M L
THE COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS …
BY PAUL ASKEW , CHEF PATRON OF THE ART SCHOOL RESTAURANT
November is a time of great reflection for me , and this year has been no different . Of course , Armistice Day is a day when we as a nation reflect on the sacrifice of others so we could live the lives we do today . So , each November , before the busy festive season , I try and snatch some time with Helen and Harry and our wider family , to reflect on what we ’ ve achieved and what ’ s still to come .
This year has , been quite remarkable , acknowledged in the prestigious Hardens Guide as one of the top 20 best restaurants in the UK . The team and I have managed to recreate the magic of The Art School at locations across the region . It ’ s almost 12 months since we prepared dinner for G7 delegation last December , and since that time we ’ ve recreated The Art School at Aintree and launched the Bar à Vin at Martins Bank Building during the inaugural Taste Liverpool . Drink Bordeaux . On each occasion we ’ ve met and risen to the logistical challenge of recreating fine dining on a large scale in historic buildings that weren ’ t designed to house restaurants !
Our next adventure will be no different as we find ourselves , once more , in the spectacular surroundings of St Georges Hall . We will be creating our own art on a plate for 350 guests during one of the world ’ s most prestigious annual art awards – The Turner Prize – which takes place at St George ’ s Hall on Wednesday 7th December . This is a real honour to cater for what is arguably the biggest award in the art world and I ’ m extremely grateful to everyone involved at Tate Liverpool for involving us . The event , which is a tremendous coup for the city is a highlight and compliments the wider arts and culture calendar in Liverpool , it ’ s been great to see many stellar events from River of Light and Made of Stars to the World Gymnastics and , of course , Eurovision next year !
Back in the restaurant , November has already seen us welcome the fantastic Gusbourne Estate for a special Wine Makers dinner and I was delighted to host the Hospitality Action dinner at the Hilton earlier in the month too , raising almost £ 50,000 those in the industry suffering hardship .
I ' m a great believer in the healing power of great hospitality , the team and I thrive on providing gastronomic experiences that satisfy not only the tastebuds but also the soul and so , as we plan our menus and events , that focus is very much at the forefront of our minds .
Our guest chef dinners in January are a great example of this , and thankfully have been so very well received with a sell-out for our evening with Simon Rimmer , just a handful of tickets left for our Homage to The Roux Brothers with Steven Doherty and our Christmas and New Year ’ s Eve dinners are almost sold out too . If you ’ re still to decide please don ’ t leave it too late !
For those of you unable to make it to the restaurant I ' ve created a selection of hampers and other Art School treats for your enjoyment and if you ' re struggling for something to buy for the person who has everything why not try one our exclusive gift vouchers . They are available in monetary denominations or you could treat friends and family to afternoon tea , one of our set menus or a set menu with wine flights all in a secure on-line transaction .
So , for now , my kitchen awaits and , as always , I look forward to welcoming you and your family to the Art School soon .
Chef Askew
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