It can’t be April already, surely this is some form of April Fools?
April, one day of merriment followed by a month of showers. Don’t let the promise of rain dampen your spirit, it’s the United Kingdom, you should be used to bad weather by now. We’ve comprised a list of things that you need to do this month, from food and drink festivals to drunken karaoke, there’s something for everyone.
Go To The Easter Food and Drink Festival
Once a year the best of Liverpool’s exciting food and drink scene come together as one in the summer but this time you don’t have to wait as long! The guys behind Food and Drink Festival are hosting a special Easter-inspired version and they’re imploring you to spend your weekend there indulging in the finest the city has to offer. The event is surrounded around family fun and there are egg hunts and activities that’ll keep the kids entertained whilst you head to the champagne lounge. We’ve managed to grab a very special 2-4-1 full weekend discount code which means you end up saving £9! After hearing about the champagne lounge we have an inkling where the savings might be going. Find out the code here.
Visit Somewhere New
April is well known for its showers so we’ve came up with a few new places to take shelter. It seems as if every day there is a new place opening up and to be frank, it is hard to keep up. All less than just a couple months old are Filter + Fox, a brilliant new coffee, cocktail and charcuterie space that has taken over Duke St Espresso. Next time you’re on Dale Street check out Delkery, a deli with a difference serving fresh sandwiches and delicious hot drinks aplenty. Also check out Epicured, a pocket sized family-run independent that specialise in meat, cheese and bread but not as you know it. If you’re around Smithdown check out Portland Street 358, a soon to be favourite amongst students and yummy mummy’s.
Sing On Karaoke
One drink too many and you could be providing Liverpool with a gut-wrenching rendition of “I’m Every Woman” and there are only a few establishments such actions would be completely encouraged. Miss Kitty’s, a new cocktail bar with an Asian persuasion have just opened up on Fleet Street. From the same guys behind Yardbird and Motel, you can expect elusive neon-lit statements and damn good drinks. The menu is inspired by the Far East and the dim sum is perfect finger snacks before grabbing a microphone. Tagged videos on Facebook just got interesting. Book tables here and like their Facebook here.
Go To Easter Food Slam
Camp and Furnace’s Friday Food Slams are legendary amongst the masses and they’re hosting a special Saturday version for little ‘uns. The Friday version is great if you’re a grown up and are allowed to stay up after 8pm and drink beer but pretty disappointing if you’re not. Expect cookie decorating, Easter films, mocktails, egg hunts, colouring comps, lots of glitter, glue and other sticky messy stuff plus of course the Camp and Furnace Food Slam stalls. In The Furnace 10.00am – 5.00pm and free entry. More details here.
Eat Five Courses of Puddings
LEAF are hosting a pudding club on the 28th of April that is bound to satisfy more than just your sweet tooth. Expect 5 courses of puddings that’ll leave you in the foetal position of your couch wailing out “it was worth it”. Considering they’re kinda tea enthusiasts it wouldn’t be a proper LEAF club without matching tea throughout. Don’t forget to save room for dessert. Book tickets here.
Go To A Simpsons Exhibition
An exhibition with a difference called “No Homers Club” coming to the Baltic Triangle promises to be a homer run. Near enough everyone has a memory of The Simpsons and local artists want to unite, celebrate and maybe sink a few Duffs in the process. The Simpsons has a cult following and they want to combine that with the world of local artists, local food and of course, local alcohol, the cause and solution of all life’s problems. It is on 17th April, starting from 6pm at Constellations, get your tickets here and find out more here.
Pitch Your Idea
Calling all young entrepreneurs! There’s an event on the 9th April that you won’t want to miss. Hosted at Williamson Tunnels, ‘The Social Experiment’ is where young people and big ideas will collide. What’s better than that, you’ll have the chance to pitch your business idea or social action for a chance to win £500 towards your project and a further £500 marketing package. There are beers, acoustic music and case studies of local entrepreneurs to inspire you even more. With so much talent in the youth of the city, this is an awesome opportunity to get your idea off the ground. Tickets are £10 but all money is reinvested back into the foundation to make it bigger and better. Get your tickets here.
Eat Pancakes
The pancake makers and shakers Interesting Eating Company have just opened up a pop-up shop in L1. Near the end of the last year Home, on School Lane, sadly closed but we’re proud to announce the building is getting new occupants. Expect pancakes stacked sky scraper high, scrumptious milkshakes and lots more. You can also use your Independent Liverpool card for 15% off.
Baltic Arts & Crafts Fair
The monthly fair returns with its handmade and homemade offering from local crafters at Constellations. On Sunday 5th April they’re inviting Sunday strollers, hand holders, dog walkers, treasure seekers, buyers and browsers to their spring event. From illustrators to cake makers and everything in between, head down, even if it just for the cream egg brownies from Albion Bakehouse. Check out the events page here.
Go To The Launch Of The Independent Map Co
The IDMC° are a collective of writers, photographers and illustrators who strive to highlight and celebrate independent businesses across the globe. They’ve spent a good few months devising an incredible map of independents throughout Liverpool and are unveiling it at Bold Street Coffee on Thursday 2nd April at 7:30pm for their gallery event and launch of the IDMC° Liverpool Map. Check out the event page here and get lost in their beautiful website.
Go See The Bombed Out Church’s Marquee
You must have had your head under a marquee if you hadn’t heard Bombed Out Church’s new spectacular news. They’re erecting a transparent marquee within the very walls of St. Luke’s and are hosting a whole range of events to celebrate this April. They’re holding their cards close to their chest on this one but we’ve been told we can expect a range of activities spanning from live DJ’s to craft fairs and everything in between. Find out more here and keep a tab on their Facebook to find out about the events as soon as they release them.
Play Bongo’s Bingo
It’s bingo, but not as you know it. Jonny Bongo is well known for hosting some of the most outrageous pub quizzes known to man and holds the record for the biggest pub quiz ever held. Hosted at Camp and Furnace, it will be on weekly starting from Thursday the 2nd of April onwards. Expect mid-rave intervals with glow sticks, drunken frivolity and catwalks on the large benches. Maybe leave your Nan at home for this one. More info here.
Spread The Easter Joy
Help children affected by homelessness and domestic violence this Easter. The amazing people behind Liverpool Homeless FC are doing an egg run for disadvantaged children this Easter and all you have to do is buy a chocolate egg and drop it off at one of the points on the poster. A small deed that will sure go a long way.
Celebrate Record Store Day
Before iPod’s, Nano’s and other tiny music devices there were giant, frisby-like and flying saucer looking things called Vinyl. In the 1980’s there were more than 2,200 record stores in the UK, but the advent of music downloads on the internet has seen shops close, shutters pulled down and owners re-train. Vinyl, however, is fighting back and whilst we encourage its popularity all year-round, there is one special Saturday each year that everyone comes together. World Record Store day is on 18th of April, head to Dig Vinyl on Bold Street, Probe Records at The Bluecoat or 3B Records on Slater Street.
Heebie Jeebie’s Easter Fair
This April sees the next instalment of Heebie Jeebies alternative Festivals on Easter Sunday 5th April from 2pm onwards. With 20 independent businesses involved in the day there really is no shortage of things to eat, watch, buy, listen to…. and most importantly drink. They are turning one of the bars into an Easter spectacular with an incredible choice of drinks on. This of course includes our now customary festival special…. Alcoholic Hot Chocolate! Easter is renowned for chocolate eggs, baby chicks…. and of course stilt walking, fire dancing bunny babbits…. well at least it is at the Heebie Jeebies Easter fair. Check out the page here.
Special thanks to the incredibly talented Al Disley for the featured image.