Liverpool Noise Team Lockdown Picks
It’s been a long few months in lockdown but for many of us it’s given us more time on our hands than ever before. Here, the Liverpool Noise team tell us what’s been getting them through the last 80 plus days. We also share the bars, restaurants and music venues we are most looking forward to visiting once the lockdown is lifted.
Liverpool Noise team lockdown picks:
Food, music and entertainment writer, Michael Fell:
Favourite Liverpool bands you’ve been listening to during lockdown: Oya Paya
Best album to listen to during lockdown: Malibu by Anderson .Paak
Best film you’ve watched during lockdown: I’m more of a series guy so I’d have to say Space Force.
Where’s the first place you want to visit after lockdown?
Music Venue – The Caledonia
Restaurant – Maray (I know they do takeouts but it’s not the same!)
Bar – Petit Café du Coin for a tasty glass of vino
Music writer, Helen Maw:
Favourite Liverpool bands you’ve been listening to during lockdown: Some of my favourites have been E c h o e s, a four piece, indie rock Liverpool band. They have some great tunes on Spotify, my personal favourites are Out of Her Mind and You and Me. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Space and OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) who are two of my favourite Liverpool bands who I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live many times.
Best album to listen to during lockdown: An album which I love and have listened to a lot during this lockdown period is the 2007 album This is the Life by Amy Macdonald. I remember hearing this album for the first time as an 11 year old when it came out and instantly falling in love with it. I love every song on this album and is one of the few albums that I know every word to! She will always be one of my favourite singer/songwriters.
Best film you’ve watched during lockdown:The best film I have watched during lockdown is Midnight Run, the 1988 film starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. This film never fails to make me cry with laughter and is just a really feel good film!
Where’s the first place you want to visit after lockdown? The first place I want to visit after lockdown is the Pier Head. I really want to take a trip on one of our ferries and see our stunning waterfront from another perspective. I’ve found it’s really hit home during lockdown how beautiful our city is and how you can take it for granted and everything it has to offer!
Music Venue – The first music venue I want to visit is Phase One. I’ve had many a great night in there watching amazing artists, attending quiz nights and even playing a couple of gigs in there! Plus, their record store is always full of hidden gems!
Restaurant – The first restaurant I want to visit is Yard and Coop, it’s my favourite place to eat in the city centre and I have really missed all of there amazing chicken dishes whilst in lockdown. I am dreaming of it already!
Bar – The first bar I want to visit after lockdown is the Head of Steam on Hanover Street. I always class this as my ‘local’ as it’s close to where I work and it’s my favourite place to go for a drink and to socialise, not to mention they always have an amazing selection of beers to try!
Music writer, Jamie Hankin:
Favourite local bands you’ve been listening to during lockdown: As we seem to have adopted a Greek climate this summer, there’s nothing more therapeutic than kicking back in your garden chair and putting The Jagz on loop. The Mersey surfers have happy, easy listening tunes in abundance that are perfect for the time of year. If I’m striding out of the house, The Cheap Thrills have loads of upbeat, singalong anthems to set the pace for your workout. Codependence is one of my favourite tracks that any band from these shores have put out in a long time. Lastly, I want to give a big shout out to Wirral band Beaten John Lip. They’re brilliant live and have put out some great stuff in the last 12 months. Their track Beautiful Day in England is superb and I’d urge you all to get on it. After the tragic passing of their close friend Danny, Beaten John Lip released and dedicated a new track The Mersey and You to Danny and anyone else who is struggling at the moment. It’s a heartfelt, poignant track and sends such an important message.
Best album to listen to during lockdown:
After watching James Skelly’s brilliant lockdown videos, I’ve been listening to The Coral a lot lately. I’ve always been a big fan of theirs and their first album is actually my earliest memory of listening to music. It brings back nice memories sticking it on of jigging to Dreaming of You in the back of my Dad’s car. I’m also bang into a band called Fuzzy Sun. They’ve supported Blossoms before and have loads of great tracks on Spotify. Definitely give them a listen if you haven’t already.
Best film you’ve watched during lockdown:
It’s a funny subject this because I get a lot of stick off my mates for the lack of films I watch. However, I watched a great film the other day called As Good As It Gets. Jack Nicholson plays the lead role as a troubled writer and it’s a nice journey watching his character fight his demons and try to become a better person.
Where’s the first place you want to visit after lockdown:
The obvious answer here is Anfield for the football but sadly it looks like it’s going to be a while until we’re going to be allowed back in football stadiums. To be honest, like everyone else I’m just looking forward to seeing my mates and getting out and about. We’ll all be turning up to the opening of an envelope after lockdown won’t we. I am looking forward to getting back to the Lyceum Club in Port Sunlight every Friday night with my mates for our weekly snooker outing. Wash the festivities down with a few Estrellas for good measure.
Music Venue: I went to a gig at Phase One on Seel Street in February and for me, it’s a perfect venue to go and watch live music. Great for bands for how close the stage is to the crowd and a boss venue for us punters too. Drinks are reasonably priced and there’s a nice beer garden/smoking area at the side of the stage to cool off in between acts.
Restaurant: I think Casa Italia is the city’s worst kept secret for a nice bite to eat and the occasional queue outside is well worth the wait once you get in there. Another big shout out to the Mediterranean Kitchen in Bebington on the Wirral. The staff are great and make you feel very welcome. Their menu has something tasty for everyone to dig into.
Bar: I can’t wait to stop off at all of the boozers on Dale Street and tell them how much we’ve missed them. The thought of a crisp, ice cold jar of Krombacher in The Belvedere in the Georgian quarter of town is also keeping me going. If Paddy is behind the bar, he’ll look after ya defo!
Editor, Clare Deane:
Favourite local bands you’ve been listening to during lockdown: I’ve been listening to The DSM IV a lot, I can’t wait for them to release their album. Rats and Zuzu have also been getting heavily played.
Best album to listen to during lockdown: I’ve been listening to Haim’s albums over and over again in anticipation for the new one. That’s going to be my soundtrack to the Summer.
Best film you’ve watched during lockdown: I finally got round to watching Citizen Kane and it’s so so good. I hate myself for putting it off for so long!
Where’s the first place you want to visit after lockdown:
Music Venue: The Jacaranda, it brings back loads of good memories.
Restaurant: Down The Hatch. I’m not a vegan or even a veggie but I just love the place. I’ve ordered delivery from them already but I can’t wait to go for a proper meal there.
Bar: Kazimier Garden for a few drinks in the sun hopefully…
Events writer, Jake Coolley:
Favourite local bands you’ve been listening to during lockdown: Loads of quite chilled out stuff like HENRIO, Henry Jones and Bobby West.
Best album to listen to during lockdown: Again, more chill out vibes with Bon Iver. It’s really helped with my mental health and the nice sunny weather has fitted perfectly with the laid back feel too.
Best film you’ve watched during lockdown: I’ve consumed a lot of Netflix! I, Tonya was brilliant.
Where’s the first place you want to visit after lockdown:
Music Venue: Sound Basement. Love a gig there so I can grab food and a pint before!
Restaurant: Salthouse Bacaro. Gutted that they haven’t been able to do a delivery or collection service during lockdown. I’ve missed it so much.
Bar: The Merchant. It’s just got a great vibe and again there’s pizza awaiting just next door at Nightcrawler Pizza!
Music writer, Rach Hankin:
Favourite Liverpool bands you’ve been listening to during lockdown: There has been so much amazing music released this year in Liverpool, but my favourite has to be Helen Maw’s debut (and self-produced) EP, Everything in Between. She has the most beautiful voice and the opening track This Lonely Boy is my absolute fave song at the moment! The EP is really stripped back, with just her vocals and piano, as she recorded it herself during lockdown, so I’m so excited to hear what she does with her album when she gets into a proper studio! I’m really loving SKIA’s EP, Apricot, and Husband Material and Dr Orange are also on my playlist!
Best album to listen to during lockdown:
One of my favourite albums ever, and a great one to listen to during lockdown is Biffy Clyro’s 2013 double album, Opposites. It’s twenty-one tracks of pure brilliance (in my humble opinion) and has a bit of everything for whatever mood you find yourself in. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it, and can’t wait for the belated release of their upcoming album.
Best film you’ve watched during lockdown:
If lockdown has been good for anything, it’s been for rekindling my love of horror films from before I became a wimp! Us, The Invisible Man, and Ma are definite highlights, but if I had to pick one favourite, it would be Us. Everything from the story, to the acting, to the music is just incredible, and Lupita Nyong’o should have won an Oscar!
Where’s the first place you want to visit after lockdown?
After lockdown I can’t wait for a little seaside break or camping trip in North Wales somewhere! Chester Zoo and Knowsley Safari Park are also at the top of the list.
Music Venue – Anywhere where there’s music! I love going to events in the Invisible Wind Factory.
Restaurant – Before lockdown I got into the habit of a pre-work breakfast at Lounge 69 on Hanover Street, and I’ve been dreaming of it ever since! The staff are always so lovely which puts me in a good mood for the day!
Bar – Lounge 69 has also become one of my favourite bars and a staple of my night out! It’s perfect for a date night, with its steampunk-esque furniture lit by gorgeous fairy lights, or a karaoke night with friends. I absolutely can’t wait for a cocktail and a dance as soon as lockdown is fully lifted. Of course, if it’s going to be more than “a couple of drinks”, the night is not complete without a fat frog or vodka slush in the Raz!
Music and food writer, Steve Kinrade:
Favourite Liverpool bands you’ve been listening to during lockdown:
I have been listening to a lot of Emilio Pinchi during this lockdown period, especially his latest release, his “Absentee EP”. He is a considered and thoughtful songwriter, and the tracks just seem to fit what was happening at the time. The theme of absence that he worked with through his creative process was apt.
Best album to listen to during lockdown:
Probably a classic old one; it was a good time to re-acquaint myself with some legendary Rolling Stones compositions, so Exile On Main Street has been played a lot.
Best film you’ve watched during lockdown:
I think I viewed Contagion about three times. Working on a Covid Ward at the time, I found it very interesting. This, I admit, was a bit strange! And I am so glad – up to now – reality hasn’t mirrored fiction.
Where’s the first place you want to visit after lockdown?
The Tate. No question.
Music Venue – 81 Renshaw Street. Neil, Kay and the gang are brilliant.
Restaurant – I think the lads at Skaus will definitely being paid a visit. Top blokes, top food!
Bar – The Wetherspoons in Lime Street Station is a favourite, but how the owner reacted during the Covid lockdown was disgraceful! So it will be Jenny’s Gin Bar, Fenwick Street for its cocktails and games!!
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