The Art School Cellars, Liverpool

The Art School Cellars is the new bespoke Champagne and wine cellar at Paul Askew’s two-AA-rosette Art School Restaurant. Inspired by the Pinchos of the Basque Country and the Delis of Italy, it’s bringing ‘gastronomic grazing’ to Liverpool with a handpicked selection of premium Champagnes, fine wines, British cheeses and artisan Charcuterie, all of which can be enjoyed in a relaxed and comfortable environment with no booking required.

The Cellars can be accessed for pre/post dinner drinks through a sympathetically restored old Victorian linkway from the main restaurant. The subtly lit corridor ensures guests can access the sumptuous surroundings without having to brave the external elements. Or if you just fancy a quick drink or a bite before or after a show there is also a separate below street level entrance on the corner of Sugnall and Myrtle street.

There are more than 300 different wines on offer and an extensive cocktail list coupled with fresh bread and small dishes available to order, all prepared daily by The Art School Restaurant team. There is also a private Tasting Room, suitable for up to ten guests, which is available to book for Sommelier-led tutored tastings.

“Just as I want the restaurant to be Le Gavroche of the North,” says Paul, “I want the new bar to be the Dorchester or Ritz of the North with the style of service. An international standard of service with food, drinks, product knowledge and environment. We want it to be an exemplar of what the Liverpool food and bar culture can be and I think people want that. The restaurant has demonstrated that the market is there if you do it properly.” The Art School Cellars is open Tuesday to Thursday from 2pm to Midnight and from 2pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.