Liverpool’s The Art School reaches number 33 in the prestigious Harden’s 100 Best UK Restaurants 2023.
The annual guide features the best of the best, with over 3000 further entries in total and it is the most comprehensive and detailed look into the UK’s dining scene, from major cities and towns to tiny hideaways. Chef Patron Paul Askew and the team are immensely proud of reaching no.33 this year after what was their biggest year to date in 2022 as they continue to lead Liverpool’s thriving food and drink scene.
Just over a year ago in December 2021 Paul and his team cooked for the G7 delegation and almost a year later they had the immense honour to cater for The Turner Prize which took place in the spectacular St George’s Hall in December 2022. The year also included debuting at The Grand National in April and bringing fine-dining to Topham House where The Art School was lovingly recreated, to Paul helping launch Taste Liverpool. Drink Bordeaux in June as its patron whilst running the Bordeaux Bar de Vin in the spectacular Martins Bank Building.
Paul says:
“Making no.33 in Harden’s 100 Best UK Restaurants 2023 is a huge achievement for us all and one we are incredibly proud of – our second successive year ranked close to the summit. And to be the city region’s only entry I feel shows recognition for what we continue to do at The Art School – creating a world-class fine-dining experience which starts from the moment guests join us to the moment they leave.”
“Harden’s are respected at the highest level and it’s heartening for us to be back in there at no.33 out of over 3000 overall restaurants and also to see a lot of fabulous new entries too – it shows just how innovative and resilient the gastronomic industry is here in the UK. And after a crazy 2022 you might think we’d be taking a breath, but no; we’re returning to The Grand National in April at Topham House and also we will be involved with Eurovision and there are other plans for the year we can reveal soon.”
Harden’s entry on The Art School says: “Paul Askew’s ‘high-class’ venue (‘next door to the Philharmonic’) is the most commented on in ‘The Pool’ in our annual national diners’ poll and wins extremely high scores for all aspects of the operation. ‘Brilliant’ cooking is the main talking point, providing ‘very subtle flavours and textures from a varied and ambitious menu.’” It concludes with: ‘This is a place to savour and it is a mystery as to why Paul does not get recognition from the Michelin Guide.’”
Located on Sugnall Street, The Art School is set inside the stunning lantern room of the Victorian 1888 ‘Home for Destitute Children’ building. The restaurant’s sumptuous dining room hosts a range of seasonal menus which celebrate the best of the region’s artisanal producers. The Art School also features The Art School Cellars with Afternoon Tea, a stunning private wine tasting space and the private hire Moriarty Room.
