Mark Ellis no longer involved with Shippon

Chef Mark Ellis is no longer involved with Shippon, the restaurant he opened at Plassey luxury holiday park in Wrexham just four months ago.

Owners of the park and restaurant John and Sarah Brookshaw described a "mutual agreement" to no longer continue the service agreement initially set up with Ellis to allow him to concentrate on his other ventures.

John Brookshaw, managing director of Plassey Leisure Park, said: "Albeit a short working relationship, we have enjoyed the process and value of what Mark brought to the team whilst with us."

The restaurant team will remain unchanged with Lauren Mackintosh-Smith as restaurant manager and Dominic Ash as head chef, who will oversee the launch of the new autumn/winter menu on 21 September.

Adrian Parry-Jones, operations manager, said the restaurant will be changing its menu and format "to suit our local customers and the holiday park visitors' requirements".

He said: "We want it to be a venue people can visit for a weekday meal when you want a night off from cooking or to come celebrate a special occasion."

The venture was Ellis' second venture following the opening of Allium in Cheshire, Chester in February 2017.

Ellis, originally from the Wirral, started his career working in local restaurants before joining Simon Radley's brigade at the Chester Grosvenor. After leaving to embark on a cook's tour of the UK, he returned to take on the role of head chef at Rowton Hall in Chester, before moving to the 1851 restaurant at Peckforton Castle in 2007, where he stayed for nine years.

The Caterer has contacted Ellis for comment.

Mark Ellis' Shippon to open this week >>

Mark Ellis to open second restaurant in Wrexham >>

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