17 Sep 2024
A spotlight on Liverpool's Vetch
We love a hidden gem here at Dish Cult, and we may have just uncovered Liverpool’s greatest one yet. Vetch is a project driven by Head Chef and co-owner Daniel McGeorge, a local talent who gained recognition through his award-winning career, including his victory in The Great British Menu. After spending years refining his craft in the Lake District, Daniel returned home to create Vetch, where he channels his passion for cooking into a dining experience that marries seasonal and foraged ingredients with influences from both Japanese and English cuisines.
The restaurant’s ethos revolves around stripping away the pretentiousness often associated with fine dining. Vetch prioritises a welcoming environment where the quality of food and the pleasure of sharing a meal with others come first. Dishes here are built around sustainability and seasonality, featuring locally-sourced game, seafood, and produce, often foraged by Chef McGeorge himself. The menu changes regularly to reflect what is fresh and available, with a focus on wild and hearty flavours that are simple yet refined.
In terms of atmosphere, Vetch offers a space that is both intimate and warm, designed to make diners feel at home while they enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals. It’s a place where good food meets good company in an unpretentious setting that still retains an air of elegance. The staff, led by General Manager and co-owner Georgia Goodman, ensure that the dining experience runs smoothly, with Georgia also overseeing a carefully curated wine list to complement the ever-changing menu.
Each team member at Vetch brings their own experience and passion to the restaurant. Georgia, who manages the front-of-house operations, has a rich background in hospitality that started during her teenage years. After working across various sectors within the industry, including hotels and restaurants, she’s extremely dedicated to providing an outstanding guest experience, both in service and in the overall ambiance. It’s safe to say the team at Vetch really know their stuff.
When dining, you’ll have the option of the traditional set dinner menu, set lunch/early-bird menu, and an a la carte snack menu. While each dish and component is often change due to the seasonal nature of the menus, you can expect to find the likes of Smoked cod’s roe, furikake, & ponzu trout roe, Char siu pork belly, sesame, & pickled cabbage, Beef, aubergine, & nasturtium, Mackerel, turnip, elderflower, & dill, and Shokupan, sweetcorn, & miso cultured butter.
The desserts at Vetch are also particularly indulgent, with recent dishes including Valrhona chocolate, miso, caramel, & rice, and Blueberry, liquorice, & yoghurt, as well as a decadent cheeseboard complete with a slab of honeycomb.
Vetch is a hot spot in Liverpool that mixes old-school techniques with fresh ideas. Cosy and welcoming, it’s a great place to enjoy a special meal without any fuss. If you’re after something a bit different and thoughtfully prepared, Vetch has got you covered with food that feels both inviting and luxurious.
You’ll find them at 9a Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BQ open Wednesday to Saturday. Be sure to book your table on Dish Cult!