Every now and then, when no one’s watching, Mancunians make the daring trek across the M62 to Liverpool. In truth, it happens far more often than some might admit…
Joking (and friendly rivalries) aside, we’re incredibly lucky to have such a vibrant and dynamic city just a stone’s throw from home.
Earlier this month, we seized the opportunity for a whirlwind visit to our neighbours in Liverpool, to check out the city’s new and exquisite Halyard Hotel.
As you step through the doors, guests are welcomed by attentive staff who remain on hand for your every need throughout each stay, before being introduced to a ‘memorable ritual’.
As part of the Vignette Collection, each hotel in the group offers a unique experience reflecting its local heritage. Given Liverpool’s long history as a thriving port city, the Halyard embraces this past with a nod to one of its most exotic imports – cocoa.
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Guests are treated to a Champurrado short, a rich and velvety Mexican chocolate drink, served in an authentic earthenware clay cup. For those looking to elevate the experience, a splash of local Lost Dock Rum adds a tantalising twist.
The Halyard is an ideal base for all the city has to offer, perfectly positioned near Concert Square and Liverpool ONE.
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The rooms are a masterclass in modern chic – sophisticated, stylish, and effortlessly comfortable – with huge beds ready to give you the best night’s sleep, a fully stocked mini bar, a coffee machine, and plenty of other essentials and creature comforts.
Bedrooms at The Halyard LiverpoolThe view from The Halyard’s balconyBedrooms at The Halyard Liverpool
Although we didn’t have time to use it, the hotel also boasts a well-equipped gym for those looking to stay active during their visit.
One standout feature is the spacious balconies, offering a prime spot for people-watching over the bustling streets below. True to Liverpool’s reputation as a party hotspot, you’ll spot more than a few stag and hen parties revelling in the city’s lively atmosphere. Yet, despite the central location, the room itself was blissfully quiet.
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The Halyard Liverpool has an in-house restaurant, Voyagers, serving small plates and expertly-crafted cocktails. The standout dish? Without a doubt, the soy and ginger glazed pork belly, which melts in the mouth with each bite. The roasted beetroot salad, served with whipped feta, is another highlight – because, let’s be honest, everything is better with feta.
The hotel staff are happy to provide recommendations, and sent us on our way to discover two local gems, The Monro and St. Peter’s Tavern. Each had its own distinctive charm, offering a taste of Liverpool’s eclectic nightlife.
Before checking out the next morning, who can resist a hearty hotel breakfast. A full English and a stack of maple bacon pancakes later, you’ll leave thoroughly satisfied.
Voyagers restaurant at The Halyard LiverpoolVoyagers restaurant at The Halyard Liverpool
From The Halyard’s doorstep you’ll be able to take a leisurely stroll through Liverpool ONE for a spot of shopping (their enormous Zara never fails to impress), before making your way down to the iconic Albert Dock. A morning walk along the waterfront is the perfect way to shake off the previous night’s indulgences.
The Liver Building, standing proudly on the banks of the Mersey, is as breathtaking as ever a reminder of Liverpool’s rich history and enduring beauty.
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You should also visit the Liverpool Cathedral (which I learned is Britain’s largest cathedral). It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience, thanks to the sheer scale and grandeur of the architecture, offering a moment of reflection in the midst of our lively city break.
A stay at The Halyard Liverpool is nothing short of delightful. With its perfect blend of luxury, location, and local charm, it’s a hotel we’d happily return to on our next visit to this incredible city.
Chester Zoo named UK’s best zoo for third year in a row with record number of ‘excellent’ ratings
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… Chester Zoo has been named to best zoo in the UK for 2026.
While everyone in and around Greater Manchester and the North West may already be familiar with just how brilliant the UK’s biggest charity zoo is, you may remember that, for the past two years running now, it has been officially named the UK’s best zoo thanks to tens of thousands of positive TripAdvisor reviews.
And now, the zoo has managed to retain that respectable title for the third year in a row, as the world’s biggest travel guidance platform has, once again, named Chester Zoo as the best-rated zoo to visit in the UK this year.
It’s even more of a cause for celebration this year, as the zoo has claimed a record 11,666 ‘excellent’ ratings for the first time.
Chester Zoo has been named the best zoo in the UK for 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo
Based on millions of online reviews, the updated ranking puts the beloved Cheshire-based attraction ahead of the country’s other zoos after earning consistently good feedback from its visitors.
Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite too – with the new listings placing it in the top 10 best zoos or aquariums in the continent.
“We’re over the moon to be named the UK’s top zoo by TripAdvisor,” commented Jamie Christon, who is the CEO of Chester Zoo.
“This recognition is built entirely on genuine reviews from our visitors, and that means the world to us. I’m very proud of everyone who makes our national conservation zoo such a special place.
“Every visit to Chester Zoo directly supports our vital conservation work, both here at home and around the world, and the past year alone is a reminder of just how much that work matters.
“We’ve developed the world’s first vaccine for a deadly virus that threatens Asian elephants globally, we’ve officially pulled a tiny species of snail back from the brink of extinction, and right here on our doorstep we’ve been planting thousands of new trees to create important new woodland habitat.
“None of that happens without the people who come through our gates – and we’re enormously grateful to every one of them.”
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
Travel & Tourism
Manchester Museum debuts new FREE ‘Human Natures’ exhibition
Danny Jones
A brand-new exhibition has opened over at Manchester Museum and, best of all, it’s completely free to visit.
The award-winning city centre museum has just launched its latest public access exhibit, simply entitled ‘Human Natures’.
Nevertheless, this most recent addition is far from straightforward, as the display asks some deep questions not only of society but of those who go along to view it for themselves.
Debuting on Wednesday, 22 April, Manchester Museum’s Human Natures project will be on for several months and has already seen a healthy amount of foot traffic.
Posting on social media, the team ask: “Are we losing our connection with nature?”
Examining how we take it for advantage on numerous fronts – everything from food and fashion to developing landscape and more –
One of the stories we are showcasing is the work of local collective, Manchester UrbanDiggers (MUD), who cleverly turned a disused bowling green into a community market garden, reconnecting people with nature in urban spaces. More of this stuff, please.
Situated within the Exhibition Hall on the ground floor of the beautiful buildings located at the University of Manchester, other collaborators include Platt Fields Market Garden and even the RSPB.
The native CIC (community interest company) and their work are one of many important organisations that have helped bring this project to life, which will also serve as part of this year’s Universally Manchester Festival – a one-day and equally free celebration that is returning in June.
2026 is technically just the second edition of the modern event, which has been through several iterations over the years.
Put in the simplest terms, Human Natures will explore “stories of overconsumption and overexploitation of animals, plants and minerals, looking at the consequences for climate, biodiversity and people.”
Credit: Supplied
However, it also highlights and critiques how organisations and we as individuals currently collide with these concepts, and how we can work to better interact with the world around us and “create a more hopeful future.”
Rachael Webster, Curator of Botany at Manchester Museum, said in a statement: “It’s often difficult to notice how the relationships we’ve developed with the plants, animals, and landscapes have created problems for people and planet, especially as many of us buy what we need rather than growing or making it ourselves.”
“Human Natures explores a number of complex global issues, from the mechanisation of farming to throw-away culture, which could easily feel overwhelming. So we’re aiming to tell stories that connect with people on a human level, inspiring empathy and hope.”
Once again, Human Natures at Manchester Museum is completely free to attend; you can book your visit right HERE, although walk-ins on the day are also welcome. Meanwhile, another big area of the space itself is closing for a major refurbishment.
Will Kendrick -
19th March 2025 
