Overview
Discover Liverpool's food culture, innovation and community spirit
Join the TUCO Academy for a three-day study tour exploring Liverpool's vibrant food scene, innovative catering operations and inspiring community enterprises.
Building on the themes of the TUCO Winter Conference, this immersive experience will take delegates beyond the traditional catering environment to discover how food connects communities, celebrates cultural diversity and drives commercial innovation.
From university catering and Premier League stadium hospitality to independent food businesses and community-led enterprises, Liverpool offers a unique opportunity to explore fresh ideas and practical approaches that can be brought back to campus.
Who Should Attend?
This study tour is suitable for Heads of Catering, Executive Chefs, Catering and Hospitality Managers, Retail and Commercial Leads, and anyone interested in food innovation, community engagement, international food trends and developing their catering offer.
Why Take Part?
This is an opportunity to experience Liverpool's food culture first-hand, gain fresh perspectives from university and commercial operators, and explore how innovation, resilience and collaboration can create positive change.
Delegates will leave with practical inspiration for menu development, operational efficiency, customer experience and community engagement, alongside valuable connections with colleagues from across the TUCO network.
Join us in Liverpool to discover how food, culture and community are shaping the future of hospitality.
What to Expect
University Catering & Innovation
Visits to explore Liverpool University and Liverpool John Moore catering and hospitality operations. Discover how institutions respond to changing student expectations, develop their food offers and balance commercial performance with customer experience.
Behind the Scenes at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Explore Everton Football Club's new waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Discover the challenges and opportunities of delivering large-scale hospitality, from foodservice design and customer flow to catering for thousands of visitors.
Homebaked – Food with a Purpose
Visit Homebaked in Anfield to discover how a community bakery has become a powerful example of social enterprise and local regeneration. The experience will also include a visit to its central production unit in Bootle, exploring how the business has developed its production capabilities while maintaining its commitment to the community.
Liverpool's Global Food Culture
Experience the city's rich culinary heritage through a guided food discovery tour. Explore the independent food businesses of Granby Street and Lodge Lane, Liverpool's historic Chinatown and the vibrant food scene around Bold Street.
Along the way, discover African, Asian and Middle Eastern influences, sample authentic flavours and consider how international food trends can inspire university menus.
The tour will also take in Liverpool's magnificent Anglican Cathedral and the historic Royal Albert Dock, including an opportunity to explore other food trends.
Food, Hospitality & Networking
Food experiences will be central to the programme, with visits to Bertie and Bella, dinner at Crabbish and an evening at the Baltic Market, Liverpool's lively street food destination. These informal experiences will provide plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow TUCO members, share ideas and discover Liverpool's independent hospitality scene.
Provisional Itinerary
Wednesday 27th January to Friday 29th January ending by 14:00: Itinerary will be finalised nearer the time and a provisional itinerary will appear here later this year
