Liam Cunniffe

Liam has dabbled in many fields, with the original plan to study medicine brushed aside for the far more important calling of food and wine. He has a broad experience, from a young lad pouring pints, to many years in professional kitchens in London, to travelling the world cheffing for the McLaren Formula 1 team. He escaped the heat of the kitchen for a few years’ hiatus in the fitness industry, before the pull once again proved too strong. Liam was always the kid who ate and drank everything and always pursued wine on the side of his culinary exploits. He spent three years at Northcote, a 1* Michelin restaurant in Lancashire, starting as a Commis Sommelier but soon climbing the ranks to become Head Sommelier. Since March 2023, Liam has looked after all things wine at Define and made himself at home here (except he still lives in Wigan, the pie capital of the UK!).

Liam’s married to Katy, with two young daughters, Darcy and Mabel. They all keep him entertained, exhausted and in need of constant wine! He is also an accomplished pianist and one day hopes to be as good as Jon. Granted, he can cook, as long as he’s got steps to reach the counter. A massive cricket watcher, a big rugby union fan and for some reason, a keen NFL follower.

Q&A

Greatest achievement:

Playing cricket for Lancashire U15’s at Old Trafford (when the pitch was the other way around and they had the proper pavilion).

Secret I don’t want to share:

In my first week working at a restaurant, I broke a glass water jug in the massive ice machine and didn’t tell anyone. Sorry if your G&T was a bit crunchy!

Superpowers:

I can remember exactly what I ate at a particular restaurant 10 years ago, what wine it was paired with and also what Katy was wearing. It can be quite a selective memory as I freuqently forget to empty the dishwasher, hang the washing out, feed my daughters...