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.
Based in the Walshaw area of Bury, just a nine-minute drive from the town’s centre, the family-owned Meadowcroft Farm is run by couple Deb and Deano, who have turned their land into a home dedicated to letting alpacas live their best life – and this includes regular visits from the Greater Manchester public keen to learn all about them.
If you’re looking to swap the hustle and bustle of city life for rolling hills and views as far as the eye can see, then Meadowcroft Farm’s already-popular alpaca walking experience offers just the reset you need.
Oh, and you can make friends with alpacas and other adorable animals too, while you’re at it.
This is Meadowcroft Farm Alpacas / Credit: The Manc Group
The interactive experience starts off with a talk from Deb about everything they do at Meadowcroft Farm, and then you’ll get introduced to each of their 12 fluffy alpacas.
As alpacas are pack animals, this means you need to have at least three living together at one time by law in the UK.
Then each person gets paired up with an alpaca for the walk – with The Manc Group team members, Aimee and Emily, getting to look after the farm’s two new babies, Woody and Buzz.
Once everyone is paired with their alpaca, it’s then time to go for a short walk around the landscape of the farm, with some really gorgeous views to take in along the way.
At this family-run farm in Bury, you can walk a herd of adorable alpacas in the countryside / Credit: The Manc Group
While you’re walking around the flat, grassy route (the walk is suitable for most people, but it’s advised that you dress in correct clothing for the weather and surroundings), Deb takes the time to check in with all the walkers, even stopping to take pictures of everyone with their alpacas before heading back to the farm to feed them.
After working up an appetite, you’ll then get to feed the alpacas, alongside the other animals Meadowcroft takes care of – including baby goats, polish chickens, and rabbits.
Inside Levenshulme Antiques Village, Manchester’s three-story treasure trove of vintage finds
Daisy Jackson
If you’re the sort of person who gets a real kick out of saying ‘Thanks, it’s vintage’, then you probably already know of Levenshulme Antiques Village. But if not, allow us to show you around a little.
This three-story hypermarket has been trading out of the former Levenshulme Town Hall for decades, filling the 127-year-old building with items potentially even older.
It’s a vast antiques centre where every twist in the maze reveals vintage furniture, collectibles, artwork and curiosities from every era imaginable.
The building itself still carries plenty of charm and history from the building’s past as the local council offices, and thankfully very little of its personality was stripped away in the process of transforming the building into the Levenshulme Antiques Village.
Today, visitors still climb the grand staircase beneath soaring ceilings and pass through hallways lined with original wall-to-wall ceramic tiles.
There’s free parking outside (which is good, because you’re likely to leave with a boot-full of treasure), and once inside, the scale of the place quickly becomes apparent.
Friendly traders fill the building, many of whom are more than happy to chat, share stories behind their stock, or guide visitors towards hidden gems tucked away in quieter rooms. And there are plenty of gems to uncover.
A room packed with mid-century furnitureLevenshulme Antiques Village is a treasure trove of vintage findsJust look at this lot…
From antique furniture and oil paintings to jewellery, records, ceramics and shelves overflowing with nicknacks, the village rewards slow wandering. One moment you might stumble across a beautifully carved temple door; the next, a collection of vintage signs or a perfectly preserved mid-century cabinet.
The top floor is perhaps the most striking space of all. Once a ballroom, the enormous room still retains a sense of grandeur, with high ceilings and huge windows flooding the space with natural light, but is now transformed into a densely packed emporium of antiques and collectibles.
Outside, the experience continues with artist workshops and creative studios, among them is craftsman Kip Kaboli, known for producing handcrafted Japanese knives and even hosting oyster events. It’s an unusual but fitting addition to a place that celebrates both heritage and craftsmanship.
Old ceramic tiles still line the hallwaysThe on-site tearoom at Levenshulme Antiques Village
Halfway through exploring, many visitors end up at the affordable tearoom on the first floor, serving comforting classics like salad sandwiches and afternoon teas.
What makes Levenshulme Antiques Village special is not simply the volume of antiques packed inside, but the atmosphere, the warm welcome from traders, and the weird and wonderful history of the place.
Will Kendrick -
19th March 2025 
