Wirral’s latest dining trend

May 2 2012 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

GOOD food and good company – it’s a recipe that’s hard to beat. And, over the last few months, an increasing number of Wirral foodies have been joining a new generation of dining clubs.

Regional food champion Taste Northwest has launched a series of young talented chef evenings in some of Merseyside’s best restaurants.

What started out as a scheme to allow young chefs to demonstrate their skills has quickly become something of a club, where people go back month after month to catch up with old friends and make new ones among their fellow diners.

Taste Northwest director John Lowe says: “We didn’t really think of it as a club when it launched.

‘‘But now we have a lot of the same people booking each time, along with new guests who have heard about it through word of mouth.

“It’s a sociable night. People share tables, and get talking over their meals. They have a shared passion for food and drink, so it made sense that they’d book time and again.”

The young talented chef evenings focus around one restaurant each month.

There, their young chef (generally under 25) becomes head chef for the night.

They plan, cost and produce their signature menu using regional produce for £25 per guest.

There’s also the option of a young host, who can take on the mantle of maître d’hôtel for the event.

Their next date is at Inglewood Manor on May 22. Taking on the role of head chef for the evening is Rob Hill. Rob has worked in the hospitality industry for 12 years and is currently chef de partie at Inglewood Manor. Host for the event will be 21 year-old Hayley Williams. Hayley has taken on a number of roles in the hotel, gaining vital service experience, her skills make her an ideal host.

“The event showcases young talent and highlights the exceptional eateries we have in the region, while providing the vital experience needed to further their careers in hospitality,” says John.

Over the next few months, John and the team plan to expand Taste Northwest.

“Food and drink is such a fantastic sector,” says John. “It continues to thrive because people enjoy it. In the current economic climate, people are more selective about where they spend their money. But, for a lot of people, really good food and drink is at the top of their list.”

For more information visit www.tastenw.co.uk