Sidestreet Travel strives to showcase a slower, more immersive way to travel. The goal is to provide tips and recommendations that showcase the best local offerings of a place with local, independent, and unique experiences at the core. Travel is an exceptional opportunity to explore, learn, and expand your perspective.
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.
ESC Fan VillageSuperlambananaRoyal post box
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.”
Bold St. CoffeeBold St. CoffeeV60 at Bold St.Cold Brew at Mother EspressoMother Espresso
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.
Tacos at MadreDuck at Barnacle Beets, Monk fish, and kelp truffle butter at Nord. Sharing menu at Maray Bold St.
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.
When it comes to London, there is a lot of love for this city. And it is understandable, but it took me until my third trip to get the vibe. All of my trips have been work-related, but I’ve been able to squeeze in a few side activities. So, this post is an accumulation of my travels.
Where to stay: The Zedwell Picadilly Circus is a great accommodation if you want no frills but is comfortable, functional and well-priced. And the Shoreditch neighbourhood is a good blend of residential with bars, cafes, restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Transportation: Although the tube can be packed, it’s well connected and faster than by car. I recommend getting an Oyster card for accessible transit.
Coffee ☕
Old SpikeMonocle Cafe Hagen Espresso BarMonocle CafeAll Press Coffee
Old Spike – I love the vibe of this cozy little cafe in Picadilly Circus. You can grab it to go or linger, and people watch. The coffee is delicious, with a great selection from Central America and Africa. And they also roast their own beans, so take some as a souvenir. (Picadilly Circus).
All Press Espresso – I stumbled on this cafe and roastery (not on the premise) tucked away on a residential street in Shoreditch. Full of locals picking up their morning flat white, croissant or beans for the week. Stop in for a coffee and relax in the calming and cozy space. (Shoreditch).
Carhartt Coffee – I love the combination of cafe and retail space, precisely what this is. A winning combination, but the cafe team took it even further, making it feel like a local haunt. The barista was super friendly and made time for a chat: great local coffee and good company. (Near Coal’s Drop Yard).
Monocle Shop and Cafe – If you’re a lover of the magazine the Monocle, you’ll love this minimal refined Scandi-inspired cafe. Read one of the latest books while sipping your Cortado. Then pop over to the shop to pick up the magazine’s newest edition and peruse their bespoke homeware collection, books, gifts, and clothing.
Origin Coffee at the British Library – A short walk from St. Pancreas Station, this modern and cozy cafe is a nice alternative from the chains in the area. It’s also attached to the British Library, so if you’re a local it’s a nice place to get cozy and dive into your new book. Try a filter brew and taste their top notch locally roasted coffee.
Hagen Coffee – A Danish coffee concept brought to life in London. Bringing the hygge concept to the cafe, enjoy a slow coffee either at the standing bar or sitting down. Serving an excellent assortment of coffee from around the world, be sure to check this spot out.
Restaurants 🍽️
Ramen at Bone Daddies. Photo Credit: Sidestreet Travel
Bone Daddies Soho – This ramen spot serves up really fucking good ramen, and I loved the vibe in this location. Super chill and a bit grungy because of the Chinatown location. I also got the fried chicken and miso aubergine baos paired with the Two Tribes Metro Tokyo IPA. (Chinatown).
Lina’s Store – An Italian restaurant and deli great for sharing plates or individual meals. I recommend going with a few people to try various dishes. (Coal’s Drop Yard).
Dishroom – This is one of the top-rated Indian restaurants in London. The food is on point; expect them to keep the spice. Flavourful, rich, and filling. The cocktails are epic, so ask for the best pairings with your food. Expect a line or make reservations well in advance. (Shoreditch and Coal’s Drop Yard).
The Lighterman – This is a casual fine dining spot for a sit-down meal or just drinks. The fish and chips were super tasty and a slightly more upscale version of the standard fry on the streets. (Coal’s Drop Yard).
Borough Market – A classic London institution worth the visit. Go hungry and sample the assortment of street food.
Mushroom risotto – Borough MarketFish & chips – Borough MarketDinner – DishroomContemporary twist on fish and chips – The Lighterman
Beer & Cocktails
Spiritland King’s Cross – A is a mixed-use music space serving as a bar and cafe. Pop in for a glass of wine or coffee and relax with live music from the live DJ sets.
Spiritland. Photo Credit: Sidestreet Travel
Brewdog – A local brewery with an excellent selection of craft beers and a tasty menu. Multiple locations throughout the city.
Art 🎨🎥
180 the Strand – I highly recommend checking out this exhibition space. They offer an incredible range of digital and analog exhibitions and are at the forefront of bringing emerging talent into the art scene.
Tate Modern – There are so many museums to choose from, but this is a must-see if you are a modern art/architecture fan.
National History Museum – I was so excited about the dinosaur exhibits, which were so cool to see in person. There is a cheesy section with the T-Rex, but it’s fantastic in kids’ eyes. The museum is quite massive but a lot of fun if you’re a natural history buff. If the weather is nice, take a break in the courtyard for lunch or coffee.
Film Houses 🎞️
Picturehouse Central Cinema – You’ll find this cozy theatre in the heart of the Picadilly Circus. There are loads of restaurants and bars within walking distance, so you can always pit stop before you take in your film. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local arts and culture. I always try to take in a movie when travelling.
Local Recommendations 👄
While sipping the delicious coffee from Old Spike, the barista was kind enough to give me their local recommendations. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get to their list, but it’s on my hit list for next time. But it all looked so good, and it was a great selection of cocktails and various types of Asian cuisine.
Hongdae Pocha – Korean BBQ and street food. The recommendation is to try the soup and pancake. But I would go hungry and add the bbq too.
Ippudo – Is an international ramen chain with roots in Japan and a representation in some of the hottest food spots in the world. Go hungry and with friends so you can share.
Duck & Rice – A Chinese restaurant with modern vibes. Expect home cooking and comfort vibes in contemporary London aesthetics. But exploring the menu and sharing is the best way to experience the menu offering. Go for the duck.
Pho & Bao – This restaurant focuses on Vietnamese street food. The baos look succulent, and the pho looks warming and comforting. But deep dive into the menu, so many delicious options.
Soma – For cocktails, check out Soma for a restrained, modern aesthetic means you focus on the people and the cocktails. The cocktail scene in London is on another level, and Soma presents a selection of cocktails that makes you feel fancy AF.
Swift Soho: Swift comes across as a playful yet serious bar for cocktails. There are multiple locations in Soho, Shoreditch, and Borough.
For context, I was in Barcelona meeting with a friend to go to the Brunch in the Park music festival. If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona in the summer, make sure to check out this festival. There are multiple shows throughout the summer. Because of this, I stayed in the El Poble-Sec neighbourhood, within walking distance of the event. When I return, I will stay in El Born or El Raval.
Highlights:
Start your morning with coffee and breakfast in Sant Antoni.
Get lost in the Gothic Quarter.
Eat, drink, and shop in El Born.
And, of course, late-night pintxos (pinchos) and tapas in El Poble-Sec on Carrer de Blai.
Day 1:
News & Coffee – This reinvention of the kiosk breathes new life into this fundamental institution of any cityscape. By bringing together coffee and a curated selection of unique magazines, limited releases, and newspapers, N&C provides an updated experience for your morning coffee run and hunt for excellent quality reads.
Egg Lab – A hipster brunch spot that serves quality food and coffee. The coveted terrace is excellent for people-watching while being light and breezy. The portions are ample, and the coffee is on point. I recommend sampling a few items to do a tasting of the menu.
Mercilona – This adorable little shop in the Gothic Quarter has an assortment of hand painted art, postcards, gifts, and souvenirs. Consider a whimsical print for yourself as a reminder of your time in Barcelona.
La Manual Alpargatera – One of the oldest espadrille makers in the city, they are known for quality and price. A serious selection of styles will have you humming and hawing what will fit in your suitcase. The shop isn’t just popular with tourists; locals also don these delightful shoes.
Musee Picasso – A must-see on your museum tour in Barcelona. The sketches were another perspective of the artist I had yet to see. The provocative nudes are beautiful and erotic. The interpretation of the Princess painting series and the pigeons were my favourite. Make sure to enjoy the space as a whole.
Day 2: My trip was based on attending the daytime music festival Brunch in the Park. So the morning was chill with breakfast and coffee at The Federal Café. Of course, you must stop for tapas, pinxtos, and wine to round out the evening.
The Federal Cafe – Nestled in a leafy pedestrian area in Sant Antoni, this was my favourite cafe for its atmosphere and vibes. In the early morning, it’s quiet and reflective, especially in the window seats. They also serve excellent coffee and breakfast. Watch the locals go by as your sip your flat white.
Blai 9 – Pinxtos, taps, and wine. Stop by this spot if you’re hungry and want to share. They have good quality pinxtos with a bustling vibe, yet cozy and friendly. If you’re by yourself, sit at the bar. Highlights include a pancake with an omelette, a pancake with smoked salmon, a quesadilla, and many more. It’s okay if you find yourself ordering multiple rounds.
Brunch in the Park:
Day 3:
Exploring the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood. Barcelona is beautiful on foot, allowing you to see the city’s hidden gems on the sidestreets. Indeed planning a trip to see the Gaudi wonders is part and parcel of a trip to Barcelona. However, this time I could not go inside the Sagrada Familia or the Park Güell. We did, however, walk through the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood, which is quite beautiful once you’re away from the crowds of tourists. Walk through the Gracia neighbourhood, and if you have time, walk to El Raval and the Gothic or take the metro.
Soulac-sur-Mer is a charming seaside town in France that stole a piece of my heart. A little over two hours on the train from Bordeaux, you escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is a short drive from the train station, and the town center is compact, with a lovely mix of busy main streets and quieter side streets. The town is packed in the summer, but to my delight, it was primarily French tourists. It didn’t feel inundated with foreigners, which is part of the charm. The beach stretches on for kilometers. You can choose from lively, quintessential main beach vibes or stroll to the dunes for seclusion and quiet.
Main street in Soulac.
For accommodation, there are quite a few options. I stayed in a super cozy bnb about 10min cycling from the city center. My options were limited because most places were already booked, but I got lucky. I recommend renting a bike to get around the city. You can also use it to explore outside the city and the neighbouring towns. The cycling paths are paved, and it’s a beautiful ride through the forest. I truly felt disconnected in the best possible way. The simplicity of everything also was a nice change of pace. If you’re looking for a place to rest and recharge while still imbibing from time to time, you should consider Soulac.
Food & Drink Recommendations:
Everything you need at the local market. Breakfast at Mojo. Local beer at Cabana 8. Market selects and wine from MSS.Vintage across from MSS. Wine from MSS.
Mojo – If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast spot and excellent coffee, stop here. They also have great lunch options. ☕
Artisan Food Market– A lovely market hall with everything to satiate your foodie desires. You can find the market between the rue de la Plage and the rue Trouche. 🥐
Cabana 8 – A tasty mix of Spanish and Latin American food. They also have a great selection of local beers and delicious cocktails. Grab a seat on the terrace to people watch with your bevy. 🍹
Montreal sur-Mer – Quickly becoming a staple in town. Don’t forget to pop by this lovely shop for a loaf of fresh sourdough and a bottle of superb natural wine. Read more about this incredible shop here. 🍷
Experiencing Soulac
Surfs Up – I cycled about 30 min outside of the town to a surf shop called Ulmo Surf School. The ride to the beach is super nice, pack a lunch and lots of water. You can rent gear or enroll in lessons. The surf spot is fairly protected and the beach is super chill. 🏄♀️
Ulmo Surf School.
Bike Rental – Explore the surrounding areas around Soulac and don’t forget the forest bike paths and dunes.🚴♀️
What do sourdough, natural wine, and coffee have to do with each other? They all happily co-exist at the bakery-cum-shop of Montreal sur-Mer in the tiny coastal town of Soulac sur-Mer, France. Although I have a knack for stumbling upon these little delights, the connection here is personal. Chanelle, the owner and creator of MSS (with her partner Mel), is the twin sister of a dear friend of mine.
There’s something you need to know about Chanelle; she is a whirlwind of energy, curiosity, and determination. She has travelled and lived in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and France. Through these travels, she has had marvelous experiences, such as picking grapes in France and cooking for the workers at a vineyard. While in Melbourne, she trained as a barista and worked on a farm in New Zealand. While in Paris, she worked at the café and roastery Ten Bells. This café would become an essential part of Chan’s journey. And her first exposure to sourdough baking started at Circus Bakery in Paris. You can see how coffee, bread, and wine come together in perfect synchronization.
The starter
So, how did it all start? An opportunity to move from the hustle and bustle of Paris to the cozy and charming town of Soulac created the much-needed space to realize a new way of life. As Chan described it, “there were no coffee shops, nothing I’m used to in the city. The question was: Do I look for a job or create one?” During the pandemic, she had been dabbling with breadmaking and wanted to give it a real go.
Chan’s Motto is “I’m always learning.”
Wise words to live by.
Chan hard at work preparing her dough. Not to mention the fresh loaves of the day.
COVID lessons
During a break in lockdown when it was possible to travel, Chan returned to Vancouver, Canada, to see her sister. Through connections, she was able to observe breadmaking at Fraser Ubuntu Canteen. This ignited her curiosity even more about breadmaking. She reached out to friends asking about fermentation, bread, and flour. Then the opportunity to purchase a small oven from a friend came knocking.
The slice is right
So, the bread concept was working. Chan had converted her little studio into a bakery and made bread for a local restaurant of a friend in Soulac. The idea of creating a shop to sell bread and all her other favourite things (coffee, wine, beer, and handmade quality goods) started to take root.
Wine not?
As a lover of wine, it was integral to the shop concept. Again, reaching through her network, Chan started to inquire about sourcing wine. It’s important to note that it’s rare to go directly to the winemakers, but Chan did. Most people go through agencies to taste, see the soil, see the place and meet the makers. However, Chan started reaching out to winemakers she had previously worked with, and they were super responsive (of course). She created an opportunity to showcase incredible local wines to an audience thirsty for something unique and special.
Chan inspecting her wine selection. Wine for sale in the shop.
The awakening
How do you want to spend your life? Reflecting on this question, Chan explained her a-hah moment, “The past few years have been an awakening. I didn’t know what to do or what my passion was. How can I create my own little life? And that’s when passion and curiosity converged, and she began looking at potential locations for a shop.”
A critical juncture
During a two-week stint at Ten Bells during COVID, she was confronted with a critical moment. Alice, the owner of Ten Bells, asked her what’s your plan. This question stuck with her as she came back to Soulac. They had found a location for their shop but was this the right move? Soulac is seasonal, and the space owner didn’t want to rent for the whole year. It would be more profitable to rent seasonally. That didn’t stop them.
To bring this dream to life, they needed a little help. If it’s still not apparent, Chanelle and Melissa have an extensive network of people worldwide. The power is in numbers, and they reached out to this network to ask for help bringing this idea to life. Using crowdfunding to raise 18,000 Euros, Chan put out the ask with trepidation, but the response was unreal. To challenge herself to meet her goal, she said, “You don’t get the money if you don’t make the goal.”
Dreams do come true
Not only did they meet their goal, they surpassed it quite significantly, and on May 13th, 2021, the La Acesion holiday in France, Montreal-sur-Mer opened. To show their gratitude to the donors of the campaign, Mel wrote the donors names on the show window. (H)
Chan & Mel in front of their shop. The names of their donors.
What’s next?
As the business continues to scale, selling out of bread every day. Every time you visit, expect to hear all the incredible stories connected to each product they sell. Chan envisions a collaborative baking future where she can invite bakers to share their knowledge about other ways of baking. And to continue learning, accepting that you’re always learning.
So, if you find yourself in Soulac-sur-Mer, make sure you stop by Montreal-sur-Mer to say hello to Chan and Melissa. And don’t forget to grab a fresh loaf of bread and a bottle of wine (or two).
Beer and other provisions available at the shop. Group photo ❤
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About Me
I always start my trips at a cafe, well known for it’s filter coffee or flat whites, followed up with a quick chat with the baristas on their favourite spots in the city. And getting lost in the sidestreets has always yielded the most interesting things.
Sidestreet Travel 