Despite some great additions to the city in recent years, it is hard not to get nostalgic when we think about just how much has changed.
Back in the 1980s, Ghostbusters first hit cinemas, George Michael released Faith and velvet scrunchies and crimped hair were all the rage. The Golden Girls was being watched by millions, the Nintendo Entertainment System was released and The Walkman changed the way we consumed music.
In Liverpool itself, how we shop, dress and socialise has evolved, with a number of our nightclubs, stores and buildings now being a thing of the past. Many of the things we loved to do back then are now confined to the history books, but still live on in our memories and photos.
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For some, the 80s doesn't feel that long ago and was the best decade of their lives. Below, we've rounded up 15 things you could do then in Liverpool that you cannot do now.
The list below isn't intended to be comprehensive, we've selected a number of relics from the past. But, if there is something you feel we should have included, please let us know in the comments section.
1. Dance the night away at Coconut Grove
If you loved a night out in the 80s, there's a good chance you spent at least one memorable night at the Coconut Grove. Otherwise known as 'The Cokey', many will remember its tropical theme, from Pina coladas, to Hawaiian garlands and plastic palm trees.
It first opened its doors in 1982 on the corner of Green Lane and West Derby Road in Tuebrook. The site later became The Venue in the early 90s.
The latest series of Memory Lane is in major retailers including Asda, Tesco, Home Bargains and selected newsagents now. This series of the bumper picture special looks at fun in the sun - with stunning photographs and treasured memories of family holidays from years gone by. You can also buy Memory Lane online here.
2. Shop at Blacklers
Opened in 1908, Blacklers was one of the biggest department stores in the country and employed almost 1,000 staff - including a young George Harrison. It was much-loved by city residents and became famous for its Winter Wonderland Christmas grotto, the huge Father Christmas - which is now being restored by the Museum of Liverpool - and its famous rocking horse ‘Blackie.’
But by 1988, Blacklers closed its doors for good. The site later became a branch of pub-chain Wetherspoons named The Richard John Blackler as a nod to its origins.
3. Attend Larks in the Park
Liverpool festival Larks In The Park ran from 1980 to 1985. Its unique layout saw the stage built upon an extended version of the park bandstand with a moat between it and the audience.
Remembered for championing many local bands, the festival also showcased the likes of Echo and the Bunnymen, The La's and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Other UK acts that went on to experience massive success that also played the festival include Big Country and The Stone Roses.
4. Walk across the Roe Street walkway
Liverpool city centre once had a network of 'walkways in the sky' which connected the city as part of a bold plan for how our public spaces should look. Roe Street, Old Hall Street and James Street each had their own 'sky bridges' which allowed pedestrians to get around without using the pavements.
The isolated walkways were unpopular and the scheme was soon abandoned, with the bridges getting pulled down and the walkways closed off or forgotten. In the early 1990s the ECHO campaigned for the demolition of the Roe Street walkway, which spoiled the view of St George’s Hall, with its fate making the front page in August 1992 under the headline "It’s Gone."
5. Dine at the revolving Tower Restaurant
Before Radio City took over the top of St Johns Beacon in 2000, it was once home to the revolving Tower Restaurant situated nearly 400ft up in the air. Construction of the Liverpool skyline landmark tower began in 1965 and took five years to complete.
The Tower Restaurant opened at the top of St Johns Beacon in 1971 and ran for over 10-years. It reopened in 1980 however this was with a reduced capacity.
6. Settle down to watch Bread on TV
It's been over 30 years since the cast of Carla Lane's Bread gave viewers a slice of Liverpool life. Set in Liverpoo l in the mid '80s, the series focuses on the devoutly-Catholic Boswell family and first aired on May 1, 1986.
The street featured in the show was Elswick Street in Dingle. and ran over eight series until 1991. During its time on our screens, the cast could be seen filming in the city.
7. Smoke Indoors
For many of the next generations, it's hard to believe that smoking indoors in your local pub or a fancy restaurant was the norm. But throughout the 1980s and 1990s it was, until the smoking ban was introduced in the UK in 2007.
What do you miss about Liverpool in the 1980s? Let us know in the comments section below.
8. Skate at Silver Blades
When The Silver Blades Ice Rink opened its doors in 1935. it was the place to be in Liverpool. Originally called the Palace Ice Rink the site was used for roller skating but re-opened some years later, changing its name to Silver Blades in the 60s.
Despite its popularity with locals, Silver Blades was closed down on July 4, 1986 as it was deemed financially unviable. But it is still remembered fondly by Liverpudlians.
9. Watch a film at The Forum
Lime Street was once home to three ABC cinemas - The Forum, The Futurist and, just before you arrived at Renshaw Street, The Scala. The Forum itself first opened in 1931.
t was renamed the ABC in 1971 and is still widely known by that name, despite the company changing hands in 1986, with the cinema becoming The Cannon. The cinema closed its doors in January 1998 with a final showing of the film Casablanca.
10. Eat at the Berni Inn
The Berni Inn restaurant and steakhouse at the Pier Head was a popular choicefor many diners, with another Berni Inn also being located in Exchange Flags.
In the early 80s, it served some classics with prawn cocktail, scampi and chips and Black Forest gateau all on the menu. In its life, the site has also been River Rooms, Shanghai Palace and is now home to Matou.
11. Have an undocumented night out
The 1980s was a time before mobile phones and social media. Back then, you could live your best life without the worry of being captured on camera and feeling the need to post online the next day.
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12. Head to Cagneys
Cagneys, off London Road, was the place to be seen for New Romantics. The club was run by managers Phil McDonagh, Dave Sumner and John Sumner and was a popular place for clubgoers during the 80s.
Steve Proctor ran nights there, featuring bands including The Human League and Duran Duran. Above you can see photo of what inside was like.
13. Visit C&A
Department store chain C&A closed its UK stores in 2000 and 2001 though they are still a familiar fixture on the continent. In Liverpool it had a store in Church Street, in what later became the Next store and now Decathlon.
Join our Liverpool memories and history Facebook group here.
14. Buy a Texan chocolate bar
A striking American-inspired chocolate was the Texan Bar, with the US colours emblazoned within each letter on the packaging. Once you opened the wrapper, you were met with a nougat and toffee bar covered with chocolate.
It was manufactured during the ‘70s and ‘80s before being withdrawn from sale. It was withdrawn in 1984 but made a brief return as a limited edition in 2005.
15. Have a drink at Kirklands
When Kirklands opened on Hardman Street in 1975, it heralded a new era for Liverpool's night scene, quickly establishing itself as the place to be for a night out in the city. The bar continued to run in the 1990s, but closed its doors for good in 1999.
This brought an end an era for Liverpool's clubland that still retains fond memories for many. It was re-opened in March 2004 as The Fly in the Loaf.
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