Aspiring culinary stars takeover Liverpool City centre restaurant

A group of aspiring chefs and budding restaurant managers are preparing to take the helm of Voyagers Restaurant & Bar as part of a new partnership with local students.

The takeover will be the 1st of its kind in the UK, as L20 Restaurant stages a showcase for diners from:- Monday, 24 February to Sunday, 2 March 2025.

Created by Hugh Baird College, L20 Restaurant is run by a team of experienced culinary experts alongside students, offering the ideal place to gain hands-on experience in a real-life setting.

As part of the collaboration, Voyagers head chef Jake Parry has worked with hospitality students to craft an exclusive menu, blending L20's signature dishes with Voyagers' renowned small plates.

Located on Parr Street in the heart of the historic Ropewalk District in Liverpool, Voyagers offers a mix of globally inspired dishes with a local twist.

Among those looking forward to showing of their skills is:- 19 year old Alfie Kennedy, a Level 3 Professional Cookery Diploma student.

Alfie, from Bootle, said:- "I've been passionate about cooking from a young age. I learned a lot from my mum who is an incredible cook; the 1st 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 takeover 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."

Featured dishes include Chicken Supreme, wild mushrooms, onion tarte tatin, madeira Jus, tarragon emulsion; and Carrot Schnitzel fermented red onion, and tahini sauce.

The partnership marks the first time L20 students have showcased both their cooking and service skills in a Liverpool restaurant, offering diners the chance to experience fresh, innovative dishes that reflect the students' passions and contemporary perspectives on cuisine.

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."

Throughout the week long showcase, students will join Voyagers' talented team, including head chef Jake Parry and sous chef Alex Innes, working both behind the scenes in the kitchen and on the pass, plus serving in the restaurant.

It is hoped the project will help create further synergy between:- education and industry, bringing to life L20 Restaurant's mission to nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Jake Parry, head chef at Voyagers Restaurant & Bar, 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."

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, visit:- VoyagersLiverpool.Com.

Young activists at Alt Bridge School take a stand against air pollution

STUDENTS at Alt Bridge school in Knowsley came together to take a stand against air pollution as part of Asthma + Lung UK's Clean Air Champions scheme. On Thursday, 30 January 2025 pupils at the school learned about the dangers of air pollution and were encouraged to take the lead in helping to tackle the issue.

Last year, nearly 8,000 children were admitted to hospital with respiratory problems in Cheshire and Merseyside, making up 1 in 6 of all respiratory admissions1. Knowsley also has some of the worst rates in the country for deaths2 and hospital admissions caused by lung conditions3 and exceeds safe air pollution levels recommend by the World Health Organisation.

Asthma + Lung UK's Clean Air Champions scheme, kindly supported by the Bupa Foundation, allows schools to use pollution monitors to measure nitrogen dioxide levels and offers free resources to help students learn about the impact of air pollution on their health. The charity is calling for stronger clean air laws, investment in greener transport, and better protection for children's lung health.

During the visit at Alt Bridge, pupils selected their monitoring sites across the school grounds and put up diffusion tubes to monitor the air quality around their school. They also learnt about different types and causes of air pollution, how exposure affects our health, and also created models of lungs.

Amy Bartlett, School Engagement Officer at Asthma + Lung UK, said:- "Knowsley's high hospital admission rates for lung conditions show just how urgently we need action on air pollution. Sadly, it is children who are affected the most by poor air quality because their airways are smaller and still developing. The Clean Air Champions scheme gives students the chance to be part of the solution by learning about air pollution and pushing for change. Thanks to support from the Bupa Foundation, we're working with schools across the nation and are proud of students from Alt Bridge school for taking action to protect their community."

Anna Russell, Bupa Foundation Director, said:- "The Bupa Foundation is proud to support Asthma + Lung UK's Clean Air Champions project, empowering communities to create healthier environments. Schools play a vital role in this mission, providing a platform for education, awareness, and action. Through engaging lessons on lung health and air pollution, monitoring of local air quality, and the development of a dedicated network of Clean Air Champions, we are driving meaningful change. Together, we're working towards a future where everyone can breathe cleaner air, enjoy better lung health, and inspire collective action for a healthier planet."

This year, Asthma + Lung UK is working with 200 schools across the UK, focusing on areas like Liverpool, London, Birmingham, and Manchester, where air pollution and lung health problems are most severe. The Clean Air Champions programme shows that young people can play a vital role in making the case for change.