MerseyMade is bringing a little extra sparkle to the festive season with a series of Christmas events, which get under way this weekend. The charming shop, café and events space, which showcases the work of local artists and makers, is also introducing a special three course Christmas menu and extending its opening hours until 10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays (starting on 1st December).
As part of MerseyMade’s schedule of events, ‘Find It, Fix It, Flog It’ star, Gemma Longworth, will be sharing some of her top festive decorating tips as she invites guests to unleash their inner creativity at her renowned wreath-making workshops on 3rd and 10th December. There are also sessions to inspire budding young creators with Lego stop motion and retro video game design masterclasses taking place on 2nd December.
As the Christmas spirit sweeps through the venue, guests will have the chance to create their own handmade gifts and decorations with workshops in candle making (3rd and 9th December) and needle felting (16th December), while those looking towards the new year can take part in a craft your future event (14th December).
MerseyMade is also teaming up with independent wine merchant, Bacchus, to host a festive wine battle with a blind tasting of wines from around the world (22nd December), while Liverpool School of Wine will be introducing some of the best wines available locally (15th December).
Topping the festive celebrations at MerseyMade is a perfectly prepared three course Christmas menu, featuring starters of Roasted Celeriac and Toasted Hazelnut Soup and Orange, Feta and Roasted Beetroot Salad with main courses of Salmon Wellington, Luxury Nut Roast and Traditional Roast Turkey, served with all the trimmings. To finish, guests can choose from Winter Roulade, Festive Sticky Toffee Pudding or a Cheeseboard with Rhubarb Chutney. MerseyMade’s Christmas menu is available for groups of six or more (£22.50pp for 2 courses / £27.50pp for 3 courses), with private dining optional for large bookings.
Spanning across both floors of the creative space, the café at MerseyMade serves breakfast, brunch and comforting classics throughout the day with a tempting menu, which includes Homemade Lasagne (£9.50), Parmigiana Chicken Burger and Stonebaked Pizza (£9.50), as well as a festive Turkey Croque Monsieur (£9.95) or vegetarian Butternut Squash and Portobello Mushroom version (£9.95). There is also an impressive selection of homebaked cakes, speciality coffees, teas, indulgent Belgian hot chocolates, spirits, wines and Prosecco, as well as locally crafted real ales and gins. The menu includes plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free options too.
MerseyMade is jam-packed with locally made artwork, homeware, organic skincare, books by local authors and Christmas hampers. Shoppers can discover a treasure trove of delights from handmade pieces, created by Liverpool-based jewellery makers such as Andrea McShane and Factory Floor Jewels, to bespoke home accessories by Southport-based Isaac’s Bazaar and stained glass Christmas decorations, handmade in Ormskirk by Nuvue Glass Design.
MerseyMade also stocks Liverpool children’s clothing brand, Smaller Explorer, as well as cruelty free, vegan skincare by Burscough-based Skyn Bakery. There is also a wide range of original artworks available by local painters including Steph Aldwinckle and Lena and the sea artist, Beth Wigham.
Speaking on the festivities at MerseyMade, Founder Vicky Gawith, said: “This is our favourite time of the year and we’re pulling out all the stops to make sure there’s a little something special for everyone at MerseyMade, whether it’s an indulgent festive lunch with friends or colleagues or a creative workshop to get you into the Christmas spirit.
“Of course, MerseyMade is best known for showcasing the work of over 150 local independent artists, artisans and makers so if you’re looking for unique Christmas presents, our shelves in both our Liverpool and West Kirby shops are bursting with all sorts of wonderful gift ideas. And don’t forget, shopping at MerseyMade means you’re supporting small businesses, which helps bring some extra Christmas cheer to our local makers too!”
The events programme at MerseyMade continues into the new year with something for everyone, whether you’re a music lover, a culture vulture, a bookworm or a creative. The fascinating schedule of events ranges from an evening with Beatles author, Colin Hall, and the original drummer in John Lennon’s Quarrymen, Colin Hanton (18th January) to wine tasting (12th January), hand weaving (27th January), and a Spanish talk and tapas evening with local author, David Ebsworth (19th January).
MerseyMade is located in the historic Chancery Building on the corner of Paradise Street. Please visit merseymade.uk for café reservations, as well as workshop and event bookings.