W L
WHAT A WEEKEND …
BY PAUL ASKEW , CHEF PATRON OF THE ART SCHOOL RESTAURANT
I write this month ’ s column on the Sunday after the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree . Awash with a mixture of emotions - relief , pride , exhaustion , and delight .
Firstly , I ’ m relieved , that it was delivered in the style that has become synonymous with The Art School , relieved that despite the logistical complexity we provided a dining experience to an exacting standard over the three days , and although twinged with a sadness , relieved it ’ s over and looking forward to next years festival already .
I ’ m hugely proud of the team , the kitchen brigade and front of house team who performed in new and unfamiliar surroundings and to our events and logistics team , which included my son , Harry , who helped ensure “ The Art School at Aintree ” was a huge success and the foundations are laid for future years .
I ’ m delighted with the feedback we ’ ve received from guests who joined us over the three days and visitors to our gastronomic mecca created in the home of former Aintree owner Mirabel Topham , with its unrivalled view of the parade ring . It was an honour to receive a special visit from female champion jockey and 2021 Grand National Winner , the first female to win the race in the courses 182-year history , Rachael Blackmore who spent time relaxing with family before taking part in the 2022 Grand National Steeplechase .
And finally , yes , I ’ m exhausted . After four decades in the industry , I ’ m well used to long hours and setting up kitchens in different surroundings , but this was different . The Art School at Aintree has been almost three years in the making . It is well documented how challenging recent times have been for the hospitality industry and so this event , in the same way our house champagne corks popped with
winner after winner for our guests , felt like a huge release of pentup tension . We ’ ve done it , we ’ ve delivered for the world stage , and I couldn ’ t be prouder .
All eyes will be back on the city again in June as we welcome a new 4-day festival , Taste Liverpool Drink Bordeaux , which is planned to coincide with Her Majesty ’ s platinum jubilee .
Food-inspired cultural events , restaurant tastings and chef demonstrations will take place through the gastronomic spine of the city through Hope Street , Bold Street and Castle Street , with a special tasting area created in Exchange Flags as Liverpool once again enjoys host city status for the 2022 Bordeaux Wine Festival . A four-day weekend event not to be missed .
At the moment we ’ re enjoying the flavours of the freshest spring produce in the restaurant and will change and update our menus to welcome the abundance of local , seasonal produce with a flush of asparagus from Claremont Farm and Formby , watercress from Hooton eagerly anticipated . The changing of seasons sees the return of some of classic dishes , with updated twists , and the opportunity , working closely with our suppliers , producers and growers to develop new dishes to tantalise your tastebuds .
It will be nice to be back on familiar turf for the next few weeks and to welcome you all back to our Sugnall Street home .
Best as ever Chef Askew
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