You may or may not have heard of The Jam - a late 70's/early 80's mod/punk/rock band who's songs include "Going Underground" and "Town Called Malice"? No?
Well, if you haven't they were pretty huge in the UK, and their songs continue to be played in indie bars and clubs today. Their mod style was fiercely popular and their fans are pretty die hard.
Last year an exhibition curated in connection with lead singer Paul Weller's sister opened at Somerset House in London, and was extended due to popularity. This summer it was moved to Liverpool, to the fantastic Cunard Building, so we just had to go and see it.
Arriving early we went for brunch first in one of my favourite spots, Moose Coffee, where they do a huge range of American style egg dishes, pancakes and waffles. Being a creature of habit I tend to go for one of the 'Benedicts' - I like the Tri State Combo because it means you can select 2 different Benedict dishes and have one of each. All of them are served on buttery American style toasted bagels, with perfectly runny poached eggs and delicious hollandaise sauce.
This time I went for a classic combo of New York Moose with Serrano ham and New Hampshire Moose with smoked salmon, though the New Orleans pulled pork version is delicious and Mr H loves the New Brunswick with brisket and proper corned beef hash.
They do a great flat white, but I love their mint tea - a huge handful of fresh mint in hot water with honey for drizzling, so refreshing.
All served up in the tiniest, cosiest restaurant with smooth jazz in the background to ease you in to the day (or afternoon if you're a little bit more delicate).
You will need to give your name at the door and wait outside for a table, and it can be a long wait, but you can go for a walk and come back, or sit outside with no wait if the weather (and table space) permits. But every time I've been the wait has been less than I thought - we were told 35 minutes on our last visit but 20 minutes in we had a table.
After brunch we wandered down to the docks in the sun, taking in this gorgeous view of some seriously outstanding architecture, and along the front to the Cunard Building.
There's been a little make over around there where they have installed concrete seating and new pavements - not very exciting sounding, but they've done such a good job of keeping the spirit of Liverpool's shipping past, and it makes it a nice spot for tourists to learn more about the history of such historic buildings. Each bench outside has been engraved with the names of the original Cunard ships, and some information both about Cunard and each of the liners. It's such a lovely idea and this one - a quote from Charles Dickens I thought was particularly poignant.
The building itself is a beauty, and it is such a treat to get a look inside.
I've included some pictures of the exhibition, which is a huge collection of items from the band members' own collections and memorabilia from fans and family members, and gives a great history of the band and their connection to youth culture at a sometimes difficult time in UK history, as well as explaining why the city of Liverpool (politically a city that struggled at the time) associated so much with their music.
If you have an interest in youth/pop culture, fashion or music it is well worth a visit. It's been extended but only until the 6th September, and costs £9.50 or less at off peak times. You can see more info here.
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