Mar 20, 2026 | Dining & Lounging
As the season shifts and the days grow longer, spring invites a lighter, more refreshing way of dining and drinking. It’s a time for bright flavours, crisp finishes and moments spent enjoying the softer pace of the season. At Hillbark Hotel & Spa, Contessa’s Bar provides the perfect setting to embrace it, whether that’s a pre-dinner aperitif or an unhurried evening drink.
Our cocktail menu brings together a collection of timeless classics, each chosen for its balance, freshness and effortless appeal. Lighter, citrus-led options such as the Margarita or Cosmopolitan offer a clean, vibrant taste, while the French 75, topped with Champagne, captures the celebratory feel of spring in every glass. For something equally refreshing, the Caipirinha combines lime and sugar with a lively finish, ideal for warmer afternoons.
Champagne-based cocktails continue the seasonal theme, with favourites such as the Bellini, Mimosa and Kir Royale offering a softer, fruit-led profile that feels perfectly suited to the time of year. Meanwhile, classics like the Dry Martini or Bloody Mary remain a staple for those who prefer something a little more structured.
For guests seeking a sweeter or more indulgent option, the White or Black Russian and the New Yorker provide a richer contrast, while the Woo Woo adds a playful, fruit-forward note to the menu. Each cocktail is carefully prepared, allowing the quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves. Non-alcoholic options are also available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience.
Set within the peaceful surroundings of Royden Park, Contessa’s Bar offers a calm and elegant space to pause and enjoy the season. Spring is all about balance, fresh air, good company and something perfectly chilled in hand, and there’s no better place to experience it.
Mar 20, 2026 | Seasonal
With Father’s Day approaching on Sunday 21st June, it offers a welcome opportunity to pause and celebrate the people who have shaped so much of our lives. Finding the right way to mark the occasion often means looking beyond the expected, choosing something thoughtful, personal and memorable.
For many, the most meaningful gifts are those rooted in shared interests. Whether it’s a love of football, live music or comedy, an experience can often leave a far greater impression than something physical. Tickets to a match, a concert or a show create moments to look forward to, and even better, the chance to enjoy them together.
Equally, time away can be a gift in itself. A short break, tailored to how your father prefers to spend his time, offers space to relax, recharge or explore. Whether that means something active or simply the opportunity to slow down, a change of setting often brings with it a renewed sense of energy and enjoyment.
For those seeking a more relaxed and refined experience, Hillbark Hotel & Spa provides a setting designed for comfort and ease. Nestled within the grounds of Royden Park, it offers a peaceful retreat where time can be spent exactly as it should be, unhurried and enjoyable.
Our gift vouchers can be tailored to suit, whether for an overnight stay in one of our luxury suites, a dining experience in The Dining Room, or a visit to Solaia Spa, where a range of treatments provide the opportunity to truly switch off.
Father’s Day need not be elaborate to feel special. Often, it’s the thought behind the gesture: time spent together, an experience shared, or simply the chance to relax.
Mar 20, 2026 | Top Stories
As Easter approaches, there’s a growing sense of anticipation across the North West. Falling on Sunday 5th April 2026, the season brings with it lighter days, family traditions and a calendar filled with events designed to be enjoyed together.
For those looking to embrace the outdoors, Speke Hall hosts a charming Easter trail from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April. Set within beautiful grounds, the experience invites families to follow a carefully designed route, complete seasonal activities and enjoy a well-earned chocolate treat at the end. It’s a gentle, engaging way to spend a spring afternoon.
For something more energetic, the Liverpool Indoor Funfair returns to the Exhibition Centre over the Easter break. Running across the same dates, it offers a lively mix of rides, attractions and games, creating a high-energy environment ideal for younger visitors looking for excitement during the holidays.
Meanwhile, over in Manchester, the Gandey’s K-Pop Dragon Circus brings a colourful and contemporary twist to a classic day out. Taking place at the Trafford Centre from Thursday 2nd April to Sunday 19th April, the show combines traditional circus performance with modern music and vibrant staging — an experience designed to entertain all ages.
Easter is a time best spent unhurried, whether that means exploring local events or simply enjoying time together. For those visiting the region, Hillbark Hotel & Spa offers a peaceful base within the grounds of Royden Park, ideally positioned for exploring both Liverpool and Manchester. After a day of activity, returning to calm surroundings, considered dining and comfortable accommodation provides the perfect balance.
Mar 17, 2026 | Top Stories Featured
Each spring, the Wirral calendar welcomes a unique and much-loved tradition, the Wirral Egg Run. Taking place this year on Sunday 22nd March, the event brings together hundreds of motorcyclists, volunteers and supporters for a day that is as meaningful as it is memorable.
At its heart, the Wirral Egg Run is a charity event with a simple yet powerful purpose: to deliver Easter eggs and raise funds for local children and families who may otherwise go without. What began as a small, community-led initiative has grown into one of the largest motorcycle charity runs in the region, attracting riders from across the North West and beyond.
The day itself is a spectacle. A procession of motorbikes from classic models to modern machines travels along a designated route across the Wirral, creating an unmistakable sense of occasion. Lined streets, supportive crowds and a shared sense of goodwill make it more than just a ride; it’s a celebration of community spirit.
The event culminates with the distribution of Easter eggs to local causes, ensuring that the impact of the day extends far beyond the roads. It is this combination of energy, generosity and togetherness that has made the Wirral Egg Run such an enduring part of the area’s spring traditions.
For those visiting the region, the event also offers a chance to experience the Wirral at its most vibrant. From coastal views to town-centre gatherings, there is a real sense of connection throughout the day.
Events like the Wirral Egg Run are a reminder that some of the most memorable occasions are those rooted in generosity. As spring begins, it stands as a highlight of the local calendar, bringing people together for a cause that continues to make a difference year after year.
Mar 9, 2026 | Local
The theatre has long been an important part of the Wirral’s cultural life, and few venues capture that spirit quite like Floral Pavilion Theatre. Overlooking the waterfront, the venue blends traditional theatre charm with contemporary design, creating an elegant setting for live performances. With seating for more than 800 guests, it offers an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere.
March brings a particularly varied programme. Music fans can begin the month with The Buddy Holly Story, arriving from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 March 2026. The production celebrates the life and music of the legendary rock and roll pioneer, featuring many of the songs that helped define a generation.
For those drawn to musical nostalgia, Thank You For The Music – The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA arrives on Saturday 21 March, bringing the iconic songs of one of the world’s most beloved pop groups to the Floral Pavilion stage. Expect an evening filled with familiar melodies and lively performances celebrating the Swedish supergroup’s enduring legacy.
The programme continues with the high-energy Ultimate Boyband Party Show on Sunday 22 March, a celebration of chart-topping hits from some of the biggest boybands of recent decades – a lively night for anyone who enjoys classic pop anthems.
Drama returns to the stage with Romeo and Juliet once more from Tuesday 24 to Wednesday 25 March, offering another opportunity to experience Shakespeare’s powerful story performed live.
Towards the end of the month, the theatre hosts Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt For Moriarty from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 March 2026. Inspired by the legendary detective stories, the production places Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson in a tense battle of wits with their most formidable adversary, Professor Moriarty.
For guests planning an evening at the Floral Pavilion, Hillbark Hotel & Spa provides a peaceful retreat just a short drive away. Set within the grounds of Royden Park, the hotel is less than twenty minutes from the theatre and can arrange transport to and from the performance. After the curtain falls, returning to tranquil surroundings, refined dining and comfortable suites offers the perfect conclusion to a memorable night at the theatre.
