Don't let the name confuse you, this isn't a pompous exclusive private gentlemen's club, at least…read morenot anymore. These days it is a small independednt family run hotel, bar and restaurant. The restaurant which comes with a rather cool name, "Ziba" caters for all your boutique hotel dining needs. The produce is locally sourced from a farm owned by the same family and the menu is described as English with a modern twist. I am yet to dine here but have frequented the bar lounge for a few at a birthday bash. There are also gym and spa facilities and for art lovers they also have a gallery room where local artistic talent is shown off from time to time. All in all a very hospitable destination, whether it is for a night's stay or a nice meal. An independent family run business always carries browny points from me as I always feel they are more welcoming. Don't take my word for it, check it out yourself.....los gentes

Continuing my reviews from last Thursday when I took Australian members of my family for a whistle…read morestop tour of some of the restaurants, bars and cultural hotspots of this great city of mine... I wanted to take my uncle and his girlfriend to The Racquet Club as I have always had a very soft spot for this incredibly elegant venue in the heart of the business district, having been to a couple of beautiful weddings here and also having produced a tea dance event there myself several years ago which was just lovely. I also wanted to take them there as I was looking for somewhere classy that did cocktails (our first choice, Panoramic, was fully booked with afternoon tea takers). I remembered the stunning tea inspired cocktails the bar staff had created at my tea dance event so I thought this was a great second choice. Sadly, what I had forgotten was that The Racquet Club only does cocktails for special occasions and not during normal service as their bar is not set up for it! We were so disappointed! However, having had to go down the route of more standard drinks I must say we were very pleased. My uncle loved his half pint of Bombadier (they don't get beer like that in Australia!) and the glasses of wine his girlfriend and I had (a French Rose and a white) were chilled to perfection and delicious. The only other thing I would say is that even though the surroundings of the Racquet Club are beautiful and quietly elegant I do think they could get away with playing some classical music or other quiet, appropriate music if only to give a little atmosphere and cover the noise of the girl cleaning the glasses behind the bar! I will continue to have a soft spot for the Racquet Club but I must remember that they don't do cocktails and that it can be VERY quiet at times!

I went to this place last year for a black tie function and was instantly impressed by the decor…read moreand level of service within this huge glass atrium! This is definitely a place that I would recommend to anybody who wants to throw a big party/function in style. They have a stage area if you wish to have a musician or a compare, they have a great dance floor area for those who aren't blessed with two left feet like myself, and they have a huge fully stocked bar for those who just want to get twatted. The catering was fantastic, I'm not sure if it's provided by an in house company that the venue use regularly, but I would imagine so! The surroundings are great if you fancy a walk in their acres and acres of beautiful parkland, which is reassuring being in a fairly rough, built up area, it's nice to know that there are still some green spaces without high rises and dole offices! I'm not sure what he rental cost is for this venue, but I know that they often employ staff for events through Liverpool's Think Faces company, which is great as they vet their staff for experience and quality.

Isla Gladstone Conservatory is, quite simply, stunning. A few years ago, the dilapidated Victorian…read moreoriginal was dissembled, restored, returned and rebuilt even better than before. Set in over 100 acres of park land surrounded by lakes and rose beds, it stands in all its glory overlooking the city of Liverpool. It has always been surprisingly quiet when I have visited: a tranquil haven from the bustling town centre; this tranquility, as well as its beautiful surroundings, make the Isla Gladstone a popular venue for weddings. Bring a picnic or try Kemp's Bistro housed beneath the conservatory; it's open until 4 o'clock daily and serves truly delicious food

Village is a derrogatory term used in cricketing circles to describe something that is challenged…read morein one way or another. I suppose it originates from the association with the village idiot term which is used to describe a wierd individual in a community or one who behaves in a way that is to the dismay of the general population. Now that I have described the meaning of one of my favourite words to utter, I may continue on my merry way to review this hotel . Any how on my yelp inspired journey I bring to you my fellow yelpadres another chain of hotels in our fair greens of Kingdom of United by the name of Village hotels. Twenty be the number aye of hotels of the Village persuasion and this one has taken my fancy indeedeth!!! You see whether your stay is for business or for leisure this place does not dissappoint, as unfortunate as the name may be. There really isn't much not to like here you have comfortable bedrooms, a state of the art Health and Fitness Club, decent restaurant, ok pub, nice Café, Healthworks wellness and beauty, The Hub meeting and conference centre, VILLAGE live party nights and a Velocity Fitness Shop!!! God that was a mouthful wasn't it. Amongst all of that throw in free Wi-fi throughout the hotel and over 300 free car parking spaces, and hey presto you are in bob's your uncle territory!! There really seems to be a great package you get with this hotel chain which is going bit further and making more effort than some other hotels. It's location also isn't too bad either with it being only a few minutes from Junction 5 off the M53. Ideal launch pad really for exploring the Pool, Albert Dock and Beatles Story as well as the superb shopping on the Wirral, Chester, Marina West Kirby and nearby Cheshire Oaks. Despite having 117 bedrooms you'd still have to book well in advance as they are busy busy busy which is a good sign for a hotel. I like the decor of the rooms it creates a workable fusion between rustic and modern and of course as is the norm these days, all rooms are equipped with flat screen TV's with Sky Sports and other satellite entertainment channels. The hotel also boasts these Sealy ZZZzzz beds which are specially designed to prevent tossing and turning and relieve pressure points while you sleep. Hmmm the jury is out on that one but they are damn comfortable I tell you that because I am actually aware of the Sealy bed making company and yes they do make very nice beds!! I liked this Village hotel, and I'd definately stay in another Village hotel again might look it up when I'm next on the move.... So...why don't you look up this one now that I've introduced you...who knows you might have a great night together !!!

This is a really nice place, I've stayed here (as a hotel guest) many years ago but mainly use it…read morenow for the gym and fitness suites, the pool and the restaurant bar! Really nice staff, good place to eat and enjoy, and if you want to watch the sport a great chance to see it on one of the biggest TVs on the Wirral!

Ah Bel Air. I have spent one happy Father's Day here with my boyf's family and it was a pleasant…read moreenough experience. Once a top notch hotel, the Bel Air is now a cross between a sports bar and a pub; big screen tv's line the walls with Sky Sports playing on mute, photos of rugby stars adorn the walls, and uplifting quotes are painted all around. I wasn't drinking on the day due to a horrible cold but I am assured the beer/ale selection was worth a thumbs up, though this changes and you can have a dissapointing beer experience. Comfy, friendly, and casual. The eptiome of Wigan.

Now called wilf's bar it is a place mainly for drinkers not guests! The drinking goes on until the…read moreearly hours and is not really condicive to sleep. The premises have some quirky touches,like the almost life sized pharoh statue in the entrance,and the calligraphy adorned walls of the bar. Overall it is a place for a sociable night out not a hotel now.

I stayed for the weekend for my birthday and despite covid, it was a pleasant stay even though the…read moregym was closed. The staff were friendly and the breakfast was nice. No buffet, you have to book a time and order but there was a good variety. Rooms are very big with both a shower and bathtub, bed was very comfortable. The downside is that they do not clean your rooms daily, so you have to use the same towels and make your own bed unfortunately. I think this is due to covid, but was disappointed by it as I like a fresh towels and my room cleaned. Also no mini fridge in the room, but there is kettle, tea/coffee, safe, hairdryer, ironing board and free WiFi. Overall a nice traditional countryside English hotel with large rooms. Friendly staff and pretty gardens to sit outside.

It was that time of the month where I needed some chill out time…read more Situated two miles away from the city centre of Chester lies this gem. This building like many others in this city is stunning and full of character. Dated from 1779 this country house is still lavish, with antique rugs, dark wooden furnishings and stairwell..the floorboards give that satisfying creak when you step on them. Anyway having checked in, the receptionist also takes £50 off your card, whatever you don't spend within the hotel they reimburse you..watch out for that. Each room is stunningly decorated, you can even watch tv while you have a dump :p we left the robes and slippers and walked down with our towels to the spa. The reception here provided us with towels and offered spa treatments ranging from £30 a back massage. We were here for the pool. ChAnging rooms were fabulous and spacious. With lockers, hair dryers and decent showers. Only dispute were old towels left behind..they should place a laundry basket here. Entering the pool was idyllic..the sun was just setting through the large conservatory windows. In the corner offers a Jacuzzi in which you activate by the switch..the pool was of decent size, overlooking the gym and the steam room was sufficient. The dry sauna was under construction though. Getting changed for dinner , we were led to a cosey room where a gent at the bar brought us our wine and a menu over. I believe it was three courses for just over £25. Bargain for Rosette quality food. Amongst the wood pigeon, I had the ricotta cheese bread crumbed balls,and mushroom risotto for main My friend ordered the pate and salmon for mains. A complimentary bruchetta was provided..making me first think the portions were going to be small. However food was spot on in quantity, and what I could taste (with a sinus cold) was divine. The waitress was very attentive, although we had to ask for butter for our bread. Overall a gorgeous hotel with food and service to match. I will be back.

The DW Stadium certainly isn't a bad stadium for a League One side, home to Wigan Athletic FC and…read moreWigan Warriors. It opened in 1999 with a capacity of just over 25,000. DW Sports were a brand owned by former owner Dave Whelan, I like how even though the company is now defunct, they've kept the name of the stadium which honours one of their most successful owners, who has a statue outside the stadium lifting the FA Cup trophy in 2013. I've visited this stadium a couple of times now, having a tour around the stadium, and also visiting for an FA Cup match between Wigan and Manchester City (Don't remind me of a result). The stadium can be easily accessed on foot from the city centre, it is also located right near the Robin Retail Park, where there are multiple shops and places to eat, which is handy in case you get to the ground early or want a quick bite to eat before/after a game. I did find most of the stewards friendly and happy to help, I do think security at the stadium could be better due to the pitch invasion after the game I attended with fans able to throw things at the away supporters, which definitely should have been policed better. I once again have to agree with Fox E, this isn't one of my favourite stadiums but it's great for a team like Wigan, who hopefully will be seeing better days ahead as they should at least be playing at the Championship level. 3* - Decent stadium, not so great atmosphere.

DW stands for Don't Worry (your away team will win), Damn Windy (brr), Desirable Women (north…read morewestern girls usually are), and D*ck Waving (because the men in these parts like to windmill). First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - I've been to the DW about 6 times, but only twice to see a game. Once was Rugby (which I hated, and the crowd really loved) and one was Wigan vs Fulham, and the crowd barely showed up (half full maybe). Because they're unable to fill the stadium even when playing top notch opponents, I have to give them a 3. It's a lovely state of the art facility, but it's open in the corners, so it doesn't have the kind of atmosphere it needs. I was most recently here in 2014 after my concert in Bolton and before I played Warrington. I thought it looked in good nick, but still at some point needs to fill in those corners. I've been to most UK & US stadiums, due to lifelong obsessions with travel, sport & especially footy (soccer to Americans). Born & raised in England, I followed Oxford United (hometown team) to stadia all over the country at away games, and later Liverpool (fave team) around. Every stadium review - like all my reviews - are from first-hand personal experience, usually from several visits. In 2011, I was on music tour in the UK, and visited most stadiums for fun in my spare time. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was "stuck" in UK for 3 months, I went to hundreds yet again while travelling. I have pictures of me at most, which I'll post later. Also, when back in UK I'll take more pix, and add more stadia! *** return to regular review *** It's not one of my favourite stadiums even though I've been there many times. It's excellent for a team like Wigan, which can't really be expected to have an amazing ground, but it's got open corners and is almost always empty, so despite its modernness and nice surroundings, it still leaves a lot to be desired. If they can fill in the corners it'll be much better. It used to be the JJB, it holds 25k, it opened in 1999 and cost 30 mil to build. For a town like Wigan to have a stadium like this though, they should be very proud.

Pictures are deceiving. Rooms are super small. The pix makes it look like you are getting full…read moresize bed but it is a twin. This place is far far away from everything. You will waste time on transport by bus and using a car service gets expensive. The lift / elevator does not work so if you have a disability you have to make sure u request ground floor otherwise you have heaps of floors to climb. The floor were dirty. Also some of rooms have only skylight window. My travel mate's window was not securely shut or was leaking so he felt the wind all night and rain was coming down his face. There is no complimentary soaps in the rooms either.

Beech Mount Executive Hotel is a real treasure find for everybody! The hotel has been fully…read morerefurbished and decorated to the highest standards, which gives a very personalised and tasteful decoration in each room and throughout the building. The staff is very gregarious and helpful. They will do their best to help you if you have any request. The hotel is 5 minutes' drive from Liverpool City Centre but it is far enough so you don't have to suffer from noise; the area is effectively very quiet. My room had a bathroom with a great shower and was spotless clean. Teas and coffee, biscuits and even mineral were provided. A hair dryer was also present if you needed it. TV with a freeview box was also present. My favourite thing about my room was the nice decoration and the bed. The bed was very comfortable and the lining was so comfortable as it was 100% cotton. Wi-fi was available for free in the lounge which encompasses comfy leather sofas and a widescreen TV. The breakfast is lovely too and you are spoilt for choice: continental, full English or a bit of both world. Whether you are here on business or on a mini-break to discover Liverpool city, I can only but recommend to stay here. I only paid £49.95, which was cheaper and far nicer than staying at a Travelodge.

Tried the burger sizzler combo it was good it was 14 pounds which is a really good price would…read morerecommend

A lot of people would miss the oaklands as it is not in the city centre but that is a shame. The…read moredecor is fantastic since it's recent refit and the menu is huge lots of choice. Another pub that has offers like two meals for about five pounds (or about that) which is excellent value. The facilities are really clean and the open plan layout of the downstairs makes it light and airy which you can't tell from outside. There is also a delightful patio area at the rear overlooking the lawn must be lovely in the summer.