Sidestreet Travel

I was fortunate enough to be in Liverpool for Eurovision 2023 this year. Besides London, I haven’t been anywhere else in the UK, so I had no expectations coming to the city. Of course, there were murmurings from peeps from the UK, but I was pleasantly surprised. The city was buzzing because of Eurovision. And Liverpool did such a great job as a host city. But it still felt that it was an inherently inviting, accessible, and friendly destination.

You can also see that Liverpool is undergoing significant change, which attests to the wide range of contemporary restaurant and bar selections. However, the city center still has its charming historic vibe, drawing in music lovers for the live music, inviting pubs, and laid-back atmosphere. And the dockland area has gracefully evolved from its humble industrial origins.

Here are my city highlights that are still worth the trip, even after the glitz and excitement of Eurovision has passed. 

Where to stay:

Innside by Melia Liverpool: Centrally located, the hotel is just minutes from the Liver Building and the harbour area. I walked into the city center from the hotel, about 20 minutes. The amenities are fantastic, with a rooftop bar, restaurant, and excellent fitness center. 

Coffee ☕

Bold St. Coffee – Around the corner from the Innside Melia is Bold St. I loved this cafe/co-working space. They can take care of all your coffee needs, whether you want espresso-based or a filter, and let them wow you. The bean selection is great if you want a souvenir for home. It’s also a perfect spot for breakfast or lunch. And you have to love their slogan, “Just brew it.” 

Mother Espresso – I loved this spacious cafe off the Bold St. strip. The cafe feels like a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Bold St and is a great spot to escape the heat in the summer. The coffee menu is extensive, which was a treat for me. Opt for a cold brew, nitro for something cool, or a V60 if you want it hot.

Where to eat 🍽️

Nord Restaurant – This is more than just a beautiful space. Reminiscent of the 50s and 60s glamour, plush velvet with a deep and rich colour palette; it does feel a bit Wes Anderson, yet thoughtful in its aesthetic and detail. The food is also on point. Try the fresh bread with kelp and truffle butter, monkfish, and beets. If you like orange wine, they have an excellent selection; I even got to try one from Japan. Lekker! 

Salt Tapas – A lovely little tapas bar in the city center. A good option if you have a group, but also good if you’re two. Make a reservation to ensure you get a spot—a great selection of cocktails (and even cuter glassware) and a decent selection of wine. I can’t pick a favourite tapa; they were all good. 

Gino D’Acampo Resturant – Casual Italian fare. It’s always a win when the restaurant in your hotel makes delicious food: the pasta, the pizza, the starters, and the desserts, all super tasty. And it’s a place where you can take your time and linger with each course and glass of wine. 

Barnacle – A casual fine dining restaurant with a refined and minimal aesthetic and approach to food. Nevertheless, the food is delicious. You can opt for two different menus (express or excellence). You can choose a four- or five-course menu for the excellence menu; whatever you do, try and end with the cheese plate. 

Maray (Bold St and Dockside) – The food is so good here! A great range of vegetarian and meat options. Inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, expect delicious and nourishing share plates. A few favourites are the disco cauliflower, baked halloumi, the full mezze, and the sweet potato fries. If you want to try wine from the middle east, this is your chance. 

Madre -You can expect popular Mexican dishes at Madre. They suggest ordering to share, which is a great way to sample their full menu. Tacos are a must, the avocado was an interesting twist and the Baja is always a favourite. A Pacifico is always a good way to wash down the tacos, but maybe opt for their mezcal margarita.

Cocktails 🍸

Gino D’Acampo 360 Skybar – For a stunning panoramic view of Liverpool, pop up to the sky bar for a cocktail, snacks, and to watch the sunset. The espresso martini was on point, frothy and creamy, a perfect pick-me-up. If you want something with zing, go for the spicy margarita. 

The Radisson Red Bar & Lounge: At first, I was a bit surprised, but upon entering the space, it’s modern with subtle jungle vibes and a great cocktail place. The bartenders know how to serve a delicious espresso martini but can also be playful and experimental. And the cocktails are good.