BEATLES INSPIRED HOTEL PRESS KIT

Hard Days Night Hotel, Central Building, North Street, , L2 6RR +44 (0) 151 236 1964 www.harddaysnighthotel.com

Follow us on: Welcome 2008 – 2018, celebrating ten fabulous years of being the world’s only Beatles inspired hotel. Located in the heart of the Cavern Quarter in Liverpool. Featuring Beatles artwork throughout, the four-star, hotel pays homage to the Fab Four and their musical legacy. Concept and Design The concept of a Beatles-inspired hotel has been prevalent in Liverpool and amongst Beatles enthusiasts for over two decades. 2004 saw the dream become a reality as plans were finalised to convert Central Buildings into the Hard Days Night Hotel. When the stunning Grade II listed hotel opened on 1st February 2008 to coincide with Liverpool’s tenure as the 2008 Capital of Culture, the objective was to create a unique environment offering high-quality hotel facilities with an exciting and interesting ‘twist’. The hotel features exclusive Beatles artwork by world-renowned artists with close association to the band, including Shannon, Paul Ygartua, Julia Baird, and Klaus Voorman. Previously unseen archived photographs of the band, including those taken by Fleet Street photographer Bill Zygmant and Paul Saltzman, adorn the walls of the hotel along with items of Beatles memorabilia placed throughout the public areas. Each one of the hotel’s 110 guest bedrooms displays a unique piece of striking artwork each telling a different part of story. Photographs from the early 60s until present day are displayed along the grand central staircase from the basement to the roof of the hotel, often considered one of the hotel’s most spectacular features. Find out more about the Hard Days Night Hotel’s fabulous artwork along with the background to the production and the artist Shannon: http://theharddaysnighthotel.com Deluxe Guest Rooms Deluxe guest rooms have been tastefully designed around the contours and character of the original hotel building. Rooms feature exclusive Beatles artwork by Shannon, integrated into large leather headboards above each bed. Each room has a stylish, contemporary decor, incorporating LCD interactive television with on-demand films and music channels, as well as free wi-fi and high speed cabled internet connection. Deluxe guest bedrooms benefit from two armchairs, desk, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, mineral water, bath with separate free standing monsoon rain shower, sumptuous bathrobes, slippers, toiletries and a minibar. Some of the deluxe rooms are situated in the rooftop extension and offer stunning views of the Liverpool skyline from their private balconies. These can be requested for a small supplement. Luxury Guest Rooms Luxury guest rooms also feature exclusive artwork by world-renowned Beatles artist Shannon, and incorporate the majority of amenities included in a Deluxe guest room, without the free standing shower, extra armchair and minibar. Showcasing their own individual design, the luxury guest rooms perfectly combine contemporary elements with home comforts for the ultimate relaxing retreat. All guest bedrooms at Hard Days Night Hotel feature Hypnos beds, often considered to be ‘the most comfortable beds in the world’. McCartney Suite The McCartney suite on the fifth floor is a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney. The stylish suite has a modern, funky décor with a vibrant colour scheme. The living area comprises a desk, sofas, coffee table, chaise-longue, a suit of armour paying homage to Sir Paul’s knighthood, and a sliding door leading to a generous balcony. The suite also features numerous pieces of stunning artwork and artefact’s, such as Sir Paul McCartney’s certificate of Freedom of the City of Liverpool. The contemporary bathroom contains two sinks, bath, shower and toilet. The bedroom is furnished with a double bed, large metallic floor lamp and plasma screen television, with one entire wall featuring a collage of McCartney newspaper stories. Suite The Lennon suite, situated on the fourth floor of the hotel, pays homage to . The light, airy suite has a clean, minimalist décor with a white colour scheme. The living area comprises a desk, sofas, coffee table, white baby grand piano, two large prints of John Lennon illuminated in ultraviolet by a stage light, numerous artifacts and a sliding door leading to a generous balcony. The contemporary bathroom contains two sinks, bath, shower and toilet. The bedroom is furnished with a double bed, large metallic floor lamp and plasma screen television mounted into built in wardrobes. Blakes Restaurant Blakes Restaurant, situated inside the critically acclaimed Hard Days Night Hotel, is named after the Godfather of British pop art Sir Peter Blake who is famed for his iconic design of the sleeve cover of Beatles album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, Blakes has its own separate entrance for non-residents and is adorned with artwork by Sir Peter Blake, including a centrepiece frieze display of the icons on his record sleeve. Reportedly Sir Peter Blake asked the band to list the people who had most inspired them. Whilst John Lennon and Paul McCartney came up with the most ideas, chose people with Indian connections and Ringo said he’d “go with the flow”. The 74 cover restaurant also features four oversized lampshades – the décor, in keeping with the rest of the hotel, is modern, simple, light and chic. The menu, designed by the celebrated team of chefs at Blakes, features traditional British dishes with a contemporary twist. All of the dishes are created using fresh, wholesome and, wherever possible, locally sourced produce. Bar Four Situated on the ground floor of the hotel is Bar Four, a destination cocktail bar open to both hotel residents and non-residents. Clad in mahogany wood panelling, Bar Four gives the impression of a gentleman’s club. Ornate black chandeliers, black voile window treatments and sumptuous wingback leather armchairs add to the relaxing upmarket, sophisticated ambiance. Bar Four also exhibits original, never seen before artwork by local artist Paul Ygartua who attended Liverpool Art College with John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia Powell. The four oil paintings on canvas, each in a contemporary jazz style, depict each of The Beatles with their instruments. Central to Bar Four is its extensive cocktail list. House specialities include Strawberry Fields with Pepper – strawberries crushed together with fresh lemon, thyme and sugar syrup shaken together with Grey Goose Vodka infused with grass (from Strawberry Fields in Liverpool), garnished with a grind of pepper and Lasse Get Back – smooth yoghurt, pureed mango, fresh cucumber and pressed apple juice shaken with sugar syrup and Grey Goose vodka over ice and served with fresh almonds. The cocktail list includes Martinis, Champagne cocktails and a ‘tall drinks’ menu. All cocktails are made using the finest spirits and fresh fruit.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday until late Capacity: 74 The Lounge The Lounge is situated at the heart of the hotel and has been designed with a bold and retro décor. It forms part of the ‘inner sanctum’ along with its bar, the reception area and the lift area. With its cosmopolitan and vibrant atmosphere, the lounge provides the perfect location for guests to unwind, relax and enjoy a light snack or an afternoon tea whilst enjoying songs from the Beatles extensive back- catalogue playing in the background. The Lounge also features stunning Beatles artwork and is also the location of one of the hotel’s ‘must see’ images. Taken on Childwall Fiveways, the image captures some of the Merseybeat groups of the 60s, including the Fab Four themselves. It also features artefacts, pictures, books, and poems from those who were actually part of the Beatles’ story. Contributions have been made from , Pete Best, Stuart Sutcliffe, Linda McCartney, Jurgen Vollmer, Klaus Voorman and of course John, Paul, George and Ringo. Hari’s Bar Hari’s Bar is located on the lower ground floor of the hotel and has an Indian theme, reflecting the time The Beatles spent in Rishikesh where they meditated with the Maharishi. The Beatles’ time in India is considered one of the most creative capsules of time in the band’s illustrious history. During this period, they wrote 48 songs in less than eight weeks. Hari’s Bar is a quiet and atmospheric place for guests to go for a quiet drink away from the main buzz of the hotel, and is available for private hire. Featuring five original images from photographer Paul Saltzman, Hari’s Bar focuses mainly on George Harrison who took much of the Indian influence with him throughout the rest of his life. Saltzman was also meditating in Rishikesh when The Beatles were there. Additional artwork decorates the walls with an image from 1960s Fleet Street photographer Bill Zygmant as well as Indian photographs taken by Julia Baird (John Lennon’s sister). Cases have Indian artefacts within them that are also specifically relevant to George. Sample Packages The hotel offers a range of bespoke packages to enhance guest’s Beatles experience in Liverpool. ‘Beatles Tribute Thursdays’ are ideal for those who love live music and The Beatles, and include free entry to The Cavern Club to watch a Beatles Tribute Band, seats on the Magical Mystery Tour and bed and breakfast at Hard Days Night. Visit the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney with the National Trust Lennon and McCartney Childhood Homes Tour. Hard Days Night Hotel have teamed up with the National Trust to offer bespoke tours of Mendips and 20 Forthlin Road, with the package including transport and a luxury stay at Hard Days Night Hotel. The hotel’s ‘Magical Mystery Package’ is for those looking for an extra special Beatles experience. The package includes a two night stay with breakfast in a luxury room, a trip on the Magical Mystery Tour bus around the city as well as tickets to the Beatles Story, The Cavern Club, and two Hard Days Night Hotel souvenir t-shirts. For guests looking to see some of Liverpool’s top attractions the ‘Ticket to Ride’ package offers the opportunity to explore them all, including three nights in a luxury room, a three course dinner at Blakes restaurant and breakfast each morning. For other Beatles Inspired packages and special offers please visit www.harddaysnighthotel.com/offers/ Why Liverpool? Hard Days Night Hotel offers guests the ideal vantage point from which to explore some of the top Beatles tourist attractions in the city centre and beyond. Music The hotel is perfectly located adjacent to the world famous Mathew Street, and birthplace to the renowned Beatles. Visitors can collect memorabilia of the Fab Four in The Beatles shop, enjoy a visit to Cavern Walks shopping centre, which houses the world’s only life size statue of The Beatles or unwind with a beer listening to live music at the infamous Cavern Club where The Beatles first rose to fame. Alternatively the picturesque Albert Dock gives visitors the chance to explore the award-winning Beatles Story experience, an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of The Beatles with fascinating insights from friends and family. Nearby are the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, both owned by The National Trust, which are open to the public to view from February to November. Highlights of tours include original family photographs by Mike McCartney on display, John Lennon’s bedroom, and the spot where Lennon and McCartney composed ‘I Saw Her Standing There’. The Liverpool music scene also includes the world-class Echo Arena Liverpool, which has attracted massive musical names as Bob Dylan, Beyonce and Dame Shirley Bassey in the past. Then there are the numerous Liverpool music festivals staged in the city throughout the year, such as the Summer Pops as well as Liverpool’s fantastic classical music on offer at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, courtesy of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Culture Liverpool oozes culture and heritage. The city has a glorious past as a mercantile hub and gateway to the New World, but today it is also a key destination for art lovers, fans of the theatre and museum-goers. The city is home to the Walker Art Gallery, the national gallery of the North, that features works by Hockney, Degas, Turner and Rembrandt, as well as Tate Liverpool, housed in a stunning grade 1 listed converted warehouse, that stages exhibitions by everyone from Tracey Emin to Picasso. Many other museums are located around the Albert Dock, such as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, where visitors can find out all about the companies, people and ships connected to the Port of Liverpool. The International Slavery Museum, also in the Albert Dock, tells numerous poignant tales of bravery and rebellion among the enslaved people. 2011 saw the opening of the new Museum of Liverpool, which is the largest built national museum in Britain for more than a century, and is housed in a landmark new building at the Pier Head. Heritage Liverpool is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The city won the status in 2004 because of its impressive waterfront which, according to UNESCO, represents a ‘supreme example of a commercial port at the time of Britain’s greatest global significance’. The World Heritage Site officially stretches from Albert Dock, which alone has the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the UK, along The Pier Head and up to Stanley Dock. These icons of Liverpool heritage made Liverpool one of the centres of world trade in the 18th and 19th centuries and meant it played an important role in the growth of the British Empire and the industrial revolution beyond. Film Liverpool and film are becoming synonymous, as Liverpool cements its reputation as a favourite film and TV location with both directors and scriptwriters alike. From the historic streets to its impressive waterfront and varied architecture, Liverpool is fast becoming the most filmed city in the UK outside of London. In recent years, Liverpool has featured in a number of blockbuster films and much-loved TV programmes. Movies such as the 2004 Alfie remake with Jude Law, Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes and Sam Taylor-Wood’s recent hit about Liverpool hero John Lennon have all used various Liverpool film locations or have been filmed entirely in Liverpool. At the same time several popular Liverpool TV programmes such as Hollyoaks and the BBC One police series Mersey Beat have also exploited Liverpool’s wide range of historic buildings and contemporary structures, not forgetting The Liver Birds and The Forsyte Saga in the seventies and Z Cars before that. Sport Liverpool is a leading sports destination, home to two of the Premiership’s biggest football teams, Liverpool Football Club at Anfield and Everton Football Club at Goodison Park. The region is also home to England’s Golf Coast, the finest stretch of championship golf in the world, with no fewer than three Royal Links courses which have hosted endless Open Championships and Ryder Cups. These include Royal Birkdale in Southport and Royal Liverpool at Hoylake on the Wirral. In addition Liverpool hosts the world-famous John Smith’s Grand National each year at its Aintree Racecourse, with top racing at Haydock Park in St Helens too. A59 Fairfield LIVERPOOL Kensington Edge Ln A THE BEATLES STORY & FAB4D A5052 A5038 Edge Ln Dr Gower Street, L3 4AD A5047 www.beatlesstory.com B A5047 Edge Ln Wavertree Queens Dr Beatles A5036 B WHERE JOHN LENNON MARRIED Edge Hill Park CYNTHIA POWELL 64 Mount Pleasant, L3 5SD Destinations A5041 A A5039 F ’S CHILDHOOD HOME Grove St C Wapping Tunnel Rd A5080 9 Madryn Street, L8 3TT Chinatown A5048 A5038 A562 LodgeLn B5178 D STREET FROM THE BEATLES TRACK KingsleyRd Smithdown Rd Wavertree A5037 ‘PENNY LANE’ PrincesUpper Rd Parllament St Penny Lane, L18 1DQ A5036 A562

Sefton St E ‘SHELTER IN THE MIDDLE OF A A561 Toxteth A562 ROUNDABOUT’, FROM THE SONG PENNY C B5173 LANE B5175 E Penny Lane, L18 1DQ Toxteth Princes Park Ullet Rd D Queens Dr A5306 Princes A5058 F GEORGE HARRISON’S CHILDHOOD HOME A562 Park B5180 12 Arnold Grove, L15 8HP Park Rd B5342 Sefton Mill St G PAUL MCCARTNEY’S CHILDHOOD HOME Park Menlove Ave 20 Forthlin Road, L18 9TN H www.nationaltrust.org.uk A5058 Queens Dr Church Rd A561 Calderstones B5180 Park I H STRAWBERRY FIELD Beaconsfield Rd, Woolton L25 6EJ A561 Mather Ave J Mossley Hill I JOHN LENNON’S CHILDHOOD HOME B5171 251 Menlove Ave, Garston L25 7SA www.nationaltrust.org.uk Woolton Aigburth G J WHERE PAUL MCCARTNEY AND JOHN A562 Aigburth Rd LENNON FIRST MET Hillfoot Rd St Peter's Church, Church Rd, Woolton, L25 5JF Allerton www.stpeters-woolton.org.uk Mather Ave B5171 A561 K STATUE OF A YELLOW SUBMARINE DEDICATED TO THE BEATLES TRACK Woolton Liverpool John Lennon Airport, L24 1YD Golf Club www.liverpoolairport.com

Woolton Rd Allerton L CAVERN PUB Princess St Stanley St A562 QA 5 Mathew Street, L2 6RE A561 Cressington ekepS llaH dR M CAVERN CLUB & THE DOOLEY STATUE Victoria St B5171 10 Mathew Street, L2 6RE www.cavernclub.org A5039 Garston N N JOHN LENNON STATUE L A A561 Mathew Street, L2 6RE A M A P Garston A561 Speke Blvd A5039 Mathew St AO A Speke Rd O CAVERN WALKS SHOPPING CENTRE Docks

TempleCt Mathew St, L2 6RE North John St www.cavern-walks.co.uk Speke Hall Ave P THE BEATLES SHOP 31 Mathew St, L2 6RE www.thebeatleshop.co.uk K Q STATUE DEDICATED TO “ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE…” FROM THE FAMOUS Harrington St BEATLES SONG 34 Stanley St, L1 6AL Liverpool John Lennon Airport Millennium Hotels And Resorts Hard Days Night Hotel was acquired by Millennium Hotels in August 2015 becoming the brands 24th property within the UK and Europe; adding to the group’s already diverse and dynamic portfolio. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Millennium Hotels And Resorts is a global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates a worldwide portfolio of over 100 hotels, with Liverpool as its latest location. A spokesperson for the hotel said: “Liverpool is a leading tourist destination that continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually on a mass global scale. Having been crowned Capital of Culture in 2008, the city is twinned culturally and economically with Shanghai and is home to the world famous Liverpool Football Club. “It continues to maintain its prominent stance by investing in an array of forward thinking regeneration projects, while firmly retaining its Beatles legacy. Being the only one of its kind, Hard Days Night Hotel offers a Beatles experience like no- other and we are confident that our guests, particularly from countries including China, USA, Canada and Europe, will be excited by the choice of this latest acquisition. Furthermore, the ‘Fab Four’ and Liverpool are very popular to both the North American and Asian markets.” www.millenniumhotels.com