If you’re considering a trip North (or, y’know, just to Liverpool in general), you could do far worse than a stay at the glorious Hope Street boutique hotel. Independently owned and operated, it’s full of the great little touches that make a stay at a boutique hotel that bit more special than relying on one of the big chains. Think beautifully designed rooms that are luxurious without being old-fashioned: oversized beds, solid wood floors, exposed brick walls and chunky beams give off a chic vibe that’s one part Nordic minimalism and one part well-orchestrated heritage – it makes for an eminently comfortable combination. Plus, the bathrooms are stocked with ren skincare and they offer a Swedish massage service. You can’t get much better than that, can you?

Location is prime as well, with local landmarks like the Church of St. Luke’s Bombed Out Garden, the impressive Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, and The Garstang Museum of Archaeology all within walking distance of the hotel so you can get your culture fix – although it’s tempting to stay nestled between the Hope Street’s silky, Egyptian cotton sheets all day, with the comforting sound of Dido on the crisp Bang & Olufsen speakers, make sure you do actually leave the place.

There’s a slew of good restaurants in the local area too, but the Hope Street’s in-house eatery is definitely worth a look at. Confusingly named the London Carriage Works (this is Liverpool, after all), the restaurant works with only the best ingredients sourced from the North West and its menu is a wonderfully British selection of true classics: they’ve even got the two AA Rosettes to prove it. We opted for a hearty game terrine with a blackberry dressing (just the ride side of tart) and then a complex and tender slow braised leg of mutton. A meal to remember – rather like Hope Street itself.