Mark Ellis, a former Great British Menu contestant, will leave his role as head chef of 1851 Restaurant at Peckforton Castle which was awarded 3 rosettes in the AA Restaurant Guide, to open his first solo restaurant, Allium by Mark Ellis in February 2017.

Mark will leave the 1851 Restaurant at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire at Christmas to focus on opening Allium by Mark Ellis next year. 

The Restaurant and Bar with Rooms will be located in Tattenhall situated just outside the historic city of Chester, Cheshire and will bring Mark's eclectic style and imagination to the food and beverage offering as well as 5 bespoke bedrooms which will open at a later date in March. The property is located in the locally historic Lynedale House building which will cease current trading December 31.

Speaking to The Staff Canteen, Mark said: “I’m now going to be working for myself it’s going to allow me to put more of my personality and quirkiness into the food but still make it enjoyable. I really don’t want to use the phrase fine dining but the synopsis for the restaurant is that the food is going to be fantastic but without the stuffy atmosphere of a fine dining restaurant, so it’s going to be relaxed and casual.”

He continued: “It’s going to be the culmination of everything that I have learned so far. It’s going to be heavily based around using quality products which aren’t necessarily going to be local. I’m a great believer in just because something is local doesn’t mean it’s going to be a great product. So I’m certainly going to be working closely with my new suppliers and partners to bring the very best produce to Cheshire.”

Mark has been with Peckforton Castle for just over 10 years starting out as senior sous chef before climbing the ranks to become head chef.

He said: “The thing that I love about the castle the most is that it’s always evolving and the family have got a really big vision about where they want to be going forward.”

He continued: “I am excited to bring my vision for exciting and interesting food and drink to Tattenhall, the location is stunning and the locals seem to be getting behind us which is great news. We are there to cater for them first and foremost, but hope to welcome guests from all over.

“The previous owners have done a spectacular job and I hope to build on the success they have had.”

Originally from the Wirral, Mark has trained in numerous 5 star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants including the Chester Grosvenor Hotel with Simon Radley followed by Petrus for Gordon Ramsay as part of his cook’s tour of the country. He also appeared on the ninth and tenth series of BBC2's, Great British Menu.

Bookings are now being taken through through the website and social media platforms.

>>> Read more from Great British Menu here