Aspiring local chefs to take over Voyagers Restaurant & Bar

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 first of its kind in the UK, as L20 Restaurant stages a showcase for diners from Monday 24 February to Sunday 2 March. 

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 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 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 the Voyagers website.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.