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Bold Street has undergone a huge transformation in recent weeks to help limit the spread of coronavirus.

The new look includes more tables, chairs and benches lining the street, in a bid to encourage people to sit outdoors instead of inside.

And it's been a huge success with locals so far, with calls for the iconic street to be permanently pedestrianised by the council.

Some ECHO readers compared the outdoor areas to Paris, while others suggested bringing in heaters and covers so it can stay that way through the winter.

The street is best known for its thriving independent scene and it's not the first time it has changed.

In June 2019, we took a look back at how Bold Street looked in the 80s and 90s Bold Street and it looked dramatically different from what it is today.

Looking back at the businesses we have loved and lost on Bold Street over the years, we asked ECHO readers - if you could bring back one shop, bar or restaurant what would it be?

Over 400 responses came flooding in of the places people miss the most and the memories they shared there.

Here's what they had to say:

Coopers Food Hall

Coopers Food Hall, remembered by many for the distinct smell of coffee running through the air, set up shop in the 90s in the beautiful art deco building now home to LEAF.

The butchers and bakers come green grocers, was a popular spot with shoppers and had a second home on Church Street.

Liz Trent said: "Definitely Coopers! I remember the smell of coffee when you entered the store, and a visit at Christmas was a must for my mum and dad."

Sarah Whittle added: "Coopers food emporium!!!"

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Morgans 50p shop

The 50p shop was another firm favourite among ECHO readers who recalled bagging many a bargain there.

Paul Jones said: "The 50p shop! My nan used to take me there for a toy on the way round town on a Saturday morning when I was too young to go to the match (4/5 years old) what a consolation."

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Amanda Young said: "Definitely the 50p shop! I got the soap on a rope for the uncles and crystal ornaments for the aunties at Christmas from there."

Jo Ferns added: "Morgan's 50p shop! I used to spend my pocket money in there!"

Cafe Berlin

If you grew up in the 80s you'll surely recall Cafe Berlin - the coolest cafe in town.

The iconic venue with its rich history was a regular hang out for Liverpool musicians and artists.

With Dawn French making an appearance there in the 80s, recording an episode of Channel 4's Swank.

Situated at the top of Bold Street the much missed cafe is now home to Miyagi a Japenese inspired restaurant.

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Neil's Corner

A shoe lovers paradise, Neil's corner sold everything from boots to quirky heels.

One ECHO reader Heather Bennett, described the store as "one of the funkiest shoe shops ever."

She said: "I still have a pair of shoes/boots that I bought there about 40yrs ago!!!"

Christine O'Neil added: "Neil's corner, the shoes they sold you couldn't buy anywhere else."

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FLIP

The home of all things vintage, FLIP was a clothes shop on Bold Street which many miss from back in the day.

From Levi's jeans to denim jackets, FLIP was regularly full of shoppers looking for their next vintage find.

And while the store has since sadly closed its doors, Bold Street still has a number of vintage shops including Pop Boutique and Cow.

Speaking of her shopping trips to FLIP, Nicola Severs said: "FLIP. I got a suede jacket in there in 1990 and thought I was the bees knees!"

Marco Moretti said: "FLIP was something else, I would of been probably 14 / 15 / 16 coming home from school calling into that shop, wow."

Another added: "Flip. For the essential 80s Corduroy Jacket & vintage Levis."

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Lucina Byre

Lucina Byre was a ladies clothes shop known for setting fashion trends.

Opening on the street in the swinging sixties, the shop sold beautiful dresses with high price tags.

Looking back to her shopping trips in the Bold Street store, Stella Smith said: "My first shop card was at Lucinda Byer. I bought a black dress which I dressed up with daises then op art to follow fashion trends."

Bev Harrision said: "Lucinda Byer, I still have a pair of Wendy Dagworthy shorts I bought there in 1980."

Another ECHO reader Donna Batie added: "Lucinda Byer, gorgeous ladies shop too expensive for me but loved looking in the window!!"

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Four Seasons

Another bar lost but not forgotten, is the Four Seasons.

Packed to the brim on a weekend, the Four Seasons hosted live performances regularly.

One ECHO reader, Paula Johnson, described the bar as her "favourite haunt."

She said: "Had some fab nights out there with my best friend Karen Whiston and sister Maria Johnson-Sach!

Tim Dooley added: "The Four Seasons/Vivaldi’s. Great local bands on there, The Touch, A Team, Herbie Pops Out."





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Hairy Records

One of many record shops which have now sadly closed in the city, is Hairy Records.

Although the owner was known for his hostile attitude towards customers, the store was a great place to dig out a vinyl gem or two.

Jamie Bowman said: "Hairy Records. The original basement shop was incredible - an amazing treasure trove of vinyl."

Pauline Lydiate, speaking of another record store on the street - Virgin Records, added: "The Virgin records store on Bold Street where you went in, sat on a cushion, and listened to an LP all afternoon through headphones."