WIRRAL chef Paul Askew has begun the 10th anniversary celebrations at his Liverpool-based restaurant The Art School.
Last week, Paul and his team welcomed esteemed guests and friends from across the city region who have helped tell the restaurant’s story, which started back in 2014 when he took a leap of faith to launch his fine-dining establishment.
A series of special events and celebrations have now also been planned all the way through to September 2024.
At the party, the award-winning Wirral-based sculptor Emma Rodgers unveiled her creation, Le Cochon Volant, whilst exhibiting some of her other works in the Lantern Room.
Paul commissioned Emma to create her stunning bronze spectacle – The Flying Pig - which will now proudly stand in the restaurant for all guests to see.
Paul said: “We’ve had many celebrations and get togethers here but we’ve never held a party like this one.
"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 we 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 have achieved so far. And of course, there’s always more to come as we enter this most momentous period for everyone involved here.”
10th anniversary events coming up include on A Special Dinner with Italy’s premier winemaker, Antinori, with brand ambassador Luca Soldo on Thursday October 26. Then January 11 features ‘A farewell to Le Gavroche’ with Steven Doherty MCA, followed by January 18 and a special evening with James Golding of ‘The Pig’ & Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. Then on January 25, Gary Jones is welcomed, recently of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons and a leading Michelin-starred chef from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. Then finally on February 1, Paul’s friend Simon Rimmer of Greens and Sunday Brunch is special guest at The Art School.
For more information on the celebrations go here
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