MerseyMade is adding a little sparkle to the holiday season with a series of Christmas events that begin this weekend.
The charming shop, café, and events space, which features the work of local artists and makers, is also introducing a special three-course Christmas menu and extending its Friday and Saturday hours until 10.30pm (beginning December 1st).
‘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 the 3rd and 10th of December as part of MerseyMade’s event schedule. On December 2nd, there will be Lego stop motion and retro video game design masterclasses to inspire budding young creators.
As the Christmas spirit spreads throughout the venue, guests will be able to make their own handmade gifts and decorations by attending workshops in candle making (3rd and 9th December) and needle felting (16th December), while those looking forward to the new year can participate in a craft your future event (14th December).
MerseyMade is also collaborating with independent wine merchant Bacchus to host a festive wine battle with a blind tasting of wines from around the world on December 22nd, while Liverpool School of Wine will introduce some of the best wines available locally on December 15th.
The perfect three-course Christmas menu at MerseyMade includes starters of Roasted Celeriac and Toasted Hazelnut Soup and Orange, Feta, and Roasted Beetroot Salad, as well as main courses of Salmon Wellington, Luxury Nut Roast, and Traditional Roast Turkey, served with all the trimmings.
Guests can finish with Winter Roulade, Festive Sticky Toffee Pudding or a Cheeseboard with Rhubarb Chutney. MerseyMade’s Christmas menu is available for groups of six or more (£22.50 per person for two courses and £27.50 per person for three courses), with private dining available for larger bookings.
The café at MerseyMade serves breakfast, brunch, and comforting classics all day with a tempting menu that 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). Home-baked cakes, speciality coffees, teas, decadent Belgian hot chocolates, spirits, wines and Prosecco, as well as locally crafted real ales and gins, are also available. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options on the menu as well.
MerseyMade is bursting at the seams with locally crafted artwork, homeware, organic skincare, books by local authors, and Christmas hampers. Shoppers will find a treasure trove of delights, including handcrafted pieces by Liverpool-based jewellers such as Andrea McShane and Factory Floor Jewels, bespoke home accessories by Southport-based Isaac’s Bazaar, and stained glass Christmas decorations handmade in Ormskirk by Nuvue Glass Design.
MerseyMade also carries Smaller Explorer, a Liverpool-based children’s clothing brand, as well as Skyn Bakery’s cruelty-free, vegan skincare. Original artworks by local painters such as Steph Aldwinckle, Lena, and sea artist Beth Wigham are also available.
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!”
MerseyMade’s events calendar continues into the new year, with something for everyone, whether you’re a music fan, a culture vulture, a bookworm, or a creative. An evening with Beatles author Colin Hall and the original drummer in John Lennon’s Quarrymen, Colin Hanton (18th January), wine tasting (12th January), hand weaving (27th January), and a Spanish talk and tapas evening with local author David Ebsworth (19th January) are among the intriguing events on the calendar.
MerseyMade is housed in the historic Chancery Building on Paradise Street. For café reservations, as well as workshop and event bookings, please visit the website here.
