When I asked my trusty research assistant (better known as my best mate) if she’d be prepared to come on an arduous trip around Liverpool’s clubs and bars to research my new novel Bonnie and Stan, she didn’t even hesitate for a moment. Little did she know she’d end up singing Yellow Submarine at the top of her voice in the middle of the day – and sober – but it’s safe to say that we had a wonderful time. Liverpool is a fabulous city by both day and night.
Bonnie and Stan
Of course, there’s no getting away from the Beatles and I didn’t want to as in my novel Stan was in a Merseybeat band when he met Bonnie. The key place to head for, therefore, was The Cavern, and whilst this is undoubtedly a massive tourist destination it’s run in a very genuine way. We didn’t make it to the full-on tribute act but loved the local bands who played a mix of Merseybeat and their own music, recreating some of the intimacy of the club in the sixties – though thankfully with very nice beer rather than the coke that was drunk then.
Even more of a revelation was the Jacaranda Bar, the slightly less known music venue that also hosted all the stars. We had a peak into the original basement, may have tasted the beer, and, best of all, went to the upstairs café where you can grab yourselves a booth with a proper retro turntable and play vinyl to your heart’s content. I returned there with my kids recently and was gratified to see the amazement on their faces as we slowly lowered the needle into the groove with not an iphone in sight!
Liverpool has undergone huge regeneration in recent years. The once rotting docklands are now trendy shops and cafes, the riverfront is lively and pretty, and the infamous ferry across the Mersey is still a great trip. The history geek in me loved the U-boat experience (especially sitting astride a huge torpedo!) and if you’ve got time to head out, the Wirral has wonderful beaches. It’s so much more than just the Beatles and I would highly recommend a trip to Merseyside to anyone.
Bonnie and Stan by Anna Stuart is published in paperback by Trapeze, £8.99