A memory of Liverpool previously shared by the late Paul O'Grady is something "only people from Merseyside" will understand.
Today, tributes have been flooding in following the news Merseyside legend Paul O'Grady has died aged 67. The comedian and TV personality had audiences in stitches for more than three decades.
Paul first rose to prominence as his drag queen persona Lily Savage in the 1980s and 1990s before going on to host a string of television programmes, from The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank to ITV's multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs. But in recent years, Paul also opened up about his time working in Liverpool, sharing several fond memories.
Read More:
- 41 photos celebrating life of TV legend Paul O'Grady
- Paul O'Grady: Leave your tribute to the beloved comedian in the ECHO's online condolence book
Paul, from Birkenhead, held various jobs in the city in his early adulthood, first working as a clerical assistant for the DHSS at their Liverpool office, before becoming an assistant clerk at Liverpool Magistrates' Court. He later worked as a barman at Yates' Wine Lodge, an accountant in an FMC Meats Merseyside abattoir before spending three years at Children's Convalescent Home and School in West Kirkby.
In later life, Paul lived in Kent, but frequently spoke about his love for Liverpool and the surrounding region. In an Instagram post last year, Paul reminisced about his time working in the city and how he would eat lunch at Cousins Corner on Lord Street.
Sharing a picture of Cousins Corner above Radio Rentals, Paul said: "I was sent this. It’s the Radio Rentals Building with Cousins cafe/restaurant underneath.
"I suppose only people from Merseyside will remember this but when I first started work in Steers House I used to spend my luncheon vouchers in here and for 30p you got a tinned salmon bap, a cup of tomato soup and a fizzy drink.
"It’s all gone now to make way for Liverpool ONE. By the way, a bap is a bread roll. #cousinscorner."
The now demolished building on the corner of Lord Street was for years one of the most popular meeting places in the city. The Radio Rentals building, also known as Cousins Corner, was demolished in the to make way for the building of Liverpool ONE.
Today, you'll recognise the corner as the site of the colourful Costa Coffee opposite Debenhams. But Cousins had a long and proud history across Merseyside.
Do you remember Cousins Corner? Let us know in the comments section below.
Decades ago, Cousins Confectioners was a familiar fixture across the region, selling everything from delicious cakes and Danish pastries to Devon Whip, sandwiches and more. As well as the large Cousins corner sign in Lord Street, the company had many shops and factory on Woodend Avenue in Speke.
Employing nearly 3,000 people on Merseyside, founder Ernest Gibson opened his first bakery shop in Aigburth Road in the 1940s, where the baking was done above the store. After selling his first cake from the tiny shop he was soon joined in the business venture by his brother, Eric, and they soon started to expand the firm.
The business quickly established itself on Merseyside and by the the mid-1970s, the company was a household name, with more than 100 shops and coffee bars. At its height in 1980, it was reported that the business had 400,000 customers in their shops each week.
Last year, Paul's followers commented on his post and shared their past experiences of Cousins Corner. Julie said: "I loved Cousins, the iced buns were my favourite."
Lynda said: "I worked in Steers House too and spent many a lunch hour in Cousins…cheese and onion barm yum." Catherine said: "It's where my Great Aunty met her husband. She worked in cousins & he would come in his lunch hour to see here."
And Lesley said: "Steers House. I remember the Dolphin pub."
For more nostalgia stories, sign up to our Liverpool Echo newsletter here.
Join our Liverpool memories and history Facebook group here.
In a statement today, Paul's partner Andre Portasio, said : "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years." Most recently, Paul O'Grady has been travelling up and down the country to play Miss Hannigan in the touring stage version of Annie."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Read Next:
- Fascinating photos from 70s and 80s show town's transformation
- 'Rebel parents' opened their own school for 'disappointed' boys
- Famous 'fish and chip boat' people remember from their childhood in Liverpool
- 'Rebel parents' opened their own school for 'disappointed' boys
- Rise and fall of club that was the 'best in Liverpool' in its day
