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.
A brand-new immersive ‘walking theatre’ and XR experience has landed in Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
We hear the word immersive thrown around a lot these days, but if the notion of walking through some of your favourite fantasy and sci-fi worlds in a state-of-the-art XR tour doesn’t fit the definition, we don’t know what does.
Get ready to pull on a headset and be dropped into a different universe, Mancs.
This is Immersia XR: an industry-leading immersive entertainment and XR (extended reality) experience has just been unveiled right here in Greater Manchester.
Anyone for a ride on a magic carpet?
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: Immersia XR (supplied)
Immersia XR specialises in what they call ‘Walking XR Theatre – a new term for a new kind of experience’, and boasts big plaudits across the board, with an average Google rating of 4.8 from dozens of reviews already.
Having just made its Manchester debut to the public at Trafford Palazzo (located right next to 0161’s famous Trafford Centre) this summer, the new addition brings cutting-edge technology blended with iconic family-favourite tales in an “unforgettable walk-through format.”
A lucky few have been treated to our first time, including us here at The Manc, and you’ll have to take our word for it when we tell you it’s a truly incredible experience.
It’s the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, and although there are other similar VR and AR offerings around the region, you won’t find anything quite like ‘walking theatre’ and this free-roam experience.
Credit: Supplied
As you can see above, there are a number of experiences to be enjoyed right from the off, including two modes inspired by childhood classics, Alice in Wonderland and Tales of Aladdin.
Ever fancied trying your hand as an astronaut and walking on the surface of the moon as you look back at the Earth below? Course you have! No training involved in this one, either.
Take that, Katy Perry, you can keep your short-lived Blue Origin nonsense to yourself.
Immersia XR’s ambition doesn’t stop there, though, as they are also preparing to introduce the exciting new ‘Terracotta Army’ experience in the near future.
Here’s a glimpse at how it looks inside the goggles:
Already open to the public and running up until Sunday, 6 July 2025, Immersia XR is fun for all ages, with kid-friendly zones and accessible narratives built into the experience.
Best of all, there are actually very few bells and whistles; no screens, no controllers – it’s just you walking through the story of your choice.
Immersia XR’s founder, Ian Xiang, said: “We’re not just launching a new attraction—we’re pioneering the future of storytelling. Walking XR Theatre is where cinema, theatre, and technology converge to create magic. You don’t just watch the story—you walk through it.”
Tickets are on sale now, with adult prices starting from only £17, children (ages 3–15) from just £12, and family tickets (2 adults, 2 kids) from £54. Great value for money.
Concession tickets are also available for students and over-65s, priced from £16, and group bookings of 10 or more receive 10% off. You can even get 20% off all ticket types with the early bird code: PRESS20. You can grab yours HERE.
Motorists can be fined £1,000 for blasting music with swear words while driving
Emily Sergeant
Did you know that blasting explicit music while driving could land you with a hefty fine?
No, neither did we… but it turns out that it’s completely true, as motoring experts are warning drivers to be mindful of the rules when it comes to playing high-volume music from their cars with the windows down – especially if the tunes you choose to proudly play for all to hear contain swear words or inappropriate language.
Now that we’ve had a taste of the warmer weather, and summer is really not that far away, driving with the windows rolled down is common to let a breeze flow through.
But this simple action could cost you.
“There isn’t a specific offence for playing music with swearing or explicit lyrics in the comfort of your own vehicle, however context does matter,” explains Graham Conway, who is the Managing Director of Select Car Leasing.
Motorists can be fined £1,000 for blasting music with swear words while driving / Credit: David Emrich (via Unplash)
“For example, if you’re playing music containing swear words in a public place, such as while stopped in traffic, driving past a school, or through a busy pedestrian area, and someone nearby feels alarmed, distressed, or harassed, then you could be committing a Section 5 offence of the Public Order Act of 1986.”
The maximum penalty for this type of offence is a fine of up to £1,000, and even a possible prosecution.
Graham added: “While it’s relatively rare, it can happen in more serious or repeated cases where members of the public have raised concerns.”
As well as fines being issued by police, local authorities also have the power to control noise from loud cars if they’re parked in the street or on private property, as an Abatement Notice can be served under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act, and unfortunately, fines for this can rise up to £5,000 if the case is taken to court.
Drivers are being warned to be mindful as the weather gets warmer / Credit: RawPixel
“Excessively loud music isn’t just a nuisance, it also poses a significant safety risk,” Graham continued.
“It’s crucial that drivers can hear important road sounds, such as emergency vehicle sirens, car horns, and other audio clues that warn of potential hazards, but with your music blaring, you might miss those vital audible signs.
“Being able to respond quickly to changing circumstances is a key part of staying safe on the road.”
Certain police forces have also been trialling the use of noise-detecting cameras, which use microphones, cameras, and number plate recognition technology to identify vehicles emitting noise above a certain decibel limit – with immediate £100 fines if caught.
Will Kendrick -
19th March 2025 
