Liverpool birthday post
I didn’t want any big presents for my birthday this year. All I wanted was a nice night away from it all. Perhaps with a meal with some shopping thrown in. We looked at lots of alternatives but picked out Liverpool and I wasn’t disappointed.
I have been to Liverpool before; I have had a girly night with my sister and a family day out on another occasion. On the family one we did the cavern and there was a tribute artist and I loved it. I wondered if I would find it all samey but I definitely didn’t.
Rather than get the train, we decided to drive up. The only stop we made on the way was McDonald’s for brekkie. We got there for around midday. The hotel preferred car park was the Liverpool one Q car park. Our hotel was the Days Inn – we didn’t go
The room was fairly basic and the view on the main road wasn’t great but then if you looked to the right we were very close to the Albert Dock. That was the place we went straight too.
The Albert Dock
We went to the museum of Liverpool expecting to only have a quick visit as we have done it before, but we were wrong. They had a John and Yoko exhibition on the top floor, which I loved. I was never a big fan growing up as my mum had made me believe that she wrecked The Beatles; not too sure why I listened to her on this as I discounted almost everything else she has ever told me!!! Anyway this exhibition changed my opinion. Go see it if you haven’t already!!
After the museum we wandered around to the bit where The Tate Gallery is. There was a fairly new art installation just outside on the dockside, created by an artist called Ugo Rondinone. He created similar installations in Las Vegas and Miami. According to the visit Liverpool website it was launched as part of the Liverpool 2018 programme, Liverpool Mountain marks the 10th anniversary of Liverpool European Capital of Culture, the 20th anniversary of Liverpool Biennial and the 30th anniversary of Tate Liverpool.
Ugo Rondinone
Moving on around the dock, we were both hungry and thirsty so decided to call in to Revolution for a light bite and some cocktails. Honestly, the cocktails were delicious but so potent!!
Shopping
After lunch and in a slightly tipsy state we started shopping. We headed into Liverpool one and I love it. I managed to get a lovely pair of jeans and a jumper from Hollister. And we bought a few Christmas gifts. We stopped for a cheeky Caffe Nero for coffee before heading back for a shower and getting changed for the night.
By now it was throwing it down with rain and the wind had picked up – great!!
We literally did a quick turn around because I think if we stayed in for long, we just wouldn’t have gone out.
The night out
We headed back to the Albert Dock, but it was so busy and there was a really cute restaurant called Gusto, but it was an hour and a half wait for a table – next time Liverpool, next time!!
After heading for a quick walk around, we decided to head up to Liverpool.
After Bills, we went to the Bier Keller. Yep more cocktails and a bizarre place. In one big room, there was a man operating the decks and a disco, where a group of women randomly stood up and danced at their table but not all at the same time. On the side we sat on there was sports TVs on with random groups on men. There was a couple behind us literally snogging each other’s face off – you don’t see that this often these days but it was very funny. I hate watching UFC but got oddly fascinated by it whilst in here. Such an odd mix of people….it was a good night and we stayed out until around 10.50pm – which is late for me on these type of trips!! We dashed off as we wanted to pop to mini Tesco for snacks for the hotel.
Saturday 10 November
In the morning, we got up and had the breakfast that was included in the hotel booking. After checking out, we took our bags to the car so we were free to go back shopping. I mean I wouldn’t recommend the hotel for style and decor, but the staff were lovely and helpful and the location was spot on for The Albert Dock and Liverpool One. We stayed at the Days Inn on James Street.
There were shops that were not here last time I visited (including Nespresso). Nespresso had their Christmas variations in which was very exciting!!
Eddie bought me an Urban Decay Heat eye palette like this one and I love it.
For our lunch we decided to try Wahaca since there isn’t one near us. Just non-alcoholic cocktails today as we were driving back later. Lunch was delicious, we went for a standard sharing platter for two. I would definitely go back as I loved the vibe in the place too.
We did a bit more shopping and decided to head off around 3pm. We had a discounted ticket for the parking but it still shocked me a bit when it came to £19!!!
And that was it, home for the night. My actual birthday was on the Sunday and I got some lovely pressies from all of my family.
On my actual birthday, Eddie went off to do cross country and Chloe wasn’t home all day, so it did feel a little strange as birthdays go, but I suppose as the kids get older I am less likely to see them on birthdays etc……
On bit I have just remembered from the museum that did make me giggle was a board that was for dedications for the WW1 100 year anniversary. Right in the middle was this one
I must have looked pretty sick laughing at the “my name is Jeff” in the middle. Hopefully, it is meant to be light-hearted and not disrespectful! I took it as just a bit of fun!!
A fun weekend though, and I will definitely be going back xx
