Issue 037
May 2008
Voted the European Capital of Culture for 2008, Liverpool is well known for the arts, sport, music, architecture and night life. A vibrant and lively city, it is the place to be if you are looking for a weekend of shopping, clubbing or even a family get away. The mixed martial arts (MMA) scene in the city has recently exploded, making Liverpool an ideal destination for fight fans.
The biggest and most reputable event at the centre of the MMA scene in Liverpool is Cage Gladiators. In operation since 2006, the company is approaching its seventh show from the Liverpool Olympia. Since it’s inception, promoter Chris Zorba has witnessed MMA outsell boxing events in Liverpool “two to one”. MMA crowds in Liverpool have exploded in the past couple of years, with more and more people and even families turning up at each show.
The promotion is gathering such momentum that fans from all over the UK are making their way to Liverpool to see the fights. Cage Gladiators also recently secured a broadcast deal with ITV4, which will bring MMA to free TV in the UK. Cage Gladiators VII will take place on Sunday 27th April from the Liverpool Olympia and will be broadcast on ITV4 in May. For more information on Cage Gladiators, check out www.cagegladiators.tv.
Training
Fighters & Fitness
(Wavertree Business Park, Wellington Road, Liverpool, L15 4JN.
Tel: 0151 733 0888. Web: www.fightersandfitness.com)
One of the best MMA training facilities in Liverpool is the Fighters & Fitness gym. Opened in 2002 by Colin Heron - an experienced Thai boxing coach for 20 years. The goal of the gym is to promote fitness through a variety of martial arts. Fighters & Fitness is home to some of the best trainers and fighters the UK has to offer, including the world famous Team Kaobon fight camp. The gym is also home to high-ranking British MMA fighter Terry Etim, who has seen several fights in the UFC. The Gym also has a wide range of fight wear available for purchase.
Next Generation MMA
(1 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, Merseyside. Tel: 07921 645 835.
Web: www.nextgenmma.co.uk)
Next Generation MMA specialises in teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA. Founded in 2002 by Paul Rimmer and Jason Tan, the gym has classes and schedules to tailor to everyone’s needs. Whether you want to fight professionally, train for self defence or simply get fit, the Next Gen MMA gym will have something to suit you. Also on offer are specific sessions tailored for beginners, women and children. The gym also offers private one on one training and small group classes. Saunas and showers are also available at the facility. Next Generation is home to UK-MMA fighters such as Jason Tan, Jay Gladden and Kev Axeworthy.
Team Golden Glory
Opening Soon in nearby St Helens will be the first UK branch of the famous Golden Glory team. Check www.fightersonlymag.com for details.
Where to stay
Malmaison
(William Jessop Way, Princes Dock, Liverpool, L3 1QZ. Tel: 0151 229 5000. Web: http://www.malmaison-liverpool.com)
Located on the Waterfront, this luxury hotel is just a stone’s throw from the Pier Head and offers Manhattan-style rooms with stunning views. The Malmaison offers 24-hour room service, a restaurant, bar and a fully equipped gym. A wide variety of rooms are on offer including single, double and luxury suites perfect for a honeymoon or simply for a couple looking to escape for a weekend.
Hope Street Hotel
(40 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9DA. Tel: 0151 709 3000. Web:
www.hopestreethotel.co.uk)
Voted one of the world‘s top 50 coolest hotels in 2004 by Conde Nast Traveller, this trendy hotel is located on Liverpool‘s most famous street and is set between the city’s two cathedrals, universities, concert halls, and is surrounded by theatres and restaurants. This hotel is ideal as a base for exploring the city. The boutique hotel offers 48 individually designed rooms featuring wooden floors with underfloor heating, wall-mounted flat screen TVs, DVD and CD players and an uncapped broadband service.
Premier Inn
(Queens Drive, West Derby, Liverpool, L13 0DL. Tel: 08701 977 160. Web: www.premierinn.com)
This hotel is perfect for anyone visiting Liverpool on a budget, with rooms available for as little as £54 per night. The Premier Inn offers free onsite parking, a restaurant, bar and disabled access. Twin and double-bedded rooms are also available. For fight fans, the hotel is just minutes away from the Liverpool Olympia, home of Cage Gladiators, making it perfect if you are heading to the city for
some MMA.
Where to eat
Liverpool‘s restaurant and bar scene has grown considerably in recent years. With new venues opening all the time, finding somewhere to eat isn‘t difficult, whatever your taste and budget.
Ill Forno
(132 Duke Street, East Village, Liverpool, L1 5AG. Tel: 0151 709 4002. Web: www.illforno.co.uk)
Located in the heart of Liverpool, Ill Forno was named one of the top ten authentic Italian restaurants by Times Knowledge magazine. Famous for it’s award-winning Italian dishes and it’s unparalleled warm and friendly atmosphere, Ill Forno is an ideal eating out choice for a couple, a family or just some friends looking to relax and enjoy some fine, authentic Italian cuisine.
Café Sports England
(42/44 Stanley Street, Liverpool, L1 6AL. Tel: 0151 239 5070.
Web: www.cafesportsengland.com)
Owned and operated by Liverpool and England footballer Jamie Carragher, Café Sports England prides itself on being “The family restaurant with a healthy twist”. The restaurant is aimed as casual diners and specifically families. The food is excellent and has a sports nutrition-based approach, encouraging people to eat well. The restaurant is set over two floors and features a unique smoothie bar and an open kitchen where guests can watch food being prepared. The restaurant also broadcasts live and classic sporting events on the large screens situated within.
Geisha
(7 Myrtle Street, Liverpool, L7 7DN. Tel: 0151 709 7097.
Web: www.geishaliverpool.com)
A fusion of eastern cuisine with original modern décor, Geisha is a laid-back bar and restaurant perfect for kicking off a night out on the town. Bringing together the best of Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisine, there will be something on the menu to satisfy just about everyone. Be sure to sample some of the 50 specialist sakes while you’re there, along with the wide selection of cocktails and Asian beers.
Nightlife
It is near impossible not to find a great night out in Liverpool. Whatever your taste, you’ll find it here. Liverpool’s vast selection of pubs, clubs and entertainment have turned the city into one of the UK’s most favoured after hours cities and attracts thousands of people of all ages from around the world each year.
The Grafton
(West Derby Road, Liverpool, L6 9BY. Tel: 0151 263 2303.
Web: www.graftonclub.com)
One of the most famous nightspots in Liverpool, The Grafton celebrates its 84th birthday this year and is officially the country’s oldest nightclub. The Grafton is one of those clubs that everyone seems to know about. Mention it’s name to any locals and you’ll probably be met with various reactions. It’s the kind of place where your mates had their first proper night out, the place where you had too much to drink and woke up the next morning unable to remember much of the night before. A cheesy, good old-fashioned northern night out with no pretensions. The club operates a £16.99 all-inclusive entry fee.
Hamilton’s
(9 Victoria Street, Liverpool, L2 5QA. Tel: 0151 227 4481.
Web: www.hamiltonsconcepts.co.uk)
This recently opened bar is owned by former Atomic Kitten member Natasha Hamilton. If you are celeb spotting in Liverpool, then this is the place to be. The venue comprises of a restaurant, a nightclub and a private members lounge. Perfect for young adults looking for somewhere fashionable to start off their night on the town.
The Cavern Club
(10 Mathew Street, Liverpool, L2 6RE. Tel: 0151 236 1965.
Web: www.cavernclub.org)
Formerly an old Victorian warehouse that became a jazz club in the 1950s and hosted such bands as the Beatles, The Cavern Club is an essential venue for those who like their music. The club hosts live bands throughout the year and holds student nights every week. Regarded as one of the best rock clubs in the city, The Cavern is an essential visit.
Sights
It’s not all pubbing and clubbing in Liverpool. While in the city, be sure to check out its many sights including the Liverpool Empire theatre, the Philharmonic Hall and the Merseyside County Maritime Museum. The Tate Gallery in Albert Docks is a must-see for any culture vultures, with original Picassos, Warhols and more.
Shopping
Liverpool is littered with places to shop that will suit everyone’s needs. In the city centre in particular, you’ll find pretty much every big name, high street retailer you can think of, plus a few unknown gems too. The Cavern Walks designer shopping centre, situated on the famous Mathew Street, is ideal if you are looking for designer outlets. Be warned though – this is probably not the place to go if you are watching your finances. You should also go out of your way to check out the Clayton Square shopping centre, where you’ll find pretty much every product by every major brand and retailer under one roof. For fight fans, check out Script Menswear on Lime Street - the official stockist of Affliction fight wear in Liverpool.
How to get around
Most of the city’s main sites are within easy walking distance so many visitors to Liverpool opt to make their way around the city on foot. Public transport is excellent and runs throughout the day and night. The two main bus stations in the city can be found on Roe Street and Paradise Street, close to the city centre. There is also an excellent underground service that runs between the main train stations.
How to get there
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is situated 13km (8 miles) from the city centre and is easily accessible by car, bus and rail. It can be flown to from most major UK airports. If travelling by rail, Liverpool Lime Street is the main train station in the city, which serves the airport and has links to Manchester, Warrington and the Midlands.
When to go
Tourism in Liverpool is encouraged all year round. However the warmest months (as is the case with most UK cities) tend to be July and August.
Liverpool Tips
• Liverpool is smoke-free indoors in all public buildings.
• The town centre is generally safe, but be wary if out after hours or during a Friday or Saturday night, when up to 60,000 revellers can descend on the streets. Be sure to not walk home alone and stay in well-lit areas. If possible, use public transport or a taxi service.
• Shopping in Liverpool can be very expensive. The city is home to many upscale high street retailers. If you are visiting the city to shop, make sure you are armed with plenty of cash. If you are on a budget, there are plenty of shopping centres and retailers to cater to your needs.
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