BACK TO LIFE, BACK TO REALITY.
The Fudges and Bounty’s lay together harmoniously in an inferior aftermath of a chocolaty massacre as well as the sudden realisation hitting you that it’s been a whole year since you didn’t follow through on your last year’s resolutions. Statistically, January is the most depressing month of the year and there’s a very good reason for that. We’re all festively plump, not ready to go back to work and our floors are covered in chocolate money tinfoil. Well, it isn’t all bad, we’re here to save you from the blues and let you know a few things to do and know this January to put a jolly smile back on your face in Liverpool.
VISIT A WINTER ALE FESTIVAL FESTIVAL
Dry January, how about try-anuary? Liverpool Organic Brewery are getting 2016 off to a bang with their beer festival hosted in the beautiful St. Georges Hall. It is on Thursday 28th till Saturday 30th so you can have a day in the foetal position Sunday. There will be 100+ breweries present from all over the UK so the tap should never run dry. There are evening and day sessions available and tickets are selling like, well, beer festival tickets. There’s even a Liverpool Gin lounge. Get your tickets here.
GO ON A GIN JOURNEY
2015 was largely fuelled by gin and why try break that habit? We’re all for resolutions but c’mon, the gin can stay. Fancy touring Liverpool through gin on a carriage? Well, you’re very specific fantasy has now come true and throughout the year experts will take you around Liverpool’s best bars to sample a variety of interesting gin cocktails. Tickets are selling fast, grab them here.
KEEP IT LOCAL CAMPAIGN
Lucha Libre are doing their annual campaign in an attempt to get people to shop local. The idea is simple, spend a minimum of £5 at an independent and present the receipt to the chaps at Lucha and you’ll be rewarded with 50% off street food. Whether you choose to save half the money or eat double the quantity is entirely up to you, we won’t judge. More info here.
CAT CAFE
Time spent with cats is never wasted. How many minutes of the day do you stare at pictures of cats? If the answer is “loads”, you’re our kinda people. The promise of felines and flat whites in one room should get you through January alone. Read the full story here.
THE CALEDONIA
The Caledonia is so much more than a pub to Liverpool and no matter the year or month, they’re consistently putting on an array of fantastic events that are usually free. From the Loose Moose String Band to the lesser-well known, grab yourself a pint and some spoons and go jam along. Details for all events are here.
LEARN TO SKETCH
The new year is a perfect time to pick up a new hobby. Instead of having your mind full, be mindful and take your brain away from the mountain of emails, snapchat stories and tweets. Led by award winning artist Josie Jenkins, this three hour workshop on the 31st January will give you the opportunity to learn or recap basic techniques to help you draw from observation, try different materials and express what you see through drawing, all in the inspiring surroundings of the Sefton Park Palm House. Tickets here.
VISIT THE WHITECHAPEL CENTRE’S CHARITY SHOP
The Whitechapel Centre is an incredible institution dedicated to helping the homeless of Liverpool. 2015 was an amazing year for them but painfully, their work has never been so important. They’ve just opened a charity shop at 28 Allerton Road and we recommend heading down with unwanted gifts or to buy something. All the money goes back into helping the homeless. It feels good to give back and those blues don’t stand a chance against kindness.
GO DIP YOUR EGGS
Who remembers the fun of dipping soldiers of toast into eggs as a child? Well, My Flat White, a new coffee shop on Fenwick Street are serving up dippy eggs with a huge side plate of nostalgia. It’s a brand new coffee shop run by a lovely couple in a quiet part of town away from the humdrum of the high street and it provides the perfect space to reflect on how much food you consumed at Christmas. Follow them on Twitter here.
GO PLAY BINGO
Did you lose your bingo virginity in 2015? Half of Liverpool seemed too. The outrageous bingo led by Jonny Bongo that is definitely not suitable for Nan’s is back with a bang. And by bang we mean a special guest. In the send-off to 2015 they managed to rope in The Cheeky Girls and on January 23rd, no other than The Hoff will be making a guest appearance. We’re not quite sure if we’re rooting for Speedo’s or not. Info here.
GO TO A JAZZ CLUB
The incredible Liverpool Jazz Club play a regular slot in the Everyman bistro on the first Wednesday of every month between 7.30pm and 11pm. The house band consists of Stan Williams (trumpet), John Padfield (sax, clarinet, flute), Andrew MacKenzie (trombone/vocal), David Fishel (piano), Grant Russell (bass) and Ed Hannaby (drums, vocal). Each session features a number of sets by the house band, followed by a free-for-all jam session! More info here.
Picture by John Middleton
GO WATCH COMEDY
Is there any better way to combat the blues than a night of laughter? We think not. Liverpool Comedy Central is located in the basement under the Blue Bar and Grill, located at the world famous Albert Dock. Comedy shows are hosted every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with guests entertained each night by a selection of four local, national and/or international comedians. For those looking for added value show tickets are 2-4-1 every Thursday night. More info here.
ABSEIL DOWN THE CATHEDRAL
Individuals, charities and businesses are invited to take on a 120 foot free fall drop from the Corona gallery above the main space in aid of the Cathedral Foundation. Nothing will make you feel more alive than doing that and it is a great cause for one of, if not the, most beautiful building in Liverpool. More info here.
RUN FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The Cancer Research UK Liverpool Winter Run challenges people to keep running through the winter by taking on a 10km run. The inaugural edition in 2015 saw 15,000 people run through Snow-Zones along an iconic London route. Defeating the elements, runners and spectators alike will see Liverpool at its best on an inspiring route taking place on closed roads past iconic landmarks like the Liver Building and Albert Dock. The course will be filled with some never seen before winter surprises that will entertain runners before, during and after their run. Tickets here.
FIESTA BOMBARDA AT THE PALM HOUSE
There’s no better way to shake off the January blues than to dance them off. The legendary Fiesta Bombarda are back for their first carnival of the year and where else than the absolutely stunning Sefton Park Palm House? Featuring the Balkan big-beat of Gypsy Hill, the electro-swing shenanigans of SWINGROWERS & much, much more. We’re in. Tickets here.
