‘Liverpool is a great place for a visit!’

As a presenter on Top Gear, Paddy McGuinness is comfortable behind the wheel of a fast car, but a train journey gives him a chance to really relax.

“Being on the train, enjoying a coffee, looking out the window, I like that,” says the Farnworthborn funnyman.

Liverpool is one of Paddy’s favourite places to visit, thanks to its buzzing restaurants, classy bars and friendly welcome.

Whenever he gets the chance to take a trip there these days, Paddy likes to keep his knees-ups quite low key. Gone are his clubbing days; now he prefers a meal with friends – and in a city that’s renowned for its foodie hotspots he’s spoilt for choice.

“A good night out for me these days is definitely a really nice restaurant, doesn’t have to be à la carte, as long as it has a great atmosphere,” says the comedian and presenter. “A nice meal with good friends and then home for an early night, as I’m getting on a bit these days!”

Liverpool’s restaurant scene is thriving once again – and, as Paddy says, the city certainly knows a thing or two about style.

“The bars are fantastic, the restaurants are amazing and everyone is dressed up to the nines,” he says.

The city has built up a reputation as a foodie destination over the past few years, with a diverse range of cuisine from walletfriendly street food to high-end dining. And, adds Paddy, “If you’re going down to Liverpool you’ve got to visit Albert Dock.”

Whatever food you’re into, the Dock has it all. If Mexican’s your thing, look out for the neon sign and head to Madre for a tapasstyle feast and amazing frozen margaritas. If, like the Take Me Out presenter, you like to let the steak see the chips, Miller & Carter is the place to share a chateaubriand.

If all that food’s made you sleepy, book a room at the boutique Hotel Indigo, a chic stopoff that’s right in the heart of the

WHY PADDY McGUINNESS LOVES TO TAKE THE TRAIN TO LIVERPOOL, THE CITY PACKED WITH CLASSY BARS, BUZZING RESTAURANTS… AND MONUMENTS TO A CERTAIN FAB FOURSOME

action. “I love my own bed, but staying in a hotel is a bit of a treat,” says Paddy.

Of course you can’t go to Liverpool without doing something Beatles-themed, so why not pay tribute to the Fab Four with a stroll to Pier Head to see their statue? Snap a selfie, then spend a few hours in Liverpool One, where you can shop, eat, drink and even play a round of crazy golf under the neon lights at the amazing Junkyard Golf Club.

As far as Paddy is concerned, the best way to get to Liverpool and home again with no hassle is by train. “What I love about travelling by train is that they’re so frequent and quick. It’s clean, it’s comfortable, and once I arrive I can get as many cocktails in me as I like without worrying about driving home!” he says.

You can get from Manchester to Liverpool in around 40 minutes with TransPennine Express, and with clean carriages and plenty of room you’ll arrive in style ready for a day of shopping or a glitzy night out.

TABLE SERVICE

“My journey with TPE was super-clean, spacious and comfortable. I love the table service as well, when they come down with the teas and coffees and everything else, and just chat to you,” says Paddy.

“The onboard team are very important in this day and age as most things are automated. You seldom get to see a friendly face, so seeing the people on the train makes you feel looked after and safe – and they’ll give you tips on where to find the best coffee!”