Before departing for Liverpool from Manchester Oxford Road for the first time, I couldn’t help but take stock of any latent preconceived notions that I might have held. In the UK, football, Beatlesmania and the curious space that the Scouse identity occupies in debates of “Britishness” and “Englishness”, are the themes most widely discussed in the context of Britain’s seventh most-populous city.
Liverpool is different. Deceptively small and bustling with life, the Merseyside city endears with a strong sense of community and an almost old-fashioned style, reminiscent of the classic British beach holiday. The iconic Liver building overlooks the ferry terminal, transporting locals and tourists alike across the Mersey. Walking through the city centre, one familiar sound is everywhere - the Beatles. The sounds of the city’s favourite sons are belted out by buskers as you walk by on your way for a quick drink at Jurgen’s Bier Haus - named after the ubiquitous Liverpool FC manager who is greatly admired by the locals. Liverpool’s obsession with hometown heroes is everywhere - quite literally; even if they originally hail from Stuttgart. Outside Jurgen’s, you may be forced to do a double-take, as you spot a, on closer inspection, not very good lookalike, rallying up the punters.
Comments