Mark Ellise

Originally from the Wirral, he began his career working in local restaurants before gaining fine dining experience working with Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel.

He then left to undergo a cook’s tour of the UK working in some of the country’s best restaurants, including Petrus for Gordon Ramsay.

The 1851 Restaurant holds 3 AA Rosettes as well as a Taste Cheshire Award and features classically based dishes with modern interpretations and techniques.

This will be his second time in the competition, after failing to make the judges chamber last year. For his menu, Mark has put a modern spin on some classic British dishes including favourites of both the WI and his grandmother.