Liverpool

Although Liverpool was crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2008 and is also home to Europe’s oldest Chinatown, it’s probably safe to say that most visitors still have music on their mind. Rock'n'roll enthusiasts will have a field day here. Local lad Billy Fury, an early British rock’n’roller, paved the way for Merseyside acts such as the Cryin’ Shames, the Searchers, and the Swinging Blue Jeans. Beatlemaniacs have no shortage of attractions to explore, and can even embark on a Magical Mystery Tour. Fans of Echo & the Bunnymen, Teardrop Explodes/Julian Cope, Dead or Alive, OMD, and other Liverpudlian bands might get a kick out of visiting the former site of Eric’s, a club that operated from 1976 to 1980 at 9 Matthew Street (just across the street from the Cavern Club, the Beatles’ original stomping ground). If you take a ride on the Mersey Ferry, good luck getting that famous Gerry & the Pacemakers ditty out of your head.

Ade Blackburn of current Liverpudlian band Clinic gives you the lowdown on where to go and what to avoid in this historic port city.


Favourite record shop: Without question Probe Records (The Bluecoat, School Lane; 0151 708 8815). It's Liverpool's very miniature version of Amoeba [a large California record shop with locations in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Los Angeles]. A lot of history to the shop, in existence since 1971.

Favourite sight: Greenbank Park, a small park close to the famous Sefton Park. Great for fishing and watching ducks.

Favourite restaurant: The Egg Café (16-18 Newington, top floor; 0151 707 2755) in the city centre. Vegetarian restaurant, very cheap and with a bring-your-own-beer policy. Decent music as well.

Favourite bar: The Swan Inn (86 Wood Street; 0151 709 5281) in the city centre. A biker pub that's been around for years. It specializes in very strong real ales and has a jukebox that doesn't go beyond 1971!

Favourite venue: The Kazimier (4-5 Wolstenholme Square), opulent and tatty looking all at the same time. The best venue in Liverpool for unique bands. Also has some of the best wildly obscure themed parties.



1. Liverpool One: A disgraceful new shopping mall built as the “future” of Liverpool. In reality, it’s a concrete monstrosity full of the usual mainstream (non) fashion rubbish.

2. Albert Dock: Overpriced dockside venue for boutique shops, James Dean mirrors, and the Beatles museum.

3. Matthew Street on weekends: This street was where the original Cavern stood, but is now home to endless tacky bars playing Eurodisco. Also good for fist fights most Fridays and Saturdays.


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Mersey Ferry pic by Ken Davis.