Christopher Megrath

Slaidburn, a historic village in Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland, is presented as a peaceful destination with limited mobile reception, traditional stone buildings and surrounding countryside. Its attractions include the 15th-century Gothic St Andrew’s Church, a historic churchyard and war memorial, the Riverbank tearoom, and the Grade II listed Hark to Bounty Inn, a 16th-century pub currently closed. The village also offers opportunities for walking and cycling.

Parnells Sports Bar on South Road in Waterloo has closed after 17 years and is being transformed into a new Irish bar called McGreavy's. The former owners cited the need for something fresh and different after years of success and the continuing impact of the pandemic on hospitality. McGreavy's has begun renovation work, but an opening date has not yet been announced.

Liverpool Echo readers selected The Jawbone Tavern in Bootle as Merseyside’s best pub. The 200-year-old venue, formerly associated with Liverpool footballer Jock McNab, was praised for its history and recent transformation into a sports bar. The Bridewell in Liverpool city centre placed second, while The Bowling Green Inn in St Helens came third; other pubs across the region also received substantial support.

Liverpool and surrounding areas face additional traffic delays and road closures because of roadworks and music festivals. Restrictions are in place in Bootle for the Salt and Tar festival and around Sefton Park for Cream’s In the Park, with diversions, limited resident and business access, parking arrangements and shuttle-bus routes. Ongoing works on Rice Lane and Queens Drive are also causing significant congestion, while some Liverpool City Council projects have drawn complaints over planning, consultation and working hours.

A replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship, the Nao Santa María, is docked at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock until August 25 as part of its 2026 European tour. Visitors can board the ship between 10am and 8pm, but are advised to take care on its steep stairs and ladders, watch for small objects and respect restricted areas. The vessel was built in Huelva, Spain, by the Nao Victoria Foundation and functions as a floating museum highlighting maritime history and the era of European oceanic exploration.

The solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will cover approximately 90–96% of the Sun across the UK and Ireland, with viewing in Liverpool expected from 6:13pm to 8:03pm and maximum coverage at 7:10pm. Recommended locations around Merseyside include Billinge Hill, Everton Brow, Bidston Hill, local beaches, parks and rooftop venues, while The Bus Yard in Crosby is hosting a special event. Jodrell Bank in Cheshire will offer guided solar observation sessions, weather permitting. Viewers are advised to use certified eclipse glasses, solar filters or indirect viewing methods and never look directly at the Sun.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Belgium will close completely from August 15 to October 31, 2028, for a €50 million overhaul of its 40-year-old runway and related infrastructure. The 11-week closure is expected to affect more than two million passengers, with an estimated 7,300 Ryanair flights and over 500 Wizz Air flights disrupted. Ryanair, which operates more than 80% of the airport’s traffic, is expected to bear the greatest impact, while other carriers including Pegasus Airlines, Air Corsica and Volotea will also be affected.

Under UK261, airlines must provide delayed passengers with appropriate food and drink, communication access, and overnight accommodation and transport when applicable, regardless of the cause of the delay. Eligibility depends on the flight distance and delay duration. Passengers may arrange reasonable care themselves and reclaim documented costs if the airline fails to help. Additional compensation may be available for arrivals more than three hours late, while delays exceeding five hours allow passengers to seek a refund, subject to extraordinary-circumstances exemptions.

The RAC has warned UK motorists that Category 4 sunglasses, which can block up to 97% of visible light, may impair vision and be illegal to use while driving. Under Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers whose vision falls below the required standard can receive a fine and three penalty points, with potentially more serious charges if impaired vision contributes to an accident. Category 3 sunglasses are recommended for bright daytime driving, while tinted eyewear should not be used in reduced-visibility conditions such as storms or low cloud.

The 1933 George V penny is described as one of Britain’s rarest coins, with only six known examples and an estimated value of about £72,000. Because the coins were largely produced for ceremonial purposes and were never released into general circulation, finding one in ordinary change is highly unlikely. Collectors are warned that many replicas exist and that any apparent example should be authenticated by a specialist.

A photo gallery highlights racegoers’ outfits at Ladies Day at Haydock Park during the Rose of Lancaster Stakes on August 8, 2026. The event featured racing, a Style Awards competition judged by a panel including Gemma Cutting, and a prize package involving Grand National Festival tickets, a holiday voucher, Betfair Chase entry and a Coniston Spa gift voucher. Lucy Traynor from Rainford was named the Style Awards winner.

Lucy Traynor from Rainford won the 2026 Ladies Day Style Awards at Haydock Park Racecourse during the Rose of Lancaster Stakes meeting. Her outfit combined an ASOS dress and bag, Topshop shoes and a handmade headband. She received a prize package including 2027 Grand National Festival tickets, a holiday voucher, Betfair Chase entry and a Coniston Spa voucher. Rashida and Caroline Douglas were among the finalists, while presenter Gemma Cutting served on the judging panel.

Van Morrison has announced 10 additional UK tour dates for autumn 2026, including back-to-back performances at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on October 8 and 9. The tour will continue across the UK and conclude at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on November 3. The dates follow his European summer shows, the release of his 48th studio album, Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge, and his receipt of the 2026 Jazz FM Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.

Little Sprout café at the Premier Plants garden centre in Heswall has temporarily closed while improvements are carried out. The café has not set a reopening date but says it intends to return in a stronger position and provide a smoother, more efficient customer experience. Customers are being directed to the sister venue, Sprout Kitchen Garden in Ledsham, in the meantime.

The No Art electronic music festival is returning to Liverpool’s Otterspool Promenade on August 8, 2026, following a sold-out event the previous year. Thousands are expected to attend, with ANOTR headlining alongside Franky Rizardo, Jamback, Kai King, Miluhska, Rooléh, Rossi and Toma. Temporary resident-protection road closures and restrictions will affect several roads around Otterspool and Aigburth from 10 a.m. until midnight. Organizers Entwine Live say the event will feature increased capacity, larger production and an expanded program.

The Office for Product Safety & Standards has warned consumers to stop using Craftplay Sand Art Bottles sold through Amazon because the sand may contain asbestos. Owners are advised to keep the product away from children, use protective equipment when cleaning up used sand, securely bag the materials and return the product for a refund or seek local-authority disposal guidance. A TJ Morris Toy Story water bottle sold by Home Bargains has also been recalled because its detachable spout may create a choking hazard, with customers advised to stop using it and obtain a refund.

Heritage Fish and Chips on Great Howard Street in Liverpool offers a different £5 meal deal each day, including cod, chips, peas and a canned drink on Fridays. Christopher Megrath found the portion exceptionally large, with crisp golden fish, soft white meat, plentiful chips and mushy peas. He also praised the venue's cosy setting, friendly staff and fast service, concluding that the meal offers outstanding value and is filling enough to leave leftovers.

Liverpool Echo asks readers to nominate the best pub in Liverpool and Merseyside. The article highlights pub concentrations in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter and along Lark Lane, while noting that notable venues can be found across all six boroughs, and directs readers to an online survey.

Bella Cucina on Liverpool’s Rose Lane has told customers that its planned closure is not goodbye after Liverpool City Council approved redevelopment of 70–72 Rose Lane. The site, which also houses Turkish restaurant Gustum, is expected to be replaced by a commercial unit and nine apartments within about three years. Bella Cucina plans to remain open during that period while searching for a nearby new location and thanked the local community for its support.

A revamped Northwich Market at Barons Quay is expected to open in September 2026 following an investment of about £1.8 million. The new venue will replace the existing Weaver Square market, whose final trading day is August 29, and will offer improved accessibility, indoor and outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, toilets, and a wider mix of food, drink, goods and services. The redevelopment follows consultation showing that many residents considered the old market run-down and inconvenient, while 71% supported the relocation. Some traders, including The Style Hut, will move to the new site, while others have chosen alternative locations.

The Angel Inn, a new pub from Rob Guttmann’s 1936 Pub Company, will open on Bold Street in Liverpool on Wednesday, August 12, taking over the former Maggie Mays premises. The venue has restored Victorian features, including a reclaimed original bar, and will offer four stouts, eight mostly local cask ales, affordable drinks, and simple pub food. The owners will hold no formal launch party, instead welcoming customers from opening day. Maggie Mays closed after 30 years, with owner Carly Lea describing the decision as emotional but necessary.

Several residential roads and areas around Liverpool’s Otterspool Promenade will be closed or restricted on Saturday, August 8, to accommodate the No Art electronic music festival. Closures will operate from 10am until midnight and will be manned at all times, while residents and people requiring access will still be permitted through. Festival construction begins on August 7, with thousands expected to attend the event, which features ANOTR, Franky Rizardo, Jamback, Rossi., Toman, Miluhska, Rooléh and Kai King.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport offers extreme day-trip options throughout August, allowing travellers to fly out and return the same day. Listed destinations include Dublin, Belfast, Alicante, Douglas, Palma, Málaga and Faro, with schedules varying by date. The trips are aimed at budget-conscious travellers who want to maximise time abroad without taking time off work.

Boxing Day will not be observed on its usual date in 2027 because December 26 falls on a Sunday. England and Wales will instead have substitute bank holidays on Monday, December 27, and Tuesday, December 28, while New Year’s Day 2028 will have a substitute holiday on Monday, January 3. The changes will create longer breaks for many workers, although employers are not required to provide paid leave on bank holidays.

Liverpool and Merseyside are set for a busy August featuring the Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show, In the Park Liverpool, No Art, Salt and Tar, and Creamfields. Events will combine major music performances with family activities, gardening, food, aviation displays, sports, wellness and other entertainment. Headline names include Lewis Capaldi, Loyle Carner, Billy Ocean, The Waterboys, Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia, while the Southport Flower Show will feature television personalities and gardening experts including Adam Frost.

Ewloe Castle, a 13th-century Welsh fortress in the 160-acre Wepre Park near Flintshire, can be reached by a woodland trail featuring a stream and waterfall. First documented in 1257, the castle was associated with Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and was abandoned during Edward I’s Welsh campaign, but substantial ruins remain. The year-round site has free parking, nearby toilets and the Old Hall Café, with a roughly 90-minute family-friendly walk, though steps make the final approach unsuitable for pushchairs.

The Poste House, a Liverpool pub dating back to 1820, is celebrated for its low drink prices, sharp staff banter and unusual mix of customers. Its two floors attract distinct audiences, with a traditional older clientele downstairs and a lively LGBT-focused crowd upstairs, while both sides coexist as part of the venue’s identity. Long-serving bartender Yasmin Spartiatis describes the pub’s changing fortunes, enduring community spirit and memorable regulars. The pub was threatened with redevelopment in 2001, but a campaign backed by regulars and the Campaign for Real Ale helped defeat the demolition plans. New toilets and improvements to the outdoor area are planned, while the pub’s historic character is expected to remain.

Large queues formed outside Wingstop’s Lord Street restaurant in Liverpool before its National Wing Day giveaway. The chain distributed 20,000 free wings across the UK and Ireland to the first 100 customers at selected locations, including Liverpool, which was identified as one of the country’s biggest wing-loving communities. Customers began arriving before the 11am opening, while Wingstop UKI CEO Chris Sherriff said the promotion was intended to thank and celebrate the brand’s fans. Wingstop now has three Merseyside locations, including sites in Speke and on Edge Lane.

Chester Zoo has launched Earn Your Stripes, a month-long nationwide fundraising challenge asking participants to collectively cover 5,000 miles and raise £10,000 for tiger conservation. Donations will support the zoo’s participation in a European tiger breeding programme and projects in India’s Terai region, where habitat loss and human-tiger conflict threaten wild populations. The campaign also supports community education, volunteer training and coexistence initiatives, while helping fund the care and breeding of tigers at the zoo.

Liverpool pubs The Liverpool and Baby Temp'l on James Street have announced that their kitchens will close for approximately two to three weeks while a new, extended kitchen is installed. Both venues will remain open, and customers can order food from sister venue The Slaughterhouse during the work. The refurbishment is intended to meet increased demand and improve the food offering, potentially allowing Sunday roast dinners to return.

Whitbread will close all 106 remaining Beefeater pub-restaurants in the UK on September 10 as part of a five-year strategy and a £250 million restructuring programme. Four venues in the Liverpool City Region—Ocean Plaza Brewers Fayre in Southport, The Packet Steamer in Bootle, Preston Brook Beefeater in Runcorn and The Stag & Rainbow on Queens Drive—are affected. Rising business rates and employer National Insurance costs were cited as making the traditional pub-restaurant model unsustainable. Whitbread expects to retain most staff through redeployment, although around 12% of employees at affected sites may lose their jobs, while former restaurant sites will help create about 600 new Premier Inn rooms.

Christopher Megrath reviews Dave's Hot Chicken on Liverpool's Lord Street, focusing on its reaper spice level, which requires customers to sign a waiver warning of serious potential health risks. He finds the chicken tenders large, filling and flavourful, but describes the reaper heat as extreme, intensifying over time and becoming effectively unenjoyable. He recommends visiting the restaurant but advises that only people with a very high tolerance for pain should attempt the reaper level.

Reynolds Park in south Liverpool, near Woolton, is praised for its peaceful walled garden, vibrant dahlias, smaller planting areas, open spaces and atmospheric woodland. The park’s history includes its connection to the Reynolds family and James Reynolds’s 1929 donation of the estate to Liverpool City Corporation. Its Green Flag recognition and serene setting make it a recommended destination for walks, picnics and relaxation.

Liverpool-based rotisserie chicken restaurant Spitroast is opening its third location at Baltic Market on July 29. Founded by Adam Lunt on Smithdown Road in 2014, the business later expanded to Crosby and has built a reputation for affordable chicken meals, homemade sauces and comfort-food sides. The restaurant has received national recognition, including a LuxLife Magazine award and a recent Deliveroo Takeaway Awards nomination, while Lunt says the chain intends to preserve its value-focused concept as it continues expanding.

The Black Horse and Rainbow, a new three-floor pub replacing the former Red Door cocktail bar on Berry Street in Liverpool, opened on July 24, 2026, at 3pm. Operated by DGB Hospitality Group, the venue received a £750,000 investment and includes two bars, a heated terrace, a walled garden, screens and private-hire spaces. The operator said the refurbishment preserved the building's Victorian heritage while modernising the guest experience.

Seeds Lane Park in Fazakerley is set to receive a roughly £125,000 refurbishment featuring accessible swings, a level-access roundabout, communication boards, a zip line, climbing frames, an Indiana Jones-style pole vault, a refreshed basketball area and a shelter for older children. A separate playground has also been announced for Rice Lane Recreation Ground in Walton, with more than 37 features designed to accommodate 42 users and equipment accessible to children with different abilities. Installation dates for the Walton project are yet to be confirmed.

Liverpool indie-rock band The Cheap Thrills will play back-to-back shows at Jacaranda Baltic on September 18 and 19 to coincide with the release of their debut album, Knee Cheap. The Walton-based group, known for appearances at major festivals including Glastonbury, continues to emphasise its community roots, reflected in their recent track Walton Vale. Band members describe ongoing progress and a commitment to staying grounded as they grow their fanbase, with special edition Tangerine Dream vinyl bundles available for the upcoming shows.

The New Brighton Family Food and Drink Festival returns with more than 100 independent traders, international food options, and extensive family-friendly entertainment across two stages. The four-day event features a sensory zone, a large funfair with the Bomber ride, and a varied programme of performances, including children’s shows and live music. Organisers emphasise the festival’s role in providing a free, community-focused space. Transport links, parking availability, and daily opening hours are outlined for visitors.

Two local fathers are opening Digz’n Lidz, a café and remote‑controlled machinery experience, in the historic former Debenhams building on Southport’s Lord Street. Their concept combines a sand-filled RC activity zone with a traditional café, aiming to create a social, screen‑free space for all ages while honouring the building’s heritage. The launch comes amid broader investment in the area, including new eateries and shops and ongoing community-led revitalisation efforts along Lord Street.

A popular container café in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle has temporarily closed due to prior commitments and staffing issues, with owners Lorraine McCulloch and Jan Simpson stating a brief pause is needed to maintain quality and service. The café, New Bird Kitchen, plans to reopen on July 28. The article outlines the founders’ backgrounds in styling and costume design, their pandemic-era inspiration for the venture, and the support they received in securing their current space.

Robbie Williams has been announced as the first headliner for Lytham Festival 2027, marking his only mainland UK show next summer. The festival will run from June 30 to July 4, following its record‑setting 2026 edition. Williams’ upcoming performance is one of two RW27 headline shows, alongside a date in Limerick. The announcement comes as he continues his BRITPOP 2026 Tour, which began in 2025 and has drawn over a million attendees. His latest album, BRITPOP, released in January 2026, earned widespread acclaim and became his 16th UK Number 1. Festival co‑founder Peter Taylor said the early announcement reflects strong excitement and expected demand. Tickets go on sale Friday, with presale options available earlier through PayPal.

World No.1 golfer Scottie Scheffler visited the Sandon Crown chippy in Southport during The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, prompting a surge of customers requesting the same prawn crackers seen in his widely shared photo. Staff described the encounter as overwhelming and praised Scheffler’s friendly demeanor. The influx of visitors highlights the positive impact of the tournament on local businesses as the event moves into the weekend.

Craig Charles withdrew from the We Are Wirral Festival shortly before its opening, prompting organisers to replace him with DJ Greg Wilson. The event at Birkenhead Park will proceed with a full lineup featuring major UK artists and family entertainment across the weekend.

Crowds at the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale included numerous couples and families enjoying the tournament in warm weather, with attendees travelling from both the UK and abroad. Fans highlighted the event’s tradition and appeal as they took in the competition and vibrant atmosphere.

The Trans Pennine Trail offers a 215‑mile route from Southport to Hornsea, with additional connecting sections, much of it traffic‑free and suitable for walkers, cyclists, runners and horse riders. The Merseyside portion follows coastal paths, countryside routes and converted railway lines through areas such as Ainsdale, Maghull, Aintree, Sefton Park and Hale, providing varied scenery and views across the Mersey Estuary. Originally created in the 1980s through collaboration between multiple local authorities, the trail now forms a major part of the National Cycle Network.

A century-old café in Moelfre, Anglesey, celebrates its 100th anniversary with special supper clubs and afternoon teas. Ann's Pantry, managed by Laura Pritchard Griffiths since 2003, remains central to village life, known for its traditions, local produce and historic stories, including wartime anecdotes. The venue offers seasonal meals, a gift shop and vintage photo displays, and continues to attract both locals and visitors exploring the area.

Eliana rose to the top of the UK’s baby girl name rankings for 2026, displacing Olivia after two decades at number one, according to BabyCentre data. The name’s rise reflects trends toward meaningful and internationally appealing choices. Rankings also show movement in both girl and boy name lists, with Freddie notably climbing among boys.

A new 50p coin from the Royal Mint commemorates 100 years of Grand Prix racing in Britain, marking the first time motorsport has appeared on an official UK coin. Designed with agency Interstate, it features a 1926 Brooklands race car alongside a 2026 Formula 1 car. Royal Mint director Rebecca Morgan and Brooklands Museum chief Alex Patterson highlighted the historical significance of the centenary. The coin is available in multiple editions, including a recycled-gold proof version priced up to £2,420, and will remain on sale until August 2 at The Royal Mint Experience.

The We Are Wirral Festival will return to Birkenhead Park on July 18 and 19, featuring headline performances from The Coral and Tinie Tempah along with a wide range of artists. The event offers family-oriented activities including a circus, arcade experiences, tree climbing, and a funfair. Gates run from 11am to 10pm with live music starting at midday, and ticket holders receive wristbands for re-entry. Most entertainment is included in the ticket price, though some activities and funfair rides require additional fees. Public transport is recommended due to limited parking.

Nook and Cranny, a popular café in Alderley Edge, will close at the end of July after its owner Anna Williams announced the decision was made without her control despite strong sales and customer support. Williams expressed heartbreak over the closure but gratitude for the community built around the café, encouraging customers to visit during its final weeks.

Liverpool ONE plans to build a new children’s play area at Chavasse Park, raising uncertainty over the Bus Yard cocktail bar that occupies the same space. Bus Yard owner Andy Laird said discussions with Liverpool ONE are underway to find a new location, noting the strong relationship between the two businesses. The Bus Yard continues expanding elsewhere, including new sites at Princes Dock, Wallasey beach, and the launch of the 1958 Bistro inside Taskers.

Bartenders across Liverpool report that the Hugo spritz has become the standout drink of summer 2026, particularly among men shifting away from pints in favour of lighter, floral cocktails. Staff from multiple bars cite high demand, with elderflower liqueur sales surging and spritz cocktails aligning with broader generational trends identified in Bacardi’s UK data showing Gen Z’s preference for aperitivo-style drinks. While some venues note only moderate popularity, most agree the drink is widely ordered, increasingly embraced by men, and firmly established on cocktail menus.

My Chemical Romance launched its Long Live The Black Parade tour in Liverpool with a pyrotechnic, two-stage performance featuring major hits, energetic crowd interaction and a mix of dark staging and bright stadium lighting. Frontman Gerrard Way’s dramatic style and spontaneous moments highlighted the show, with fans experiencing mosh pits and close-up engagement as the band prepares for upcoming dates in Glasgow and London.

Manchester Airport has introduced The Executive, a new premium lounge in Terminal 2 offering chef-led dining, a carvery station, live cooking, barista coffee, premium drinks and multiple themed seating and dining areas. Operated by Escape Lounges, the space includes distinct zones such as Leaf & Loaf, The Humm and The Boll, plus a novelty gumball machine offering rewards. Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe highlighted the lounge as part of a wider £1.5bn investment aimed at enhancing passenger choice and travel experiences.

A historic 17th‑century pub in Bold Heath, the Griffin Inn, is being redeveloped into the area’s first Hickory’s Smokehouse, scheduled to open in the autumn. The project involves significant renovations, including a rear extension and new entrance, with the company emphasising a welcoming bar area for locals. Hickory’s leaders expressed enthusiasm for expanding into Widnes, confirming additional long‑term plans in Gateacre and noting that the new site will bring around 100 jobs to the area.

Hickory’s Smokehouse will open its first Liverpool restaurant on July 17 after acquiring the Bear & Staff pub in Gateacre. The company, founded in Cheshire and now operating more than 20 sites, plans a community‑focused venue with a prominent bar area and expects to create around 100 jobs. Leadership describes Gateacre as an ideal location and emphasises long‑term commitment to the area, noting strong existing support from Liverpool customers. Bookings are already open.

Hundreds of pubs across the UK, including several in Merseyside, will stay open until 5am on July 6 after the government approved extended licensing hours to accommodate England’s late‑night World Cup match against Mexico. Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorised the change to allow fans to watch the 1am kickoff in pubs. Major chains and independent venues, including 600 Greene King pubs, plan to participate, with operators expecting high demand and encouraging early bookings.

A new stage adaptation of Victoria Wood’s sitcom Dinnerladies will tour the UK in 2027, including a run at Liverpool Empire. The production, commissioned by the Victoria Wood Estate, draws from the original series and will feature Les Dennis as Stan, with additional casting to follow. Creators Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and director Sean Foley aim to revive the show’s classic characters and atmosphere. Tickets are available through ATGTickets.

A performance by Julia Jacklin at Jacaranda Baltic in Liverpool was postponed after the singer announced she was too ill to perform, also delaying a planned Nottingham instore event. The venue issued an apology and said new dates are being arranged. The Pretty Reckless added a second Liverpool show after the first sold out, with tickets already selling quickly and limited special offers gone.

The UK Government has declined to extend pub licensing hours for England’s 1am World Cup match against Mexico, despite earlier measures allowing later opening for evening knockout fixtures. Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson urged ministers to introduce a blanket extension to support pubs and allow fans to watch the game, but business minister Kate Dearden confirmed the policy does not apply to early‑morning kickoffs. Dearden emphasised ongoing government support for pubs and praised the England team ahead of the next match.

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral will host Dian Kostov’s immersive exhibition A Mother’s Warmth from July 3 to September 10, highlighting themes of compassion, tenderness and human connection. The installation forms part of a dual‑city project, paired with a related exhibition at Manchester Cathedral. Kostov emphasises the importance of empathy in uncertain times, with the Liverpool event offering free admission and daily access for visitors.

Casa Italia in Liverpool will now accept bookings for groups of four or more, a policy change long requested by customers as the restaurant approaches its 50th anniversary. Owner Arran Campolucci-Bordi highlights the venue’s longstanding family legacy, consistency and fresh food as reasons for its enduring popularity, tracing its roots back to his grandfather Mario’s early ventures in Italian dining across the region.

A homeware store at St Johns Shopping Centre in Liverpool is preparing to close in July after significant clearance of stock and interior fixtures. Staff reported no confirmed final closing date. The closure comes amid broader redevelopment efforts, including Liverpool Council’s partnership with Avison Young to attract new tenants to the long-shuttered St Johns Market site and growing interest from companies in taking over the vacant St Johns Beacon. Remedial work on the tower is nearly complete, with multiple offers under consideration.

Elixir, a Wirral-based restaurant, will open a new location in Liverpool’s Queen Square, taking over a refurbished unit previously occupied by tapas venues. The team plans to revitalize the area with seating for more than 80 guests, a Laurent-Perrier Champagne garden, live entertainment and an upscale interior. The announcement follows recent activity in Queen Square, including Nando’s relocation and a meet-and-greet event by Enter Shikari. The article also highlights the wider success of tapas venues in the city, particularly the expansion of So Salsa under the 23 Group, and notes The Tree House in Crosby will remain open longer due to strong customer support.