TV – heading out on the road, as well as the Roux family for revolutionising the UK food scene at the highest level.

But the show which made him a household name, Ready Steady Cook, also had a key role in bringing high-end chefs to the masses, inspiring foodie families with their food bag tasks, creating tasty dishes under pressured deadlines on a tea-time telly slot.

“I’ll have been cooking on TV for 32 years by the time the tour comes round,” James reflects. “And food on TV has evolved a lot.

“People like food on TV for inspiration. In our office we talk through all sorts of ideas; food for a tenner, a fiver, but it’s not just about low-cost or ‘what can I do with a tin of beans?’. We look at anything from a £2 burger to a £400 3* Michelin meal… And those 3* chefs love a £2 burger from time to time!

“We try to make the TV show suit everybody and every budget. We had a guest recently ask for white truffle, which was selling at £3,000 a kilo.

“We got one for £70, and it came from near Basingstoke where there’s the oldest woodland in the UK. So yes, it was an expensive ingredient, but it had a story and provenance, and it’s also about treating people – and giving viewers the knowledge, which in that instance we thought was worth it.

My last tour we played The London Palladium... walking out on that stage, seeing my mum and dad in the audience was magical.

“Saturday morning used to be all about kids TV and look at it now – it’s all about food, and I’ve spent 18 years doing that. It’s a big chunk of a person’s life.

“Keith Floyd got TV food programmes away from the back bench with a matriarchal type giving lessons, and got TV cookery out and about showing off amazing food places.

“Now it has morphed into so many other things, there’s the competitive ones like Bake Off and MasterChef, there’s Saturday morning magazine shows with food, there’s my show where chefs come into the kitchen.

“The Roux family changed the face of food in the UK at the top level. But TV is what’s really brought it to the masses.

“We’ll do something like that, then the next dish will be something very normal like chicken or fish.”

And when James is on the road, with an occasional day back at home to relax between shows, it’s those ‘normal’ meals he turns to too.

“What do I cook on a regular day at home? Roast chicken. Easy,” he says without hesitation.

“An hour and a quarter in the oven with some nice veg, green beans from the garden, tomatoes from the greenhouse, or have it in a sandwich.

“As a chef, it’s a funny one; if you’re cooking for people at home, yes, you go and do your thing and get into the ‘process’. But if it’s just for everyday meals, most of us go for things like that – something simple but delicious; steak frites, or steak and a jacket potato, or a simple pasta, are my favourites.”

But is James Martin’s ‘simple pasta’ really that?

“Yes, it is! Just a couple of tins of tomatoes, with garlic and basil, and cook for 30 minutes with some good olive oil. Cooking it for a good time makes the difference.”

And probably a good chunk of butter for good measure.

James Martin Live is at the Philharmonic Hall on 25 February 2025

Caught drink/drug driving –consult the legal experts

Emma Smith, director from Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors’ crime department, explains the legal process of being charged with a drink or drug driving offence and what a conviction could mean for you

In England and Wales alone, over 85,000 people are charged with drink driving offences every year and the risk of a fatal injury is twice as likely when the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drink and drug driving can not only cause serious accidents, but also lead to a driving ban, a fine and even a custodial sentence.

What is the drink driving limit?

The drink driving limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.

However, the level of alcohol in your blood can be affected not just by how much you drink, but a range of other factors, such as your age, weight, and diet. Therefore, it’s impossible to know whether you would be considered over the legal limit after drinking, so you should avoid driving altogether if you’re planning on drinking alcohol.

What are the limits on drug driving?

The drug driving limit depends on which drug has been taken, but if you are found with drugs in your system you won’t be charged if it is an amount below the legal limit.

Here is the limit for some common drugs in micrograms per litre of blood:

• Cocaine: 10 µg/L

• Cannabis/Delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol: 2 µg/L

• Ketamine: 20 µg/L

• Heroin/diacetylmorphine: 5 µg/L

• Clonazepam: 50 µg/L

• Diazepam: 550 µg/L

• Methadone: 500 µg/L

• Morphine: 80 µg/L

• Amphetamine: 250 µg/L

What happens if you are caught drink or drug driving?

If the police have a reasonable suspicion that you might be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they have the power to ask you to pull over and take a breathalyser or drugs test. If you refuse to provide a specimen for testing (unless you have a reasonable excuse), you could be arrested. If you are found to be over the legal limit you will be taken to the station and re-tested. If you fail the second test, you will be charged with an offence.

If you’ve been charged with a drink or drug driving offence, call our dedicated motoring specialists at Paul Crowley & Co. Our friendly team of solicitors are here to guide and advise you throughout the

legal process and help to get the best outcome for you.

What is the penalty for drink or drug driving?

If you are charged with driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you could be facing up to 6 months imprisonment and an unlimited fine, as well as a minimum compulsory driving ban of 12 months if it is your first time, or 3 years if you’ve already been convicted of drink driving within the past 10 years. However, if you’ve been charged with drink driving you may be able to reduce your driving ban (by 25%) by completing a drink driving rehabilitation course.

A drink or drug driving conviction can have other consequences too. You could struggle to get insurance and have to pay more, have difficulties travelling to certain countries like the USA, and even be unable to work if you usually drive for your job.

If you’ve been charged with a drink or drug driving offence and want to know the penalty you could be facing or what you should do next, Paul Crowley & Co’s expert team of criminal law solicitors are here to help. Paul Crowley & Co… on your side.

Emma Smith Director, Paul Crowley & Co

By John Lanyon

| Indian | ££ | 3 Water Street, L2 0RD

Appropriately situated close to Liverpool’s pre-eminent merchants’ palace, India Buildings, Mowgli is the crown jewel of Indian street food cuisine.

Opened in 2016 within an old banking hall, Mowgli on Water Street is now one of the 25 restaurants around the UK which bear the same name. Launched by Ormskirkborn former barrister Nisha Katona, she has determined to serve the food that Indian people eat at home and in the streets, whilst showcasing it in the most interesting and quirky settings.

My wife and I arrived on a busy Thursday night in late November to try the new Christmas Feasting Menu. We were greeted by a lively atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, with plants, fairy lights, ropes, and birdcages creating a very festive backdrop – perfect for a Christmas meal!

We were shown to our table by an enthusiastic and helpful waitress, who recommended cocktails to start. I chose the Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned – hand-

The Christmas Feasting Menu sounded so good that we decided to order everything – maybe we were greedy, but we couldn’t resist!

fired smoked black cardamom-infused malt whiskey with a dash of apricot liqueur, which certainly warmed me up. My wife opted for the refreshing Mango Tonic – fizzy mango, lime, orange, and passion fruit tossed with coriander and topped with soda.

We looked at the Christmas Feasting Menu (£35 per person) and it sounded so good that we decided to order everything!

We started with Yoghurt Chat Bombs –crisp bread puffs filled with chickpeas, spiced yoghurt, tamarind, and coriander. They were perfect for cleansing our taste buds, preparing us for what was to come: the Street Chat and Street Meats.

Next up it was Fenugreek Kissed Fries –potatoes seasoned with turmeric, fenugreek, and Mowgli masala, bursting with flavour. Then came the Gunpowder Chicken – crispy chicken poppers infused with ginger, garlic, and garam masala, golden fried in a chickpea batter and utterly delicious. Next, we enjoyed the Himalayan Cheese Toast, topped with a tangy dressing of coriander, red onion, and green chili, paired with sharp cheddar and served alongside a very spicy Indian pickle.

A little rest was definitely needed, but as soon as we took a sip from our complimentary glass of Prosecco, the Curry Pot Luck arrived. We had chosen the Office Worker’s Tiffin Box—four tiers of meat, vegetables, and carbs. The food comes in a metal ‘Tiffin Box,’ a nod to the traditional Indian custom of transporting home-cooked meals for workers’ lunches. At Mowgli,

however, it’s certainly not a ‘light lunch!’

Once we had fully digested this delicious feast, we decided to add two more plates from the main menu. First up was the Mowgli Sticky Chicken – scrumptious Manchurianstyle sticky chicken poppers, sweet and crunchy, glazed in molasses. Next, we had the Angry Bird – luscious chicken thighs marinated and roasted in tandoori spices, yogurt, ginger, and garlic, served with popped mustard Mowgli Slaw. Maybe we were greedy, but we couldn’t resist!

To cool off, we both had the Mango Sorbet Ice Cream Cone – just what was needed!

It was finally time to go. We hopped into the waiting taxi and the driver asked if we’d enjoyed ourselves. We spent the whole journey home explaining what a great experience we’d had. Safe to say he’ll be making his own booking very soon!

Go glam this Christmas Day with Annie S’s stand-out selections

Knit cardigan with metallic thread

Paillettes knit cardigan

Mango

£79.99

Sequined mohairblend cardigan

H&M

£64.99

Sequined mohairblend skirt

H&M

£54.99

Open-back satin dress

H&M

£44.99

Wide drawstring trousers

H&M

£24.99

Metallic thread jacket with fringing

£59.99

Zara

IceBox @ BOXPARK Liverpool

By Will Carr | Brewery Village, Beaufort Street, L8 5XJ

Is it just me or do we seem to be celebrating Christmas earlier and earlier each year? At this rate we’ll be packing up the barbecue on 1 September because we need to make room for the tree and 12ft plastic Santa. It’s hard enough to feel Christmassy these days, what with all the insane politics and looming nuclear war, but even as we approach the actual date, not even the annoying songs or twinkliest of lights have made me feel that spark of child-like delight.

BOXPARK Liverpool, located in the Baltic Triangle, opened back in April and has since become one of the more popular venues in the area, specialising in street food, drinks and live entertainment and, during the festive period, an ice skating rink. Perfect, I thought, just the place to rekindle my Christmas spirit.

As we strapped what are essentially gigantic knives to our feet, my partner and I set off onto the ice looking like a mixture between bundled up Mad Max villains and a pair of newborn deer.

Although setting off implies that I wasn’t clutching the barrier with every step like a terrified barnacle as children tore past laughing at my poor life choices. Sensing my predicament, we were offered what could only be described as an ice skating Zimmer frame in the shape of a penguin.

Between the indignity of needing a child’s toy to remain upright and the painful humiliation of slamming face-first onto the ice, we chose the former. Now armed with the Zimmer penguin we rocketed around the ice, slamming into barriers with only hope and prayer to slow us down. Once we were on our cold backs, our ankles feeling as brittle as stale crackers, we knew it was time to stop.

Like many Baltic Triangle venues, BOXPARK has that unmistakable, apocalyptic-chic style. It is remarkably cavernous, allowing for a stage, a number of bars and an impressive selection of street food operators.

We decided on the Crispy Duck with Rice (£11.50) and Pork Mandu Dumplings

We rocketed around the ice, slamming into barriers with only hope and prayer to slow us down.

(£5.00) from Yoki Social Table. Served on a bed of rice, the tender duck’s umami taste was superb and complimented the sweet sauce that coated the accompanying vegetables. The dumplings were beautifully presented and were coated in a rich chili and sesame oil that made us regret that we only ordered four.

It was at this moment that six-piece brass band, Sticky Lips, began serenading us at a volume usually associated with exploding suns. They were however very talented and we appreciated the matching dungarees! Whilst I’m still not sold on ice skating (if I need to step out of my comfort zone to feel jolly in December I’ll stick to board games and seeing relatives), experiencing this mixture of drunken, slapstick comedy followed by huddling for warmth while enjoying some live music, I was amazed that for the first time in years I actually felt festive. Well done, BOXPARK! It’s a Christmas miracle!

DEVELOPMENT

Brand-new apartments designed for Liverpool’s young professional renters

From £900 pcm

SITUATED IN LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE’S burgeoning northern district, Bastion Point boasts 67 apartments accompanied by a reception, sky gardens, onsite car parking and bike storage.

Helping the city meet demand from renters, the development’s collection of one and two-bedroom apartments prioritise spacious and functional urban living.

Multi-award-winning estate agent Curlett Jones is excited to bring these recently completed luxury homes to the city’s rental market in partnership with North West property developer Integritas Property Group (IPG).

Full-height glazing welcomes natural light into the openplan layouts, whilst the kitchens offer seamlessly integrated appliances. Meanwhile, modern conveniences such as built-in wardrobes, ensuite bathrooms and balconies create a premium feel.

Alan Jones, managing director of Curlett Jones, says: “We are thrilled to be appointed as the Lettings Agent on this fabulous development, which is bringing 67 extremely highend apartments to our city.

“The location of the development is particularly poignant, just a stone’s throw away from Liverpool’s famous waterfront and the commercial centre, where so many new projects are coming to life. Bastion Point is at the heart of it all, offering additional amenities such as onsite car parking and sky gardens for the ultimate tenant convenience.

“We have already received a high level of interest in the apartments since completion, and we’re excited to see this development become fully tenanted very soon.”

To arrange a viewing at Bastion Point, contact Curlett Jones Lettings on 0151 673 1239 or email hello@curlettjones.co.uk. For more information visit curlettjones.co.uk/bastion-point

YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2024

Winners announced on night of celebrations

Achievements were recognised during a lavish ceremony hosted by Liverpool-born star of stage and screen Claire Sweeney at the Crowne Plaza

LEADING FIGURES FROM across the Liverpool City Region’s property and business sectors came together to celebrate a year of success on 28 November as the prestigious YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards returned.

Accolades were presented in more than 20 categories ranging from Property Developer of the Year and Business Leader of the Year to Property Agency of the Year and LCR Business of the Year.

The glamorous black-tie event, supported by sponsors BreezeMove, Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors, Redwing, Bright Sky Contracting, Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors, Liverpool Student Lettings, Sandway Homes and The Momentum Group, featured a special Q&A with renowned UK property pioneer Hugh Frost of the Beetham Organization.

Hugh told the audience about his plans to bring forward a major mixed-use development in partnership with T.J. Morris at King Edward Triangle, and also reflected on his 30-plus-year career in the property industry.

More than 350 guests enjoyed a pre-dinner drinks reception before Hugh’s chat with YM Liverpool editor Lawrence Saunders and a luxury three-course meal.

A special charity raffle also took place in aid of the Communities Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside (CFLM).

Partners from CFLM were able to be in attendance thanks to generous support from Romal Capital, Rosmara Development Group and The Dental Cafe.

Roll of Honour 2024

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AGENCY OF THE YEAR

Alternative festive fare

Jon Atkinson gets creative with his recommendations for Christmas Day drinks

THERE ARE MANY OTHER SUBJECTS I could focus on, but when it comes to my December column, it just feels wrong to choose anything other than the obvious! That said, this time, I aim to look beyond the traditional choices and see if we can introduce a few unexpected curveballs to grace the Christmas dinner table. Of course, my recommendations will still follow the trusted formula of aperitif, white, red, and dessert wines.

Starting with the aperitif (where else would you begin?), we usually kick off the big day with some fizz to accompany a brunch of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toast. Following that, in true Hobbit fashion, I move on to a second aperitif of Fino or Manzanilla Sherry. While I adore Sherry and would love to recommend one of these, I fear it remains too much of an acquired taste to become truly mainstream – but I live in hope that one day it will!

So, our ‘unconventional’ aperitif will be…

Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Auslese Gebrüder Steffen 2022 (7.5%) – £12.50: Once upon a time the UK used to drink its way through copious quantities of medium sweet German wine. In the late ’70s and early ‘80s we saw the emergence of the likes of Blue Nun and Black Tower which were initially hugely popular. However, it didn’t take long for people to realize that, actually, they weren’t very good!

The problem was that people associated these wines with the Riesling grape, which anyone in the trade will tell you is a fabulous variety. Unfortunately, the ‘culprit’ in most of those ‘mega brands’ was Müller Thürgau, which is capable of making decent wines in the right hands and when yields are contained, but it isn’t in the same league as Riesling which can produce wines of amazing intensity and depth of flavour with unbelievably low levels of alcohol.

Brilliant pale lemon in appearance, this wine offers a rich, slightly musky nose with hints of hazelnut, marzipan, toast, and sweet sawdust, underpinned by a tang of tangerine. On the palate, it is very dry, tangy, and richly textured—intense and full-flavored with toasty oak and vibrant citrus notes. The finish is long and satisfying. An excellent white to pitch alongside your Christmas turkey… unless you’d prefer red, in which case…

Beaujolais Nouveau ‘Le Bouquet’ Robert Sarrau 2024 (12.5%) – £9.85: A conversation that I seem to repeat quite often at this time of year regards the irony of how comparatively little Nouveau is sold these days now that it is competently made and invariably very easydrinking and enjoyable. Back in its heyday of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Nouveau was a phenomenon usually reported on the national news and causing work in city centres, especially London, to virtually grind to a halt… and the wine was usually pretty grim and hard going!

This one is a lovely, medium-sweet example from the Steffen Brothers at Trittenheim on the Mösel. Very pale lemon in appearance, it has a gently fruity, slightly perfumed nose with elderflower and candied grapefruit with an underlying waxiness. Sweet and rich in the mouth with just enough balancing, refreshing appley acidity.

Next up, it’s our dry white, maybe to pair with the big bird, or maybe to enjoy with a starter, but what to go for?

Eguren Ugarte Rioja Garnacha Blanca 2022 (13%) – £13.50: This variety is arguably betterknown as Grenache Blanc although it has been grown throughout Spain for as long as anyone can remember. So why have I opted for this one? In truth, it’s what is in my glass right now as I tap away on the laptop! It’s been quite a while since I last had it and whilst I hadn’t forgotten how good a wine it is, especially at this price, it really is singing right now!

Ugarte is an incredibly picturesque, small to medium sized, family-owned bodega just outside Laguardia, my favourite town in Rioja. They have 80 hectares of vineyards surrounding the Bodega in the Rioja Alavesa region, which provide for all the grapes for their wines including this delightful Garnacha Blanca.

Released for sale at midnight on the third Thursday in November, Nouveau is very young Beaujolais from Gamay grapes grown this year and made in an attractively light, fresh and fruity style that is best enjoyed at a cooler temperature than more substantial reds.

Crafted by winemaker Robert Sarrau, Le Bouquet is a traditional cuvée made without any added sulphur during vinification and bottling. This young wine bursts with fresh fruit and floral notes, designed to be enjoyed at its most vibrant and lively. Expect an elegant bouquet, a medley of fresh fruits, and a pleasingly fresh, supple texture.

Clos Mont-Blanc ‘Verema Tardana’ Garnatxa 2022 (15.5%) – £13.95 (37.5cl): Clos Mont-Blanc is based at Barberà de la Conca near the fortified town of Montblanc and the monastery of Poblet about halfway between Barcelona and Lleida. The region has a long-established winemaking history with the Cistercian monks of the 14th Century particularly prolific! Their 80-hectare estate is sustainably farmed and is planted to 15 different varieties which are grown to produce table wines, Cava and this delicious little number.

If you were to nip across the Pyrenees into Languedoc-Roussillon, you might well encounter another dessert-sweet red wine also made from Garnacha/Grenache which is slightly better known and goes by the name of Banyuls. Verema Tardana is made from 100% Garnacha grapes, grown at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level. The total production is tiny, a mere 400 bottles!

The grapes are left on the vines until they become super-ripe and have started to shrivel and dry out. After fermentation the juice is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. The aroma shows dried figs, plum and black fruit jam, and the taste has nutty notes. The wine is translucent ruby in appearance and smells like Black Forest gateau with notes of figs and prunes. Deliciously sweet, but not unduly sticky, this is gorgeous just to drink on its own but just try a glass or two with some mince pies or chocolate gateau!

the that’ll save

gadgetskitchenChristmas

Simple yet effective hacks to make your festive cooking stress-free and seamless

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT CHRISTMAS? The food – from the Christmas Day feast, to picky bits on Boxing Day and cheeses plus chutneys 24/7.

If you’re hosting this year, you likely don’t want to spend the whole time trapped in the kitchen either, especially when you could be with friends and family enjoying games and mulled wine. We’ve rounded up some of the best kitchen gadgets to help make cooking quicker, better and cheaper. From the £6 peelers that’ll make you super speedy on the spuds, to the investment coffee machine that times whenever someone pops over during the holidays –consider your festive fare, sorted.

n SAGE INFIZZ FUSION SPARKLING DRINKS MAKER

No longer just for water! With the InFizz Fusion you can fizz juice, tea, cocktails, wine and re-fizz soda with the innovative FusionCap. Then conveniently store it in the fridge for later with the included 1L bottle. Genius.

n HESTON BLUMENTHAL BY SALTER INSTANT READ DIGITAL THERMOMETER

A kitchen necessity if you’re hosting this Christmas. Save time and peace of mind with this digital thermometer which will tell you (with great precision) if the turkey is ready for the table. It’ll also help you perfect your confectionary and, when the sun returns, could save your bacon at your next barbecue too.

n KITCHENAID 175 ARTISAN 4.8L STAND MIXER

A piece of iconic design, the KitchenAid 175 Artisan stand mixer is The One for whipping up cakes and tray bakes, to pizza, pasta, dips and sauces galore. Its sturdy design and powerful motor combined with high-quality craftsmanship make this the ultimate cooking companion, plus it comes complete with: 4.83L Artisan® bowl, pouring shield, wire whisk, dough hook, flex edge beater and Artisan® flat beater.

n DE’LONGHI RIVELIA AUTOMATIC BEAN TO CUP COFFEE MACHINE

Make things easier without compromising on quality (or taste) with a super-sleek machine that can make you better-than-barista coffee, stat! Rivelia features two interchangeable bean hoppers (for double the amount of coffee) plus a milk frother, for a cafe-quality brew in the comfort of your kitchen.

OXO GOOD GRIPS KITCHEN CHOPPER

Save time slicing and dicing with the OXO Good Grips Chopper. It’s safer than your chef’s knife too – featuring a sharp, stainless steel blade that rotates with every single press of the knob. Simply load it up and then just press the knob to start chopping. It’s comfortable and easy to use, and the large catcher cup has convenient measurement markings. Plus, it’s easy to dismantle for cleaning too.

ANYDAY FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PEELERS

Every year we use the same rubbish blunt peeler and promise ourselves next Christmas will be different. So now’s the time to snap up this set of three fruit and vegetable peelers, which stack together to save space. The julienne peeler is great for garnishes and salad toppings, the serrated peeler easily tackles waxy and slippery fruits and the speed peeler makes light work of peeling potatoes.

FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 12 INSTANT CAMERA WITH BUILT-IN FLASH & HAND STRAP

For taking pics – and making memories, think Instax. With close-up mode, a selfie mirror and automatic exposure and flash control (no messing around with settings) once you’ve snapped, your mini print will pop out in just five seconds.

n RUARK AUDIO RUARK R1 MK4 DAB/ DAB+/FM BLUETOOTH RADIO

There’s something about cooking to music that minimises stress, even when you burn the roasties! This, the fourth generation of Ruark’s iconic R1 radio, boasts an auto-adjusting display, plus its USB port lets you play music back from USB devices and it features DAB/DAB+/FM radio.

NINJA DOUBLE STACK XL 2-DRAWER AIR FRYER

Wish you could fit a double air fryer in your kitchen, but running low on worktop space? Introducing the Ninja Double Stack XL 2-Drawer Air Fryer. Easy-clean, with six cooking functions and the ability to cook four foods at the same time – this stacked multi-cooker is 30% slimmer – without compromising on capacity – perfect for smaller kitchens, large families and entertaining.

Sedulo and Adaptable launch new women’s networking group

‘Setting the Table’ brought together influential female business leaders from across the country

Sedulo, one of the fastest-growing mid-tier financial advisory firms in the UK, officially launched its new women’s networking initiative, ‘Setting the Table’, on 21 November in Liverpool.

The event, which was run in partnership with the recruitment company Adaptable, brought together influential female business leaders from across the country, as well as a distinguished panel of experts, to discuss and champion the role of women in the workplace.

‘Setting the Table’ took place at Sedulo’s Liverpool office and featured a lively panel discussion, hosted by Cathryn

“Sedulo and Adaptable have always been aligned in championing women in the workplace.”

Wright, Sedulo’s managing director. The panel included notable industry leaders:

• Zeri Cheetham-Karcz, iGD Sport brand director and Waterloo Road actress

• Jacey Normand, BBC presenter and communications expert

• Louise Garforth, business development and marketing consultant

Sedulo says the creation of ‘Setting the Table’ reflects its “ongoing dedication” to driving meaningful conversations and initiatives for gender equality in the workplace.

Cathryn Wright says: “Sedulo and Adaptable have always been aligned in championing women in the workplace. We were delighted to launch our new initiative ‘Setting the Table’.

“‘Setting the Table’ will regularly create spaces where women and their allies can share networks, experiences, and challenges to create more inclusive and collaborative working environments for everyone – watch this space! We’d like to thank our panellists and guests for a really

productive and insightful launch event.”

The event was attended by businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the UK, all eager to engage in dialogue about the challenges women face in business and to explore ways of creating more equitable workplaces. ‘Setting the Table’ will serve as a recurring platform for fostering collaboration, networking, and growth among women and their allies in business.

Sedulo, which has offices in Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and London, recently announced its year-end results to 31 October 2024.

The consolidated revenues of the group were £20.6 million, 37% ahead of the previous year’s figure of circa £15m. The EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) for the same period was £2.9m, a 45% increase on the previous year’s result.

The main growth areas for the firm were within tax incentives, financial planning, debt funding and deal advisory services.

Council acquires key stalled gateway site in ‘major step forward to unlock development’

The 4.55-acre plot on Great George Street had been subject to a series of legal challenges

LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL has acquired a major stalled development site in Liverpool city centre – clearing the way for new homes and businesses.

The Great George Street site is a 4.55-acre brownfield plot which sits at the gateway to the city’s historic Chinatown and close to the Baltic Triangle district, adjacent to Liverpool Cathedral.

Its development has been stalled since 2017, subject to a series of complex legal challenges on leaseholds which the local authority has taken action to resolve.

The company that owned the site, The Great George Street Project Limited entered administration in February 2022.

Since the administration, the council has been working with the company’s administrators, Cowgills Limited and Farleys Solicitors LLP to try and finalise the acquisition.

In a major step forward to unlock development, the city council has succeeded in securing the site under its own unified ownership (as the site’s freeholder), clearing the way for new homes and businesses on this critical site.

Due to the complexity associated with the long leases on the site and the administration of the company, the sale to the city council had to be approved by the High Court. High Court approval was

obtained on 15 November and the sale completed just two weeks later on 29 November.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) have supported the council’s approach, with an allocation of £10 million funding to complete the purchase and bring forward development options for the site.

This is the latest positive step in building confidence in Liverpool’s investment pipeline and joins the unlocking of other major brownfield sites such as Festival Gardens and Central Docks at Liverpool Waters.

The council is now working up proposals for the site that will catalyse regeneration in the wider Chinatown area, building on work being undertaken by its business support service with partner organisations.

Local agent recognised as part of national award-winning team

EweMove Sales & Lettings becomes first agency to complete ‘triple crown’ at EA Masters for third year running

A LIVERPOOL ESTATE AGENT is celebrating after being part of the team honoured with three major awards at one of the UK’s biggest agency events.

EweMove Sales & Lettings became the first-ever estate agency to win the ‘triple crown’ for the third year in a row at the EA Masters in London.

Giovanni Tummino, who runs EweMove Childwall, Woolton and Sefton Park, was part of the team presented with the awards for Best National Sales, Best National Lettings and Best National Sales & Lettings Agent.

EweMove triumphed at the event ahead of thousands of competitors and Giovanni explained why.

Giovanni said: “Winning these awards shows the level of customer care we provide our clients whether it’s sales, lettings or both!

“We were independently judged on our property marketing, customer service and results during a data analysis project and a large-scale mystery shopping exercise of all other estate agents across the country.”

EweMove is also collectively rated ‘Excellent’ on the review site Trustpilot with over 20,000 five-star reviews from buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.

The EA Masters awards looked at 13,080 estate agency offices across the country in a thorough review taking into account data from specialist data from TwentyEA and mystery shopping exercises.

Agents are rigorously assessed based on listing volume, throughputs, sales rates, completions and more.

The top 20% of performers were then put through practical assessment with mystery shoppers at every stage of the sales and lettings process. Throughout the process, each agency was scored and reviewed based on its response times, response quality and overall delivery of service. EweMove excelled in all areas and will again feature in the Best Estate Agency Guide 2025.

Commenting on the local property market, Giovanni added: “Liverpool’s property market is active with demand from buyers and sellers who have a genuine need to move, we expect this positivity to carry on into and throughout 2025.

“The sales market has returned to a more normal level, however, the rental market is very buoyant with lots of tenants looking for properties in the area.”

Property

advisor expands into Liverpool with new office

Lambert Smith Hampton opens first base in city to meet growing demand for its services

NATIONAL PROPERTY CONSULTANCY Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has announced its first-ever dedicated office in Liverpool, further enhancing its existing regional footprint.

The new office, located at No 10 Princes Dock, Liverpool Waters, will accommodate the LSH Residential team – alongside other sector specialists – as the firm strengthens its presence in this growing market.

LSH, one of the UK’s largest property consultancies, operates 29 offices with over 1,000 employees. The firm provides a range of services to property owners, investors, and occupiers, including sourcing, planning, funding, advising, managing, valuing, and selling properties.

With a long-standing presence in Manchester, this first dedicated base in Liverpool will enhance LSH’s presence in the North West and will meet growing demand in the city, which is seen as an increasingly important market for the firm.

LSH joins a number of businesses at Princes Dock, including KPMG, Henry Bath, and Rider Levett Bucknall. New tenants within the last year include global gaming company Dev House UK, digital signing firm E-Sign, IT solutions provider IT Answers, and TikTok talent agency 15Talent.

PC&Co celebrates MDVS’s prestigious King’s

Award win

Organisation works to protect city’s most vulnerable families

PAUL CROWLEY & CO has congratulated Merseyside Domestic Violence Services (MDVS) on receiving the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). This lifetime award announced every year on the King’s birthday is the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary service groups.

Julie Jones from Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors, who is a trustee at MDVS, praised Jacqui Nasuh and CEO Ayla Nasuh, the founders of MDVS, for their exceptional dedication and impact in the community, highlighting their efforts in educating both victims and perpetrators to prevent domestic violence from continuing in future generations.

Julie says: “I first became involved with MDVS after meeting Jacqui and Ayla in 2018. I was impressed with the charity’s forward-thinking approach, including being the first organisation in Merseyside to introduce a specialist response for victims of stalking.

“It’s wonderful to see MDVS’s hard work and dedication being acknowledged by King Charles. This recognition can boost awareness, volunteer morale, and inspire more involvement. It can also lead to increased funding and support, helping MDVS enhance its services on Merseyside.”

The award will be presented to the MDVS team in March during International Women’s Week by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Richard Kemp CBE.

Dressing up for

Heather Marsh gets in the festive mood and shows you how to make your very own Christmas swag

WHEN IT COMES TO DECORATING the house for Christmas, I like to keep it fairly traditional and there’s nothing that gets me in the festive mood more than creating my own decorations. Christmas wreath and swag-making workshops have become big business and can be expensive. The good news is, making your own is much easier than you might think – and at a fraction of the cost! ’Tis the season to be jolly, so why not take some time for yourself? Invite a friend over, grab a warm festive drink, and give it a go!

Start by gathering a selection of natural materials, with your garden being the first place to look. Even at this time of year, there’s plenty to be found. Foraging in hedgerows and woodlands always brings interesting finds and is one of the most natural and sustainable ways to create your decorations. Just remember to forage responsibly!

What to gather? Well, anything goes really, but here are some staples…

First, you’ll need some classic festive foliage, such as fir, pine and spruce, which will form the bones of your swag. Christmas tree offcuts are perfect for this, so be sure to ask at your local garden centre or greengrocer. Other evergreens

Christmas swag

There’s nothing that gets me in the festive mood more than creating my own decorations.

Follow these simple steps to create your very own decoration

1. Start by arranging your foliage in a fan shape, beginning with a base layer of fir or conifer branches. If necessary, trim the branches to size. Place the longest branches in the centre, then arrange the shorter ones around them, radiating outward.

2. Next, layer the other foliage on top, such as bay and rosemary. They smell lovely and dry well too, making them perfect for salvaging from your swag and using in the kitchen once Christmas is all done.

3. Now, string together a few fir cones using twine. It can be a bit fiddly, but it’s worth it – two or three should do, and you can even add a light dusting of glitter for extra sparkle. For the little

like eucalyptus, bay and rosemary not only look good but are wonderfully aromatic. Ivy is always in plentiful supply and a staple of any festive arrangement but holly with berries on is some years harder to find. But not to worry, simply arrange other branches of red berried shrubs together with the bare holly branches. All cotoneaster varieties are suited for this, most of which are still laded with berries and are easily mixed into your swag arrangement. Even pyracantha can be used if you are careful with its thorns and wear gloves.

Bunches of rose hips make a lovely addition and provided you haven’t pruned your roses yet are still easy to be found, Rosa rugosa produces the biggest and best rose hips. Pine cones of all sizes strung together... children love hunting for these so get them involved.

Crab apples, especially red ones look effective but little apples of any kind, will do. Crystalise them and other festive fruits like figs plums and cherries using egg whites and caster sugar. Bundles of cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices not only look good but give a wonderful festive aroma to your arrangement.

apples, use a skewer to pierce them before securing them into place.

4. You’re on the home stretch now… Gather your foliage arrangement together, holding it firmly in one hand. Secure it with florist wire, twisting a small loop at the back for hanging your swag. To finish it off neatly, I covered the wire binding with black electrical tape. It’s similar to florist tape but more affordable, easier to find, and just as effective for the job.

5. Now for the pièce de résistance – the bow! This is a matter of personal choice; tartan ribbons, rustic hessian weaves, and even black-and-white stripes, as my daughter has chosen this year, are all popular options. But

for me, nothing beats the classic big red bow. I used a wide, soft silk ribbon, though wire-edged ribbons work well for more dramatic, complex bows. About a metre of ribbon should be enough. Wrap it around the base of the swag, covering the black tape, then begin tying the bow, adjusting it until you’re happy with the result. Finally, hang it up and step back to admire your work. Keep your secateurs nearby to trim any excess foliage – remember, less is more!

So, ta-da! There you have it – your very own homemade Christmas swag! I hope you enjoy making it, and that this becomes a tradition you’ll continue every year.

believe in being at the

Gemma Owen & Jamie Carragher head star-studded guest list at Applied Nutrition pop-up launch

The store showcases the brand’s popular range of products including pre-work out supplements, protein powders, protein waters and vitamins

The launch of Applied Nutrition’s first-ever pop-up store in Liverpool ONE on Friday (6 December) drew a star-studded list of celebrities from the worlds of fitness, sport, and television.

The exclusive opening event saw famous faces in attendance, including Love Island star Gemma Owen, Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson with her boyfriend, influencer Anthony Quinlan, Leicester City footballer Conor Coady, Liverpool FC legend Jamie Carragher and boxing champion Callum Smith.

The pop-up store, located in the heart of Liverpool ONE, brings together Applied Nutrition’s best-selling wellness and fitness products with fashion brand Yelir. From protein powders and pre-workout supplements to vitamins and protein waters, the store showcases the brand’s full range of premium products, which have already earned a loyal following among fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and celebrities alike.

The Liverpool ONE pop-up marks a significant milestone for Applied and offers fitness fans and healthconscious consumers the chance to experience the brand in an entirely new way – through handson product sampling, exclusive deals, and one-on-one advice from a specialist fitness team. The pop-up also presents an opportunity for visitors to meet their favourite celebrities and sports stars, with a series of exciting meet-andgreets planned over the coming weeks.

Thomas Yder, CEO of Applied Nutrition, says: “This is an important moment for us as we continue to expand our footprint, and we couldn’t think of a better way

to connect with our customers than by having them experience our products in person, with some of the biggest names in the industry right here with us.”

Applied’s pop-up store on Paradise Street will remain open until mid-January, offering exclusive deals, promotions, and limited-edition products that can’t be

“This is an important moment for us as we continue to expand our footprint.”

found anywhere else. There will also be product sampling and giveaways in the build-up to Christmas and the store also features a live DJ.

The pop-up store launch is the latest step in Applied Nutrition’s journey following its major business milestone earlier this year – floating on the London Stock Exchange. With increasing demand for its products worldwide, the company is continuing to build on its global success and expand its reach both online and in physical retail spaces.

What’s on...

Events not to be missed over the next four weeks

UK’s first public floating sauna opens at Princes Dock

Wyld Sauna features a 30-person sauna, ice baths, direct access to the water and heated showers

THE UK’S FIRST-EVER public floating sauna has opened in the heart of Liverpool Waters’ Princes Dock. Complete with a luxurious 30-person sauna, four ice baths, two cold waterfall showers, and four heated outdoor showers equipped with salt rubs, Wyld Sauna also offers direct access to the water for a refreshing post-sauna dip.

Billed as a “peaceful inner-city escape where guests can unwind and recharge”, Wyld Sauna also has coffee, acai bowls, grab-and-go salads, protein balls, juices and smoothies available from Liverpool health and wellbeing eatery Pomegranate.

Floating on water and crafted from thermal alder, the sauna is naturally antimicrobial, free from chemicals, and cool to the touch, ensuring both comfort and environmental friendliness. Wyld embraces Nordic traditions with sauna whisks, salt scrubs, and sauna hats from Finnmark, a brand synonymous with authentic sauna experiences

Inspired by Scandinavian simplicity and a deep respect for nature, Wyld upholds a ‘less is more’ philosophy and asks customers not to use soaps or artificial products within the facility. Instead, it provides an eco-friendly salt scrub for gentle cleansing, helping to maintain water cleanliness and support local biodiversity.

Guests are encouraged to utilise the facilities in their own way, whether that means making use of the ice baths, simply basking in the heat of the sauna, or enjoying the freedom to explore cold water swimming directly from Wyld’s pontoon into Princes Dock, which has proudly achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating from the Environment Agency for its water quality.

Lana Del Rey to perform at Anfield in

2025

The multi-platinum-selling superstar will take to the stage for one night at the home of Liverpool FC next summer

GRAMMY-NOMINATED SINGER LANA DEL REY will perform at Anfield stadium next year as part of her 2025 UK & Ireland summer tour.

The multi-platinum-selling superstar will take to the stage for one night at the home of Liverpool FC, on Saturday 28 June, 2025.

This announcement completes the line-up for LFC’s 2025 concert season, with Dua Lipa, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band also set to perform at Anfield next summer.

Anfield is now a destination of choice for leading acts across the world and in the past summer hosted more than 250,000 music fans across a memorable five nights, with a further six nights of shows scheduled for the summer of 2025.

Lana’s gig next summer won’t be the first time she has visited the famous home of LFC. In 2013, the pop star was at Anfield to witness the Reds register a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Cast, 02 Academy 21-22 December

One of the biggest success stories of the Britpop era, Cast’s latest album Love Is The Call earned the band their strongest chart positions and critical acclaim in 25 years, with frontman John Power once again showcasing his gift for crafting sparkling melodies and instantly addictive hooks.

14 Dec Rebecca Ferguson’s Christmas Night Out!, M&S Bank Arena

15 Dec The Jesus and Mary Chain, Content

18 Dec Community Carols in the Garden, Strawberry Field

21 Dec A Christmas Carol, St George’s Hall

1 Jan New Year’s Day Proms, Philharmonic Hall

Disney’s Aladdin, Liverpool Empire Until 5 January

Already seen by over 14 million people worldwide, this exuberant production, based on the 1992 animated film is filled with magic, comedy, breathtaking sets and dazzling costumes. It also features new music, alongside all the smash hit songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, ‘Friend Like Me’, ‘A Whole New World’, ‘One Jump Ahead’, ‘Prince Ali’ and ‘Arabian Nights’.