November 2007 Archives

I have worked with the Living Room since we opened the bar and restaurant in 2000. At that time we were not blessed with the level and quality of the fabulous bars and restaurants that we have to choose from today.

After nearly 8 years we felt as if we wanted a little change, enough for it for feel fresher and update it a little, yet subtle enough to ensure that the concept of the Living Room remains the same…. I have to say, I am totally useless when it comes to mood boards and plans – and although I liked the ones I saw, I was still quite nervous as to what the final result would be.

On Friday we had a ‘House Warming’ and I have to say I really like the way it has turned out. The designer has ensured that we have retained the ‘Living Room’ feel, but with an updated twist!

Connie and Cassie Powney and friend

Justine Mills (Owner, Cricket Clothing) centre
With her team from Cricket

Claire Simmonsen
Sandra Carney
Elizabeth Nelson

Bryan Foy (Zoo Salon)
Mary Berest

Sara Wilde (Trinity Mirror)
Colin McKeown (LA Productions)

Jill Arnold (All Saints)
Simon Perkins (CL3)

New look updated Living Room

New style booths in the bar

Last week saw the official VIP launch of the Lollipops Paris Store in Clayton Square. Over 150 guests arrived to a champagne reception and the sound of Nouveau Django, a Parisian inspired 3 piece jazz ensemble.

VIP’s attending the launch included model and girlfriend of Arctic Monkey, Katie Downes, Hells Kitchen’s very own Abigail Clancy and Radio City’s Kev Seed. Canapés were provided by Puschka and the champagne flowed long into the night. Kev Seed made the prize draw with guest Sarah Schofield winning a Dagethe leather handbag.

Lollipops Paris Boutique is home to a collection of uniquely designed handbags, shoes, key rings and jewellery, each with the typical Parisian ‘Je ne sais quoi’ styling which is unique to the brand.

Katie McCowen, Director of the new Lollipops Paris store explains: “We are so delighted with the welcome we have been given by Liverpool, this is our first UK store and we couldn’t be happier with the reaction here.”

Abigail Clancy who attended the opening bash said: “Lollipops Paris handbags are to die for; stylish, quirky and unique, just what every girl needs! My mum and I have been into the store three times already and I have left laden with new bags and accessories every time.”

Katie Downes said: “I have been waiting for Lollipops to launch in the UK for ages ever since seeing Amy Winehouse with one of the bags at Glastonbury earlier this year. I am made up that Liverpool has the first store – we are the best dressed girls in the country after all!”

The launch showcased the Autumn/Winter 2007 collection; Pêches Delicioux - a collection of sweet treats. This delightful range, which takes inspiration from Parisian styles and European couture practically flew out of the store as guests were treated to a 20% discount on the entire range.

Katie Downes, Debbie Boyde and Jan Martine

Kev Seed with Sarah Schofield, winner of the Prize Draw

Chrstine Cartwright of Impact Models, Abigail Clancey and her mother Karen, Jan Martine

Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton and fiancé Riad Erraji launched 'Hamiltons' their stunning new restaurant & delicatessen in Liverpool's trendy Metquarter last week.

A host of celebrity and VIP guests turned out to celebrate the exclusive launch where they were greeted with a glass of champagne at the door, shown around the venue - which is stunningly designed in the style of an eclectic period Parisian diner with colourful contemporary twist and were then seated in the upper tier where they sampled over 10 dishes from the menu, washed down with a selection of delicious fine wines.

The real treat of the night was the acoustic performance from Natasha - who performed tracks from her forthcoming album and the old favourite Whole Again.

Following the restaurant’s launch the party continued at H, the couple’s brand new restaurant, nightclub and members lounge just a few minutes’ walk from Hamiltons on Victoria Street.

Guests in attendance included Arctic Monkeys guitarist Jamie Cook and his gorgeous girlfriend, model Katie Downes, Emmerdale hunks Ben Freeman, Samuel Anderson and Glenn Lamont and stars of Hollyoaks, Chris Fountain, Ashley Taylor-Dawson and James Sutton.

With complimentary champagne on arrival and Radio 1 DJ Spoony providing the music, the party went long into the early hours.

DJ Spoony, Riad Erraji and Natasha Hamilton

Samuel Anderson, Ben Freeman, Chris Fountain and Glenn Lamont

Apprentice star Adam Hosker

Natasha Hamilton singing

Victor Anichebe and Amy Osu from Fire Management

Natasha Hamilton and singer Jamie J

DWF hosted its annual client dinner recently at St George's Hall in Liverpool.

This year DWF was joined by over 400 guests to celebrate the firm's 30th anniversary in the city where it was founded back in 1977.

The BBC's ex chief political correspondent John Sergeant was the after dinner speaker with Liverpool comedian Johnny Kennedy comparing the evening.

Sue Parker (DWF), Mark Cashin (Edward Billington & Son Ltd), Anton Stirrett (DWF), Paula Park (DWF)

Tony Bochenski (DWF), Stuart Stones (DWF), Rob Chorlton (Leisure Advantage)

Balance Health Centre in Tuebrook has now officially launched with a new name and look. Formerly known as Tuebrook Osteopath Clinic, the new-look centre on West Derby Road offers a range of alternative therapies including aromatherapy, colonic hydrotherapy, allergy testing and reflexology. The team and a selection of patients enjoyed champagne and healthy canapés to toast the business and its continued success.

Sebastian Tucker, June Bradshaw, Linda Cloherty, Alison and Mike Furlong (owners), Rose Washington, Val Stevens, Jimmy Henderson and Lynne Gran

Last week, Liverpool John Lennon Airport was the venue for the last CBI PR Forum of the year. The forum always attracts a quality audience and is known for showcasing some fantastic speakers.

Last week was certainly no exception as Richard Maddock, Managing Director of Radio City and Magic 1548 spoke passionately about the launch of their new station next year City Talk.

The other speakers were Lesley Cessford, Tangerine PR, and Jim Hancock from Vision Creative and Communications. Robin Tudor, Liverpool JLA, updated guests on the progress of the airport and its immediate plans for the future, along with the difficulties within the aviation industry over the previous 12 months.

Richard Maddock (Managing Director – Radio City)
Edward Brady (Regional External Affairs Manager, Shell UK Ltd)

many times have you wished you could select your own flowers from the florist… and arrange them at home!

Well come along and learn how to – at Est Est Est….. The Dutch Flower Shop will show you how.

Sylish jewellers Boodles held an evening of glamour and culture at Knowsley Hall last week. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception whilst they marvelled the fantastic collection of stunning jewellery.

New ranges were showcased along with classic suites of Boodles jewellery in the stunning surroundings of one of the regions most fabulous venues.

Following a sumptuous dinner, guests were entertained by students from RADA who performed a piece from Gosforth Park. Champagne, fine food and wines and diamonds… proved to be a magical combination for the guests.

Alex Wainwright
Karen Ibbotson

Sheree Murphy
Harry Kewell (Liverpool Football Club)

Allison reece + Daniel Reece, Merriel + Shaun Johnson

Ritchie Partridge
Lesley Owen/Partridge
Hayley Glover (Boodles)
Sheree Murphy
Harry Kewell (LFC)

Lobbying and networking organisation Downtown Liverpool in Business held their 5th annual Livercool Awards last night at the Crowne Plaza.

400 people attended The event which was superbly hosted by Radio City Breakfast Presenter Kev Seed and the Keynote speaker Lorraine Rogers spoke passionately about inward investment into the region.

The event attracted some of the major businesses in the city and they were entertained after the dinner by Liverpool band China Crisis, who sang a collection of their hits.

Kev Seed (Breakfast Presenter, Radio City)
Lorraine Rogers (Deputy Chairman, Radio City)
Simon Ross (Mid morning presenter, Radio City)

Kev Seed (Breakfast Presenter, Radio City)
Steve Broomhead (Northwest Development Agency)
Frank McKenna (Chairman, Downtown Liverpool in Business)

Gary Daley (front, China Crisis)
Kev Seed (back, Radio City)
Eddie Lundon (back right, China Crisis)

Liz McLarnon (Atomic Kitten), Martin O’Shea, Natasha Hamilton (Atomic Kitten / Hamiltons)

On Saturday I went to Goodison Park and watched Everton win 3-1 against Birmingham – a pretty strange experience as I am a Liverpool fan, so it was a bit strange watching two teams play who I don’t have any particular loyalty to.  Nice to see Everton win though- the fans loved it.  

I was a bit gutted as I had placed a bet and managed to get the first goal scorer, but also had some money on Everton winning 2-1, so when the last goal went in I cheered through gritted teeth as I think it cost me about £50! 

Home, quick change and then out to a fireworks party at lovely Liz McLarnon’s house.   Lovely evening with a ton of fireworks, plenty to eat and drink and a lovely collection of people. 

Nice to catch up with Natasha Hamilton and finance Riad who are getting married in a few weeks, we had a long chat about their new ventures Hamilton’s and H which are due to open this month – Massive good luck to both of them, as they have worked so hard on the projects and I am looking forward to the launches on the 15th November.