By Angela Green:
Restaurant News is sponsored by Newbridge Software
The Art School in Liverpool held a very special anniversary party last week as Chef Patron Paul Askew and his team welcomed friends from across the Liverpool region. People who helped the restaurant’s wonderful story unfold since it started back in 2014 when Askew took a leap of faith to launch his fine dining restaurant and herald a new chapter of gastronomy in Liverpool.
As The Art School enters its 10th anniversary year, a series of special events and celebrations are planned all the way through to September 2024.
The award-winning sculptor Emma Rodgers unveiled her sublime creation, Le Cochon Volant, whilst exhibiting some of her other work in the Lantern Room. Askew commissioned Rodgers to create her stunning bronze spectacle – it means The Flying Pig – which will now proudly stand in the restaurant for all guests to see.
Chef Paul Askew said of the celebrations: “We’ve had many celebrations and get togethers here but we’ve never held a party like last night’s. And wow, what a special occasion it was. Seeing Emma’s incredible creation was a magical moment for me, my team and my family and it will take pride of place at The Art School.
“The name of our restaurant and that the Lantern Room used to showcase art students’ work feels especially fitting with Emma exhibiting some of her work in our beautiful and hallowed space. It was heart-warming indeed to see so many friends and colleagues old and new coming together who form part of The Art School’s story and continue to help tell it as go all the way to a full decade in business. As a team we’ve continued to refine what we do at The Art School and I’m incredibly proud of all we achieved so far. And of course, there is always more to come as we enter this most momentous period for everyone involved here.”
Some of the 10th anniversary events coming up include on A Special Dinner with Italy’s premier winemaker, Antinori, with brand ambassador Luca Soldo on Thursday October 26th.
Then January 11th features ‘A farewell to Le Gavroche’ with Steven Doherty MCA, followed by January 18th and a special evening with James Golding of ‘The Pig’ & Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
Then on January 25th Gary Jones will be welcomed, Jones, recently of Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, is a leading Michelin starred chef and a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
Then finally on February 1st Askew’s friend Simon Rimmer of Greens and Sunday Brunch will be a very special guest at The Art School, more details to follow.
The Art School is set inside the stunning Victorian 1888 ‘Home for Destitute Children’ building. The glorious Lantern Room’s menus celebrate the best of the region’s seasonal produce in world class gastronomy, including tasting and prix fixe choices alongside a global wine list. The Art School Cellars Bar offers Afternoon Tea and cocktails, there’s a stunning private wine tasting space. The Moriarty Room hosts intimate gatherings at one of the UK’s top 50 best restaurants.