Hotel of the week Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village
WHERE AND WHY
This Novotel stands proud in the latest area to be transformed by Liverpool’s redevelopers. A mile from the city’s Lime Street station, this £1billion newly created zone lies next to Liverpool University and the much-awaited revamped Royal Liverpool Hospital.
Its 16 floors make it Liverpool’s tallest hotel and not surprisingly the views from some rooms are incredible, taking in both cathedrals and the River Mersey.
The open-plan lobby is relaxed and welcoming, with cheery receptionists sitting casually around a table rather than behind a counter. Plenty of comfy armchairs, sofas and stools, a bang-on-trend charcoal and green colour scheme, statement lighting and coffee bar add to the laid-back vibe.
From our top-floor standard room we could see Liverpool FC’S Anfield ground a couple of miles away and the Lancashire hills beyond. There was an eco-friendly walk-in shower rather than a bath and full-sized refillable toiletries courtesy of Rituals.
ON THE MENU
Food in the first-floor Kensington Restaurant is imaginative and beautifully presented, with an Asian-tinged theme to several dishes.
Tuck into a mix of small plates such as the delicious crispy cod tempura (£11.50) or chicken pakora (£10.50) or stick to mains. We loved the pan-fried crispy paprika aubergine draped in honey and served alongside citrus pesto and edamame orzo salad (£14) and the mushroom ravioli with a porcini sauce (£14).
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Liverpool’s striking Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King – known locally simply as the Catholic cathedral – is a few minutes’ walk away. Explore its modern circular interior and marvel at its colourful Lantern Tower for free. The huge crypt is well worth the £5 entry fee.
The Philharmonic pub nearby, notable for its elaborate Grade I-listed gents toilets, once hosted a surprise set by Paul Mccartney while he was filming Carpool Karaoke with James Corden. Batman fans shouldn’t miss a visit to St George’s Hall, which doubled as Gotham City Hall in the latest film. Or head down to the River Mersey for lively bars and restaurants, Tate Liverpool and the hugely enjoyable Museum of Liverpool. You’ll also see the Royal Liver Building with its emblematic statues – the two Liver Birds – sitting on top.