Living It Up: Liverpool Style

Liverpool has long been a rich melting pot of cultural influences and styles, both home-grown and those from its maritime connections. As it recently re-cemented its place on the European Stage as it basks in the glow of hosting the amazing Eurovision 2023 finals, Abode2 explores the expanding and dynamic city that boasts so much to offer residents

Located on the River Mersey estuary in the Northwest of England, Liverpool is the UK’s top area for start-ups, scale-ups and Unicorns: start-up companies with a value of over $1 billion and home the UK’s largest annual house price increase year on year.

The city originally forged its international status in the 18^th century, with the building of the first international wet dock. The city kept growing, becoming a powerhouse of trade, making Liverpool, at its peak, the second-largest port in the UK and one of the busiest in the world. However, as the world moved forward, the depression in Liverpool’s maritime industries took its toll on the city and its economy, but rather than being forever consigned to history, the city forged a reputation as a cultural hub, with a unique music scene and sound that would take the world by storm.

In 1961 a local band called The Beatles made their debut, helping to put Liverpool back on the map, musically, ably supported by the likes of Billy Fury, Cilla Black and Gerry and The Pacemakers, who’s song ‘Ferry Across The Mersey’ made top ten in the UK and US music charts in 1965: the song is synonymous with the city and was covered in the 80s by Liverpool band Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Even this year Liverpool welcomed hopeful acts from across Europe and Australia vying for Eurovision glory, culminating in an iconic grand finale.

Liverpool is proving itself as a city on the move, guided by its maritime heritage and culture, and the historic docks are once more the jewel in the city’s crown. The regeneration of its iconic waterfront and old docks is creating a new residential quarter, new business locations, a new recreation and leisure destination, and a new sports stadium, raising Liverpool’s appeal further and driving both growth and value of prime waterside residential real estate.

Stanley Dock sits proudly at the centre of the largest and most complete system of historic docks. Comprising three architecturally and historically important buildings, including the monumental Tobacco Warehouse - recently featured on Eurovision, The Titanic Hotel and Stanley Dock and its surrounding structures are listed as Grade II* or II – creating a memorable and distinctive urban industrial landscape.

Tobacco Warehouse is perfectly positioned to benefit from the vibrant, mixed-use waterfront location that is fast emerging with buyers owning a first-class seat to watch as the neighbourhood flourishes, stepped just back from the main city skyline.

As one of the most architecturally and historically important buildings on the Liverpool waterfront, Tobacco Warehouse, has a grand and elegant 13-storey façade with tall windows, ornate pediment, brick pilaster columns and lettering carved in brickwork and terracotta.

Built in 1898-1901, designed by architect A. G. Lyster, Tobacco Warehouse provides 550 large and airy one, two and three-bedroom Manhattan loft-style apartments, including penthouses, ranging in size from 958 square feet up to 2,750 square feet; complete with 100,000 square foot of dock level commercial space and lifestyle amenities.

All the apartments within retain and celebrate the breathtaking industrial architecture of the original building. Cleverly laid out, alternating floors of the original building have been removed, creating open and expansive duplex apartments that are flooded with light from the large windows.

The raw industrial character of the warehouse has been carefully retained, showcasing the fabric of the structure at every opportunity, such as the uncovered brick walls, cast-iron columns and beamed ceilings. This unique backdrop when combined with contemporary finishes, creates the perfect canvas on which to let individual creative flourish, whilst maintaining the awe created by the space itself.

Creating a sense of community is part of what makes Tobacco Warehouse so special. The private residents’ lounge, with soaring ceilings and beautiful brickwork, is an expansive space to enjoy tea or coffee or simply unwind and relax with friends. The current and planned amenities at Stanley Dock also provide residents with an outstanding range of lifestyle facilities and places to entertain, exercise and relax on their doorstep.

Just across the dock from the Tobacco Warehouse lies one of Britain's finest hotels, Titanic Hotel Liverpool. The building might be over a hundred years old, but the modern rooms have been designed to suit contemporary travellers. Just as Tobacco Warehouse apartments, the 153 rooms maintain the architecture of the Victorian warehouse with exposed brickwork, steel columns, concrete ceilings and the original windows combined with stunning contemporary and undemanding furnishings and décor.

Hidden in the underground of Titanic lies Maya Blue Wellness, a wellness sanctuary that comprises a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, sanarium, foot bath, experience shower and relaxation area, offering an extensive menu of ESPA treatments. What really makes Maya Blue a memorable experience is the atmosphere created by embracing the open brick contours of the previous cellar. Giving the impression of a warming natural spring, each aspect of the sanctuary has been designed with relaxation in mind.

After an afternoon of indulgent relaxation, guests can simply head upstairs to Stanley’s Bar and Grill at Titanic Hotel Liverpool, offering dining options to suit every occasion, every time of day and every mood, from a light bite to a hearty meal. The theatre-style restaurant is the perfect place to meet and relax.

Open kitchens allow diners to watch the team of chefs preparing food. Whether its fine dining at the big table or coffee on the waterfront terrace, Stanley’s offers a warm welcome delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunch accompanied by a carefully curated wine menu.

Those looking for a social vibe and an injection of the local culture are also catered for in the modern masterplan of Liverpool, with the regeneration of the Royal Albert Dock. Bringing history to life at Merseyside Maritime Museum and The Beatles Story and showcasing leading British and international modern and contemporary art at Tate Liverpool.

The dock is also a buzz with restaurants and bars serving the best food and an elite atmosphere, including Gusto. All about making the most out of life: celebrating life’s little moments, making every day extraordinary and making the everyday exquisite. Situated at the gateway to The Albert Dock, overlooking the Tate Gallery, Gusto brings its own slant on Italian charm to the docks. The classic feel mixed with contemporary touches creates a timeless, classic design in the restaurant and bars and acts as the perfect backdrop for a stunning meal or cheeky cocktail. The menu focuses on freshly prepared classic and contemporary Italian dishes, featuring pasta, seafood and meats alongside an excellent range of pizza, even allowing dinners to design their own, using dough freshly made in the restaurant every day. The cocktail list is endless, stylish and fun, encouraging visitors to explore their taste in the intimate and bustling bar.

Liverpool’s light is truly shining bright and looks to only grow stronger, we will definitely be keeping a keen eye out for what the City offers next.

www.tobaccowarehouse.co.uk