The bustling city of Liverpool is home to infamous football stadiums, race courses, luxury hotels and boutiques, together with a dynamic nightlife you’ll be sure to revel in. It’s a busy and vibrant city that’s bursting with character and a constant buzzing atmosphere.
There’s plenty to explore in this energetic city from ghostly street tours to indulgent cocktails at Liverpools’ many diverse rooftop bars and restaurants. The docks offer peaceful and picturesque walks, while fascinating galleries uncover the cities iconic heritage and museums offer a cultural experience like no other.
So we decided to head to the city for a girls trip. Before long we are parked up in the multi-storey car park, grabbing our bags and heading through the lively Sunday afternoon streets of Liverpool. The vibe is eclectic! We arrive at our home for the evening and are welcomed by a smiling concierge at Adagio Aparthotels reception.
We are met with a bright and well presented foyer, featuring comfy seating and an abundance of unexpected goodies, which we of course couldn’t help but peruse! Fridges housed a variety canned cocktails, wines, lagers, soft drinks and convenience ready meals, while shelves were stacked with morning brew necessities and toiletries.
The apartment hotels seems to cater for all stays, with refreshing pre-drinks in preparation for a big weekend to convenience meals, perfect for a cosy night in on a budget. Adagio even facilitate a library for anyone needing a little quiet comfort or to escape the busy city with a good book.
After a seamless check in and canned cocktail in hand, we head for the lifts passing the working cafe area. A spacious setting with modern decor and a relaxed feel in two sections, the ground floor seating perfect for coffee and breakfasts and a upper floor area ideal for work meetings and more intimate gatherings.
We head up to our 4th floor apartment and walk in to a bright and airy space, with large bay windows allowing for natural light and a smell of fresh linen in the air – Always a good sign!
The apartment comprises of grey and ocean blue tones throughout with colourful furnishings. Large double door storage wardrobes, a separate toilet & shower room, featuring a large wall mounted mirror and complimentary organic soaps, hair dryer and towels.
Further into the apartment is the master bedroom starring a rather comfortable king size bed with fresh sheets, plump pillows and a wall mounted television. Through the pocket door and in to the cosy living room is a pull out double sofa bed, elevating this two man apartment to a four man apartment! A further two work desks, coffee table and television fit comfortably.
With a well equipped Kitchenette featuring all cooking apparatus, coffee machines and dish washer, the apartment is home from home and worthy of cooking up some tasty delicacies! A nifty touch is the hatch to the living room, perfect for entertaining guests in the living area while cooking up a storm in the kitchen or in our case re-filling the wine glasses!
We have evening reservations at Gaucho, so head out to see what a Sunday afternoon in Liverpool has to offer beforehand. We pass various unique bars with outdoor seating, great music and live drag acts, full of fun-loving atmosphere and a boujee Sunday Afternoon vibe.
A cocktail or two later, we arrive at Gaucho, a grand entrance absolutely worthy of a TikTok!
This iconic Grade II-listed building boasts an expansive dining room, late-night bar and entertainment and is one of Liverpools leading luxury restaurants, specialising in Latin-inspired Argentinian cuisine.
As we entered the majestic restaurant, we are met with a sophisticated setting, magnificent mood lighting and illuminated circular bar. Deep tones of hazel coat the walls while marble pillars frame the room. Abstract tiles, burnt orange velvet settees and floor to ceiling drapes exude regency era opulence, while relaxed music played in the background, setting a chic and classy ambience.
We were greeted with a friendly face and shown to our booth where we were handed the wine and Legacy Menu; celebrating 30 years of Gaucho and it’s high class dishes. We opted for the house white wine which soon arrived with an accompanying ice bucket and stand for freshness – DELIGHTFUL!
Arriving shortly after were the starters. A succulent argentine sausage and sweet red pepper confit with a spicy kick. Beautifully presented and tantalising on the tastebuds! This was a winning starter.
Across the table was Empanadas! A fluffy sweet potato and Italian cheese concoction encased in a crisp pastry, a pleasurable texture with a tangy jus that complimented the savoury dish perfectly.
Feeling very satisfied but teased with our starters we were eager for our mains. With no time at all, our dishes appeared in front of us. First, a Lomo A La Milanese, a perfectly cooked breadcrumbed steak with a bitter scorched lemon for squeezing, accompanied by crunchy pine nut sautéed broccoli and crispy triple cooked seasoned chips.
Across the table was Churrasco Cuadril – the leanest cut of steak grilled as requested. WOW, possibly the best steak I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Tender, juicy and flavoursome, this steak was simply superb. A further side of sautéed broccoli and crispy chips made for a worthy and unbeatable anniversary dish!
Assertive and accommodating staff ensured our wine glasses were constantly refilled meaning our pallets were cleansed and ready for the finale!
Coconut Tres Leches – A creamy coconut sensation, featuring an Argentinian cake made from three different types of milk perfectly paired with sweet compressed pears and a refreshing pear sorbet. An overall light and delicious dessert.
The final dessert for our table was the Dulce De Leche Pancakes – A delectable caramel glazed pancake set beside a creamy banana and walnut split ice cream, coated in lashings of gooey dulce de leche sauce and crushed walnuts.
A final glass of wine while people watching and we were ready to wonder on to our home for the night. Passing by plenty of energetic party goers living their best life, Sunday afternoon in Liverpool was enchanting.
We approach the secure doors of our apartment hotel and are back in the comfort of our room within minutes, where we climb into the cushioned luxury that is our bed for the evening.
After a restful nights sleep, we pack up and head down to the cafe area. As the lift doors open the smell of freshly cooked bacon fills the room, with plenty of guests enjoying a traditional English breakfast. A self serve station offers tea’s coffee’s and freshly squeezed juices, together with a variety of breakfast choices, from hot dishes to cereals, fruit and yoghurts, jams and more.
Fuelled and ready for our departure, we head to a seamless checkout and say a farewell to our hosts!
Conclusion
Liverpool has so much to offer! I won’t leave it long before I head back! Adagio apartments are clean, quiet and fully equipped, you get a lot for your money here, meaning a weekend stay is realistic for those on a budget or wanting to splash out elsewhere! I would definitely visit again.
As for Gaucho, it’s a firm favourite of mine! An opulent dining experience for any steak lover! From the perfected dishes to the friendly service and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a desirable affair!
Another on my list of – If you don’t know – Get to know!
Words By Hannah Parnaby
GAUCHO
7 Water St, Liverpool L2 0RD | 0151 702 9000 | https://gauchorestaurants.com/restaurants/liverpool/
Adagio Aparthotel
1 Fairclough St, Liverpool L1 1FS | 0151 703 7400 | https://www.adagio-city.com/gb/home/index.shtml