Yes, we’re feeling it too. Mid January. We managed to escape any down feeling on Blue Monday, but our Easter city weekend break still feels too far away, our pre-booked summer holiday is still in the infancy of low deposit status, and to be frank we feel the need for some fun this weekend. So whilst offloading the kids for a whole weekend may be beyond the realms of possibility, why not book a baby sitter, trade in some grandparents time, take your friends up on that offer to babysit ‘anytime’ and find a few hours for you and your other half this weekend. You’ll be glad you did.

Friday Night: Grown up cocktails.

Panoramic34, Liverpool.

This upmarket, cool bar and restaurant is the perfect place to find some time together. It oozes class, and you’ll love their spectacular array of cocktails. On the 34^th floor of the West Tower, overlooking the iconic Liverpool skyline, this is one hell of a sexy setting for cocktails with a loved one.

For reservations visit www.panoramic34.com or call 01512365534

 

Cloud 23, Manchester

Don your smart shoes (part of a strict dress code), and head to the fabulous cocktail and champagne bar on the 23^rd floor of Manchesters iconic Beetham Tower. This place is upmarket and classy and the perfect place to dress up, kick back and enjoy grown up cocktails. (Booking strongly recommended) T. 0161 870 1670 www.cloud23bar.com

Luke’s & Gin Rickeys, Chester

Delicious handcrafted cocktails in this cool and contemporary Chester bar. Great weekend scene here too! (If you’re feeling hungry a visit to the very fabulous Luke’s Eating house (upstairs) is a must!

T. 01244 555060

 

Movie Night

La La Land

It’s the movie everyone is talking about, think music, dancing and romance (okay so chaps we get at first glance this may not sound exactly like your ‘thing’ but stick with it). Taking into account the undertones of Hollywood cool, the great cast, and enough style to shake a stick at, this film is  actually jam packed full of advice for the modern man. With a plentiful dose of romance, this is what date night was made for.

In cinemas across the region.

 

 

Saturday Morning: Beach walk & Pub Lunch

The Wirral peninsula has some gorgeous coastal walks. Check the tide times and walk along the beach at West Kirby or Thurstaston, after all that hand holding and fresh air head to the Viking Pub & Bakehouse (owned by Chef and restauranteur Simon Rimmer) to share a delicious Smorgasbord such as Cheshire porkies, sweet potato falafel, chargrilled haloumi, hummus, olives and flatbread. Washed down with a glass of red. With great service and cosy fires, you won’t want to leave! T. 0151 608 1888   W. www.thevikingpub.co.uk 

 Saturday Afternoon: Afternoon tea

Victors, Hale

We love this cool suburban restaurant and you will too. It’s worth dressing your best for this beautiful eatery. With its gorgeous décor and its wisteria hanging from the ceiling this is the perfect place for some delectable afternoon tea and a glass or two of fizz. T. 01619284651 W. www.victorshale.co.uk

The Baltic Social, Liverpool

Set in the heart of Liverpool’s creative and quirky Baltic Triangle, The Baltic Social is probably the last place you’d think would serve up afternoon tea. Well they do, and naturally it’s cool. In fact it’s much cooler than that. Their Punk Afternoon Tea is the stuff of dreams. Think sticky sesame chicken wings, lamb kofte, slider burgers, salt and pepper fries, popcorn and pretzels, jammy dodger cake and cocktails in teapot – grown up fun with a twist! T. 01517071137 W. www.thebalticsocial.com

OddFellows, Chester

Described as Idiosyncratic, whimsical and charming, OddFellows is a quirky and cheerful design-led boutique hotel in the heart of Chester. Home to a restaurant where trees grow through tables and chefs create playful dishes this is the place for a memorable afternoon! Their ‘Tipsy afternoon tea’ is a must! Delicious traditional afternoon tea served with a tea themed cocktail! T. 01244345454 w. www.oddfellowschester.com

 

Saturday Night : Bingo

Bongo’s Bingo

You think we’re scraping the barrel for ideas? Think again! If you haven’t yet acquainted yourself with Bongo Bingo at Camp & Furnace, Liverpool, then you need to seriously check your ‘fun-o-meter’. Throw all your preconceived ideas about boring bingo and check out this serious night of fun and frivolity (booking essential) www.campandfurnace.com

Sunday: Sunday Roast

Blackberry Grove, New Brighton, Wirral.

One of our favourite North West independents, just 5 minutes from the promenade in New Brighton, award winning Blackberry Grove has a rare, warm and cosy charm. They serve from breakfast ’til late and have an extensive menu (they’re particularly popular with vegans, vegetarians and gluten free eaters), but that said they do an amazing Sunday lunch for the carnivores amongst you! T.0151 639 9608   W. www.blackberry-grove.co.uk

The Chesterfields, Chester.

This place feels like you’re out in the middle of nowhere, when actually its only 4 miles from Chester City Centre! Rustic yet refined, this is a ‘proper’ country pub, with carefully selected ales and a great wine list. Pub classics served in contemporary style, visit on a Sunday for a delicious roast.  T.01244 303100   W. www.thechesterfields.co.uk