Mention Liverpool to anyone and they’re guaranteed to have an image they associate with the city, if they’ve visited or not. Whether it’s Merseybeat, the Merseyside derby, Z-Cars or The Liver Birds – the UK’s fifth-largest city has had an almost disproportionate impact on the country both at home and abroad, inspiring some of the nation’s most cherished pop culture. So what makes the city so very special? From fashion sense to dialect, here are 10 of the lesser-known secrets from the banks of the Mersey, and some tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Scouse is for eating
It’s widely known that people from Liverpool are called Scousers. What fewer people realise is that the name comes from a traditional local cuisine. Scouse dates back to Liverpool’s days as a bustling seaport, a stew traditionally consisting of lamb or beef and potatoes served with bread and beetroot. For other authentic local flavours, enjoy a bowl of pea whack (pea soup), and finish off with a wet nelly (fruit cake).
Liverpudlians keep it independent
As an international hub, Liverpool has all the chain stores and restaurants you’d expect. But the city prides itself on a strong independent spirit, and has far more of its own to offer. Liverpool is best enjoyed through its wealth of local cafes, bars, boutiques and breweries. Bold Street and the Baltic Triangle have plenty to offer on those fronts, with the new wave of Liverpool creatives showcasing the maverick talent native to the city.
Music makes the city go round
Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Echo and the Bunnymen, Jemini … Liverpool has a strong musical heritage. The city moves to a beat, so expect to hear music everywhere you go. From open mic nights to international festivals, you’ll never be far from a melody.
It’s impossible not to mention Liverpool and music without making reference to the city’s most famous export and, yes, there are a lot of ways to discover more about the Fab Four.
Fine, we admit it. We still love the Beatles
Obviously, the Beatles are still a big deal in the city (as they are everywhere else, to be fair). Your taxi driver will have met them or jammed with Paul once at school, and more than a few bars claim to have a connection to the group. Prefer the Stones? Maybe keep it to yourself. Aside from the usual tourist trips, bus and taxi tours and the museum, there are other ways to spend A Day in the Life of Ringo, John, Paul and George. The 86 bus from the city centre will take you to Penny Lane. You might not see a fireman with an hourglass, but there’s a fantastic wine bar. Or for a more macabre homage, head to St Peter’s church in Woolton to see Eleanor Rigby’s grave.
But don’t sing Gerry and the Pacemakers while crossing the Mersey
As well providing a beautiful view, the Mersey waterfront and Royal Albert Dock area is home to several museums and galleries, as well as fine views of the Three Graces. There’s also the legendary ferry across the Mersey, made famous by Gerry and the Pacemakers, which takes you to Birkenhead and the Wirral Peninsula. While on board, please don’t sing that song. There’s always one, don’t let it be you.
Learn the lingo, la
Liverpool has one of the UK’s most distinctive dialects, and there are a few words you’ll need to help navigate a trip to the city, such as:
La – a friendly greeting; “Alright, La?”
Boss/Sound – great; “That’s boss, la”
Bevvies – drinks; “Let’s get the bevvies in”
Antwacky – old-fashioned
Trabs – trainers/shoes
Jarg – inauthentic, fake, rubbish; “Those trabs are jarg”
Be friendly (and don’t do that impression)
So now you know some Scouse words. However, please stop short of reenacting that Harry Enfield sketch. It’s not hilarious to walk around shouting: “Calm down, calm down” and gesticulating wildly. It was 25 years ago and it wasn’t that funny then.
That said, Scousers do have a unique sense of humour, and are generally warm and welcoming. So order your bevvy with a smile, and feel free to tell the bartender to “take your own” – you’re not buying them a drink, just offering a small tip.
Use the toilets in the Philharmonic pub
Hear us out. The Philharmonic Dining Rooms is one of the most iconic pubs in the city, a Grade-II listed building in itself. But the restaurant’s status is trumped by its men’s toilets: a real luxury marble marvel. Taking a picture is not frowned upon, just ask staff first, and do make sure it’s an appropriate moment.
Pyjamas are not just for inside
Don’t be taken aback, but it’s not uncommon to see people in the supermarket or local shop wearing pyjamas of a morning. No big deal, just out of the house, picking up the essentials before getting dressed. Liverpool’s fashion sense has always been esoteric, but also trendsetting – the Scouse look of big hair and brows has spread beyond the city and into the national consciousness. Just don’t expect every bloke to be wearing a tracksuit, although North Face is currently on trend
Red or blue? Pick a side
Liverpool is a united place on a lot of fronts. Not the football field. The city is split between the Reds of Liverpool FC, and the Blues (or “Toffees”) of Everton FC. Their combined silverware makes Liverpool one of the most successful footballing cities in the country, and although matches between the two are known as “the friendly derby” there’s no love lost between the clubs.
The battle for city bragging rights sometimes plays out off the pitch: during the opening of the city’s new Liverpool One shopping centre, the Toffees cheekily named their flagship club shop Everton Two. Snappy title, Blues. Still no European cups though!
Book your tickets to Liverpool with London Northwestern Railway with services running to and from London, Birmingham and elsewhere at londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk
