WIRRAL chef Paul Askew is preparing to celebrate the tenth anniversary of his Liverpool restaurant. 

The Art School reaches the landmark this September and during the last decade has been pivotal in helping to shape the city region’s gastronomic ambitions.

It’s a truly momentous occasion for Paul and his team who continue to work from their beautiful Victorian home on Sugnall Street. A series of special events are planned over the coming weeks, including an evening with Lynda La Plante on Thursday, September 5 as she launches her memoir.

Paul started his career in the industry as a kitchen porter at Thornton Hall in Wirral, working there during schooldays before attending culinary school from the age of 18.

After finishing his training, Paul began working at a local restaurant in Wirral, where he undertook a three-year training programme with De Vere hotels.

He went on to work in New York as well as taking up Head Chef positions at Wincham Hall in Cheshire and the Philharmonic Hall, The London Carriage Works and Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool. 

Paul said: “September marks our tenth anniversary at The Art School – we’ve been building up to this truly momentous occasion for some time now and can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.

"It’s been a life-changing journey to reach a decade of The Art School and for everyone who is part of our story.

"We took a leap of faith back in 2014 when we first set eyes upon our fledgling home on Sugnall Street and the adventure has not stopped.

"My treasured team including Vince, Rob, Cathy, Esther and Sarah have been with me for the journey so far and continue to shape how we evolve as a bastion of fine-dining in the region.

"My team are truly like family to myself and Harry, my son; we value them immensely as friends and colleagues. Harry himself is an integral part of all we do and of course my wonderful wife Helen lovingly supports us.

"Looking back, I always wanted to have complete control in my own kitchen and after working my entire life in hospitality, The Art School is where this dream has finally been able to happen with everyone’s support, where we create our culinary art.”

Everything at The Art School is dedicated to creating a world-class experience which starts from the moment guests join to the moment they leave. Paul and his team are wedded to the relentless pursuit in refining and enhancing every guest’s visit and this remains the heart of their work, since day one to the present.

Paul said: “We’ve had a truly fantastic year so far building up to September, including everything from our third year at The Grand National with The Jockey Club to embarking on a new adventure to see our friends in Bordeaux for the spectacular Fête le Vin in June. There I had the grand honour to curate the Launch Lunch at The Town Hall for one hundred esteemed guests. And over at The Art School, we’ve welcomed global dignitaries and Nobel Prize winners to world-class sports figures and leading lights in arts, culture, science and politics.

"Over the years there are truly too many magical moments to choose from – when I think of us catering for the G7 delegation, The Turner Prize and Eurovision, to working closely with the city region to help shape the direction our great city heads toward – all are immense honours.

"We’ve had so many wonderful guests each day, week and year, and everyone has played a part in The Art School’s story. We’ve got some great events lined up as we celebrate our decade, including Lynda La Plante joining us on Thursday, September 5 for a special evening to celebrate the launch of her memoir.”

(Image: Tandem PR)

The Art School continues to champion and represent the city region’s best independent suppliers, with Paul dedicated to seasonality and sustainability through his world-class gastronomy, alongside a global wine list from some of the finest vineyards available.

The Art School has been Michelin recommended from 2014 to the present along with two AA rosettes during the same period, so its pedigree has been very well regarded from the beginning. In 2017 The Art School won the coveted Taste of Britain Award and in March 2024 won the Taste of Liverpool Award – Restaurant of the Year Award. And on a more personal level, amid Paul’s many awards, charitable work and roles in the hospitality industry, he’s very proud to be Vice President of the Disciples of Escoffier UK and also plays a prominent role with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, as a fellow and their Chairman for the North of England.

Paul adds: “I have immense passion and pride for Liverpool. More than anything I want the city to thrive. We should collectively aim high and for the accolades and awards to keep coming, including Timeout naming Liverpool the 11th best city in the world for food this year which is very much deserved for everyone’s collective efforts. My ultimate goal is to help raise Liverpool’s reputation as a destination for gastronomic excellence and maintain capital standards in our wonderful city. My work has always been about celebrating and championing Liverpool and helping the city grow, with The Art School and its reputation helping this to happen.”

The Art School is set inside the stunning Victorian 1888 ‘Home for Destitute Children’ building. The glorious Lantern Room’s menus celebrate the best of the region’s seasonal produce in world-class gastronomy, including tasting and prix fixe choices alongside a global wine list, champagne and cocktails.

The Art School Cellars Bar offers Afternoon Tea and cocktails, there’s a stunning private wine tasting space and The Moriarty Room hosts intimate gatherings at one of the UK’s top 50 best restaurants. Paul and his team work at the highest gastronomic standards and seek to showcase Liverpool’s dining scene on the national and international stages.

Paul added: “My biggest thanks as always go to each and every one of you who continues to support The Art School in all we do and to my incredible team who make everything happen.”