48 hours in liverpool.

A few foodie days in Liverpool, a couple to be exact. With Travelodge Liverpool Central The Strand as our base for our staycation, I jam packed lots of food related adventures (and some not so foodie) for us to do during our stay. Every food blogger knows it's impossible to go anywhere without a little bit of Twitter research. So from secret bars and sushi platters to pork chop sandwiches and pretty cocktails, hopefully there's something for everyone in my little guide.

slim's pork chop express, liverpool.

Yet another utterly cool dining venue in Liverpool - Slim's Pork Chop Express. Inspired by the owners' enthusiasm with the film Big Trouble in Little China, you'll find subtle (and not so subtle) hints to the film itself. Found just a short walk away from indie-friendly Bold Street on Seel Street, the black exterior is lit up with modern neon lights in the shape of a pig and cow - you'll know you've found it! The menu focuses on the whole pork chop sandwich idea, with big smokes, low and slow cooked meats, pimped out fries and craft beers to go alongside.

mister miyagi, bold street, liverpool.

Mister Miyagi, also known as simply Miyagi, is a Japanese inspired gem that you'll find amongst the bustling independents of Liverpool's Bold Street. Always keen to track down an Asian restaurant whilst on my UK travels, the same name kept coming up upon asking for Liverpool Twitter recommendations. With a menu boasting the likes of steamed buns, sushi and gyoza, I knew that I had to try it out. It was a tough choice decided what Oriental treats to choose from this Japanese restaurant's menu, but someone had to do it.

maray, liverpool.

Maray on Bold Street, Liverpool, is a cool and contemporary restaurant which celebrates small seasonal plates to share. With an emphasis on the social element of food, you can pick and choose from vegetarian, seafood, meat, vegan, gluten free, snacks and sides to create your own feast. 

thornton hall hotel and spa, the wirral.

Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa is a luxury hotel retreat found in The Wirral. Despite the impressive 62 bedrooms, a grand entrance hall, restaurant and bar, plus two spas, the hotel itself maintains an intimate, boutique feel. I travelled North West for a weekend away, where I enjoyed their A Little Luxury stay and spa package and dined in The Lawns restaurant.

the lawns, thornton hall, the wirral.

Awarded 3 AA Rosettes for fine dining, The Lawns restaurant can be found in the heart of the Wirral countryside, within Thornton Hall hotel and spa. The restaurant is headed up by new executive chef Matthew Worswick, who represented the North West in this year's Great British Menu. With menus for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and even a special taster of the Great British Menu dishes, I went along as part of my stay at Thornton Hall to experience their evening offerings. 

birthday eats and foodie treats.

i felt well and truly spoilt on my birthday, with some lovely thoughtful foodie gifts and a few fantastic meals out too. with a few days off, i went off to manchester with my pal amelia, went away to liverpool with boyfriend sam and on the sunday my mum had made a birthday tea party on the sunday. warning: it's really quite birthday indulgent and picture heavy.

afternoon tea at hard days night hotel, liverpool.

if like me, you love both afternoon tea and the beatles back catalogue, hard days night hotel is somewhere you need to visit. i was whisked away for a surprise birthday trip to liverpool last weekend and my boyfriend had booked us in for their high tea. cue perfectly sliced sandwiches, warm scones, bottomless tea and a cheeky glass of bubbles. i was in my element.