The Chef Patron of Liverpool’s renowned The Art School was appointed earlier this week
On Tuesday evening (11 March) at Westminster Kingsway College in London, 24 new Disciples and over 120 guests were welcomed to the Annual Dinner of celebration, inauguration and fundraising for Disciples Escoffier.
The gilded evening saw chefs and esteemed culinary figures from across the globe come together under one roof. For Paul Askew, Chef Patron of Liverpool’s renowned fine dining haunt The Art School, the evening was a pivotal moment in his career as he was intronised as President of Disciples Escoffier UK.
In Paul’s new role, he will assist with modernising the organisation with diversity, help bring the next generation of chefs to the fore, and mentor and support young chefs of the future. He will also help to raise money to pay for international competitions and exchange programmes.
Paul said: “This is a wonderful honour for me to be intronised as the President of Disciples Escoffier UK. My passions in gastronomy over the 43 years of my career remain wedded to finding the next generation of culinary talent, working sustainably and seasonally and championing the great and the good of both Liverpool, the UK and the wider world’s thriving food and drink industries. Last night felt truly special to me and my family,
“I am humbled by this honour and I can’t wait to get stuck into my new role. I’m especially keen to help the North level up and do more Disciples Escoffier-led activities in this region. I would like to say huge thanks to everyone at Disciples Escoffier International who have made me feel so welcome since 2023 and again now as this new chapter begins for me in 2025. As always, there is much to do.”
Paul will represent the UK in a membership of 45 countries and over 10,000 members worldwide. As one of the UK’s most pioneering figures in hospitality, his focus remains fixed on bringing the highest standard of gastronomy to Liverpool and to showcase just how good the city’s hospitality industry can be.
Michael Coaker, Fellow of Royal Academy of Arts and Disciples Escoffier, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming in a new era for the Disciples Escoffier UK with Paul Askew of The Art School in Liverpool taking over the reins as President. He’s a renowned chef with a wealth of international culinary experience and will bring an innovative approach to classical French cuisine in Britain,
"It's exciting times ahead with Paul at the helm and I for one can't wait, this will help to bring the future talent in the hospitality sector to the forefront with initiatives like the ‘Young Talent Escoffier.’ The future is very bright."
Lionel Strub, Disciples Escoffier UK Secretary, adds: “I couldn’t think of a better person to lead us forward – Paul’s got everything needed for the group and our new chapter. Disciples Escoffier is a huge group, a community of chefs from around the world and it all started in London over 40 years ago,
"Paul understands the story of Disciples Escoffier, he values the importance of training and mentoring new young chefs who will be running the globally renowned kitchens of the future. Paul’s experience during his glittering career is invaluable and will help make him a great President of Disciples Escoffier UK. Being president is very much a team effort and we will all support Paul as he grows into the role as we modernise and reform. It’s a very exciting time for Disciples Escoffier as we also welcome 24 new Disciples.”
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