A real home in the heart of the city

Jan 17 2008 by Debbie Johnson, Liverpool Daily Post

Debbie Johnson visits a nightclub host who loves living in the middle of Liverpool’s club scene

FOR night-owl Danny Claeys , living in the city centre is the only possible option.

In fact, he’s been living in apartments in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Liverpool for the last five years, including homes in Pall Mall, Cheapside and the Unity Building.

Now, though, he has finally settled at The Courtyard, in Dukes Terrace.

He says: “I first moved in to the city when I was 18. I ended up buying a place in the Unity Building, and even though it is a great place, decided I wanted something a bit more homely.

“I was basically looking for somewhere that was mine, but felt as comfy as being back at my mum’s!”

Danny works by day doing administrative work for the Magistrates’ Courts, but it is by night that he says he really comes alive.

“I’ve worked in lots of bars and clubs, doing this kind of thing and also doing promotions. I love working here, though – it’s a great venue, and the people are really nice too.”

He says: “I am practically nocturnal and love the Liverpool bar and club scene.

“When I was about 18, I went to Society and that was it . . . I don’t think I’ve had a night in since then!”

Now 23, Danny works as head host in exclusive new bar Kingdom, in Harrington Street.

He says: “It’s my job to meet and greet people, look after staff and customers, basically make sure everyone is happy and everything is running smoothly on the hospitality front.

Living and working in the city has allowed Danny to witness first-hand the expansion and changes in Liverpool’s nightlife.

He says: “It is just a great place to be. The whole scene has taken off.

“It’s not just the bars and restaurants that have changed – it’s the people and their attitude.”

Dukes Terrace is just far enough from work for Danny to feel like he is going “home” – but near enough to still be at the heart of the action.

He says: “It’s a great development. My part was only done in 2003, but it is built in an old style so as to fit in with the area.

“You go through the gates and it is like entering your own world. There are gardens and, of course, a courtyard; it’s a lovely place to live.”

His home has two ground-floor bedrooms and a ground-floor sitting room, with steps up to a mezzanine level with a kitchen and living and dining area.

He has kept the whole apartment neutral in terms of decoration, bringing colour in through plants and artwork.

He says: “I am very tidy and like everything in its place – I’m a bit like Monica in Friends, I get a real cob on if anything gets moved around!

“I have purposely kept the colour scheme neutral in terms of the walls, but have lots of greenery and plants around as well.

“There is also artwork on the walls of the place – one of the Liverpool skyline; and an abstract in the living room in shades of burnt orange.”

The kitchen fits in with Danny’s minimalist requirements – dark wood fitted cupboards and stylish stainless steel appliances, with not a scrap of mess to be seen.

The mezzanine level gives the apartment a real sense of space, especially combined with large windows (including a Juliet balcony) and high ceilings.

Danny says: “It feels nice and big, you don’t feel trapped in it. Mine is the master bedroom downstairs and I have the second done as a guest room – a proper one, not one full of junk, I don’t have that kind of thing in my home!”

What he does have, though, is two pet house rabbits and some fish: “Well, I might like things tidy, but you have to have a few pets to make it a home, don’t you?”