[2026]
[Friday
12 June 2026]
Hilton Liverpool City Centre, 3 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool L1 8LW
…Janet said to me, “Good morning…!” (08:12). So I got up. The rubber mat in the shower cubicle alarmingly slipped away as soon as my foot touched it. I removed it, and there was not the merest hint of slipping with my foot on the shower base itself. So much for having a rubber mat for safety’s sake! So if one used it, it would have to be dry and the shower base also dry.
We left the room (08:56) and went down to the Exchange Restaurant, where we’d have been yesterday evening if it hadn’t been reserved for some function. I had
Rice Krispies. I’d forgotten how different they were from Rice Krispies “Multigrain Shapes”.
Janet had brought a glass of orange juice for me when she got hers. Then I had bacon, sausages and baked beans. The sausages were something like Lincolnshire ones, though not as herby. I had an
americano coffee from one of the machines, and put milk in it from the same dispenser I’d used to put milk on the
Rice Krispies. To me, it was just a breakfast buffet; but Janet opined in her journal: “A very impressive spread. All good quality.”
We returned to the room (09:35), got ready to go out, and left (09:51), to walk to Liverpool Cathedral.
Janet had suggested that we get a taxi, but I’d pointed out that according to the
Maps app the walk would only take 20 minutes.…
I used the Maps app as a guide on our way: to turn left when we left the hotel, left again along Canning Place by the bus station, ahead along the first short part of Hanover Street, to bear right along Duke Street, to continue straight ahead along Upper Duke Street, and midway along Upper Duke Street to turn right into the Cathedral grounds.
Between Duke Street and Upper Duke Street, looking to the right, this is what met our eyes:
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:14:20
Nelson Street Arch
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:18:06
(Right:) Nelson Street Arch, and (left:) “The Blackie” (The Black-E Arts & Community Centre)
We’d first seen this entrance to Liverpool’s “Chinatown” from the “Magical Mystery Tour” coach, towards the end of the tour, in 2002.
Tuesday 3 September 2002
We saw them for the first time near the end of our “Magical Mystery Tour” in 2002.
“At ca.10am we set off for the Anglican cathedral,”
Janet wrote, “where Macca auditioned to be a choirboy and was turned down! We walked. [It] took about 20 minutes. Again, [it was] very windy and quite cool —
but, no rain all day.” We’d passed the Cathedral on the previous “Magical Mystery Tours” in 2002 and 2008. This was the
information that was supplied to us in 2002, perhaps with our Superbreak booking:
- Anglican Cathedral,
St James Road
In 1953, Paul [McCartney] unsuccessfully auditioned here for a prestigious place in the choir. In March 1981 a Remembrance service was held here for John [Lennon] and the cathedral was full of relatives, friends and fans who came to pay their respects to arguably Liverpool’s most legendary son. This was one of four tributes paid to John by the people of Liverpool in the months after his death. The cathedral was also the scene of the first performance of Paul McCartney’s ‘Liverpool Oratorio’ on 28 June 1991, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society. Paul was present at the performance, which was conducted by Carl Davies.
Janet added, about the Cathedral, that it was “The biggest in the country. It is actually a rather ugly, drab building outside — although inside that redeems itself by being ‘architecturally interesting’.” It seems to me that this was a fall-back when no other, more emotive, expression would do. She did later add, when I went up the tower and she continued to look around: “Beautiful stained glass windows.”
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:21:16
Looking south from midway along Upper Duke Street: Liverpool Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:26:08
Liverpool Cathedral:
(below:) entrance at the north (“liturgical west”) end;
(middle:) Elisabeth Frink The Welcoming Christ (bronze, 1993);
(above:) Great West Window
Plan of Liverpool Cathedral
[click on image to enlarge]
Below, to describe some locations, I have used different terminology from that used in this plan, especially for directions (north, south, east, west). For, in this plan, “liturgical directions” are used throughout, not geographical ones; e.g. the “West Porch” is geographically north.
On entering the Cathedral, we saw a woman at a desk. She gave us a leaflet (“Welcome to Britain’s largest Cathedral”) and, because I was hoping to go to the top of the tower, another: “Enjoy our Tower Experience”. She told us something about the Cathedral, including that it was Britain’s largest cathedral and the longest in the world; and she pointed out some of its architectural features, including a lack of pillared aisles. There was a machine for making contributions; there were pre-set payment options, or one could specify how much to pay. I chose the pre-set “£20”…
(10:29).
Leaflet “Welcome to Britain’s largest Cathedral”
“We went our separate ways, as usual,” Janet
wrote. “I had a hot chocolate in the Bistro then started my tour.”
My own wanderings are documented by the photos I took, so require little further comment.
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:30:16
Liverpool Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:30:26
Liverpool Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:30:40
Liverpool Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:31:26
Liverpool Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:34:58
Liverpool Cathedral: looking southwards (“liturgical east”)
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:35:08
Liverpool Cathedral: looking southwards (“liturgical east”)
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:37:52
Liverpool Cathedral: looking southwards (“liturgical east”)
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:39:48
Liverpool Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:40:11
Liverpool Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:41:02
Liverpool Cathedral: looking northwards (“liturgical west”): the Great West Window
Equipment was being set up for “Bowie by Candlelight” this evening, 7.30pm–9.00pm, a performance of David Bowie songs by tribute band “David Live”.
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:43:03
Liverpool Cathedral: looking southwards (“liturgical east”): High Altar and Te Deum window
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:44:03
Liverpool Cathedral: view upwards from the same location as “10:43:03”
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:45:43
Liverpool Cathedral: War Memorial Chapel, south-east transept
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:46:03
Liverpool Cathedral: Chancel, High Altar and Great East Window
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:46:21
Liverpool Cathedral: Whispering Arch, south-west transept
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:46:59
Liverpool Cathedral: under the central Tower, looking northwards (“liturgical west”)
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:47:05
Liverpool Cathedral: under the central Tower, facing northwards (“liturgical west”)
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:48:15
Liverpool Cathedral: ambulatory on the west side of the Chancel and High Altar
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:49:06
Liverpool Cathedral: model of the earlier two-towered concept of the Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:50:29
Liverpool Cathedral: Charles Lutyens The Outraged Christ (mostly wood, shaped by large chisel and chainsaw, 2011), in the south-west transept
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:51:00
Liverpool Cathedral: Whispering Arch and monument to Frederick Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby (1841–1908), south-west transept
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:52:51
Liverpool Cathedral: monument to Frederick Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby (1841–1908). His feet rest on an eagle and child, elements of the Stanley family crest.
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:52:51 (detail)
Liverpool Cathedral: … eagle and child, elements of the Stanley family crest
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:54:11
Liverpool Cathedral: tapestry, under the Whispering Arch, south-west transept
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:54:11 (detail)
Liverpool Cathedral: tapestry, under the Whispering Arch, south-west transept
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:55:38
Liverpool Cathedral: another view of the model of the earlier two-towered concept of the Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:56:19
Liverpool Cathedral: ambulatory on the west side of the Chancel and High Altar
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:57:02
Liverpool Cathedral: entrance to the Chancel and High Altar on their west side
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:58:04
Liverpool Cathedral: High Altar, Reredos and Great East Window
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:58:04 (detail 1)
Liverpool Cathedral: Reredos
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:58:04 (detail 2)
Liverpool Cathedral: Reredos
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:58:17
Liverpool Cathedral: looking southwards (“liturgical east”) from the Chancel
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:58:55
Liverpool Cathedral: Chancel, east side
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:59:00
Liverpool Cathedral: view northwards (“liturgical west”)
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:59:09
Liverpool Cathedral: Chancel, west side
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:00:14
Liverpool Cathedral: exit from the Chancel and High Altar on their east side
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:00:55
Liverpool Cathedral: ambulatory on the east side of the Chancel and High Altar
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:01:41
Liverpool Cathedral: looking westwards from the south-east corner of the ambulatory: continuation along the south end of the Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:02:27
Liverpool Cathedral: looking eastwards from the south-east corner of the ambulatory: Children’s Chapel, leading to the Chapter House
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:02:58
Liverpool Cathedral: Chapter House
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:03:08
Liverpool Cathedral: Chapter House
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:06:07
Liverpool Cathedral: looking southwards from the Children’s Chapel
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:06:58
Liverpool Cathedral: ambulatory along the south end of the Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:07:34
Liverpool Cathedral: doorway at the west end of the southern ambulatory
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:08:19
Liverpool Cathedral: continuing westwards
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:08:37
Liverpool Cathedral: continuing westwards
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:08:53
Liverpool Cathedral: view southwards over the Lady Chapel
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:10:12
Liverpool Cathedral: descent to the Lady Chapel
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:11:09
Liverpool Cathedral: Lady Chapel, looking southwards
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:11:23
Liverpool Cathedral: Lady Chapel, looking southwards
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:12:06
Liverpool Cathedral: Lady Chapel, Altar and Reredos
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:12:56
Liverpool Cathedral: Lady Chapel, looking northwards
From the Lady Chapel, I returned to the Central Space of the Cathedral. I couldn’t see
Janet, so I phoned to find out where she was, twice (both 11:19) because the first time the call went to voicemail. “[John] phoned me somewhat later,”
Janet wrote, “to take me to the Lady Chapel, which he thought I might miss. It was quite beautiful down there, and we sat on a pew for a while.”
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:42:37
Liverpool Cathedral: overlooking the Lady Chapel: one of two signs that I noticed
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:42:52
Liverpool Cathedral: the other of two signs that I noticed
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:44:12
Liverpool Cathedral: David Sheppard Memorial
- Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…
…and pray to the Lord on its behalf
Jeremiah 29:7
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:44:49
Liverpool Cathedral: David Sheppard Memorial
Janet’s holiday journal continued, “We decided to have our lunch in the Bistro. [John] had a dandelion and burdock with scouse. I had a flatbread with grilled halloumi, hummus, smashed avocado (yuk: green pus!) and salad. I couldn’t possibly eat it all! Then I had sticky choc and orange cake. Yummy! The bill was only £30.65. Amazing!”
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:52:12
Liverpool Cathedral: The Welsford Bistro: menu 1
Saturday 13 June 2026 11:53:12
Liverpool Cathedral: The Welsford Bistro: menu 2
Bill from The Welsford Bistro, printed “11:59:43”
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:01:39
Liverpool Cathedral: lunch at The Welsford Bistro
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:09:33
Liverpool Cathedral: lunch at The Welsford Bistro
“John went up the tower, and I continued my tour.” I paid for the “Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience” in the Cathedral
Shop… (12:45).
Leaflet “Enjoy our Tower Experience”
Receipt of payment for the “Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”, printed “12:45”
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:47:05
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: reception desk
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:46:52
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: the first of two lifts
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:48:03
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: information displayed in the first lift
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:48:39
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: the way between the two lifts
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:48:50
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: the way between the two lifts
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:49:08
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: approaching the second lift
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:49:18
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: the second lift
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:50:27
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: going out of the second lift
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:50:46
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: Cathedral Bells
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:51:07
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: stairs to the top
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:51:23
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: stairs to the top
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:51:46
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: stairs to the top
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:52:12
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: Cathedral Bells
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:52:16
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: roof of the tower
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:52:21
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: last of the stairs to the top
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:54:41
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: top of the tower
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:55:54
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: views from the top of the tower: looking east
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:56:23
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: views from the top of the tower: looking north
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:57:00
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: views from the top of the tower: looking west
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:59:10
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: views from the top of the tower: looking west
Saturday 13 June 2026 12:59:22
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: views from the top of the tower: looking north-west
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:00:03
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: top of the tower
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:01:06
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: views from the top of the tower: looking south
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:01:16
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: views from the top of the tower: looking south
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:03:39
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: “WAY DOWN”
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:03:39 (detail)
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: “WAY DOWN”
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:04:15
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: stairs to the “second” lift
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:05:03
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: stairs to the “second” lift
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:06:09
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: stairs to the “second” lift
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:07:06
“Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience”: stairs to the “second” lift
… After leaving the Cathedral site the way we entered it, passing as we did so “The Oratory”, built in 1829 as the mortuary chapel to St. James Cemetery, and now a museum,—
Saturday 13 June 2026 13:57:44
Liverpool Cathedral: The Oratory, just to the north of the Cathedral
—we turned right into Upper Duke Street, then left into Hope Street, going to its end at the
T-junction with Mount Pleasant. There, ahead of us across Mount Pleasant was Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.
On the way, we crossed over Mount Street to our left.
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:05:14
Heading north along Hope Street: (left:) the former “Liverpool Art School” and (right of it:) the former “Liverpool Institute High School for Boys”, Mount Street
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:06:04
Heading north along Hope Street: (left:) the former “Liverpool Art School” and (right of it:) the former “Liverpool Institute High School for Boys”, Mount Street
We’d come this way on the previous “Magical Mystery Tours” in 2002 and 2008, and had had these two buildings pointed out to us. This was the information that I had from 2002:
-
Liverpool John Moores University Faculty of Art and Design, Hope Street
Formerly Liverpool Art School.
In 1957 John secured a place here on the recommendation of his headmaster at Quarry Bank, yet John remained disillusioned with education and paid more attention to music. During his three years here he met his future wife Cynthia Powell, Stu Sutcliffe and Bill Harry, editor of
Merseybeat. Stuart and Bill Harry’s places on the student committee and their growing friendship with John had a significant bearing on the Student Union purchasing PA equipment. Not surprisingly Johnny and the Moondogs frequently used this newly purchased equipment during their Friday afternoon performances in the College basement canteen and when John, Stu and the rest of the Beatles left for Hamburg in August 1960, the College PA conveniently disappeared with them. In 1984, Yoko and Sean visited the College. Yoko donated £10,000 to the faculty and presented the College with some of John’s drawings. Yoko has since presented a number of items to the College to auction for fund raising purposes.
And:
-
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Mount Street
Formerly Liverpool Institute High School for Boys
Paul and George both attended this school. For a brief period in 1954 and 1955 they travelled to school together by bus from the housing estate in Speke, where they both lived. It was through the conversations they had during their long journeys to and from school that they realised they shared a common interest in rock ’n’ roll music and became friends. Paul had been invited to join John’s band during the summer of 1957, before John obtained a place at Art School in September 1957. John was then effectively next door to Paul on almost a daily basis. Paul subsequently introduced George to John and George eventually joined the Quarry Men in February 1958. Their close proximity meant they could meet frequently and practice, usually during lesson time.
The school was closed on 9 July 1985 and this grand old building, which once housed one of Liverpool’s finest grammar schools began to decay. For many ‘Old Boys’ it was a sad end. The release of the film ‘Fame’ in 1980 and the idea that a school in Liverpool, devoted to the performing arts, could bring back an element of hope to youngsters living in the city, led Paul McCartney to make the suggestion that Liverpool needed to develop such a scheme.
Fifteen years later, thanks to the driving force of Paul, together with the dedication, perseverance and support of many individuals and organisations including the City Council and the Government, the first LIPA students began their degree programme in January 1996. The selection of students was made from applications received from all over the world. Paul as the lead Patron was present at the official opening on 30 January 1996 and six months later on 7 June 1996, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II performed the Royal opening of the building, Paul McCartney was once again in attendance. According to Paul, “Her Majesty’s a pretty nice girl”. Since the opening of the School Paul McCartney and George Martin have both lectured at the Institute and Paul has been present at every degree ceremony held each July in the Sir Paul McCartney Auditorium where he has personally presented each graduate with their degree certificate.
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:07:10
Heading north along Hope Street: The Dog & Collar Pub, 60 Hope Street
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:08:26
Heading north along Hope Street: (ahead:) Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:09:02
Heading north along Hope Street: (behind:) Liverpool Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:17:32
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:19:14
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:21:51
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
“Afterwards,” Janet wrote, “we headed for the Catholic Cathedral, the biggest in the
country.[i] Not my cup of tea,
really[ii] — Edwin Lutyens’ original design would have been more to my
taste[iii] — but the dome was stunning. Amazing stained glass in vibrant colours. I went down to the
Crypt[iv] — I was given free entrance! — and read all about Lutyens’ original plan, which was scuppered by the Second World War, and how the current building was built above the Crypt, designed by the architect Sir Frederick Gibberd. Very interesting.”
- [i] Google “AI mode”, quoting Wikipedia:
-
- The largest Catholic church in the UK by floor area and capacity is the
Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool, which seats up to 2,200 worshippers and features a massive
9,687 m² interior footprint.
- [ii] Not the “cup of tea” of the locals, either, where, according to
Wikipedia, it is “locally nicknamed ‘Paddy's Wigwam’ or ‘The Mersey Funnel’”
[iii] Illustration, by Cyril Farey, of Edwin Lutyens’ unrealised design for the cathedral:
-
- [iv] According to Wikipedia:
-
- Building work based on Lutyens’ design began on Whit Monday, 5 June 1933, funded mostly by the contributions of working class Catholics of the burgeoning industrial port. In 1941, the restrictions of World War II wartime and a rising cost from £3 million to £27 million (£1.18 billion in 2025), forced construction to stop. In 1956, work recommenced on the crypt, which was finished in 1958. Thereafter, Lutyens’ design for the cathedral was considered too costly and was abandoned with only the crypt complete.
We went our separate ways after entering the Cathedral. There was a small choir, singing mostly, I think, secular songs. I didn’t follow
Janet to the Crypt; I was under the impression that photography was not allowed there, which, I felt, given my poor visual memory, would have made the visit pointless. And I didn’t know that the entry fee would be waived in
Janet’s case!
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:24:41
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:24:52
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:29:37
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:37:36
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral: Stations of the Cross: I. Jesus is condemned to death.
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:38:52
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral: Stations of the Cross: II. Jesus takes up his Cross.
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:42:00
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:42:16
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:42:30
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:42:48
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Janet and I met together at this point. Within the entrance was a machine similar to the one at the Anglican cathedral; and as there, I chose the pre-set “£20”… (14:44). I think we went separate ways again after that.
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:49:32
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, sculptures in one of the chapels: Arthur Dooley (1929–1994),
Mandela
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:50:01
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, sculptures in one of the chapels: Arthur Dooley (1929–1994),
Mandela
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:49:46
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, sculptures in one of the chapels: Arthur Dooley (1929–1994),
Veronica
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:50:20
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, sculptures in one of the chapels: Arthur Dooley (1929–1994),
Veronica
Saturday 13 June 2026 14:53:22
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral: Stations of the Cross: XIII. Jesus is taken down from the Cross.
Saturday 13 June 2026 15:01:05
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, west apse: Sean Rice (1931–1997), Abraham, our Father in Faith (bronze and other metals, 1991)
Saturday 13 June 2026 15:13:09
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, in one of the chapels
Saturday 13 June 2026 15:15:26
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 15:16:18
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Saturday 13 June 2026 15:16:53
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral: Baptistery
Afterwards, we retraced our route along Hope Street. We were in need of refreshment. We looked in
The White Hart, 23 Hope Street, but there were no seats available; so we walked on.
The White Hart
Google Maps Street View © 2026 Google
“We went for a drink in a pub not far away. It was called
Casa. Very random!” Janet wrote. There were no seats at tables here, either, but we were able to sit on high stools at the bar.
Janet perhaps had a J2O; I had a Bud Lite (3.5% a.b.v. in the UK), rather than choosing a premium-strength lager. The round cost £6.10.
While we were there, I looked at the website of the Daffodil bar and restaurant,
i.e. the former Mersey ferry MV Royal Daffodil we’d visited briefly yesterday: “Food Menus – Daffodil” (15:44); “Daffodil-Spring-A-la-Carte-Download.pdf” (15:45). With its use of words like “crema”, “emulsion” and “espuma”, we decided that we wouldn’t be having any of that “arty-farty”, “style-over-substance” nonsense.
Janet’s sister Susan had recommended travelling with Uber in Liverpool; and since
Janet didn’t want to walk back to the hotel, I investigated that — “Ride with Uber | Request Rides 24/7 | Official Uber Site” (15:58) — and found an app in
Google Play: “Uber - Request a ride - Apps on Google Play” (15:58), which I downloaded and activated. I registered, giving my e-mail address, and there came a message, “Verify your Uber account email” (16:01): “Please confirm your email by tapping the link below.” (People generally “click” on links on computers; they “tap” on links on phones.)
Casa
Google Maps Street View © 2026 Google
“We then headed off to The Quarter for dinner,”
Janet’s account continued. I’d done a search for Italian restaurants in the vicinity using the
Maps app, and this was the nearest. It was a very long establishment: judging by the address, 7–17 Falkner Street, it was six ground floor premises, knocked into one. We found the entrance at the far end. There were many occupied tables in there, it was very busy; a waitress found us a table for two, but not till we’d almost reached the other end.
“We both had rich braised beef rigatoni (I left most of the pasta but ate all the delicious sauce!),”
Janet wrote. “[John] had an Aperol Spritz and a glass of wine. I had a ‘mocktail’ and Eton Mess cheesecake. We ordered coffee, but were disappointed that it was crap so I left mine.” The Italian-ness, which one might expect of the coffee in an Italian-themed restaurant,
i.e. to have an americano that’s two or three times bigger than an
espresso, was completely compromised by British-ness: a large, almost flavourless travesty!
Was there grappa on the drinks menu? No.
The Quarter
Google Maps Street View © 2026 Google
Saturday 13 June 2026 16:32:52
At The Quarter, 7 Falkner Street, Liverpool L8 7PU
Saturday 13 June 2026 16:54:03
At The Quarter, 7 Falkner Street, Liverpool L8 7PU
Bill, printed “5.47PM”
I paid… (17:49), then managed to work out how to use the
Uber app to summon a taxi (17:56). We had to hurry out of the establishment to look for it, because it arrived almost straight away (17:59). It was at the end of Falkner Street, at the junction with Hope Street. The route was a lot less direct than that of our outward walk, for rather than going more or less eastwards, with a small southward then northward loop, we went south, west then north; and what’s more, when we came opposite the hotel, there was no way to turn right into the grounds: we had to make a U-turn
ca. 750 yards farther along.
The fare was £10.93, and I received a confirmative e-mail (18:16): “Thanks for riding, John…”. It had “Trip details”—
—and concluded, “You rode with David John. Say thanks with a rating or tip for the driver.” So I clicked (no, I “tapped”) on the link, and paid an additional £2.00. The second confirmative e-mail, “Thanks for tipping, John”, not being a begging one, one assumes, therefore not as urgent, took its time to come (18:29).
Janet’s holiday journal entry for the day concluded: “We got an Uber back to our hotel. (We’d been out for
nine hours!) It was driven by David John: a nice man, who recommended places to go. We had a good chat! He was very ‘Scouse’ — which pleased us! I had a shower then updated this,
etc. I made us coffee (mine was decaff)” — it’s fairly typical in UK hotels to have tea and coffee making facilities — “more crap! I was tired. We both were. We’d been on our feet most of the day — and we’re not getting any younger! We both ‘hit the sack’ at
ca. 8.30pm.”
…Janet made coffee (19:25). It was provided in the form of coffee-bags. An unpleasant after-taste made me feel somewhat nauseous, so that was the last time I drank coffee there.… I started a slide show in
Windows Photo Viewer on the computer, but Janet was doing her journal.… We did have a slide show, before I shut down the computer (20:17) and
Janet resumed her journal.
…Janet was getting ready for bed (to 21:00). I cleaned teeth, and then I myself successfully ascended into the giant-high bed (21:12).
[Sunday
14 June 2026]
|
