For a different weekend away visit Southport – by order of the Peaky Blinders

Cat Heuston | 13th February 2018

If you are missing Peaky Blinders, then look no further. Hidden away on Lord Street, Southport you’ll find a secret escape hatch back to the 1920s.

Although Peaky Blinders is set in Birmingham, we feel a real affinity in the North West as some of the BBC series was filmed in Manchester and on Formby Beach, including the showdown between Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and Alfred “Alfie” Solomons (Tom Hardy). There’s also a Peaky Blinders tour in Liverpool.

But back to Peaky Blinders Bar in Southport where we were arrived to an array of the expected Peaky Blinders tipples.

To the left you’ll find a casual bar suited for a quiet drink to the right a lively looking cocktail bar.

Unfortunately it was closed off on my visit. From the outside it looked impressive with a huge bar and fancy table wear. I have to say I was disappointed not to see it in all its glory.

However the friendly staff made up for my disappointment and led me to an obscure entrance in between the two bar entrances. A huge golden lion door knocker led to a private doorway leading to what I can only again describe as a trapdoor to the past.

The 1920s style wallpaper and narrow hallways made me feel as if I was about to meet Thomas Shelby himself (played by Cillian Murphy in the BBC series)… I was eager to see my room.

When the kindly gentlemen dressed in braces opened my room door and showed me in I was initially impressed. Once inside I began to investigate the intricacies of the room.

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BarEntranceTable setAntique style globe featureDoor Knocker Hotel entranceBar

There were key hooks showing initials P & B, an antique style globe on a table with chairs in the corner, in front of huge bay windows, which had views of the surrounding bars and restaurants.

There were two beautiful race horse pillows situated on the large double bed. Once I’d taken a seat at the dressing table and analysed my surroundings I found myself a little underwhelmed.

There seemed to be only a few items linking to the Peaky Blinders. I expected to find a room filled with memorabilia antique items to make me feel as I did in the bar.

Disappointingly there was little then the race horse pillows and initial key hooks to suggest this was a ‘Peaky Blinder’ room. The guestbook mirrored my own thoughts.

Unfortunately the accommodation doesn’t serve food at the moment plans to in the future are under way. However you can obtain a take away breakfast, which the staff are more than happy to collect for you.

As I hadn’t eaten a trip to the local Sainsbury’s was my next point of call. It was about a five-minute walk away under direction from the accommodation guide provided.

The guide also features information on local restaurants, on the bar, but the images and text were quite blurred.

Despite feeling disheartened about my somewhat modern interior room I struggled to find fault with the quality of the stay.

The double bed faced a flat screen television and a large double wardrobe with full length mirror, ideal for getting ready girls!

A sliding door reveals a modern bathroom and power shower. However if you are planning to stay here note there isn’t a lock!

The room despite its modern interior was very pleasant. It featured everything you’d need to get ready for a night down in the bar and the morning after. I was amused by the Coca-Cola carrier holding tea and coffee to be fair it was wooden so could be said to be in keeping with the theme.

I’d arranged to meet a friend for girls’ night out and we were both keen to try the Peaky Blinders cocktails. I opted for ‘Grace’s Secret’ and my friend Dathan opted for ‘Georgian Jewell’ under the recommendation of the staff.

Other themed combinations include:

If you’re a gin or bourbon lover then these are the drinks for you. After a brief wait our drinks arrived featured in an old fashioned style pint glass with three straws (not entirely sure the reason of this).

We’d ordered two very different cocktails but we both agreed they came out looking exactly the same. I’ve honestly never tasted anything like it they were incredible! Subtle flavours and just the right combination to tantalize taste buds.

I would have paid to stay four nights more, just to try the entire cocktail menu. The bar was casual, quiet but a very relaxed atmosphere I’d recommend this bar for a date night. The reason being the music although modern was subtle enough that we could have a conversation and still enjoy the music.

The décor in the bar I could not fault. It was in keeping with the theme candle lit tables beautiful glass windows with Peaky Blinders stamped in the centre. Even the bathrooms were old fashioned!

Admittedly it took me a minute to realise the loo flush was above my head on a chain, not the modern push button we’ve become accustomed too.

What really drew my attention was the beautiful bar showcasing an array of alcohols which gave plenty to choose from. Whether you go for an ‘Angry Arthur’ cocktail or a gin and tonic I can assure you you’ll be impressed. The friendly staff and attentiveness made us feel very welcome and we thoroughly enjoyed the night.

The pleasant ambiance of the bar is ideal for those couples looking for something a bit different for Valentine’s Day.  Did I mention those cocktails? Honestly a reason to visit to say the least!

In spite of my earlier underwhelmed feelings towards the room’s links to Peaky Blinders I’d still highly recommend staying.

For more details and bookings visit thepeakyblinders.com