YM Liverpool September 2021

EE FR

N E WS | I N T E R I O R S | H O M E S | L I F E ST Y L E | FAS H I O N | GA R D E N I N G

www.ymliverpool.com SEPTEMBER 2021

John Power Scandi style interiors Moose Coffee launch Property in Focus

A true taste of Italy on Penny Lane

1

YM Liverpool

Introducing Buongiorno Deli

Modern new homes now on sale at East Float A new neighbourhood in the making on the left bank of the River Mersey.

Here’s what to expect: – Two, three, four and five bedroom homes available – Bright and spacious with picture windows and high ceilings – Waterfront views, pedestrianised streets and landscaped communal areas – Close to the natural beauty of the Wirral beaches and country parks – Great transport links to Liverpool and surrounding areas – Homes from £210,000

Sales Pavilion now open Book an appointment today: Call Megan on 0151 832 7700 or email eastfloat@housebyurbansplash.co.uk

Scan the QR code to find out more. housebyurbansplash.co.uk/east-float

Part of 2

YM Liverpool

29

issue #495

September

H

ello and welcome to the latest edition of Liverpool’s biggest free magazine.

First up we bring you our chat with John Power as he prepares to head out on a nationwide tour with his band Cast – celebrating 25 years(!) since the release of their acclaimed debut album All Change.

The Allerton-born singer-songwriter discusses The La’s, Britpop and why the new Cast record could be their last.

On the property front, we paid a visit to the exciting East Float development in Birkenhead to discover what potential customers can expect from Urban Splash’s innovative dockside homes.

Plus, in the first of a series of features shining the spotlight on local businesses, I went along to meet the owners of Penny Lane’s newly opened Italian deli, Buongiorno.

Sticking with food and drink, our reviewer spent an eventful afternoon checking out a new Albert Dock sports bar and Jon Atkinson from Liverpool wine merchants WineTime offers some ideal alternatives to New Zealand’s sought–after Sauvignon Blanc.

Elsewhere, we have the latest in children’s fashion courtesy of Kathryns clothing store and Annie S shares her key pieces for your autumn wardrobe.

Last but not least, our gardening guru Heather Marsh bangs the drum for a somewhat forgotten fruit and Andy Johnson recounts his recent voyage to save 20,000 VHS tapes from destruction in Dundee!

Enjoy!

14

19

4 16

24

20 LAWRENCE SAUNDERS Editor TERIOR NEWS | IN

YL S | LIFEST S | HOME

ON E | FAS H I

I | GARDEN

NG

FR

EE

rpool.com

www.ymlive

SEPTEMBER

Editor: Lawrence Saunders [editor@ymliverpool.com] Design: Marten Sealby

John Power interiors Scandi style launch Moose Coffee Focus Property in

ADVERTISING Sales: 0151 316 0210 [sales@ymliverpool.com] DISTRIBUTION Enquiries: 0151 316 0210

2021

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.

e A true tast of Itaely Lan Deli on Penny cing Buongiorno

ymliverpool.com

YMLiverpool

ym_liverpool

Introdu

1

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

Precision Publishing is committed to recycling.

YM Liverpool

©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

n w o t p U

k c Ro l l o R in own period After a lockd mits he was which he ad , r inspiration struggling fo s creativity John Power’ . ed once more rg e m -e re s a h -born singerThe Allerton mbarks on a songwriter e ter r with Cast la u to e id w n o nati n is working o this year and w material plenty of ne

’n’

beattie words tom

INTERVIEW

Has writing songs been a release for you during lockdown or have you been left feeling uninspired? There was all the frustration and anger at first of feeling like I’d been sent into early retirement [by the pandemic] but these last few months I’ve been finalising both a Cast album and a solo record. I love to hear myself within the song and for a long while I just kept looking at my guitar.

I wrote a song for Adidas which got me going again. I must say, though, prior to that I couldn’t be bothered getting involved. I didn’t feel it, I couldn’t feel that inspiration without that ritual of playing.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve recorded solo but I also love to be in the presence of people with my guitar.

The corruption of those in power, Brexit and the general shock of the pandemic we all felt meant I just didn’t feel like writing anything that would’ve felt best placed for that kind of moment – like a protest song.

Are you excited to get back out on the road after what’s been such an odd year for the music industry? I’m delighted to be getting back out there. It’s been a right drag for everyone who is involved in performing. Although we keep in touch, for many of us, we really only see each other when we’re gigging and rehearsing. I’m really looking forward to it. I get cabin fever like the rest of us and there’s only so many times you can clean the kitchen tops down before you want to get back out there. I don’t mind being the househusband as long as I get out and play gigs! All being well, we’ll put all the energy of the past couple of years into the performances.

The style and energy of fellow Liverpool singer-songwriter Jamie Webster has been likened to that of The La’s. Is that something you have noticed as well? I do hear it; a lot of people say it to me.

I remember when Jake Bugg came out it was similar where people would say, ‘I thought that was [The La’s]’. I think music rightfully is passed on. The baton is passed on. Whatever music you feel speaks to you, feels local to you, is something that is always an influence. Maybe it’s been that way for Jamie [Webster], I’d like to think it is!

There’s a certain cut to musicians from Liverpool, a certain feel. It gets expressed in different ways. We’re all not the same, whether it be The Coral, Cast or anyone, but there’s something there that binds us, sparks us up. Music is bigger than localities, fads and fashions, but it gets reinterpreted as well. It new was the same for us in The La’s.

Working on the new music, what has been your process? Does it differ between Cast and your solo stuff? At the moment I’m writing songs that reflect what we are longing for. What I wished for as a younger lad, and also my consideration of injustice, has never changed. I feel empowered again and turned on.

The songs might not be protest songs but there is certainly a lot in there about having that connection with people. That’s what the albums will be about, With this whether it’s Cast or solo.

But to tell you the truth, I never sit down Cast record, if I do it and think ‘I’m going to write this kind of song, right, I’ll never make that kind of song’. From day one, I’ve picked up my guitar and tried to find something another record again. which interests me. If I’m lucky enough to hit upon something interesting, then I go from If I get it right, it might there. But ultimately, I’m always trying to find be Cast’s full circle. something that stays in my head.

With this new Cast album, I feel I’ve got a direction and focus. I’ve got them demoed and know what I want them to be like. There are other songs that maybe won’t be on the album but that maybe means they’re more suited to my solo work.

And finally, you’re famously a big Liverpool fan, are you excited for the season ahead?

Last year was just a crazy year for us with Virgil van Dijk being injured and I think for a club that feeds so much off the crowd, the players looked like they’d done a stint in Vietnam. They looked shell-shocked towards the end of the season.

What do you hope to achieve with these new records? With this new Cast record, if I do it right, I’ll never make another record again.

Perhaps solo I will, but the Cast album goes back to where we started. That presence and focus is something I’m so determined to get to as an artist.

Uptown rock and roll – if I get it right, it might be Cast’s full circle.

Looking back at your days with The La’s and then Cast, how great was it to be part of a scene like that? When you think back to the era of Britpop, do you feel that was maybe the last great movement for music in some ways? The story starts with The La’s for me. At the time there were some bands like The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, but we didn’t know that many people in a collective ‘scene’.

The difference with Cast was that we did form part of the Britpop era.

[Britpop] captured the imagination and across the country, most kids felt part of it. They really supported their bands in a way that you don’t see as much nowadays. I feel you maybe wouldn’t get that anymore as people don’t follow bands as tribally.

There’s so much choice through downloading and streaming, whereas back then you built up a following through touring which brought so many people together.

It’s now become like a golden era, a mythical land almost. When Britpop ended, it felt like Cast were almost branded as that but I think people look back on it with real fondness. Young people still listen to The La’s and Cast, and I’m really proud of that.

And, on top, the players would’ve had to keep up the form of the two years before which was just setting the bar so high. This year, I’m feeling positive. There’s still a fantastic team there. The machine that is Manchester City is a threat but the past three or four seasons have all come with their own achievements. You’d be hard pressed to find better Liverpool sides than this, but I’m hoping we can rediscover that spark this year. I think we will!

Cast play O2 Academy Liverpool on Friday 14 January 2022, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album All Change YM Liverpool

5

NEWS

NORTH WALES SCHOOL NOMINATED FOR MAJOR TENNIS AWARD Myddelton College recognised for its work encouraging young people to take up sport MYDDELTON COLLEGE IN DENBIGH has been nominated for the prestigious Tennis Wales Education Award for re-introducing the game to the school through a top-class coaching programme.

It has been led by the award-winning John Whitehall of First Advantage Tennis, a former Wales tennis player from Old Colwyn.

Myddelton, which was the UK’s newest independent school when it opened in 2016, is a tennis academy – one of the few schools in the country which offers a tennis education as part of its curriculum.

John says: “The programme has really

taken off and we had up to 25 pupils turning up regularly for the after-school club before lockdown and the youngsters’ group was full within a couple of weeks so there have been as many as 70 children enjoying tennis every week.

“The school is very community-focused

CANADIAN FAST FOOD GIANT PLANS NEW SPEKE DRIVE-THRU Tim Hortons joins Aldi at mixed-use scheme in South Liverpool FOUNDED IN 1964 by former ice hockey player Tim Horton, the chain is best known for its coffee and doughnuts, as well a range of breakfast items and hot sandwiches.

Tim Hortons opened its first UK outlet in 2017 and now has more than 30 locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including a branch in Chester which launched at the end of July.

Outline proposals for a new Tim Hortons drive-thru were approved by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee last month as part of a wider application for the former tea factory site on the corner of Speke Road and Speke Hall Road.

The approved plans also include a new 14,337 sq ft Aldi supermarket, petrol station and employment unit.

Aldi says it has come up with a “bespoke

6

YM Liverpool

design” for a “key gateway site into Liverpool”, which includes a tower feature in metallic silver cladding – “creating prominence to the site and a focal point for customers”.

The supermarket chain adds that the new food store will “provide a modern shopping environment, offering a quality design and a crisp, clean look to the building”.

George Brown, property director for Aldi, confirmed during a presentation to the council’s planning committee that the drive-thru unit will be operated by Tim Hortons.

and its open access sessions have also gone very well.

“It’s a huge achievement to be nominated for this Tennis Wales award because they’ve literally gone from 0-70 in no time at all and were ready to start running school teams.

“It’s been a very tricky time with the pandemic, but the college had put systems in place to get people onto the courts safely and embraced the opportunity to involve the community as well.”

LIMITED

APARTMENTS REMAINING Luchon Villa is Redwing’s latest development of 20 one and two-bedroom apartments, available for sale through shared ownership. Just moments from Lark Lane and with Sefton Park on your doorstep, Luchon Villa puts you in easy reach of cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, the tranquility of the park, and the bustle of Liverpool City Centre. Luchon Villa’s luxury apartments are not just in an enviable location, all come with high quality fixtures and fittings. Reserve now for only £250!

Contact our sales team to book a viewing via:

Scan here to

sales@redwing.co.uk

download our digital brochure!

YM Liverpool 7

0151 703 3703

@WeAreRedwing

Moose Coffee launch at Plaza 1821

Residents at the waterfront development and guests of The Regenda Group, Redwing, The Learning Foundry and Moose Coffee celebrated a new partnership and opening of the latter’s latest restaurant

8

YM Liverpool

ATTENDEES ENJOYED VIEWS of Liverpool’s iconic Princes Dock, live saxophonist entertainment, and refreshments provided by Moose Coffee. The delicious treats on offer included eggs benedict profiterole, huevos rancheros (vegan) and of course, Moose Coffee’s classic dutch pancakes.

The family-owned business offers a range of American and Canadian inspired breakfast dishes throughout the day.

Moose Coffee’s new location at Plaza 1821 is its seventh branch to open in the UK, with neighbouring locations in Crosby, Liverpool city centre, as well as in Manchester and Leeds.

The restaurant’s interior has been fitted out in signature Moose Coffee style, with plush tan leather seating, classic antler inspired lighting and some striking artwork – including a moose in a spacesuit!

Moose Coffee is the latest feature to be added to a range of facilities at Plaza 1821, from contemporary furnished apartments to a dedicated lounge for residents.

The building is managed by Liverpool-based Redwing, a property agency specialising in sales, lettings and block management with over 50 years experience in city centre regeneration.

Moose Coffee is open 9am–5pm, 7 days a week at Plaza 1821, William Jessop Way, L3 1DZ

NEWS

“Don’t mind if I do!”

Dr Michael R. Birkett, group chief executive, The Regenda Group & Nick van Breemen, owner, Moose Coffee

Moose Coffee’s distinctive artwork

YM Liverpool

9

Stripe knit kimono

Brown zebra print oversized shacket £35, Pretty Little Thing

£59.99, Pretty Little Thing

Maternity oversized shirt £25, Pretty Little Thing

September style Build your autumn wardrobe with key pieces from Annie S’s latest edit

Long sleeve cropped shirt £22, Pretty Little Thing

Gold chain necklace

Black spot mini dress £49.99, Zara

£14.99, Zara

Khaki puffer £35, H&M Studio

10

YM Liverpool

FASHION

Cropped hoodie

Diamante earrings

£39.99, H&M Studio

Plisse tie front blouse

£14.99, Zara

Maternity midaxi dress

Black spot trench coat

£28, Pretty Little Thing

£15, Pretty Little Thing

£199, Zara

Longline pocket front jacket £35, Pretty Little Thing

Thigh-high cowboy boots £199, Toga Archives x H&M

Asymmetric wool jumper £69, Toga Archives x H&M

YM Liverpool

11

On-site at

East Float YM visited House by Urban Splash’s exciting new development at Wirral Waters for an in-depth chat with the firm’s director of development, Simon Humphreys words lawrence saunders FOR URBAN SPLASH, a company that made its name repurposing “Wirral Waters is helping to support the emerging view that Wirral unloved spaces throughout the North, taking on the challenge of should concentrate its development in and around Birkenhead, and transforming a forgotten piece of Wirral dockland into a thriving new reuse its many derelict sites. community made perfect sense.

“Wirral has many very special attributes which should make it Located within the multi-billion pound Wirral Waters regeneration attractive in the marketplace. The old strapline of the ‘Leisure Peninsula’ project, East Float will be a collection of around 350 modern homes still rings true with almost uninterrupted access to the coastline from – created in joint partnership between Birkenhead to Burton Marshes (and House by Urban Splash and Peel L&P through lockdown my family walked it all!).

Wirral Waters is helping with support from Homes England and “Focussing on brownfield development Wirral Council. to support the emerging view and improving connectivity within Much like Liverpool’s Ropewalks, an Birkenhead and to the wider Wirral and that Wirral should concentrate all it has to offer will provide the best area revitalised by Urban Splash, the Wirral Waters’ vision is to take unloved for people looking to settle and its development in and around outcomes and unused post-industrial land and remain here.” buildings, and repurpose them for a Wirral Waters is predominantly arranged Birkenhead, and reuse its viable future. around two very large working dock many derelict sites.

“Ropewalks used the tight grain of spaces – East Float and West Float. East the streetscape and the redevelopment Float is the main residential neighbourhood of the heritage buildings to turn the tide where Wirral Waters builds and West Float will provide space for business and industry. on the incredible dock basins and quayside, with the views into The whole dock system will remain operational once development and out of the site and the connections to the water, to transform,” work is completed, so residents can expect the regular sight of ships explains Simon Humphreys, director of development for Urban Splash. slipping past their front windows.

12

YM Liverpool

INTERVIEW

Built using a range of modern methods of construction (MMC’s), the first modular houses are set to arrive at East Float this month.

Town House and Row House house-types, which form the scheme’s first phase, are being built using closed panel timber frames at House by Urban Splash’s modular factory in Alfreton.

The panels are assembled into single-storey pods, with floors, ceiling and wall panels that then run down a fit-out line where windows, wall and floor finishes, bathrooms, kitchens, electrics and lighting are installed before delivery to East Float.

Each house is then assembled on-site from these pods – a two-storey home consists of two pods and a three-storey home of three.

Depending on accessibility and site conditions, Simon expects the team will be able to manage six to nine lifts per day (two or three three-storey homes), meaning the dockside plot will transform rather quickly.

Within each house-type there are a range of different internal layouts to choose from, as Simon explains.

“In Town House, for example, the main living and kitchen space

can be on the ground floor, linking with the terrace, or located on the top floor to get those great views of the River Mersey and Liverpool skyline on one side, and Bidston Hill and the Welsh hills on the other.

Each floor has three potential layouts to provide everything from a single open-plan space to family bathrooms, en suite bedrooms and even a whole floor master suite.

In order to provide opportunities for as many customers as possible, there will eventually be four distinct house-types available at East Float – Row House (available in two, two-and-a-half and three-storey types), Town House, the award-winning signature home design, and 2 apartment types named Mansion House and Corner House.

“We don’t want to duplicate and hopefully this will mean there is something for everybody at Wirral Waters. The best places encourage diversity rather than put up barriers,” says Simon.

Putting up barriers is not something Simon and Urban Splash wants to do at East Float.

The site will have significant public areas at either end, providing green and play space which in turn connects to quaysides that are open to all.

YM Liverpool

13

INTERVIEW

CONSIDERING A MOVE TO EAST FLOAT?

From Woodside Ferry Village to a drive-in cinema – here are some of the neighbourhood highlights

For more information about East Float or to make an appointment to visit the on-site sales pavilion, head to housebyurbansplash.co.uk

14

YM Liverpool

WOODSIDE FERRY VILLAGE Birkenhead is home to Woodside Ferry Village, a waterside food hall that proudly celebrates local independent eateries. It currently has eight food and drinks vendors for visitors to enjoy – including Low Slow & Dough (Mexican), Little Napoli (Italian), Bamboo Thai (Thai), HAKU (Japanese), Caffe Cream (ice cream and hot drinks), Scooby’s (American), PAUSHA (wine and cocktails) and Tipsy Duck (beers, spirits, and soft drinks).

GLEN AFFRIC BREWERY The Glen Affric Brewery is an awardwinning craft brewery that produces an eclectic range of beers for the modern palate. New releases include a mango session IPA, a piña colada pale ale, and a rhubarb and custard ale. The popular brewery offers indoor and outdoor seating too. Cheers to that!

WOODSIDE DRIVE-IN CINEMA Nearby your new home at East Float, Wirral Waters, you’ll find Woodside Drive-In Cinema. The outdoor cinema shows a good range of films from musicals like Grease, family favourites like Moana or (if you’re up to it) classic horrors including Silence of the Lambs.

THE SOCCER DOME If you have any football fanatics in your household, you’ll be pleased to find The Soccer Dome just down the street from your new East Float home. This sports complex offers coaching, holds a number of leagues, children’s parties, and walking football sessions.

WILLIAMSON ART GALLERY & MUSEUM Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Birkenhead, is one of Wirral’s hidden gems.

Here you’ll find masterpieces, ceramics, sculptures, and a Della Robbia Pottery collection.

TATE LIVERPOOL When you move to East Float, after a scenic ferry ride across the river, you’ll stumble upon a world-class art gallery.

Tate Liverpool is situated on the Royal Albert Dock. Entry remains free for everyone (with a charge for exhibitions).

IMAGES: JDAF, NEIL MARTIN

The aspiration is to create the right level of privacy and security for the new homeowners, without it being a gated community, and still open up the dockside to the wider community.

Aside from the ingenious construction methods being employed at East Float, and the flexibility of its housing offering, Simon is particularly proud of the development’s green credentials.

“The most recent IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report made it very clear that we all have a role to play in driving down emissions, and that we need to do that rather quickly to avoid catastrophic warming,” he says.

“To better understand what role House by Urban Splash can play in dramatically reducing emissions we have assessed our Town House to use as our benchmark or starting point.

“The outcome was a bit of a surprise. Whilst we are striving to make good decisions in this area all of the time, we know that the very act of making things uses both material and energy resources.

“What we can say is that Town House exceeds all current industry carbon reduction targets, is over 50% more energy efficient than a typical new build home and is close to being zero carbon ready.”

Embodied carbon emissions, those used in creating Town House in the first place, are also considerably lower than what is currently expected from the industry.

House by Urban Splash has achieved this through a combination of ‘high-performing envelopes’ with significant levels of insulation reducing the heating load, the use of air-source heat pumps to meet the hot water demand, and utilising responsibly sourced materials for the build.

And as the national grid increasingly decarbonises, with gas and coal-fired power stations going offline, House by Urban Splash has committed to powering all the homes with electricity – an increasingly sustainable source of energy.

Sustainability, flexibility and desirability – an exciting new neighbourhood is in the making on the Mersey’s Left Bank.

JD AERIAL FITNESS ACADEMY At JD Aerial Fitness Academy, you can get fit the fun way. The team here – who, collectively, have more than 15 years of professional performing experience – teach aerial arts to people of all ages and experience levels. They aim to boost health and well-being through creativity and work to help students use aerial fitness to reduce anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. The studio offers aerial hammock, silks and hoop classes, pole fitness, flexibility contortion classes, and children’s circus sessions.

LEADING INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL

EXPLORE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Visit myddeltoncollege.com to find our open events At Myddelton College we nurture a love for the outdoors and develop leaders for the 21st Century. Our leading Outdoor Adventure Education programme combines experiences beyond the classroom with an emphasis on mental wellbeing. Myddelton’s Elite Sports Academy provides specialist training alongside our diverse academic curriculum. This promotes a whole-child education which prepares students for university and beyond.

Find out more about how Myddelton College can prepare your child for a bright future. admissions@myddeltoncollege.com | 01745 472201 | myddeltoncollege.com | @myddeltoncollege

Heather Marsh looks at the humble pear and other fruits this season still has to offer

Pairing up!

AS SUMMER BEGINS TO CLOSE ITS DOORS and we start to notice that early morning nip in the air, it’s the bountiful crops of our hedgerows and fruit trees that will cheer us and lead us gently into autumn.

The ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’, as Keats so beautifully puts it, paints a picture of September perfectly.

Typically, it’s English fruits like apples, plums and blackberries which are most prevalent right now, but it’s the overlooked and humble pear that I’d like to bring your attention to.

One of my guilty pleasures while lying in bed is looking out of the small side window in our bedroom that neatly frames an old pear tree.

This solitary tree that grows in next door’s garden with its fellow companions long gone is the only reminder of the orchard which once flourished there.

Looking stunning each spring covered in white blossom and then heavy with fruit come the autumn, this aged tree still works diligently to earn its keep.

Yet with all its dutiful efforts, I still feel this gnarled old-timer doesn’t get the recognition it so definitely deserves. Its plentiful crop will go largely unnoticed with its fruit left as windfalls to the birds and wasps, or whoever can be bothered to pick them up.

Sadly these days the pear can hardly be described as a big favourite – even though when ripe its taste is sublime.

With this in mind, I’d like to try and revitalise the poor pear’s image and encourage us all to appreciate it just a bit more.

16

YM Liverpool

Comice pear

Broadly speaking there are two types of pear, dessert pears for eating fresh, and ‘cookers’, which as the name suggests, are for culinary use.

Comice pear If you are looking to grow an all-rounder, then the grand-sounding Doyenné du Comice, or Comice pear for short, is considered one of the best.

GARDENING

Years ago, a lovely friend of mine brought us this variety as a housewarming gift. She claimed it was the sweetest and juiciest of all pears, and she wasn’t wrong. This variety cooks well and is delicious poached if picked under-ripe, but also lovely to eat ripe if you can bear the wait.

Conference Pear The conference is one variety that is reliably self-fertile and doesn’t need a pollinator nearby, a very useful attribute if you only have room for one tree. A firm pear that can be eaten slightly under ripe if you like a crunch but is still soft and juicy when fully ripe. A pear’s flavour improves with time so pick them under ripe and you’ll have the option to eat fresh or cook, especially with this variety. I simply line several up on a sunny window, as leaving them in fruit bowls encourages the dreaded fruit fly and doesn’t do the job as well anyway.

RECIPE

Late Summer Chutney

Conference pear

Williams’ Bon Chrétien Known as a Bartlett in the United States, this variety is the most commonly grown pear. It is one of the oldest English types, grown a lot commercially as its trees, once matured, can grow to over six metres in height. A classic pear shape, this variety ripens from green to buttery yellow.

Known for its reliability, especially given it’s an early cropper, this pear is renowned for its smooth flesh and is ideally suited for poaching and preserving.

Blackberries

INGREDIENTS 2kg pears/apples

1tsp sea salt

500g white onions

4 cloves of garlic finely chopped

500g red onions

2tsp coarse grain mustard

500g blackberries 500g sultanas 500g tomatoes 200g chopped dates 1tsp chilli flakes 1tsp cinnamon

1 thumb sized piece of grated ginger 1kg soft brown sugar 625ml malt vinegar

METHOD 1. Finely chop the tomatoes and onions and place them into a large heavy-based saucepan. If you like a finer chutney, use a food processor.

Quince

If you are still undecided about pears but fancy growing something a bit different, consider a quince. Equally as stunning in spring covered in its ruby coloured blossom, the quince is a culinary delight.

This ancient fruit is believed to predate the apple and has been grown across Europe and Southeast Asia for hundreds of years. Golden yellow in colour, the quince is closely related to the apple and pear.

However, unlike an apple or pear, its flesh is hard and bitter and really cannot be eaten raw. Although once cooked, quince takes on a delicious flavour all of its own and also turns a deep rose colour. Very popular in Spain because of its high levels of pectin, quince is used to make the preserve known as Membrillo. Like jelly or chutney, the Spanish love eating this with cold meats and cheese. These little trees are straightforward to grow as long as they are planted in a sunny spot and are also very happy placed in pots or containers.

Blackberries are also in abundance right now, and with the kids back at school but summer not over yet, why not take them hunting for these plump little fruits.

Few late summer activities are as good as this, and what better way of introducing them to foraging. They will love it!

2. Add the peeled, cored and chopped apples/ pears, followed by the blackberries and dates.

3. Add the chilli flakes, sultanas, garlic, ginger, mustard and salt and pour over the vinegar. Bring to the boil over a gentle heat and simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. The mixture should now begin to thicken.

4. Add the sugar and stir to make sure it has all dissolved. Continue cooking for another hour.

5. Once the mixture has thickened, pour it carefully into sterilised hot jars, cover and seal.

Chutney is best left to mature for at least a couple of weeks and is delicious with cold meats and cheeses. Stored properly in a cool dark place its flavour improves with time, and if made now is perfect for, dare I say it, Christmas presents!

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

YM Liverpool

17

ADVERTORIAL

The newly-launched Wilson Club at Sedulo’s offices in Exchange Flags

Sedulo expands with acquisition of Liverpool business advisory stalwart Purchase of Wilson Henry makes group one of the largest advisory firms in the north

S

edulo Group, one of the UK’s leading business advisory companies, has announced the acquisition of Liverpool accountancy firm Wilson Henry.

Wilson Henry, which has been a staple of the city’s advisory community for more than 60 years, brings with it almost 30 team members from accountancy, audit, taxation and corporate finance backgrounds.

The business will continue to be led by the current management team of Hilene Henry (whose father founded the business in 1958), Peter Alcock and Michael Needham.

Sedulo’s acquisition follows a successful launch by the group in Liverpool, in which the firm transformed a space in Exchange Flags into worldclass offices that include an American diner, a hugely impressive bar area styled on The Ivy, and a Victorian rooftop terrace.

The official launch party was headlined by DJ and TV presenter Gok Wan and attended by the city’s business leaders alongside stars from Coronation Street and The Real Housewives of Cheshire.

18

YM Liverpool

Sedulo founder Paul Cheetham says: “We are delighted to have acquired Wilson Henry for our Liverpool offering.

Sedulo founder Paul Cheetham

“We never wanted to be one of those advisory firms that comes over the M62 and dips their toe in the market.

“We purposely signed a 10-year lease in the heart of the city and invested almost half a million pounds in developing the space into an innovative environment.

“Adding Wilson Henry now gives us almost 40 team members within our first 12 months of operation.

“Wilson Henry is a perfect fit for us, it is an already robust business and we can now add additional services to their client portfolio of funding, mortgages, financial planning and forensics.

“We look forward to working with Hilene, Peter and Michael and the team as a whole.”

Hilene Henry, managing partner of Wilson Henry LLP, adds: “After 60 years of operating independently, the partners are hugely excited by the opportunities afforded by being part of the Sedulo family.

“This represents a pivotal milestone in the Wilson Henry journey and is an excellent time for its clients, team members and stakeholders to capitalise on the opportunity the merger affords – it can only serve to enhance the client and team offering.”

FOOD

RECIPE of the month Chicken burgers with raspberry-honey sauce

PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutes COOKING TIME: 20 minutes Serves 4 INGREDIENTS • 2 x 305g packs Southern Fried Breaded Chicken Mini Fillets • 4 burger buns, split open • 2 tbsp Greek strained yogurt • 2 limes, juiced • ½ large pointed spring cabbage, shredded (about 175g prepared weight)

COOK’S TIP

• 2 tbsp clear honey • ½ tsp hot smoked paprika

For a quick dessert, blend the remaining raspberries with a little icing sugar and lemon juice. Serve over vanilla ice cream and top with toasted flaked almonds.

• 150g No.1 Speciality Raspberries • Sliced gherkins or pickled cucumbers, to serve

METHOD 1P reheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6. Cook the chicken according to pack instructions.

Add the burger buns to the oven for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

2M eanwhile, mix the yogurt and juice of 1 lime in a mixing bowl and toss through the cabbage with a pinch of salt; set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the honey, paprika and juice of the remaining lime. Add the raspberries and gently crush

with the back of a fork. Stir together and set aside.

3W hen the chicken and buns are cooked, arrange the bottom halves of the buns on a board.

Spoon over most of the raspberry-honey sauce, then

scatter over some of the sliced gherkins or pickled cucumbers.

Arrange the chicken on top, then pile on the cabbage.

Top with the burger lids and serve immediately with any remaining raspberry-honey sauce on the side.

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

YM Liverpool

19

Navy khaki hoodie

Baby threepiece set £120, BOSS

£85, BOSS

Navy khaki joggers £75, BOSS

The kids are all right

The latest in children’s fashion from some of the world’s biggest brands

Green colour block hoodie £71, Marc Jacobs

Reversible puffer jacket £136, Marc Jacobs

Hands bolt t-shirt £42, Neil Barrett

Multi zip pull over £85, DKNY

Red cross t-shirt £42, KENZO Kids

Pale blue elephant t-shirt £46, KENZO Kids

FASHION

Hooded puffer jacket £73, Billieblush

Pink hooded dress £61, Lapin House

Changing bag £189, BOSS

Glitter mountain boot £165, Monnalisa

Ivory jewels print dress

Powerpuff wool knit sweater

£190, Monnalisa

£139, Monnalisa

Logo socks £17, Marc Jacobs

Multicoloured trainers £106, Marc Jacobs

athryns

Snapshot bag dress £62, Marc Jacobs

BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH KATHRYNS | KATHRYNS.CO.UK @KATHRYNSDESIGNERKIDS | 635 PRESCOT ROAD, L13 5XA | 0151 601 7972

YM Liverpool

21

Tollgate Close, L25 • • • • • • • •

£599,950

Stunning Five Bedroom Detached House Highly Sought After Location Large Open Plan Kitchen/Diner Spacious Master With Walk-In Wardrobe/En Suite Utility Room & Downstairs WC Private Landscaped Rear Garden Fantastic School Catchment Area Freehold Property Built In 2016

Old Hall Street, L3 £170,000 • • • • • • • •

Park View, L23 £335,000 • • • • • • • •

Large Extended Semi Detached House Four Double Bedrooms Four Downstairs Reception Rooms Spacious Kitchen/Diner Large Private Rear Garden Ample Off Road Parking Downstairs WC Perfect For Families

Ground Floor Apartment Stunning Grade II Listed Building Located In the Heart Of The Business District 24 Hour Concierge Service No Ongoing Chain Close To Liverpool Waterfront Excellent Transport Links Modern Fitted Kitchen

Bramhall Road, L22 £110,000 • • • • • • • •

Spacious One Bedroom Apartment Private Parking Modern Fitted Kitchen Much Sought After Location Close To Local Amenities Excellent Transport Links Open Plan Living/Dining Room Large Bedroom

Unit 2, 10-14 Jamaica St, L1 0AF; 0151 705 7555 adamsuttonestates.com @adamsuttonestates

FOOD

Restaurant review

By Tom Beattie |

The Long Shot

Cocktails/Light lunches |

“Sim Señor, pass the ball to Bobby and he will score,” a chorus of previously reserved twenty-somethings sang on the table opposite my guest and I, as Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino extended his side’s lead against Norwich City in the opening game of the season.

The Reds were playing some 187 miles away in Norfolk that afternoon but this felt as close to being there, in and amongst the unique buzz of a matchday, with its familiar sense of pre-match jitters soon undercut by that wonderful feeling of communion that very little things bring to life, as the net rippled following Firmino’s second-half strike.

It’s been a tough 18 months for us all, particularly those amongst us who view following football as a social experience as much as simply a game. And so in many ways, despite being on reviewing duty, I felt determined to live in the moment as much as possible on my foray to the Albert Dock’s newest venue.

Stepping inside the grand setting, the new Long Shot sports bar looked every bit the part. Its walls adorned with cartoon drawings of local sporting legends including Duncan Ferguson, Robbie Fowler and more. Seated in direct view of one of the many screens which have been installed in the venue, my guest and I instantly remarked that the venue is the

££ |

Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, L3 4AD

type of place that the Albert Dock has been crying out for in recent years. Even with an enviable array of great places to wine and dine dotted about the colonnades, clearly there is a niche for a place like The Long Shot on the dockside.

The food menu is a mix of snacks including favourites such as cheesy nachos, spiced nuts and garlic bread, alongside gourmet sandwiches which ranged from an excellent sounding french dip, to a curiously named TBLT.

The Long Shot is the type of place the Albert Dock has been crying out for in recent years.

I opted for the Torta sandwich (£9) which came with al pastor pork, summer ‘slaw, jalapenos and avocado, while my guest plumped for a veggie option of the Bahn Mi (£9) accompanied by charred seitan, pickled veg, lettuce and a coriander lime mayo.

The service was quick and came just in time for the Reds’ opening goal of the season courtesy of Diogo Jota, so there was double delight at our table.

Never before on my reviews have I been served my food while arm-in-arm with my

guest and various individuals I had met only moments prior. However, in this case I’m sure I will be forgiven. It’s been a while!

As we settled ourselves down following our celebrations, we tucked into our food which was perfectly sized to leave one feeling satisfied yet suitably refreshed. Washed down with a pint of draught Heineken (£5) and with the Reds seemingly well on their way to victory by this point, it is safe to say that my guest and I were thoroughly enjoying ourselves.

With our meals finished by this point, we wanted to toast what had been a great first half from the Reds and each enjoyed a pint of Beavertown Gamma Ray IPA. If The Long Shot’s intention is to put a new spin on the sports bar, offering tasty, adventurous food alongside a homely, relaxed atmosphere, then it certainly has succeeded on that front.

As two more goals went in for Jurgen Klopp’s side, the mood in the bar only improved and by the final whistle those present were roundly heralding their heroes in red through song. On this showing, The Long Shot is a venue which clearly offers something unique for its surroundings and, by the end of our afternoon, my guest and I were in agreement that the bar looks set to be a hit with both locals and visitors to the city alike.

VIEW FOOD PHOTOS @YM_LIVERPOOL

YM Liverpool

23

Local SHOP

Buongiorno In the first of a series of features shining the spotlight on local businesses, YM pays Penny Lane’s newly opened Italian corner shop a visit HAVING WORKED IN COFFEE SHOPS and restaurants their entire adult lives, by 2018, Carmelo and Kristiina were ready for a change.

Carmelo, who hails from Palermo in Sicily, and Kristiina, originally from Estonia, sold their restaurant in St Albans and headed up north in search of a better quality of life.

The couple visited Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester and Leeds, before arriving here in Liverpool – a place they say “felt like home”.

Carmelo and Kristiina knew they wanted to start a business but first wanted to get to know the city better. To this end, Kristiina managed Rubens coffee shop at the Albert

24

YM Liverpool

Dock and Carmelo ran Bean There Coffee Shop on Smithdown Road.

During his stint at Bean There, Carmelo’s fondness for nearby Penny Lane grew and he had his eye on Buongiorno’s future premises when it was still a barbershop. Once Carmelo found out the space was set to become available, he and Kristiina moved quickly to secure the property for their new venture.

Carmelo and Kristiina wanted to open something smaller and more relaxed than their old restaurant – a place where they could work together and really get to know their customers.

Carmelo likens Buongiorno to a traditional salumeria or bottega which you will find in any Italian town or village – a local corner shop that stocks a wide selection of cured meats and cheeses, alongside kitchen cupboard staples like olive oil, pasta, flour and tinned tomatoes.

Fresh pasta will be in stock soon but Carmelo is keen to point out that, contrary to popular belief, most Italians don’t regularly make their own pasta. “Maybe their grandma will make it fresh, but they buy the dry stuff!” he says.

However, one classic Italian dish Buongiorno’s customers (maybe some

COMMUNITY

Deli Mossley Hill nonnas amongst them) have been making from scratch is pizza. ‘00’ flour, mozzarella, and Mutti brand sauce have been some of the store’s best-selling products – especially during lockdown.

But it’s the packed deli counter which is the heartbeat of Buongiorno.

Behind the glass there are meats many will be familiar with such as Salame Napoli, Salame Milano and Parma Ham, alongside some perhaps lesser-known options like ‘Nduja (spicy, spreadable sausage, spianata (flattened salami), guanciale (cured meat prepared from pork jowl or cheek) and bresaola (air-dried, salted beef).

“We try to stock products people maybe

haven’t tried before. Finocchiona (salami with fennel) has been one of the most popular items from the deli counter,” adds Carmelo.

Interestingly enough, Kristiina and Carmelo have found that many customers arrive at Buongiorno with significant knowledge of the store’s products – something Carmelo attributes in part to the popularity of YouTube cooking videos.

The deli also boasts a healthy craft beer and wine selection, and a small outdoor seating area where customers can sample these handpicked bottles with some nibbles.

Made to order sandwiches packed with delicious meats and cheeses from the deli counter will also be available soon.

“The best feedback is the customer coming back,” says Kristiina. “It’s been brilliant so far.

We’ve had lots of support.”

Although Kristiina admits it’s been somewhat of a challenge remembering every returning customer – particularly with the added challenge of face coverings.

“Now the restrictions have been relaxed we’re looking forward to getting to know everyone!”

You can find Buongiorno Deli at 121a Penny Lane, Liverpool, L18 1DF or on Instagram @buongiornoliverpool Deli opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10am– 5.30pm; Sun: 10am–4pm YM Liverpool

25

ADVERTORIAL

Do you need Financial Advice?

The idea that financial advice is only for hugely wealthy people making sophisticated investment decisions is a common misconception. In practice it can be beneficial throughout life, no matter how many zeros you have in your bank account!

W

hen it comes to the serious issues in life, most people depend on experts to help them make the right decisions-and planning the financial future of you and your family and business should be no different.

The following is just a brief list of the areas where you may benefit from Independent Financial Advice.

Buying a home or remortgaging

An Independent Mortgage Adviser can help you work out how much you can borrow, what the cost of the loan will be and the best term to put your mortgage over.

With all the changes over the last 18 months, an adviser will conduct research with consideration to furloughed income, part time income, benefit income, agency work, contracting etc, even bad credit and with a rise in the self-employed, only an Independent Mortgage Adviser can search the whole market for the most suitable lender and product for you, completely impartial.

Investing for your retirement, a rainy day, holidays, dream homes, or grandchildren, all need to be balanced with your attitude to risk and your financial objectives along with ensuring you don’t pay more tax than you need to, if at all.

Starting a business

An adviser can help put your new venture on a solid financial footing, whether that’s having the right business loan in place or ensuring your family finances are in good shape in case you struggle to get the business off the ground and ensuring you have the right type of insurance cover for any unforeseen circumstances to the business or employees.

Starting Investing

When you want to begin saving for the future, an adviser can help with working out what type of saving is right for you, ensuring you avoid any scams or get quick rich schemes. Saving doesn’t have to involve risk and having the right amount of cash emergency fund should be the priority.

YM Liverpool

Increasingly, we are expected to put by more money for old age and with personal and state pensions ages being extended, an adviser can help you build up enough tax-efficient savings and investments for later life and suggest efficient ways to access them.

And when In Retirement an Independent adviser can help manage your existing investments and savings to ensure they continue to give you the retirement you enjoy and help protect what you have built up over your working life and examine such things as Equity Release and implications of future ill health or potential care costs and needs.

Most of us want to be able to pass on our wealth to our families once we’ve gone; an adviser can help you plan to do that, considering potential tax liabilities your beneficiaries may be exposed to along with considering Wills, Gifts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Getting Divorced

If your life changes significantly, so will your financial position. An adviser can help you reorganise your finances to meet new commitments, as well as your new circumstances, along with any issues around pension benefits that may need to be shared.

Bereavement

When a loved one dies, finances quickly raise their head and there are likely to be considerable financial implications; an adviser can help you to resolve these issues, in dealing with any policies or plans that will need advice and having an impartial ear.

SPECTRUM INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES B1 Business Centre, 25 Goodlass Road, Liverpool L24 9HJ 0151 448 2777 / mail@spectrum-ifs.co.uk / spectrum-ifs.co.uk 26

Planning for Retirement

Leaving a legacy

Starting a family

An adviser can help you adjust to new circumstances, including showing you how to save money for your children’s future and taking out suitable protection, such as health and life insurance to ensure family members are not left financially burdened when they are young and vulnerable.

Wayne Slater, Principal Adviser, Spectrum Independent Financial Services

Sceptics may ask ‘What’s the point of financial planning? What’s the point of any planning? We’ve just lived through the most turbulent, changeable 18 months in any of our lifetimes.’

What the last year and a half illustrates is not that there’s no point to financial planning: rather the reverse – that it is more important than ever. Pandemic or no pandemic, house sales continue, we still must save for our retirement and – with a hefty bill for Covid to pay – the Government is still going to tax us on our savings, investments, and our final estate.

Don’t delay contacting us if you wish to review your financial planning needs.

Flexible rents that won’t leave a dent

Poet’s Place offers all the benefits of city centre living with none of the hassle – and monthly rental packages that are kind on your wallet.

With fully furnished studios, one- and two-bed apartments from as little as £450 per month call today to arrange a viewing or reserve your beautiful new home. They’re going fast!

Call 0800 008 7888 or email enquiries@carolettings.com Scan to view the apartments On-site parking / Parkland and waterfront views / Great local infrastructure / City Centre North location YM Liverpool

27

Natural

Scandinavian The simplicity of Scandi style uses natural materials, organic shapes and a soft palette to bring calm to open-plan spaces

28

YM Liverpool

HOME

TOP PICKS

Hiko Ceiling Light OF ALL THE LOOKS designed for the way we live today, the modern Nordic style is a dream for adding texture and interest to a minimalist aesthetic. It works with ease across all rooms and comes into its own in flexible layouts that switch between

bold accent. Blonde wood and fitted storage are found throughout but there is a more forgiving softness here with wovens, rattan and woven jute promising warmth and comfort.

Layering up the accessories will make this look your own and you

Carefully considered design details are at the heart of Natural Scandinavian style. Layering natural materials will add interest and draw on the appeal of nature within the home.

Sarah O’Sullivan, Partner & Designer, Home

dining and home office, living and guest bedroom.

At its heart are natural materials including pale wood, leather, jute and linen, and a focus on organic shapes, low-slung furniture, sculptural lighting and statement ceramics.

Warmth comes from pale shades of plaster and chalky earth tones, while hits of matt black provide

can afford to be bold. Look for interesting silhouettes and create families of mismatched lamps and ceramics that have a common profile or colour palette. A mini art collection can be effective in this scheme, using bold graphic abstracts or framed black-andwhite photos to tell your story.

Mix up the sizes and formats to keep that relaxed, organic mood.

£140

Soren Office Chair

Harlequin Takara Cushion

£399

£40

Incline Oak Sideboard £599

Ceramic Table Lamp £60

Rattan Folding Chair £99

BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM

YM Liverpool

29

ADVERTORIAL

Coronavirus testing is now an essential requirement before international travel

DAM Health embarks on worldwide expansion with roll-out of COVID-19 testing and prevention clinics Merseyside-based medical company recently launched 12 new test centres in Mexico

D

AM Health opened six of its new Mexico clinics in the popular Playa Med area, one in the tourist hotspot of Cancun, another in Playa del Carmen, two in Tulum, and another pair in the hotel area.

A further PCR testing centre has opened in the capital Mexico City, while the other five are located in the Santo Domingo district.

The firm is set to launch more clinics across Europe, with centres in Malta, Italy, Greece, Portugal and France all in the pipeline.

British people travelling abroad can expect to see a UK governmentapproved COVID-19 testing company in popular hotspots to use for peace of mind in getting home.

The company’s massive expansion comes as international travel continues to increase but concerns about new Covid variants remain.

DAM Health is also talking to officials in countries including India and Pakistan about supporting them with COVID-19 testing solutions.

Meanwhile, the private health firm has

sent supplies, testing equipment, sanitising products and financial aid across to India to help the country battle against the disease.

Professor Frank Joseph of DAM Health, says: “We’re really proud to be opening more clinics and taking our operations from the UK to Europe, Mexico and beyond.

“Mexico is a country that will massively benefit from our presence, not least given that people looking to travel to popular destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen can be safe in the knowledge that a trusted and reputable UK company will be on hand to provide PCR tests and ‘Fit to Fly’ certificates very quickly.

“Of course, tackling COVID-19 is a global effort and we are working hard to keep the virus under control in the UK, but it really is vital we support other nations too.

“We have committed to extending our charitable work in India by providing vital air conditioning equipment plus Covid-safe protective kits including masks and sanitisers, while also donating large sums to help fund ventilators in hospitals in the region.

“We’re also partnering with charitable initiatives back home too, including Football For Change, which is helping to get deprived young people back into education or employment.

“It is all part of our aim to operate at the highest standards, support this global battle and make sure those in need are looked after.”

Established in 2020 by Professor Frank Joseph to provide essential COVID-19 testing, DAM Health has grown to become an industry leader and currently employs 600 people worldwide.

Professor Frank Joseph is leading a global roll-out of COVID-19 testing clinics

FILM

VIDEODYSSEY’S

MOVIE M is s io n OF THE MONTH

A rather worse for wear Andy Johnson recounts his recent voyage to save 20,000 VHS tapes from destruction in Dundee

IMAGES: MAGDA JAKUBIK

Fear and Loathing in St Andrews

We were somewhere around Dumfries eating dessert when The Bug began to take hold. I remember saying something like “I feel light-headed... maybe you should drive...”

And suddenly there was a terrible roar all around us and the sky was full of what looked like huge videotapes with wings, all swooping and screeching and diving around the cabin of the lorry, which was going a hundred miles an hour towards St Andrews.

And a voice was screaming: “Holy Jesus! What are these goddamn animals?”

Curses ran across my mind and down the back of my spine. I shouldn’t have swallowed that bat soup in Dundee. It’s hard not to fixate on the origin of a virus once you feel it take over your body. So how did we get into this mess?

Most likely, it had all started when we’d stopped, at the behest of our press agent Raoul Duke, at a famous diner called The Horn. More to enjoy some casual innuendo than anything else.

The restaurant building looked like a giant cow pie that Desperate Dan had just plopped on the side of the road.

Most enticing. The owners are renowned for serving artery-busting butties with 14 different types of bacon. The wickedly morbid kind of threat to public safety that might be criminalised any moment by Nicola Sturgeon.

So get it while you can! This had fast become the motto of the mission. Dripping with grease and washed down with lashings of burntbiscuit brown breakfast tea. The sarnies filled the bellies of my crew and if it allowed us to lift 20,000 VHS tapes, then it would prove a lesser evil.

The crew was made up of the kind of band of misfits only usually found in a John Hughes movie. First, there was my attorney, a long-haired hippy named Fozzie Bear, so-called because of a preponderance to utter ‘Waka Waka’ every time he made a strident point or exerted himself physically. This was bound to get tiresome during the moving of ‘Tape Mountain’. But we shall endure.

Then there was Big Licks Molloy, a statuesque filmmaker who had suffered the dubious task of documenting our mammoth haul. Lastly, bringing up the rear we had Sgt Rickets, who got his name due simply to the fact that he had looked sick for as long as anybody could remember.

Raoul Duke, the former Doctor of Journalism, had sent word of our mission to save thousands of tapes from landfill, via a press release, to the world’s media, who, lacking another decent story, had decided to feature our adventures on every news bulletin that morning.

The press had beaten us to it. As we arrived at the three industrial units which housed this bizarre collection of film, the place was swarming with members of Her Majesty’s Fourth Estate.

There was a circle of vans with satellite dishes and big eyes wielding cameras, just waiting to snatch a frame of the weary weirdos who’d schlepped to the City of Discovery – just to save an unwanted pile of plastic from being dropped into a big hole in the countryside.

I stepped out of the cabin of the truck to be confronted by the sight of a tall serious looking badger in a pinstripe suit, standing next to a lizard carrying a boom mic.

Immediately I leapt back into the cabin and stared past my blood-shot eyeballs, beyond the light blue and yellow speckled iris and into the black void seeking answers.

Tapping unknown resources, I stepped out and gave them what I thought they wanted. So four hours later, they packed up and moved on to spin the yarn, while we tackled the heavy lifting and prepared to hit the road.

At the sight of the press pack, Sgt Rickets had proceeded to smoke himself into a catatonic stupor using a Dragon Ball Z bubble bath bottle, which was probably for the best, given the long and winding road ahead of us.

Nobody wants to hear that you’re coming down with the dreaded lurgy. Not with a heavy load, that must be transported 600 miles across international borders, back to Liverpool.

Has my sense of taste and smell vanished?

The frog in my throat won’t tell me. Still, losing my sense of smell ain’t so bad, especially with the smells emanating from Sgt Rickets. And the flies... feed the frog! Make the most of a bad situation I thought.

Just at that mental moment of triumph, a trio of Mini Coopers blazed a trail round the bend, weaving across both narrow lanes... and it was all I could do to pull the wheel and avoid a head-on collision.

As our lorry jackknifed through the reservation barriers and our precious cargo of films dangled over the precipice of oblivion. Was all to be lost? There was only one thing we could do. I cleared my throat and summoned the courage to try and salvage the situation.

‘Hang on a minute lads. Pass the paracetamol, I’ve got a great idea...’

Be kind, rewind!

Andy

INSTAGRAM.COM/VIDEODYSSEY | FACEBOOK.COM/VIDEODYSSEYARCADE VIDEODYSSEY/TOXTETH TV, WINDSOR ST, L8 1XE

YM Liverpool

31

Marlborough on my mind…

With supplies of New Zealand’s sought–after Sauvignon Blanc disappearing fast, Jon Atkinson from Liverpool wine merchants WineTime offers some ideal alternatives THE WINE DRINKING PUBLIC has had something of a love affair with Sauvignon Blanc for a while now. The ‘classic’ examples hail from the central vineyards of the Loire Valley, namely Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.

But Bordeaux also produces some excellent examples – albeit often featuring some Sémillon in the mix as well. More recently it is New Zealand and the Marlborough region in particular that has become synonymous with this variety. Marlborough is at the north end of the South Island and is very much the country’s pre-eminent wine region.

Although not the first to market, the legendary Cloudy Bay, whilst under the

32

YM Liverpool

stewardship of David Hohnen, was largely responsible for putting Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on the map. These days Cloudy Bay is owned by LVMH, the luxury goods specialist (and priced accordingly!) but there are plenty of excellent alternatives, or at least there were!

The UK is currently drinking up what’s left of the 2020 vintage and awaiting the arrival of the 2021. Unfortunately, this vintage in Marlborough was problematic to say the least and although the quality of what was produced is, by all accounts, excellent, there is precious little available. A heavy frost during budburst late in September was compounded

by low temperatures during flowering in the second half of November, resulting in a significantly reduced crop.

At times like this, it’s easy to forget that wine is different to most other drinks; with beers and spirits it’s pretty much a question of turning on the tap to produce more but wine is more complicated. Taking our current topic, Marlborough is a legally delineated region and only grapes grown within that region are entitled to use the name. The number of grapes grown will vary from one grower to another, but essentially there is a quantity versus quality trade off, and it is for each individual grower to decide what

WINE

Afrikan Ridge Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Afrikan Ridge is our own label range from South Africa – in my opinion the country best placed to fill the void created by the situation in Marlborough.

It is made for us by the excellent Bergsig Estate and the freshly landed ’21 vintage is showing brilliantly with lovely, fresh citrus and tropical fruit flavours balanced with vibrantly refreshing acidity. £6.95

La Forge Estate IGP Pays d’Oc Sauvignon Blanc 2020 This ‘New World’ styled example comes from the ever-dynamic Domaines Paul Mas in the Languedoc.

A small proportion of the wine was briefly aged in French oak Barriques, which brings a little extra to the party.

Expect aromas of gooseberry and asparagus with a herbaceous edge, a lovely weight and minerality plus a touch of smokiness. £10.75

COMMONS WIKIMEDIA

Botas de Barro Rueda Verdejo 2019

yield is acceptable. In the classic European wine regions, the maximum amount will be determined by the laws of the specific appellation in question, either way, there is only one harvest per year and when it’s gone…

So, what to opt for if/when the Marlborough Sauvignon runs out/prices itself out? Well, there are many viable alternatives and they don’t just include Sauvignon Blancs from other countries/ regions either. France is ‘home’ to this variety and there are plenty of good options from there, but Sauvignon is not particularly difficult to grow and there are excellent examples from a whole host of countries…

Although Spain is often deemed to be red wine territory, that perception is changing thanks to wines like this. Rueda is in the North West and is planted over 95% to white varieties with the indigenous Verdejo to the fore. This delicious white is made from 60-year-old bush vines and exudes pithy, crushed lime aromas with a refreshingly vibrant palate. £11.95

Colli Vicentini ‘Torre dei Vescovi’ Vicenza Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Italy might not be an immediately obvious source for Sauvignon, but it is surprisingly widely grown in the North East, with this example from Colli Vicentini co-operative in Vicenza. Typically European, this is slightly more restrained than its southern hemisphere counterparts with more green fruit character and a lovely mineral edge. £8.75

Alma Cersius ‘Rolle’ IGP Coteaux de Béziers Vermentino 2020 This increasingly popular variety is an excellent alternative to Sauvignon, being just as vibrant and zesty but a little less fruity. Historically, most French plantings were in Provence but this one was grown in the Languedoc. Fresh, crisp, dry and zesty with aromas of lemon sherbet, greengage and grapefruit, finishing dry and fresh. £10.95

Hear no Evil Adelaide Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2019 A lot of Australia is arguably too warm to grow really good Sauvignon, but Adelaide has garnered a deserved reputation.

Hear no Evil is made from organically grown fruit, ticks the ‘low sulphite’ box and promises no ‘monkey business’ in the winery! The addition of a small amount of Viognier really adds a touch of the exotic to the aromas. £14.95

TO CLICK & COLLECT ANY OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS OR TO VIEW THE REST OF OUR RANGE PLEASE VISIT WWW.WINETIMEWINES.CO.UK

YM Liverpool

33

YM LIVERPOOL CLASSIFIEDS • YM LIVERPOOL CLASSIFIEDS • YM LIVERPOOL CLASSIFIEDS • YM LIVERPOOL CLASSIFIEDS

VideOdyssey Studios Take a slice of the ‘UK’s last video shop’ home for the film fan in your life.

Mean Streets ’80s Casuals collab tee shirts, handmade baby Audrey II plants, tote bags and more.

Now available online: etsy.com/uk/shop/ VideOdyssey

VideOdyssey/Toxteth TV, Windsor St, L8 1XE instagram.com videodyssey youtube.com VideOdyssey facebook.com VideOdysseyArcade

PLATINUM WINDOW CLEANING SERVICES

• PVC & wooden framework • Fascias & gutters • Conservatories • Outbuildings • Commercial & Residential • One off/regular visits Tel: 07908 322797 Email: platinum.windows23@gmail.com

BRANDING & PRINT DESIGN _CORPORATE ID _MAGAZINES _BROCHURES _ANNUAL REPORTS _PROGRAMMES A responsive and creative approach to your business design requirements.

To discuss your next project, call Marten on 07789 743753

Prop & Property Stylist Interior & Decoration Stylist Set Designer

07985 230023

tgcozcan@gmail.com

@tugceozcanstyling | tugceozcanstyling.co.uk

NEWS

Legacie Developments has

RWINVEST JOINS FORCES WITH LEGACIE DEVELOPMENTS

partnered with RWinvest on the Parliament Square development

Partnership sees firms become powerhouses of North West property development sector A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TWO of the most prominent property-focused businesses in the North West is contributing to a boom in Liverpool’s growing residential investment sector.

International sales and lettings company RWinvest, which is headquartered in Liverpool, has joined forces with Legacie Developments on a number of major developments in the city including the prestigious Parliament Square scheme and the forthcoming Element The Quarter, located in the Knowledge Quarter.

Multi-award winning Legacie Developments, which is led by John

Morley, says the partnership is helping to put Liverpool on the international property investment map.

Mr Morley adds: “RWinvest is a company with huge reach across the world and is working with us to raise awareness of the multiple investment opportunities we have at our quality developments.

“We have secured national and international investors for Legacie Developments. It is a hugely successful partnership and we’re planning to extend it even further as the growth of our company continues.”

LIVERPOOL COMPANY KEEPS COUNTRY HAPPY BY IMPORTING 20 MILLION TEA BAGS Brunswick International brings in a 100-container shipment full of the UK’s favourite drink annually

Brunswick International ships 20 million tea bags into the region every year

A LIVERPOOL COMPANY is importing more than 20 million tea bags through North West docks every year.

Brunswick International brings in a 100-container shipment full of tea annually, before distributing the extraordinary quantity inside to locations across the United Kingdom.

The UK’s population sups an incredible 100 million brews every single day and the Hunts Cross firm is key to helping stores keep up with this huge demand.

Each year the warehouse and logistics company deals with around 20,000 containers

– making it one of the biggest import and export firms in the UK. Steve Crane, Brunswick International managing director, says: “We deal with more than 20,000 containers every year and at any time 100 of these will contain boxes of tea.

“Each container contains 2,000 boxes of tea, holding 100 tea bags, amounting to 20 million tea bags being shipped by us.

“The tea bags are just one part of a major operation we run out of the dockyards in Liverpool and Salford.

“We have an excellent customs facility and clear shipments – whether it comes via air or sea – at every port and airport in the UK, while our fleet of vehicles and 60,000 sq ft warehouse facilities means our operation has been able to grow hugely since the Brexit vote.”

Brunswick International has been a fixture of the UK shipping industry for more than two decades and has enjoyed a stellar track record during its time operating from Liverpool Docks before the expansion to Salford.

YM Liverpool

35

HOME

PROPERTY

in focus

Luxury apartment in sought-after city centre location From £950pcm

36

YM Liverpool

SITUATED INSIDE ‘THE EIGHT’, Iliad Home’s latest city centre development, this two-bedroom apartment boasts its own private balcony, 50" television and a full suite of quality kitchen appliances.

The two bedrooms, which enjoy plenty of natural light thanks to large windows dressed in contemporary floor to ceiling curtains, are fully furnished with fitted wardrobes, bedside cabinets and luxuriously thick carpet.

Alongside the high-end integrated appliances which include an oven, hob, microwave, fridge freezer, washer and dryer, the kitchen/dining space also comes complete with vast cupboard and stone worktop spaces.

With added residents’ benefits which include a grand reception area, 24-hour concierge, and an enviable location between the Ropewalks and the Baltic Triangle, it’s no surprise Iliad is billing The Eight as “the pinnacle of city centre living”.

The development, which is proving popular with professionals, young families and mature students, also offers parcel lockers, bike storage, electric car charging points and private parking.

For more information or book a viewing, call 0151 665 0110 or email lettings@iliadhomes.co.uk YM Liverpool

37

HOME

PROPERTY Striking plans for apartment scheme featuring 1km ‘green roof trail’ Almost 500 new flats could be built on site of the infilled Toxteth Dock PROPERTY DEVELOPER CARPENTER INVESTMENTS is behind the ambitious proposals which include a 1.075 km green roof trail – extending from street level to the highest point of the building – offering residents 360-degree views of the city and over the River Mersey.

One Brunswick is described in a recently submitted planning application as a “new landmark for the city” which reflects the former scale of the lost buildings and landmarks of the south docks such as the grain silo, the Brunswick Goods Yard, and the overhead railway.

It’s envisaged the mixed-use scheme will provide 478 apartments in a stepped format extending from the first floor rising up to four storeys on the ‘West Wing’, and to 15 on the ‘East Side’. A potential rooftop restaurant/gym would make up the 16th storey, with commercial units on the ground floor.

Each of the rental apartments, a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units, will have its own private outdoor balcony and space to work from home.

The application site is described as an “under-used car park area” situated between Brunswick Way and Summers Road in the former Toxteth Dock.

A document included with Carpenter’s planning application reads: “We hope Liverpool City Council will support this proposal as it represents one of the most exciting opportunities to transform the nature of city living with an array of apartments which support sustainable living, enjoying unparalleled views across both the city and the waterfront.

“We are providing a new housing typology with an integrated mixed live/work community with the emerging principles of the 15-minute city – the highest aspirations of sustainability.

“This scheme has been developed in response to the precise nature, location, and context of the site.

“Our building with its swooping dramatic silhouette is completely in tune with Liverpool’s historical and iconic heritage.”

Construction of 22-storey apartment building starts on Pall Mall THE PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR (PRS) SCHEME will feature 336 apartments – a mix of studio, one, and two-bedroom units.

Designed by Falconer Chester Hall and managed by Savills, construction firm GRAHAM says the 282,617 sq ft development will “complement the existing urban structure with a concrete frame and brick façade with punch windows”.

Alongside the apartments, there will also be retail space and a private garden terrace.

Peter Reavey, regional director at GRAHAM, says: “Pall Mall Press is a positive addition to the city of Liverpool that will deliver much-needed PRS housing. Located in a vibrant location, we hope that the scheme will pave the way for similar development locally.

“We’re delighted to be on board – it’s a beautiful scheme and we can’t wait to see how it comes together over the course of the construction programme.”

Quentin Keohane, director at Falconer Chester Hall, adds: “We are delighted to be working with GRAHAM and to see work begin on-site on Pall Mall Press.

“The site is key in continuing the regeneration of Pall Mall and linking the Pumpfields area of Liverpool to the city centre.”

Completion of the development is due in October 2023.

38

YM Liverpool

ONE BRUNSWICK IMAGES: © CARPENTER INVESTMENTS

GRAHAM has won the contract to build ‘Pall Mall Press’

YM Liverpool

39

REGAL ENTERTAINMENTS PRESENT

ST HELENS’ GIANT HALF TERM PANTOMIME!

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN IT ONLINE, BUT NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO SEE IT LIVE! DAME DOLLY TROTT

MARK TWO

Tickets b £13

MRS FLESHCREEP

JACK

CATHERINE TIMOTHY CUNNINGHAM LUCAS

PRINCESS JILL

OLIVIA SLOYAN

SIMPLE SIMON

FAIRY MARY

REECE JENNA SIAN SIBBALD O’HARA

Directed by Chantelle Nolan • Written by Reece Sibbald Choreographed by Nazene Landfield • Musical Director – Callum Clarke

THU 21 - SUN 31 OCTOBER 2021

BOX OFFICE: 01744 756 000 • STHELENSTHEATREROYAL.COM In person: St. Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens WA10 1LQ

40

YM Liverpool

/sthelenstheatreroyal

@theatreroyalsth

All prices include a £1 per seat transaction fee. On-line bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat on-line processing fee.