The Royal Albert Dock has partnered with renowned chef Olia Hercules for its “Eat Drink Ukraine” campaign as part of its exciting programme of events celebrating Liverpool’s hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Olia Hercules has developed two recipes for a selection of the dock’s bars and restaurants, bringing Ukrainian culture to Liverpool’s waterfront and allowing visitors to experience Ukrainian cuisine only a short distance from where the city will be hosting Eurovision on behalf of the nation.
Syrnk, a Ukrainian cheesecake topped with caramelised apples and based on a recipe Olia’s mother used to make, will be served at Maray, Madre, and Lunyalita from May 1–13. Visitors to The One O’Clock Gun, Revolucion de Cuba, Tate Liverpool Cafe, The Beatles Story’s Fab4 Cafe, Madre and Lunyalita can enjoy a Ukrainian Kompot Spritz, a fruity cocktail made with berries, rhubarb, and sour cherries, Ukrainian vodka, Prosecco, and soda water, in addition to the dessert.
Throughout the two-week campaign, the dessert and cocktail will both be available on special menus. Guests are invited to make a voluntary donation of £1, which will be added to their bill to support the #cookforukraine campaign, which was founded by Olia Hercules and her friend Alissa Timoshkina, a Siberian-born food historian and food writer.
Since it was launched in 2022, #cookforukraine has raised over £2m for UNICEF and aided in further spotlighting the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Speaking about her involvement with Royal Albert Dock’s Eat Drink Ukraine campaign, Olia Hercules said:
“I’ve been delighted to work with Royal Albert Dock, especially when the eyes of the world are going to be on the city this coming May. An opportunity like this couldn’t be missed and it’s great to see my mother’s dessert and my Kompot Spritz appearing on so many of the dock’s bars, cafes and restaurant menus; they’ve really embraced the project and it’s lovely to be able to share a little part of my Ukrainian heritage with so many visitors coming to the city!”
Thomas White, director and co-founder of Maray and The One O’Clock Gun commented:
“We jumped at the chance to get involved with this campaign and have been testing out Olia’s cocktail recipe over the last few days. It’s great to be able to offer guests a taste of authentic Ukraine food and drink – plus of course at the same time raising funds for #cookforukraine.”
Eat Drink Ukraine takes place across multiple Royal Albert Dock venues from 1-13 May. Many of the dock’s venues overlook the inner quay, which will also be home in the run up to Eurovision of Floating Earth, a 10-metre artwork installation by artist Luke Jerram, which is illuminated after dusk from 28 April to 18 May.
For more information on all of Royal Albert Dock’s Eurovision events programme click here.
Featured photograph by Joe Woodhouse
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