Well here goes with our first blog!

David and I thought  we’d start today, right at the top corner of the Wirral, where the mighty River Mersey rushes out to meet the Irish Sea. We decided to re-visit the Panorama Lounge at the Floral Pavillion – a beautiful modern theatre complex which overlooks Fort Perch Rock and the Lighthouse at New Brighton.

We arrived at about 12.45pm which was just after high tide. The sun was shining over the estuary and picking out silver streaks on the crests of the waves. The entrance to the river was unusually quiet, as there are normally at least a couple of giant container ships waiting to berth into  the North Liverpool Docks or the Seaforth Container Base..but today not even the Dublin Seacat  or the Isle of Man Ferry was to be seen.

We were, however, not too disappointed with the lack of shipping because the best thing about Fridays at the Panarama Lounge (apart from the coffee) is that  local super-star…Dave Antrobus , sits at the magnificent grand piano from 12.00 noon until 2.00pm and regails us with a stream of melodies, leading us through Ragtime, Syncopation,Tin-pan-alley, Broadway, Hollywood to London’s West End, via Liverpool’s Matthew Street. His range is breathtaking and his musicianship is awe inspiring.

But…if music be the food of love…what about the love of food? Well, at the Panarama Lounge, food is the province of Carrington’s Catering who run a very friendly  service for the Floral Pavilion.

David chose a latte with a slice of lemon cheesecake, whilst I had my usual americano with hot milk, accompanied by a hearty chunk of carrot cake .Mmmmmm….

We ate and drank and chatted and listened…and…all too soon…it was 2.00 o’clock and Dave was playing his finale medley of “Singing in the Rain” and “Raindrops keep falling on my Head.”

On the way out I picked up the first edition of a quirky “freebie” mag called Pick Wick,  produced by some young artists, photographers and writers associated with FACT in Liverpool…well worth a read – it’s brilliant and refreshing…just like the coffee.

(visit:- www.floralpavilion.com)   (visit:- www.fact.co.uk)