Great British Menu contestant set to open new Italian restaurant
Great British Menu contestant and Chef Livia Alarcon is set to open a new italian restaurant next month.
Livia has been documenting the journey to the restaurant's opening on Instagram.
A post on social media read: "Ciao Chin-Zano, Arrivedeci Pizzotecca. It is official and it is absolutely happening, I am opening my very first restaurant, after almost a decade of blood, sweat and tears. Lots of you have followed my journey/career over this time.
"We have gained more attraction this year due to my debut on @greatbritishmenu as-well as leading a former kitchen into the mouths of many, with quintessential British pub food. I really hope many of you will continue to follow my journey and be guests at Chin-Zano, your support and reservations are even more important than ever, with 20 venues closing every week in the UK, it is a daunting time to open.
"But I believe in good food, and I believe in my city. Stay tuned, keep following, there’s so much to share and reveal with competitions, renovation works, opening dates, new menu, one off supper club of dreams and lastly a very large, blow your cap clean off opening party to win tickets too! Even if you’re not directly friends & family - Andiamo - Let’s go."
Early life and training
Livia was born and raised in the Wavertree area of Liverpool. From school age she was drawn to cooking, eventually enrolling in Liverpool Community College to study professional cookery and hospitality. This early formal training
set the foundations for her fast-moving career.
At just 21, Livia became head chef at the Liverpool restaurant Maray - an unusually young age for such a role and a moment that marked her as one to watch.
She later launched her own concept, La Bistroteca, at Liverpool’s Baltic Market, where she developed a menu influenced by European bistro cooking with a strong focus on technique and quality seasonal produce.
Livia also served as head chef at Queen’s Wine Bar and Bistro, where she continued to refine her style and gain recognition within the city’s growing food community.
In early 2025, Livia was appointed head chef of The Dog and Collar on Liverpool’s Hope Street. Her menu for the new venue focuses on British produce, Northern-inspired flavours and her distinct contemporary style.
Great British Menu
Livia appeared on the 2025 series of Great British Menu, representing the North West region. Her dishes and approach helped showcase her creativity on a national platform and introduced her work to a wider audience beyond Liverpool.
Cooking style
Livia describes her approach as rooted in classical flavour combinations presented with a modern twist. She has explored a broad range of culinary styles throughout her career, but her cooking consistently centres on ingredient-led dishes, seasonal produce and bold, expressive presentation.
In recent years she has embraced open-fire cooking, adding another dimension to the way she builds flavour and structure on the plate.
written by abi kinsella
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Great British Menu contestant set to open new Italian restaurant
