Louisa Ellis joins Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or judging panel

MasterChef The Professionals: A Festive Knockout winner Louisa Ellis will join drinks expert Alison Taffs on the judging panel for the Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or competition.

Both judges will lend their expertise to a cohort of young chefs when the competition begins in March.

Ellis (pictured right) started her career in hospitality at Barnfield College in Luton and has worked at some the UK's top restaurants, including Adams in Birmingham and Restaurant Sat Bains.

Taffs (pictured left) has been a judge at Toque d'Or since 2017 and brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and drinks education.

Ellis said: "I'm very excited to be judging this year's Nestle Toque d'Or. I strongly believe this competition is vital for the future of our industry. Just competing in this competition will allow the students to step out of their comfort zone and further develop their skills and flair. I wish that I'd had this opportunity when I was younger, and I'm humbled to now get the opportunity to be a part of it."

Taffs added: "I am delighted to be head judge for the 2021 Front Of House Toque d'Or competition. The urgency of the industry needing to develop and encourage newcomers and train them now for the future after the pandemic makes Toque d'Or feel more relevant than ever."

Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, said: "We're thrilled to announce the first two judges in our competition line-up."

This year's competition is open to students, apprentices and wider aspiring professionals including commis chefs, waiters and equivalent.

Registrations open on 25 February and close on 16 March. Click here to register your interest