Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

There are many places in which the soul may take you during the hours of dark in Liverpool. The abundance of theatres is only beaten by advantage that London has in its sheer size and with a venue to fit almost every occasion and almost every band that could ever hope to find its way to the city that defines culture in England. The night life is there for the taking. What happens during the day light hours when those who find solace in the brightly lit confines of the theatre or music venue find themselves in the heart of the city and in need of a different type of comfort, namely the pleasant surroundings of somewhere that offers good food and refreshment?

One such place, not hidden away too far from the more unique side of town around Bold Street, is the Garden by Leaf at FACT, a getaway in the heart of the city that houses one of the most tranquil and relaxing places in which to eat, drink and meet friends or simply lose yourself in the most peaceful of places. FACT has that effect, no matter if you have wandered by searching for a more carefree cinema experience without the burly hustle that surrounds other picture houses or if you are one of the million plus visitors that has gone through the doors to marvel at the many exhibits that FACT has had the honour of hosting since it first opened.

The Garden at FACT is its central part, the melting pot of ideas and it is a delight to take in. The food on offer is amongst the best and diverse in the city without having the sometimes pretentious price tag attached to it which can put off the casual visitor. No matter what time of day you find yourself in FACT, the selection of food on offer is enough to start the gastric juices flowing and if the gastronomic visitor is not careful, they might find themselves catching a later showing of the film they had gone to see. Such is the delicious range of food, carefully and almost lovingly prepared, that it is almost impossible to choose where to start. Even plumping for a seemingly traditional bacon and egg sandwich is an eye opener and neatly presented, a filling in which the surroundings seem to ring out their approval for your good taste.

The ring of approval though would extend itself to the whole menu it seems and the taste buds are surrounded by the thought of what could come, if this moment was boxing match, the taste buds would have been overwhelmed in the first round.

Whether you order with growing anticipation for the sight of Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs on Toast, an profusion of sandwiches including a delightfully sounding Goats Cheese, Roast Pepper and Pesto or any of the light bites that are on offer daily, there is no escaping the fine food that comes highly recommended.

You might go to FACT to see the latest film without wanting to spend time handing money over to a big corporation but go early or stay late after the film, your gastric juices will thank you for the delight that awaits you inside the Garden at FACT.

Ian D. Hall