I went to this place last year for a black tie function and was instantly impressed by the decor…read moreand level of service within this huge glass atrium! This is definitely a place that I would recommend to anybody who wants to throw a big party/function in style. They have a stage area if you wish to have a musician or a compare, they have a great dance floor area for those who aren't blessed with two left feet like myself, and they have a huge fully stocked bar for those who just want to get twatted. The catering was fantastic, I'm not sure if it's provided by an in house company that the venue use regularly, but I would imagine so! The surroundings are great if you fancy a walk in their acres and acres of beautiful parkland, which is reassuring being in a fairly rough, built up area, it's nice to know that there are still some green spaces without high rises and dole offices! I'm not sure what he rental cost is for this venue, but I know that they often employ staff for events through Liverpool's Think Faces company, which is great as they vet their staff for experience and quality.

Isla Gladstone Conservatory is, quite simply, stunning. A few years ago, the dilapidated Victorian…read moreoriginal was dissembled, restored, returned and rebuilt even better than before. Set in over 100 acres of park land surrounded by lakes and rose beds, it stands in all its glory overlooking the city of Liverpool. It has always been surprisingly quiet when I have visited: a tranquil haven from the bustling town centre; this tranquility, as well as its beautiful surroundings, make the Isla Gladstone a popular venue for weddings. Bring a picnic or try Kemp's Bistro housed beneath the conservatory; it's open until 4 o'clock daily and serves truly delicious food

How do you like your tea? With milk and sugar? Then you'll like it here. For those of you who…read morehaven't heard of this place, (I hadn't 'til yesterday!) It is an exhibition space (at the moment it is host to some restoration photography) a specialist book shop (crammed with architectural, arty hardbacks) and a seminar room which is available to hire out for anything from gigs to meetings and it's all kitted out. The vibe in here is modern and relaxed, it's a clean cut space which would be good to sit and do some research if architecture is your game. Or just to have a mooch round the wooden floored rooms echoing round browsing the current exhibitions.

Based in the ever son posh and stylish 'Ropewalks' area of town, halfway down Wood Street and next…read moreto the lavish delights of the 'Swan' biker pub, Milk and Sugar lies in wait. I say it lies in wait because I've never seen anyone in here and it seems to be poorly located in terms of attracting a market, it also doesn't seem to advertise that much as the first time I heard of it was when I walked past it. It's basically a posh specialist book shop and a seminar room in the heart of the city centre. The seminar room is fully equipped with all the latest audio/visual technology so it's a great venue for businesses to rent and is well worth getting a quote on if you're pitching or trying to impress clients or potential clients!

Knowsley hall is arguably one of the best venues in our humble region that is the northwest…read more Situated inside a measley 2,500 acre privately owned estate, boasting a safari park, inhouse catering, spa and accomodation, you'd be hard pressed to find a more extravagent estate in the region. The venue however is for the majority of time used for special occasions such as weddings and conferences. Although they do hold private events such as tea parties. The grand nature of the Hall obviously dictates its usage for all things opulent. It really is like entering another world as you step inside. One of the many ways of experiencing the delights of Knowsley hall is to book a spa package. Now it isn't exactly cheap; £155 per person, but it does include facial, deep scalp massage, head, neck and shoulder massage with fabulous oils of your choice and use of the hydropool and relaxation area. This is followed by coffee and homemade cakes which will boost your energy and prepare you nicely for what is to come. Post cakes and coffee you will be collected by a personal chauffeur to escort you to Knowsley Hall in style. Here you will enjoy a delicious three course lunch prepared by their fantastic team of Chefs avec une glass of Champagne and wine with your meal in an awe inspiring dining room. After dining you can then walk off some calories in stunning surroundings of the estate grounds, to cap off a memorable experience. All this pampering does come at a cost however as I mentioned and the booking requires a minum of 3 people, so that is forking out a poultry £465 at least. However as I mentioned, yes there are probably cheaper options but then again this particular package does come with the grand background of a historic estate. The only other chance to see the Hall is on 5 occasions a year in August when a £12 ticket gets you a tour of the Hall, so I suggest you get booking.... its round the corner..

If you can afford it - Knowsley Hall would be a fantastic place to get married...hint hint to the…read moreboyfriend! You know what I mean girls! It is absolutely stunning, a breath taking location and 5* Gold standard for accommodation. There is a wonderful long drive which takes you to the front door. I could just imagine being in my wedding dress feeling amazing, with my new husband beside me, hand in hand, being chaffeured up the drive in an old car. Oh yes oh yes, I can keep dreaming. If of course you don't have your wedding at Knowsley Hall, you could always have your hen party there and take advantage of the spa packages. But at the prices of the packages, I think it would definitely have to be a rich hen and rich chickens that go along. I will keep dreaming!

Underwater Street is a great place! I'm 21 and I love it! Haha. But seriously, if you're looking…read morefor something to do on a rainy day with a bunch of kids - this is definitely the place. Their target age is 2-10 years old, which I think is about right; any older and the kids would probably think it "so uncool". There are six zones, three craft tables, science shows, a climbing wall, a real car to paint (which I think is a slight insult to the mini!!), a giant bubble area and a dressing up area. They also have themed activities which you can find out about on the website. There is also a cafe serving a wide range of healthy food, so you don't have to worry about all the E numbers your kid has taken in! It's a great place to host a birthday party too, the staff are really helpful and take the stress out of the organisation. The other great thing about this place is it doesn't cost an arm and a leg for the whole family to have a day out. A group of 4 is £20 at peak times, or a single child ranges from £4.50 to £5.95.

This place is awesome! You will need a kid (2 to 10 years old) though - a niece/nephew? Luckily my…read morefriend needed a break from her children so I got to hang out with them all day at Underwater Street. I don't know whether I am just badly informed but I have never come across such a fun place for kids to learn and play. There is so much to do and all so very varied. There are six zones, including the physical zone, art zone, sensary zone etc. The staff are pretty great and spend time interacting with the children. I don't remember there being places like this when I was 2! Highlights and favourites for me and the kids were - Mr Ben's fancy dress shop, the poochi parlour where you can mend and fix poorly dogs, the Pizzeria where the kids get to run their own restaurant, be the chef or waiter. With the summer holidays coming, this is definitely a great place for the kids!

I attended a gorgeous wedding here last Friday and must say I was blown away by the efficent but…read more'seen & not heard' service and gorgeous decor. Yes, I am bias - it was my FIRST EVER wedding (at the grand old age of 21 that seems to be a bit of a mean feat!) and, yes, it was my bf's cousin's, so of course it was a beautiful occasion. The house itself is grand and sumptuous, if a house can be, if a little let down by its driveway. Saying that, it's in the middle of Standish, so one can't expect the same long country lanes you get, well, in the middle of the country. Once inside we were greeted by traditional decorations and matching furnishings and ushered into a bar area where we were to greet the groom and additional family before moving into the ceremony space. The bar staff worked quickly and efficently, even with cash and card handling, and never seemed to be rushed. Plus, they were generous with the servings, which was what everyone seemed to need! Into the ceremony space, which was a lovely little room with a high ceiling, large window, and traditional paintings hanging on the wall. I was impressed that the decoration of the space, even though it was simple, was not ruined by these paintings or the floral carpet; the colours matched and toned the space down from its Tudor/Edwardian/Victorian essence (hey, I read American Studies, English history is not my strong point!) and made it much more romantic and intimate. Needless to say, the bride looked gorgeous and the space suited the number of people perfectly. Back out into the bar area for what our cousins across the pond would call 'cocktail hour' we received a glass of Pimm's each and started the evening celebrations! Again, the staff at Ashfield House worked around the clamour of people spilling out into the space and got quickly onto changing the ceremony space into our eating area. Obviously after a few drinks time flies but it really did feel like they did a quick job of it, keeping everyone contented but allowing the bride and groom time for photos on the grand staircase and in the gardens when they got a few spots of bright weather! Whilst eating the service was prompt and efficent, obviously on a schedule, maintaining the group's happy buzz and keeping everyone topped up with food and wine. Plates were cleared quickly, the food was hot, and the wine delicious. (After that, it all gets a bit hazy.)

It's hotel time! I haven't done one of these in a while. And what a great place to do it in,…read morebecause this is a hotel that manages to exceed many an expectation. Even though most people breeze by here on quick work or business trips the restaurant is always highly recommended with a chef willing to accommodate all needs no matter how late or early you need a bite. Talk about comfy and clean too. The rooms are well equipped and fairly spacious, and the bar and lounge areas are comfy and tranquil. Plus the staff bend over backwards to ensure you're having a good stay, and the place actually manages to retain a lot of character which is unusual considering the sheer volume of corporate-focussed chain hotels you come across these days. The building is lovely, the location is just the right distance from town and transport links but still feels tucked away and peaceful, and everything's mighty efficient. What more could you ask for?

A great alternative to a chain hotel such as a Premier Inn or a Travel Lodge, this place is…read moreaffordable and comfortable and it sure has a lot of character! From the outside it looks like a nice old stately home, and it's set in a beautiful area of Wirral known as Oxton, who's village is 5 minute walk away and has some lovely little bars and restaurants in if you don't want to eat at the hotel! It's a quiet place in a quiet area so it's really easy to relax and enjoy some quality time at the Shewsbury Lodge. All the staff are very pleasant and the chef will bend over backwards to make sure you enjoy your food whenever you want too! The rates start at about £165 for two nights in a double bed, which is perfect and affordable! The hotel has a lot of character so I very much doubt that you will be disappointed!

I have always bought my cards from Cards and Candy. Staff are very good. Just need to ask what you…read moreare looking for and they will direct you to the correct area. The shop is small but we'll laid out. Definitely recommend!

Recently taken over but friendly staff keeping the traditions going. Great shop that finally takes…read morepayment cards!!

Value for money this place is one of the best I've been to. The normal menu is very reasonable and…read morethen you are presented with another menu, £8.50 for THREE COURSES. That's right, £8.50. It's not shoddy stuff either, I had melon to start, beef stroganoff for main and apple crumble with custard for dessert. I genuinely couldn't believe how good value for money it was, I'd have easily paid £15. The location is very good, the place was busy and the decor is to a good standard.