WELCOME SPRING !
W L
WELCOME SPRING !
BY PAUL ASKEW , CHEF PATRON OF THE ART SCHOOL RESTAURANT
Now that Spring is here - the days run a little bit longer , the sun shines a touch brighter and it ’ s the time of year when we can think ahead to summer and all of its glories .
As ever , we have been busy on many fronts as we march through 2024 toward our tenth anniversary in September . And before we reach that magical month , there ’ s much more to come from us at The Art School .
First up , back on Sunday 17th March I was thrilled to be the special chef guest on Sunday Brunch , with my good friends Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy . I featured alongside some amazing talent including Nish Kumar , Felicity Montagu , Todrick Hall , Villagers , Vicky McClure and Jonny Owen . Doing live TV is always a thrill – the pressure is most definitely on to get it right ! It ’ s a real buzz knowing so many people are tuning in , which adds to the excitement on Sunday Brunch . As always , I was made to feel a most special guest . On the show , I talked viewers through my spring lamb recipe which you can find online at The Art School .
As you will well know by now , I ’ m a huge fan of working seasonally and that we have officially entered spring . There ’ s so much goodness out there right now . Edge and Son ’ s spring lamb is absolutely fantastic for roasting with herb accompaniments and asparagus is just about ready . We ’ re blessed to have an abundance of those beautiful green shafts growing around Formby and their freshly-picked flavour is fantastic . Spring also brings us plentiful Wirral watercress , wild garlic and Jersey royals . This is what I love to celebrate with my cooking and how the seasons help shape my creations , which is reflected at The Art School and each of our dishes and menus .
So indeed , spring is always a busy period for us . Last month , we returned to The Grand National for our third year , with The Art School lovingly recreated at Topham House . Quite simply , to be part of the world ’ s greatest horse racing event is a huge honour , and to work with The Jockey Club to bring our fine-dining experience to Aintree . It ’ s such an awe-inspiring three days and catering for our esteemed guests to the very highest gastronomic standards is a privilege – the team did me very proud over that very special weekend . It ’ s always great to see the world ’ s eyes on Liverpool .
I was very proud to be involved with The Captains ’ Trust charity ball in support of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and Ahead of the Game Foundation at the iconic Chester cathedral on Friday 17th May . I crafted a fine-dining experience for guests in this incredible setting , which included an evening of entertainment headlined by Andy McCluskey of pop band OMD , with support from the WacPack and Big Band . There was lots more entertainment lined up , with the evening hosted by my good friend , the legendary Pete Price .
Then on Monday May 20th , I hosted another event for a cause very close to my heart with Hospitality Action at The Lowry in Manchester . Guests enjoyed a drinks and canapé reception as well as a delicious four course meal with wine throughout , whilst hearing from each of the guest chefs and myself . There was the opportunity to bid on exclusive experiences during the live auction to help raise much needed funds to support hospitality families in crisis . It was a great way to offer support where it ’ s really needed .
A little further ahead , we ’ re going to the Bordeaux Wine Festival in June to represent Liverpool . It ’ s one of the stand-out global gastronomic celebrations of the year and fantastic for us to be a part of it and have Liverpool again on the world stage .
And lastly , we ’ re still buzzing from recently winning Restaurant Of The Year in the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards for the second time , which has never been done before . It ’ s testament to everyone who has been part of The Art School ’ s journey for the last 9 years and what I have always striven to achieve with my team as we head toward our 10th anniversary this September .
With much love as always , Paul Askew x
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