Gong hei fat choy and a very warm welcome to this week’s best of the Echo newsletter. This weekend was Chinese New Year, one of the first big events in Liverpool’s packed 2023 calendar, and the start of the Year of the Rabbit. I’ve always loved Liverpool’s Lunar New Year festivities and the way the city comes together to celebrate one of Europe’s oldest and proudest Chinese communities. Very many years ago I was part of a team charged with really putting the event on the calendar. I met so many inspirational people with incredible tales to tell and was really embraced by the community. Many of the restaurateurs are no longer in Chinatown and the changes to this Liverpool gateway were explored this week by our reporter Elliot Ryder. Change is inevitable, and our night-time economy is in a very different place, but it was fascinating to hear how the Chinese community has diversified and remains integral to the make-up of our city.
I was proud of the very many stories we wrote in the lead up to Chinese New Year including our SEO editor Lottie Gibbons’ first trip to the excellent Chung Wah supermarket and Dan Haygarth’s visit to Sans Cafe which has been serving Chinese food since the 1960s. We even dabbled in Chinese horoscopes - though sadly this year is not looking too good for horses like me. If you’re were Chinatown yesterday, I hope you enjoyed the celebrations, the firecrackers, the dragon, lion and unicorn. It was a good opportunity to support our local Chinese businesses.
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Last week I told you about the visit to our St Paul Square office by budding journalists from Woodlands Primary School, in Birkenhead, and this week I was in Broughton Hall Catholic High School in West Derby doing mock interviews with GCSE students. I was privileged to hear about their aspirations, hopes and dreams. And also their problems. Covid and lockdown has not been kind to our young people. It’s only fair to say the students were so kind, welcoming and courteous. The Echo has been at the heart of Liverpool for so long and if you think we can help your community please do let us know.
Gong Hei Fat Choy, Maria
Once a great hope, Liverpool's Chinatown is at a dead end
Chinese New Year is being celebrated this week and the ECHO has published numerous articles to coincide with the celebrations, such as visiting an Asian supermarket for the first time, collating our favourite Chinese restaurants or explaining the Chinese zodiac and how it relates to your luck in the coming year.
But this long read by regeneration reporter Elliot Ryder strikes a more sombre tone. People who love Liverpool's Chinatown are worried for its future and they are right to be. There were crowds there this weekend but will they return in the next 12 months? How do businesses survive? Read more here.
Elliot Ryder, regeneration reporter
Best Chinese restaurants in Liverpool you need to visit for delicious authentic food
Liverpool is home to one of Europe's oldest and largest Chinese communities and with that comes great food.
The city and surrounding areas are brimming with top choices when it comes to Chinese restaurants and takeaways and we've rounded up our top picks to get your taste buds tingling. From huge banquets, to delicious salt and pepper ribs, our list of the best Chinese restaurants in and around the city features stand out dishes and what to expect from each venue. Read more here.
Amy Browne, Ellen Kirwin, Lottie Gibbons, Elle May Rice, Jess Flaherty, Emily Sleight, Hannah Rees
The life of L8 legend Ras T
Toni Constantine Morgan, 68, better known as Ras T, died in December. This is the Echo's obituary for a musician, mentor and community leader, well-known and loved in the L8 area. A celebration of his life took place this week. Read more here.
Patrick Graham, L8 community reporter
I went to one of Liverpool’s biggest Chinese supermarkets - and it was better than Asda and Tesco
Fresh from her visit to Matta's on Bold Street a few weeks ago, Echo SEO editor Lottie Gibbons tried out Asian supermarket and wholesaler Chung Wah on Hardy Street. Yes she did buy chicken paws. Read the full story here.
Lottie Gibbons, SEO editor
Rough Liverpool pub known for 'mad fights' where TV star fled fearing for his life
A pub which once had the unenviable reputation as one of the roughest in the city was the place where Ricky Tomlinson left half-way through his own gig after a shocking incident. Nostalgia reporter Lee Grimsditch had some fun travelling back in time to the Bow and Arrow and judging by the comments so did some readers. Read the full story here.
