Doff o' the cap to Evertonians and Beatle-maniacs, but no single institution represents the Mersey spirit and strong sense of identity more powerfully than Liverpool FC, who won everything in the 70s and 80s but have struggled ever since: they last won the league title in 1990 and in 2011 their bitter rivals Manchester United won their 19th title – one more than Liverpool.

In 2010 the club was bought by US sports investment company Fenway Sports Group, who know a thing or two about turning longstanding disappointment around - they also own the Boston Red Sox baseball team - and Liverpool fans have pinned their hopes on also being delivered to the promised land (although they'd rather not wait the 86 years it took the Red Sox to win the championship).

There are vague plans to redevelop the utterly marvellous Anfield Road, where the experience of a live match is one of the sporting highlights of an English visit, especially the sound of 40,000 fans singing the club's anthem, 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Take bus 26 or 27 from Paradise St Interchange or 17 or 217 from the Queen St Bus Station.