Liverpool, eh? A northern city full of charm and famous for being the birthplace of The Beatles, of which around 912,000 people call their home. And, living in this bubble of The Asda, Home and Bargains. steamboats and salt and pepper chicken has given us a damn good rulebook on what to do and what not to do in Liverpool.
We took to Facebook and Instagram to compare notes with our followers and, as usual, you didn’t disappoint. Here’s the best of your response.
Things you need to know to survive living in Liverpool
1. “It’s a chip barm.”
Chip butties don’t exist here, it’s a chip barm only. Ask for anything else and you may get some confused looks.
2. “The Lobster Pot before walking to the night bus.”
The one place you can rely on to be open after a night out is The Lobster Pot. It’s a right of passage after you’ve been out on the town. And it’s a chip barm here (see above).
I've never felt more Northern! Chips in a tray with gravy from the Lobster Pot in Liverpool. Just on train home now after a terrific days sightseeing 👍 pic.twitter.com/QUH2sMvY2r
— JamPizza (@JamPizza) September 15, 2021
3. “I’m steaming doesn’t mean I’m hot.”
“Maaaate, I’m steaming” is a classic line on a night out. Also probably your cue to order a taxi home.
4. “Don’t buy The Sun newspaper.”
No explanation needed. Just don’t do it.
5. “Girls wearing their hair up in massive rollers, and possibly in their PJ’s, in the city centre on a Saturday afternoon have not escaped from a secure facility.”
Just your regular Saturday afternoon in Liverpool.
6. “If at any point during your visit you hear anybody at all (in your company or not) shouting “where are ya?” You must shout back “In the entry.”
Standard procedure. We can’t resist.
Anyone: Where are ya?
My brain:
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say it
Don’t say itMe: in the entry
— Matty Ferguson (@mattyferguson12) November 16, 2018
7. “We get dressed up on a night out you’ll look very out of place if you don’t. A coat is optional, usually we don’t wear one.”
Go hard or go home. We don’t do things in half measures in Liverpool. And we’re made of strong stuff so the coat stays at home- plus who wants to pay for the cloakroom?
8. “The Tate Gallery and Walker gallery are undervalued.”
Liverpool is full of cultural gems, appreciate them whether you’re a local or not.
9. “No point ever to visit Mathew Street (it’s just an overpriced tourist trap). Do not stay on the tourist trail!”
Oh how we love the notorious Matthew Street. If you’re looking to get anywhere in the city centre fast, avoid this street. The Beatles is not the be all and end all of Liverpool (see below).
10. “Don’t bang on about The Beatles.”
Yes, they are music legends. No, we don’t know every song by them. Do I want to go on the Magical Mystery tour? Ummmm…. Just remember, there are so many great musicians from this city though.
11. “Don’t try to impress locals by praising LFC before checking you’re not in a Toffees pub.”
Read the room. Also, be prepared for the age old question that is “red or blue?” Your answer will determine how you survive in Liverpool.
12. “We’ll change your name … if you are Kevin you’re now Kev, Colin, Col or any long name we’ll shorten it. But if you have a short name like Bill, Ann or Kate you’ll become Billy, Annie or Katie or you might just pick up a nick name instead. Why do we do it … no idea it’s just in our blood.”
Don’t be precious with your name. It is, what it is.
13. “Remember that we have a unique sense of humour, what seems to be a tirade of abuse directed at a friend is actually a sign of how well they think of you.”
We do it because we love them.
14. “It’s THE Asda”
Asda? What’s that? Round here it’s The Asda and we won’t have it any other way.
15. “Boss = good”
You might think we’re talking about the person in charge at work but when someone says something is “boss” it’s gooood. That scran looks boss. Your shoes are boss. That film we watched was boss, like.
16. “Never, EVER allow anyone to slag the city off.”
You may need some tips to survive here but it’s truly a wonderful place to live. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise!