VALENTINE'S DAY: Pair make a meal of wedding venue return

Feb 14 2008 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

A COUPLE who returned to the Liverpool city centre church where they tied the knot more than 30 years ago found that it had been transformed into a trendy restaurant and bar.

But, far from being upset,, Eileen and Cliff Butler were overjoyed and booked a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at Alma De Cuba.

Eileen, 51, and Cliff, 56, were wed by Eileen’s uncle, Father Brian Crane, in 1974 at St Peter’s Catholic Church on Seel Street in the city centre.

The couple, who both lived near the church, eventually moved away 20 years ago to the historical Roman village of Caerleon, in South Wales.

Despite the fact they have lived away for so long, the couple still remain very connected to Liverpool.

Eileen’s uncle, Tony Crane, performed in the popular group The Merseybeats.

The couple’s son, Cliff Jnr, 32, was also christened at the church.

Former model Eileen said: “There aren’t many couples who get to spend Valentine’s Day in the place they wed. When I saw Alma de Cuba, I knew we just had to book a table. It will be so special.

“Our wedding pictures still look fantastic 33 years on thanks to the beauty of the church. We took a special trip back to Liverpool so we could take a closer look at what the building looks like now and we were amazed by the sheer decadence of the place.

“We are both so happy the church has evolved into this beautiful place.”

Rob Preston, group operations director for Alma de Cuba, said: “We are all aware of the history behind Alma de Cuba and when Eileen passed the original wedding pictures onto us, it was great to see the building as it once was.”

Until it closed in 1978, St Peter’s was the oldest surviving Catholic Church in Liverpool. After a period of disuse, the building was taken over by Urban Splash and converted to the acclaimed restaurant and bar.