Livia: "I'm the youngest chef to compete in the competition for the North West, which is amazing. It's an honor, isn't it, really? Flying the flag for the Northwest. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes on the prize."

Livia (Liv) is the head chef and owner of La Bistroteca in Liverpool’s Baltic Market. She has worked in the industry for over 10 years, famously becoming head chef at the Middle Eastern-inspired Maray aged just 21, which she took on after turning down a job offer from Jason Atherton. 

La Bistroteca marks Liv's first solo outpost and pays homage to European bistro culture, with dishes such as steak sandwich, confit duck fries and popcorn mussels.

Liverpool's Baltic market is home to Liv's restaurant, Bistro Teca. She became a head chef when she was just 21 years old, fulfilling a dream she'd had since her school days.

Liv: " As soon as I had my first home economics lesson, it was like the calling, like everything just made sense and clicked perfectly into place. I just knew as a chef, such a heartwarming experience to be able to send the plate of food over that you have cooked and then watch the guests React to it. I think that food is meant to bring flavor. Nothing that I put on a plate is wishy washy. You know, it all packs a punch. It's got to be the best that it can be. Otherwise, it's just not good enough."