By Nick Turner

Last updated at 12:00, Saturday, 24 July 2010

When I was growing up in North Wales our house enjoyed great views over the Wirral and on clear days Merseyside and even hints of Blackpool and the Isle of Man.

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But I can’t remember ever visiting the Wirral – it was more a place we passed through on the way to see Liverpool and cheer them on to another league title (yes it was a long time ago).

But now I have finally realised that the peninsula is packed full of its own delights and a worthy destination in itself.

Like Cumbria, the Wirral is promoting itself as a destination for foodies in search of quality dining. This year has been designated at Wirral’s Year of Food which includes a food festival, gourmet fair, farmers markets and celebrations of its gastro pubs and restaurants.

They include the Michelin starred Restaurant Fraiche, said by the Good Food Guide to have the best wine list in the UK, and Roses Tea Rooms at the Ness Botanical Gardens is listed as one of the eight best places to eat in England.

We headed to the intimate family-run Italian, Da Piero. It is flying high after being named at this year’s best new entry in the Which Guide. And you can taste why with your first forkful. This isn’t an Italian for cheap pizzas and spag bol, but for Scicilian family recipes, fresh seafood and a chef happy to chat about every dish.

On our second night it was change of atmosphere when we headed for another restaurant proud of its awards. The Cowshed at the Wheatsheaf Inn pub was clearly a favourite with locals. The pub itself dates back to 1611 and its large restaurant was kept busy thanks to an extensive menu of locally sourced dishes and the reputation of chef Emma Wombwell, who has won the Wirral’s young chef competition two years in a row.

We did our best to burn off the calories acquired with such fine dining during our stay on the Wirral with a tour of the peninsula that took in many of its attractions.

Our rapid tour began with Port Sunlight, a model village laid out for the workforce of Lever Brother’s soap factory, then it was off for a walk around the huge Birkenhead Park.

It has the distinction of being the country’s first ever publicly funded park and was an inspiration for New York’s Central Park. Walking through it on a sunny morning we seemed a world away from the gritty, urban image associated with Birkenhead.

Next we head to the coast and Leasowe Lighthouse before driving round to West Kirby and my highlight of the trip.

We were fortunate enough to be there for the weekend of the Wilson Trophy which sees Olympic class sailors competing at the West Kirby marina. Competitors come from across the globe to take part in the 300 short, tactical races in an area the size of a football pitch which makes for a great spectacle.

The base for our visit was Mere Brook House, a splendid Edwardian country residence which has renovated by a team of crafts people under the direction by owners Donald and Lorna Tyson.

The luxury bed and breakfast accommodation that emerged from this project certainly has the wow factor. Its oak-panelled lounge, craft furnishings and extensive gardens have helped Mere Brook clock up rave reviews for the Tysons who are dairy farmers.

But it is the hospitality of Lorna and her team that makes a stay so memorable. Homemade cakes appear on your arrival and the informal atmosphere includes an invite to raid the kitchen for midnight snacks.

Lorna will be known to many Cumbrians who have yet to sample the delights of Mere House as she has worked on a number of rural enterprise projects in Cumbria and the North West and was awarded an MBE for her efforts.

Events on The Wirral

• August 29-30: Wirral Food and Drink Festival
• September 13-17: Inaugural Wirral Golf Classic
• December 4-5: Port Sunlight Christmas Food Fair
• More information and links at www.newsandstar.co.uk/wirral

First published at 08:59, Saturday, 24 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk