Signatures Liverpool Liverpool News and EventsStill haven’t started that new hobby you promised to take up at the beginning of 2018? There’s still time before the new year to tick that resolution off your list. And with loads of great activities and classes kicking off in Merseyside this autumn, there’s no better time to find a new hobby.
Whether you’re a new student looking to make friends or just interested in trying something new in your home city, we’ve compiled Liverpool’s greatest activities and classes to add to your to-do list.
From pottery classes and book clubs, to aerial yoga and comedy, it’s time to take a break from Netflix and find your niche!
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1. Find your inner artist at the Bluecoat
Craving to discover some long-since neglected creativity? Desperate to pick up a paintbrush and paint your thoughts? Head to the Bluecoat in town and sign up for one of their art classes for beginners to kick start your relationship with creativity.
From on-off classes to longer courses, in activities including print-making, photography, oil-painting and screenprinting amongst many others, there’s plenty of diverse courses that might prick your interested. And as a bonus, many of them take place in the evenings, ensuring you can enjoy a new hobby outside of work hours.
2. Become a mixology maestro at a cocktail masterclass
Isn’t it everyone’s dream to wow a party with your sleek and stylish cocktail-making skills? If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a cocktail connoisseur, book into one of Signature Living’s Cocktail Masterclasses and learn the tricks of the trade from a top mixologist in one of Liverpool’s most popular bar venues.
Taking place at Alma de Cuba, the Signature Hotel bar and Mulholland Diner in Arthouse Hotel, you and your friends will find out how to mix up a storm for just £20 per person.
Learn to mix, muddle and mash a variety of cocktails from classic favourites to some special Signature combinations. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival prepared by your talented teacher as you learn about the art of mixing, before getting stuck in with making your own. And of course – you’ll be supplied with drinks through out to enjoy including your very own mixed cocktail!
3. Make your own truffles in a chocolatier workshop
Take your sweet tooth to the next level with a workshop at The Chocolate Cellar.
Learn how to make some delectable chocolate truffles from an experienced chocolatier and take your tasty treats home to enjoy afterwards. Sessions run in Liverpool City Centre and on the Wirral and have to be pre-booked.
4. Get messy making pottery
Get messy making pottery at the Baltic Clay with their evening and Saturday classes for beginners and more experienced potters looking to brush up their throwing skills.
Enjoy classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in their Baltic Triangle studios at just £15 for two hours, where you’ll be introduced to some simple projects and techniques to give you the confidence in working with clay.
Plus, new for 2019, head down to their warehouse studios for a half day or whole day experience, making up to 4 pottery pieces, from a patterned tray to a textured vase.
Available on 12 January, February 16, March 16 and April 13 next year, you’ll need to book a second date to glaze your pieces.
5. Not Your Granny’s Cross-Stitch!
Learn cross-stitch with a twist at this bad girls craft session in Make. Baltic. Under the guidance of Etsy-queen Melody Rule, make your own cross-stitch motif with a blunt message to one of her modern, snarky designs.
You’ll learn how to do basic stitches, follow counted cross-stitch patterns and finish and hang a project as well as taking home an introductory cross-stitch kit.
Be warned! This isn’t flowers and puppies – all Melody’s designs are a modern take on the traditional stitch work and her messages come with an explicit warning, so probably not one to show your Granny. Tickets cost £25.
6. Join a book club
Promised yourself you’d read more this year, only to find the months slipping away and the untouched novels piling up on your bedside table? Liverpool’s got tonnes of book club meet-ups that will encourage you to reopen those books and get back into literature.
From the friendly bibliophiles meet-up at Cuthbert’s Bakehouse on the first Monday of every month to intersected with plenty of tea and cake, whatever books you’re interested in, they’ll be a book club waiting for you.
7. Keep dancing with adult dance classes
Inspired by Strictly and looking to pull on your dancing shoes? in Old Swan offers adult dance classes designed to be taught from scratch. From ballroom to Latin, their Monday and Tuesday night sessions will have you practicing the Cuban Basic, the Tango Rock and the Magic Left Turn from day one.
If you’re looking for something nearer to the city centre, Merseyside Dance Initiative hosts weekly beginners ballet classes on Thursdays at their studios off Hope Street. Just £5.50 for an hour, they’re taught by Helen McCarron and focus on learning basic classical ballet techniques.
8. Kick start your micro-brewery or distillery dreams
If you’re a craft-beer enthusiast who’s always fancied themselves as a wannabe-brewer in the making, Liverpool’s got plenty of activities around the city to get you on your way to making some quality casks.
Head down to Black Lodge Brewing’s monthly tap room taster to enjoy a welcome drink, introduction to brewing and guided beer flight of five delicious beers for a gentle introduction into beer-making. Meanwhile, over at LoveBrewing in the north of the city, you can book a home brew training course to learn the ins-and-outs of fermentation at home for just £70.
More of a fan of the strong stuff? Liverpool Gin’s brand new Distillery experience on Castle Street offers you the chance to learn all about the clear spirit, from its history and how it’s made, to the botanicals that go into to it. You’ll also produce you very own personalised bottle of Liverpool Gin.
9. Get giggling at Liverpool Comedy Improv classes
Looking to improve your comedy act or hoping to pick up some tips on making it a new hobby? Liverpool Comedy Improv offer drop-in workshops every Monday at the Pilgrim Pub for new comedians wanting to explore improvisation.
All levels of experience are welcome but the sessions are target towards complete beginners. Taught by improviser, teacher and professional actor Emma Bird, these two hour sessions are fun, friendly and supportive.
The sessions are on from 7pm every Monday night at the Pilgrim Pub, and cost £8 (£7 for concessions).
10. Get rummaging for vintage treasures
Fan of hunting down a bargain? Head to one of Liverpool’s many vintage emporiums to find glamourous glad-rags, fabulous furnishings and much more from days gone by.
From 69A on Renshaw Street to Cow Vintage on Bold Street, it’s never been easier to source high-quality retro pieces for your wardrobe. Plus, Gasps Vintage Warehouse on Lark Lane and Mooshy LaLa’s Attique off Smithdown Road offer incredible retro buys for your home.
Thinking of making your vintage buys into a business? Check out Liverpool’s many charity shops for hidden vintage gems.
If you’re looking to improve your fitness this year, why not check out Signature Fit Club? Located in the city centre, the boutique gym is the perfect place to boost your confidence and meet new people.
Love jazz? Head down to one of the best jazz nights in Liverpool city centre, from Jazz con Fusion at The Grapes to the Downtown Dixieland Jazz Band at The Caledonia.
