Voyagers Restaurant & Bar to take on talented students during week-long event

A group of Liverpool’s aspiring chefs and restaurant managers will be given the reins during a special week-long takeover at Voyagers Restaurant & Bar

The first of its kind in the UK, this takeover by L20 Restaurant is part of a new partnership with local students and will showcase their budding talent to diners between Monday 24 February and Sunday 2 March. 

Created by Hugh Baird College, L20 Restaurant is run by a team of experienced culinary experts who provide students looking for careers in hospitality with the necessary hands-on experience and skills to use in a real-life setting. 

As part of the collaboration, Voyagers head chef Jake Parry has worked with the students to craft an exclusive menu that will run for the duration of the event, blending L20’s signature dishes with Voyager’s renowned small plates. 

Amongst the talented students looking forward to showing off their skills is Alfie Kennedy (19, Bootle), a Level 3 Professional Cookery Diploma student. 

Alfie said: “I’ve been passionate about cooking from a young age. I learned a lot from my mum who is an incredible cook – the first dish she ever taught me how to make was tuna pasta, but I like to think I’ve progressed since then and can now do my own homemade pasta,  

“My ultimate dream is to work in fine dining in France, something I’m determined to achieve. So, having opportunities like this to take over Voyagers with our own menu is amazing and I’m now looking forward to getting in the kitchen and showing off what we can all do.” 

2024 02 14 L20 Students At Voyagers 2 Charlie Sharpe And Alfie Kennedy
L20 students at Voyagers, Charlie Sharpe (left) and Alfie Kennedy (right) Image: L20 Restaurant/Voyagers Restaurant & Bar

Stephen Otty, Hospitality Curriculum Manager at Hugh Baird College, said: “This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity for our students to step into a professional kitchen and showcase their skills to a wider audience.  

“It’s a testament to the power of partnerships in helping young talent thrive. They’ve been able to work closely with the Voyagers team to create dishes that they want to see on the menu and I’ve no doubt that this event will pave the way for future collaborations with Voyagers and the wider city.” 

It is hoped that by introducing the project other restaurants around the UK will follow suit and continue to nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals, creating further synergy between education and industry.

Voyagers’ Head Chef Jake Parry said: “We’re proud to support and mentor the next generation in our industry – I previously worked with the students from L20 last year, so bringing them to Voyagers was the next step.  

“Our diners are in for a real treat – this is a celebration of creativity and skill, so don’t miss this special event that blends passion, education, and unforgettable flavours.” 

2024 02 14 L20 And Voyagers Students With Head Chef Jake Parry And Curtis Goodwin Fb Managerand
L20 students with Voyagers Head Chef Jake Parry and F&B Manager Curtis Goodwin Image: L20 Restaurant/Voyagers Restaurant & Bar

Featured dishes on the exclusive menu include Chicken Supreme with wild mushrooms, onion tarte tatin, madeira Jus and tarragon emulsion; and carrot schnitzel with fermented red onion and tahini sauce.

L20 Restaurant’s chosen charity, The Paper Cup Project, which supports homeless individuals and rough sleepers in the Liverpool region, will also receive contributions. For every chicken dish sold, £1.50 will be donated, and guests can further support the cause by adding Invisible Chips to their order for £4.00. 

For further information or to book a table, visit www.voyagersliverpool.com

Voyagers Restaurant & Bar, 38 Parr St, Liverpool L1 4JN


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