WATCH: Calling all Future Food Stars – The GPO is looking for you!

Metquarter’s GPO has quickly become a go-to destination for food fans on the hunt for exciting and incredible cuisines.

And it’s easy to see why.

With a great mix of quality culinary styles, the heart-of-the-city food market is showcasing up-and-coming talent from across Merseyside and the north-west, with independent and unique vendors offering the best in world food in one place. 

It’s all about passion on a plate, with everything from Nashville style chicken inspired by visits to the American South and spice-infused flavours of India, to Korean curries and skewers with signature sauces, and German street food injected with a New York state of mind!

There are currently nine food partners at GPO but it’s on the lookout for one more – and that one more could be you…

In an exclusive competition, GPO is inviting food traders from the city and wider region to become part of the Metquarter and GPO, so have you got what it takes?

Matt Bigland, founder of GPO, says:

“It could be someone who is a current street food trader, or a head chef who is wanting to start their own business and maybe hasn’t had the platform to do it, or someone who hasn’t ever had a permanent place or stand.

“But what they will all have is a passion for food and what they do.

“We want to give a foodie entrepreneur somewhere to run their business, to offer a chance to use their passion and talent to showcase their food, and to give them a kick start.

“It would be nice to have someone who will complement what we have already, or perhaps who can provide a dessert offering.”

He adds: “GPO has helped bring Metquarter alive again, as a one-stop venue where you can shop, eat, and go to the cinema with the Everyman; it’s a really vibrant food and drink scene so this is an incredible opportunity. We want to find that talent and nurture it.

“I have a similar venture in Sheffield that’s seen people do well and go off to open restaurants of their own. That could happen here.”

The winner will receive £6k capital (repayable) to help start up, training and marketing & PR along with branding and social media development, and compliance support.

Being part of GPO, they’ll get a kitchen and delivery unit and EPOS system; access to waiting, front-of-house staff and security; a booking system, app ordering facility, regular payments and accounts, and the chance to provide fab food for up to 350 covers.

Entrants will ideally be Liverpool or north-west based with a minimum team of two and be able to bring enthusiasm, curiosity and positivity, together with big flavours and great value (with dishes around £9-£11 per plate).

There’s a month to get entries in before those shortlisted will be invited to meet Matt for a drop-in session to decide who will be the best fit for Liverpool’s largest food market.

To apply people need to send details of their food story or journey to talent@the-gpo.co.uk with ‘GPO Future Food Stars’ in the title, together with links to any socials and a breakdown of the food dishes they offer.