W L
FOOD & DRINK
BACK IN THE SADDLE…
BY PAUL ASKEW, CHEF PATRON OF
THE ART SCHOOL RESTAURANT
As I pen this months column I’ve taken a moment to
reflect on all that has happened over the last few months.
To say it has been a rollercoaster for our business,
and indeed our sector, would be somewhat of an
understatement.
I couldn’t be happier at how the team have responded to
our new ways of working, which have been independently
verified as Covid safe, and how our guests have returned
to support our efforts.
In August we will adjust our opening times to open
on Wednesday for dinner service from 6pm. We’ll be
participating in the “Eat Out to Help Out” government
scheme and have created a special “market menu” for the
occasion, in addition to the government discount we’ll also
be offering a 10% discount for NHS staff on production
of a valid ID, our little way of saying thank you for their
dedication and hard work.
Our new Sunday opening, with our table carved Chef ’s
roast, has been a great success, one of the many positives
that we must celebrate to come out of this challenging
period.
Our Emporium is also another positive, it’s something I’ve
wanted to do for a number of years now and the response
so far has been excellent, if you’re looking for that extra
special bottle of wine, or fine ingredients you can order online
and collect at the shop or pay us a visit from Tuesday
to Sunday. We’ll be offering BBQ boxes and afternoon tea
for click and collect from our Sugnall Street home later in
August, keep an eye out on our social channels for further
details.
Also on offer in The Emporium is our limited edition gin,
developed over the last 8-10 months with a local distillery.
The label artwork was created by our friend, Kath Caldwell,
who has produced a number of the artworks that adorn
our restaurant walls. Working with Kath we’ve produced
a collection of four cards that represent the ingredients
we use in the restaurant, send them to a loved one or
frame them! Kath runs The Nest at the Albert Dock, a
close neighbour of The Tate Gallery who we’ve recently
partnered with. Our patisserie team are producing special
cakes (including my own personal favourite, millionaire's
shortbread) and breads for the cafe there, please support
them if you are in the city.
As it’s August it’s Christmas menu time again! I know as
we hit the hottest day of the year it may sound peculiar to
be thinking about Christmas but we need to plan ahead
to launch our menus at the beginning of September. Keep
an eye out for our festive menus on-line and our special
printed booklet available from the restaurant. Bookings
for the festive period will be open in early September
through our on-line booking system or by calling the
restaurant reservations team. It's sure to be a busy period
so get in early to ensure you get your preferred date!
Much love to you all and look forward to seeing you soon.
Chef Askew x
34 wirrallife.com