The bar has been set for glitzy parties with the launch of Liverpool's newest hotel.
London critics on a rare expedition out of the capital rubbed shoulders with the usual Scouserati suspects - and Chris Moyles - at the Malmaison on Friday night.
Inside it is all chocolately sumptuousness and intimate corners.
Outside it's a 1960s Soviet tower block which looks like it's been moved lock, stock and barrel from Perm or Novosibirsk.
I said as much to a man who asked me my opinion on the new building.
Turned out he's one of the owners!
Still, even if I had known that I would still have told him what I thought. I pointed out that Malmaison was renowned for redeveloping historic gems, and I had plenty of those on offer through the Stop the Rot campaign.
He maintained he'd considered several city centre landmarks - and had even been offered a very well-known red brick one with river views, but none were suitable.
Anyway, I'm obviously a hypocrite because despite loathing the buildings exterior I certainly availed myself of his hospitality inside.
And it was very lavish indeed.
The champagne flowed (I've never been to an event where you get out of the lift and someone tops up your glass), the buffet was of legendary proportions and quality - manned by the Malmaison chain's top chefs, and there was even a candyfloss machine in the first floor corridor.
There was also a table football game in the Kop suite on the sixth floor (3-2 to me thanks), where one of my colleagues managed to set fire to themselves with a tea light.
Elsewhere, I spotted Alan Hansen by the bar, Linford Christie in the foyer, and Natasha Hamilton by reception.
Apparently Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud, and a bevvy of Hollyoaks party people were also in attendance.
One excited London foodie, keen to WAG spot, confided 'I'm really excited, I've heard Steven Gerrard has been invited'.
I don't know if she found him, because I never did.
