June is here and that means more than a new season of Orange is the New Black………….
You’ve forgotten haven’t you? Good job you got here just in time because you can consider this your friendly reminder that Father’s Day 2017 is on the 18th June. I repeat, the 18th of June.
Now dads are always notoriously tricky to buy for. I mean, all they want to do is watch football, snore on the sofa, eat chocolate and drink wine, right? So if you’re conscious of the clock ticking but are feeling super stuck for Father’s Day gift ideas this year then here, let me help you out.
I’ve got to say, I was dealt a pretty awesome hand when I got my Pops. He’s as much my buddy as my parent and we’re basically just two peas from one pod so we share a lot of the same hobbies (shoe collecting, films and food, duh!) which makes Father’s Day a doddle for me really.
I have Papa John to thank for my creative streak and my hyper-sentimental hoarding so I knew a personalised portrait of the two of us would go down a treat (cheers, Dick Vincent) but if there’s one thing that will always get him grinning without fail, it’s a good old dad & daughter activity day.
So ahead of D-Day (Dad’s Day) here are just some of the cool things my old man and I enjoy doing together (along with some new ideas) in case you’re on the hunt for things to do for Father’s Day in Liverpool.
A game of Ghetto Golf
When it comes to things to do in Liverpool, Ghetto Golf is climbing the ranks like nobody’s business at the moment. I mean, it’s only been open for 6 months and I’ve been 5 times already. With an age limit of 18, Ghetto Golf is like the naughty version of mini golf. Situated in the old Cain’s Brewery, the whole gaff is kitted out with a (slightly overpriced) cocktail bar, glow in the dark graffiti and 18 holes of pure glory. As you move from The Sun slamming hole to the anti-Trump finale, don’t forget to grab a Fireball from the shot bars strategically placed around the course.
An Old Fashioned at Berry & Rye
Not too long along ago I was kindly treated to whiskey tasting at one of Liverpool’s most coveted watering holes, Berry & Rye. Now I’m not a fan of whiskey so it was kinda wasted on me but for those of you out there who know a dad somewhere who would love to put some hairs on his chest with a Woodford on the rocks, you really can’t go wrong with Berry & Rye.
Inspired by speakeasy prohibition bars, this cosy little corner of the city’s eclectic nightlife scene can be found nestled away on Berry Street behind a completely nameless facade. It’s only those who know that know, if you know what I mean but I’m passing the secret on now cause this certainly ain’t one to be missed.
A trip to a retro barbershop
Liverpool is absolutely packed to the rafters with three things: girls with bouncy hair toting Whistles shopping bags, places to get some damn fine coffee and barbershops. Retro, red-and-white, upholstered leather seats barbershops where a fella with a handlebar mustache checks your appointment time on a gold-rimmed pocket watch.
You can’t move from Tithebarn Street to Hope Street without stumbling across at least 5 so you’ve plenty of places to treat your Old Dad to a hot towel shave. Controversial as it might be, Barber Barber in Liverpool ONE is a men-only zone so it’s the perfect place for some well earned R’n’R.
Afternoon tea at the Malmaison Liverpool
Okay you might be pulling a WTF face right now because afternoon tea might typically be considered a little bit too frilly and twee for Father’s Day but not with the renegades that are the Malmaison hotel group.
My Pops and I recently enjoyed a champagne afternoon tea at the Malmaison Liverpool and I think the demolition that took place after the array of sweet and savoury morsels were put in front of us can vouch for the fact we’d totally recommend it. Not at all what you’re expecting that’s for sure.
Bonding at Breakout Liverpool
From the weekend crossword to working out what to get my mum for Christmas, my dad and I are a pretty formidable duo when we put our noggins together so you can imagine how excited we get about a Breakout Liverpool session. There are lots of Breakout branches around the UK, all of which involve live escape games.
In a nut shell, you book a themed room with it’s own unique back story and when you get there, you’re locked in for an hour while you puzzle your way through clues and solve various levels to flee before your times up. Genius.
Sharing steak at Neighbourhood
If you’re up to date with my latest posts, you’ll know by now that I’m a big fan of Neighbourhood Liverpool and I know my old man would big up the Chateaubriand too. Definitely airing on the more pricey side, a Chateaubriand is one of the more luxurious cuts of meat and comes served as a whole fillet for the ‘sharees’ to carve themselves. Neighbourhood do a pretty fine example and it comes accompanied by your choice of sides (from a healthy Hollandaise broccoli right through to a hearty mac ‘n’ cheese)
Check out what’s on at The Philharmonic
As well as a mutual adoration for footwear and Fleetwood Mac, my dad and I also share very similar tastes in music. Gig tickets are always a winner if you’re feeling energetic (The Stone Roses and Bob Dylan are our most recent ticks off the live music bucket list) but if you fancy something different, check out The Philharmonic events programme. We went to see an Einaudi concert there last year and it was nothing short of ethereal.
Pancakes and shakes at Moose Cafe
I say Moose Cafe because they’re the best pancakes in town (everyone knows that) but not only that, they also cater for Dad sized portions. If your old man is anything like mine, he’ll tell you he’s far too stuffed for dessert but as soon as yours lands on the table in front of you, he’s the very first one with his bloody spoon in it. At Moose you can eat your own pancakes in peace and leave Pops to his own mountain of maple syrup and blueberries.
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