Award-winning Liverpool eatery Delifonseca has recently contributed to this year’s National Garden Scheme.

On Sunday [July 5], head chef at Delifonseca Dockside Martin Cooper served up a delicious selection of his infamous homemade pies in his very own back garden – located in Sefton Park.

Since its introduction in 1927, the scheme has encouraged various hosts to open their gardens to the public in England and Wales, in a bid to raise money for a number of charities including Macmillan, Marie Curie and Hospice UK.

Four years ago York House notably was the first tower block in the country to take part in the annual National Garden Scheme. Its beautiful communal gardens are a result of the vision and hard work of long term resident Jean Niblock. A number of years ago Jean decided to get creative with the shared garden and all of the residents have been reaping the rewards ever since.

Martin said:

“Jean has singlehandedly created a wonderful garden and I was aware that Jean had been ‘showing’ it as part of NGS charity for the last few years. It’s a great idea for private citizens  to open their gates and let guests into their gardens. The public get to see some wonderful but usually inaccessible gardens and it is all the more rewarding as it have given us the opportunity to raise vital funds for some worthy charities. I am delighted to reveal that just over £220 was raised on pie sales alone.

“When I decided to get involved, I knew that it’d have to involve food and wanted do something a little bit different so I baked a selection of pies. As a signature British delicacy and a firm favourite with customers at Delifonseca, the pies went down a treat with all of those who visited our garden.”

The scheme charges a £5 entrance fee per person which gives you a ticket that allows access to all participating gardens nationwide on that day. The scheme has been running for more than 80 years and has raised over £45 million for various nursing and caring charities. Over half a million guests take part in the project each year to enjoy an afternoon of relaxation, and in some cases, sample some fresh local produce.

Proprietor of Delifonseca Candice Fonseca added:

“The National Garden Scheme is such a wonderful idea, and the diversity of the gardens available to visit is amazing. At Delifonseca, we love to get involved where we can for charity, and just last year we took the plunge and abseiled 101ft down the Leasowe Lighthouse in Wirral.

“We’re so proud of Martin and the funds that he has managed to raise for excellent causes – we hope all of his visitors enjoyed their special afternoon treat.”

For more information about Delifonseca visit www.delifonseca.co.uk