The Hidden Gems of Liverpool

Forget any ideas you may have had about Liverpool. The reality is as far from fake tans, scouse brows, big hair in rollers and silly stereotypes. Liverpool is much more than that! Over the last few years Liverpool has changed so much. The city centre and docks have been transformed, it was named European Capital of Culture in 2008, and the city is a great vibrant place to live, work and visit. There are countless of hidden gems in this city, so let's discover Liverpool's best hidden secrets. 

The Food

When in Liverpool, you have to eat like the Liverpudlians and get yourself a bowl of scouse, or Lobscouse as it's known. A dish that is like a stew made with either lamb or beef, with potatoes, carrots, onions and gravy. I am more than sure that this Liverpudlian delicacy has been passed down from generation to generation so you need to find the perfect location to get a bowl of scouse. But one of the joys of Liverpool is that there seems to be a new culinary adventure around every corner, meaning that there is something for everyone for every taste. There are plenty of places to eat around Albert Dock and in the city centre you really are spoiled for choice. With the hustle and bustle within Liverpool, hidden gems like Oh Me Oh My is the perfect place to eat and indulge in the culture. A delightful afternoon tea, a brunch and Bellini's or a hearty Sunday Roast this place is a must for any bucket list. You can take your visit further and enjoy great food with great company in their new, secret Goodness Gracious Roof Garden, who doesn't love a Roof Top lunch? Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill on Chapel Street has just had a radical make over, the restaurant now has a chic new look that pays homage to the rich industrial heritage of it's location on the site of the city’s cotton trade, this is probably a whole experience in itself. Another recommended place to eat is Panoramic 34 which is located on the 34th floor of Liverpool’s West Tower skyscraper. Of course, the views are simply unbeatable, but so is the food, and once you’ve got over the vertigo it’s pretty hard to resist finishing your evening with a delicious pastry and a martini. That's probably the best way to end a day. Are there any great place to eat you'd recommend?

Cocktails

Now I am girl who loves a cocktail, actually when I come to think of it, there is  no way I couldn't enjoy a drink if it didn't look, sound or taste pretty. And Liverpool is know to have some of the best nightlife spots in the UK. From bubbling and smoking masterpieces to simple and strong concoctions, there’s a cocktail for everyone. Enjoy a cocktail at Alma De Cuba in stunning surroundings. The Seel Street venue was previously a church and still proudly displays the altar. Now seeing as Cuba has a special place in my heart, this is certainly one hidden gem that needs to be discovered and if you feel like a little fresh air then walk over to another Cuban themed cocktail bar try Revolución de Cuba. Not forgetting in Liverpool ONE, Palm Sugar Lounge is one of the top spots in the city centre to grab a cocktail. The stylish bar is certainly a place to be seen and is popular with Liverpool’s elite and celebrities. So if you venture into here for some cocktails keep an eye out, but be cool, be cool! However if you're looking for a little spot to indulge cocktails that has a quieter atmosphere then head over to Berry and Rye a completely blacked out pre-prohibition bar on Berry Street, one of Liverpool best hidden gems for sure, actually there is no sign above the door and no indication that the bar even exists, so this secret bar is seriously exclusive.

Donuts, Macarons and more hidden treats

For all the foodies out there you'll find some of the most mouth watering places in the heart of Liverpool that are sure to be appealing to any sweet tooth. Little Macaron Shop which is home to not just any pastry chef, but the pastry chef who invented the ‘maclair’. Need I tempt you anymore. P&D Italian Deli offer customers a large selection of cafe favourite including Italian cakes, specialist beverages, light bites and paninis and pizzas. And that's not counting more than 20 varieties of homemade Italian ice cream. Yep, they had me at cakes! Baltic Bakehouse is a little place where you can get the best sourdough in town which takes at least 36 hours to make the perfect loaf, so indulge, do coffee and eat!

See & Do

One of Liverpool’s mosty stunning attractions, Albert Dock should be right at the top of any visitor’s list. Not only is the Dock a World Heritage Site waterfront, it also houses the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings. A walk around the quayside will take visitors passed little sweet stores,museums including Tate Liverpool (Liverpool has a total of seven museums) and The Beatles Story. For more Beatles, the Magical Mystery Tour leaves from the Albert Dock and takes fans to the famous sites of Strawberry Field and Penny Lane and ends at the Cavern Club. However for something a little different (and not Beatles related) why not try St John’s Beacon which isn't necessarily a hidden gem, standing 138 metres tall. It's the home of Liverpool’s premier radio station can be climbed seven days a week, and provides some of the best views of the city. How amazing would the view be from here? For those who seek more historical buildings don't forget that Liverpool has two stunning cathedrals, one Anglican, one Roman Catholic. But you’ll definitely want to add Liverpool Cathedral to your list. It’s Britain’s largest cathedral and a truly breath-taking place. If you can, book onto a tower tour and explore the highest vaults of the building.

Something a little different

Now that we have food, drink and some of the most known attractions how about something a little different. Step back in time, as you enter a converted Victorian police station at Furnival's Well, sipping on cocktails in the cells ‘til the early hours. This rustic cocktail lounge may be living in modern times, but maintains a Victorian heartbeat. I have to say that this place intrigues me the most, how cool would this place be? The Brink is a secret spot seriously worth finding. This revolutionary venue on Parr Street is Liverpool’s first dry bar and restaurant, with everything from desserts, pastries to edible flowers. They host live music, poetry, plays, performances, open mic evenings and even screen local football matches. For those who seek tranquil gardens and picturesque views then a visit to The Botancial Gin Gardens are an absolute must. 

As you can see from the amazing list of hidden gems within Liverpool, you have to book a trip, like now. Don't forget that if you're looking for other fun activities to do in Liverpool check out Groupon's latest deals on things to see and do in Liverpool.

*This is a collaborative post.