Radisson Red Liverpool - ON IN LONDON

Nestled in the heart of Liverpool, the Radisson Red Liverpool offers a contemporary, vibrant experience tailored to the modern traveller. Adjacent to Liverpool Lime Street railway station and linked internally to it, this recently refurbished hotel is just a stone’s throw from the cultural and shopping centres of Liverpool. At around 2.5 hours on the train from London, this seamless connectivity means the entire city is perfectly situated for a weekend of shopping and sightseeing and allows you to pack in as much as Liverpool has to offer. You’ll be pleased to know driving and parking was just as handy (more so if you plan on doing lots of shopping while you’re here). We left our car in St John’s Shopping Centre (top tip – register your car through their website before you arrive for preferential rates) which was less than 5 minutes from the hotel.

On arrival at the hotel, we were impressed by the spacious lobby, featuring quirky art installations reflecting the rich and varied cultural history of the city. Check in was a breeze, you can do so easily using one of the many touchscreens or go for the more personal touch with a concierge, which we did to push our restaurant reservation slightly later. The staff were efficient and friendly and made us feel at home immediately.

We took the lift to our room, located on the fifth floor, looking out across the city with the famous Liver Building in the skyline. We were pleased to find it was a perfect blend of comfort and style. With contemporary décor, plush bedding and state of the art amenities all complementing a breathtaking view of St George’s Hall from our window. The hotel’s bold design ethos is continued into the bedrooms with striking art pieces and vibrant colour schemes that reproduce the energetic spirit of Liverpool. The room was equipped with all the modern conveniences you would expect, including high speed WiFi, smart TV, coffee machine, ironing board and a workspace, ensuring both leisure and business travellers have everything they need for a comfortable stay.

Having freshened up for dinner we chose to walk down the main staircase in the Grade II listed building’s central atrium to enjoy the detail which has been retained in its redesign. Moving through the bar area to the restaurant was a treat, experiencing the space open into a vast dining area with ceilings high above imposing Doric columns was a great aperitif.

Presented with the menus I chose to start with a Negroni (no doubt inspired by the luxurious surroundings) to enjoy while I perused the menu. My drink arrived swiftly, well balanced and the perfect accompaniment to the selection of dips and pittas we chose; the spicy feta dip being a highlight. Beautifully smooth, very moreish with just the right amount of heat, needless to say we polished it off while we waited for our starters. Soon to arrive were the starters, ham hock terrine and deep fried calamari. The ham hock was wonderfully unctuous but it was the calamari that was the standout, brilliantly cooked with a fantastic crunch, served with a fresh, zingy, wasabi mayonnaise. Perfectly crafted and the furikake seasoning lifted the dish to make it a great palate cleanser to the main courses. I followed my terrine with the Scouse, a Liverpudlian speciality stew made with beef and potatoes slow cooked in a rich stock. Served with pickled red cabbage with a rich aniseed flavour it was a hearty, comforting dish perfect for the cold weather. Our other dish was a grilled salmon fillet smothered in a thick hollandaise sauce replete with cockles. Served over garlic marsh with a herb oil, to cut through the rich salty sauce it was another hit and a great example of the varied dishes the restaurant was capable of.

It was a struggle but we pushed the boat out and both went for desserts, an apple soft tart and a chocolate brownie. The tart was, aptly, very tart, with warm cinnamon spice and smothered in rich custard. The pastry was soft and buttery and held the flavour of the apples. The chocolate brownie was a pleasant surprise, arriving coated in nuts and grains making us feel slightly less like we had overindulged!

We got to enjoy the dining room again for breakfast, with the early morning sunlight streaming through the windows the room was transformed and the space felt invigorating as we enjoyed the wide range of hot and cold food available. Cooked options were plentiful and well presented and there were pastries, cakes and cereals available for those looking for something more continental.

Liverpool is a city rich in history and culture and staying at the hotel places you at the very heart of it all. A short stroll from the hotel will take you to iconic landmarks such as the Liverpool Cathedral, The Beatles Story Museum and the historic Albert Dock. Art lovers can explore the numerous galleries in the city, including the Walker Art Gallery and the Tate Liverpool.

For shopping enthusiasts, the hotel is a haven. Just a short walk away, guests will find an array of shopping centres, including the renowned Liverpool ONE. This sprawling shopping complex boasts a diverse selection of high-street stores, designer boutiques, and unique local shops, ensuring there’s something for everyone. St John’s Shopping Centre offered a more traditional shopping experience with a variety of stores, cafes, and services.

For sports fans, Anfield Stadium, home to Liverpool FC, is a must visit. The hotel’s concierge service can assist with arranging tours and tickets along with any other recommendations you may require during your stay. If you’re more ‘blue’ than ‘red’ then a trip to Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium is recommended. The ground is walking distance from the city centre and when it opens it will become the heart of a mixed-use development in the area containing shops, housing, a gym and other venues. We were lucky enough to be able to experience the final FA Cup game at Goodison Park before it closes at the end of this season, an amazing afternoon with an atmosphere that will surely be replicated in Everton’s new home come next season.

Our overnight stay at the Radisson Red Liverpool encapsulated the best of Liverpool’s dynamic culture and fantastic hospitality. With stylish, comfortable rooms and a diverse dining experience it was the perfect launch pad to explore the city, although once you arrive you might not want to leave!

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-red-liverpool/restaurants-and-bars

Address: Radisson RED Liverpool, 7 Lime St, Liverpool L1 1RD

Written by Chris Bonsor