The Art School Set To Welcome A Night of Gastronomic Fundraising In Honour Of Chef Matt Davies' Story

CITY OF LIVERPOOL, LIVERPOOL CITY REGION.

This May Will Welcome The Rescheduled Fundraising Event Previously Set To Take Place In January Of This Year, Featuring Famed Chefs Including Tom Shepherd, Ellis Barrie, Simon Rimmer, Steven Doherty, And The Art School’s Chef Patron, Paul Askew, Uniting To Raise Money In Honour Of Matt Davies & His Story

(Credit: Supplied/Image was provided to The Liverpudlian with permission to share, courtesy of the Publicist on behalf of their client. We make no claim to this content).

Taking place on Thursday the 21st of May, a number of the UK’s leading chefs will be hosted by Liverpool's exquisite team at The Art School. The collective will be uniting to raise money in honour of Chef Matt Davies, whose dominant left arm was amputated after an accident working in hospitality over seven years ago.

This event is taking place after the original evening in January had to be postponed because Chef Davies required further surgery.

“Being a chef is the only job I’ve ever wanted to do. After my accident I was devastated that my life had changed for ever and my career was taken from me. But in those dark hours, the solidarity shown to me by my fellow chefs and Hospitality Action kept me going.” - Chef Matt Davies.

The evening will feature 5 courses and 5 paired wines, entertainment and an auction, curated by a brigade of the UK’s leading chefs including Tom Shepherd, Ellis Barrie, Simon Rimmer, Steven Doherty and The Art School’s Chef Patron, Paul Askew. The evening concludes with music and drinks in The Art School Cellars. Funds raised will go to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and Hospitality Action.

Community Art Events by The Liverpudlian

Creative Workshop at Artefact: Architecture Watercolouring & Conversation w/ Pet...

£10.25

9 May 2026, 13:30–15:30 BSTartefact

Purchase Tickets

Matt suffered a terrible accident, which left him fighting for his life. Such is the severity of Matt’s injury that the original date for this fundraiser, planned for January, had to be postponed while Matt had more surgery.

This video from Hospitality Action explains what happened to Matt (embedded below in this article) and the support he has received, to how he has raised incredible amounts of money for charity.

https://vimeo.com/1171004242

In 2017, whilst preparing a lunch service, a 32-amp current severely injured Matt’s left arm. He subsequently has had over 70 operations, but after an infection, part of his dominant left arm had to be amputated. Being an amputee meant Matt could not continue as a top-level Midlands chef, but despite the challenges he has endured, he has raised more than £100,000 for charities including The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, which treated him, Fisher House and Hospitality Action.

Available in various sizes

Bertie Bird Royal Liver Building Art Print By Peter Eric Lang

Buy artwork

Now, The Art School in Liverpool's Georgian Quarter is the setting for an evening of wonderful gastronomy to raise money for both the hospital and Hospitality Action.

Chef Matt Davies, said: “Being a chef is the only job I’ve ever wanted to do. After my accident I was devastated that my life had changed for ever and my career was taken from me. But in those dark hours, the solidarity shown to me by my fellow chefs and Hospitality Action kept me going. To have chefs who I’ve always regarded as friends cooking in my honour is humbling and incredibly special. It’s great news we are now able to hold this event in May in Liverpool.”

Available in various sizes

Metropolitan Cathedral (Black And White) Art Print By Peter Eric Lang

Buy artwork

Chef Paul Askew, said: “My connection with Matt was that not long after Great British Menu in 2017, Matt had invited myself and Daniela Tucci to Stone as guest chefs for a fine-dining event he’d organised. But we arrived to find his team in utter dismay and were told that the tragic accident had happened the day before and Matt was seriously injured.”

Chef Askew added: “Since then, Matt has been through countless operations and has had the support of Hospitality Action, whilst being an astounding fund-raiser himself for many good causes, including the hospital which treated him. He’s such a lovely person and we have been friends ever since, and Matt has the respect of the whole industry for his bravery and fund-raising efforts. So it’s with great pride we welcome Matt and Hospitality Action to The Art School for this very special event. We have wanted to make this happen for a long time – he’s been to our restaurant a few times as our guest, and we’re going to give him the warmest of welcomes [on Thursday the 21st of May].”

With Qualified Tour Guide, Peter Eric Lang

Waterfront, City Centre & Beatles Tour

2h

Book your tour

Television Presenter and Chef, Simon Rimmer, said: “Matt is one of the genuine stalwarts in the industry. What he tragically experienced, has battled through over the years and then inspired so many others during this time is nothing short of a miracle and he continues to make a difference for so many people, raising money and awareness for key causes.”

Chef Rimmer added: “So this event at The Art School in May is all about Matt and to honour him and raise money for the hospital which supported him and for Hospitality Action. We all love him and I know this is going to be a truly special evening for Matt.”

(Credit: Supplied/Image was provided to The Liverpudlian with permission to share, courtesy of the Publicist on behalf of their client. We make no claim to this content).

Hospitality Action support the UK’s chefs, waiters, housekeepers and managers, to the concierges, receptionists and kitchen porters, and every sommelier, bartender, catering assistant and cook.

They provide essential support for anyone working in hospitality affected by physical illness and mental health issues to financial difficulty, family problems to addiction. Their all-encompassing support includes people who work in hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars or cafés, schools, hospitals or event venues.

Tickets for the Funraising Evening are on sale now through The Art School Restaurant's website.