It is that wonderful time of the year again. Here at His & Hers we love the run up to Christmas. We love the tinsel: we love the glitter and we love the magical lighting strewn across the Royal Albert Dock. We have a round-up of what is happening on the Dock, and some intriguing cocktails to be had, along with winter comfort food. And one or two retails stores and places of cultural interest are in the mix. We are so grateful for the interludes where we can relax and enjoy this beautiful city, with a cocktail in our hands, and just admire the view across the shimmering water.
Feature by Jean Hill
Red Run Activewear
One of Liverpool’s most exciting new active-wear brands, launched its retail store at Royal Albert Dock in November 2021. Red Run Activewear offers versatile and comfortable active-wear to suit a range of shapes and ages. It uses high quality and carefully sourced sustainable materials, designed to feel and look good.
The passionate team of women behind the brand consists of experienced designers and production managers with over 15 years’ experience within the fashion industry. This team has worked in fashion capitals including London, Paris, Milan and New York.
The team wanted to offer sustainable women’s active streetwear: stylish, comfortable clothing that is perfect for training, or for everyday wear to suit busy lifestyles. The fabrics are carefully sourced, sustainably manufactured, using premium fabrics. The result is long-lasting, luxurious active-wear which lets the skin breath and keep cool throughout training.
The active-wear range includes stylish wool beanies and 100% organic cotton caps, to a short waterproof jacket made from 100% recycled nylon. There is a 2 in 1 reversible body warmer which is the must-have addition from the Parisian Night collection.
The dock shop is located on the Colonnades just a short walk from the hugely popular Lost Soles, with an urban luxury feel keeping in line with the dock’s iconic industrial aesthetic.
Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Titanic Hotel has set the bar high for festive tipples this year with a dedicated Christmas cocktail menu. This comprises 5 classic cocktails that have been given a Christmas glow-up. Mrs Claus has core ingredients of orange gin, Grand Marnier and cranberry juice, to the Festive Old Fashioned with Rumbullion, Christmas Spices, orange, bitters and Goslings 151. The Rum Bar at the hotel is the perfect spot to sink into a chair and get into the festive spirit.
The Spa is legendary, and oh so relaxing.
Maray Dockside
Maray does seriously good food. You can mix it up with some indulgent cocktails. Maray’s Barefoot to Dundee cocktail is a must try for chocolate lovers, centred around the beloved Christmas treat the Toblerone, and made with Baileys, gold rum, cacao, honey, almond milk and double cream. It is a delicious digestif to get that post meal sweet fix.
Gusto
Royal Albert Dock’s resident Italian restaurant, Gusto, knows how to do things in style, and their Christmas twist on the Espresso Martini makes it the perfect Instagram-worthy tipple. Their Gingerbread Espresso Martini is made with Tia Maria, gingerbread syrup, Absolut vanilla vodka, espresso, a sprinkle of cinnamon dust and garnished with a gingerbread man.
This is such a beautiful venue. You can gaze out across the beautiful Dock, sparkling with dancing lights, relax and contemplate.
One O’Clock Gun
The One O’Clock Gun, a classic ‘New York Pub’ style bar, specialises in cocktails, beers, wines on tap, live music and hearty, comforting food.
The Gun are going all out for their first Christmas on the Dock, with beautiful festive interiors including a Christmas tree and presents, and a festive cocktail you won’t want to miss. The Gunslinger is a winter tiki style punch with dark rum, amaretto, pineapple, citrus and cream soda. The Lotus Russian is a boozy Biscoff concoction with Absolut vanilla vodka, Biscoff, coffee and cream.
Following a successful summer opening, the new dockside favourite have added some serious comfort food to their menu. Highlights from the sandwich section include a juicy beef patty melt, with melted emmental and cheddar, burger sauce and sharp, sweet pickles. Then there is a classic yet knockout Fish Finger Sandwich; soft flaky fish goujon with homemade tartare sauce and mushy peas on a soft brioche bun.
Director Tom White said of the updated menu; “After a few months of being open down on the Dock we are excited to launch our new updated food and drink offering at The Gun. The food menu has a big focus on simple, delicious and comforting bar food, hearty meals to fill you up, alongside snacks”.
Revolucion de Cuba
Revolucion de Cuba’s festive cocktail menu offers something to cure every resting Grinch face, from their rum drenched Cuban Christmas Colada with coco real pineapple juice and oatmeal milk, to their fruity Love Daiq-tually with Havana club three-year old rum, pineapple, raspberry and passion fruit.
Tate, Liverpool
You need to book to see exhibitions. Lucian Freud exhibition is well worth experiencing: a true craftsman. There are vintage posters in the Tate Shop: Rachel Whiteread, Henri Matisse and Barbara Hepworth feature. Great place to shop for distinctive gifts.
Lunyalita
Set over two floors, both overlooking the Dock, there is a ground floor sun terrace with seating for 30 guests and an upstairs champagne balcony. Stunning views and great food. The menu is a fusion of British and Spanish classics: tapas, deli platters and paella with changing daily specials.
The breakfast menu is extensive, great deals for children, too, and as ever, breastfeeding mums very welcome and always offered a free drink on the house. Always welcoming and authentic tapas, meticulously sourced.
Summary
It is cocktail o’clock. Have fun. The Museum of Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum are great attractions, for children and adults alike, on the waterfront. Dock-land is a fascinating place to explore. It is all part of the magic of Christmas.
https://www.titanichotelliverpool.com/
<https://lunya.co.uk/lunyalita/>
From the archives: Royal Albert Dock launches ‘Feed Your Mind’ campaign with free kids circus skills at half term.
