Everyone experiences mental health issues in life and especially in busy kitchens! I think it’s important to remind people that they are not alone when they may feel like it’s the end of the world.”Īspiring chef Amy Challoner, 17, from Mapperley, helped supervise as part of the takeover, and has been lucky enough to work alongside Louisa in her spare time whilst studying the Level 3 Professional Chefs Diploma at College. Louisa explains: “I chose to raise money for this particular mental health charity because I think it is a great cause to help people get back on track and make the most out of life. Proceeds from the evening were donated to The Old Needle Works charity, which provides learning and support for people who have mental health, low self-esteem and confidence issues. She said: “I really enjoy working with the students and passing on my skills – this is our next generation of chefs and I feel it is important to give them as many opportunities and restaurant experiences as possible.” Louisa is now based in Nottingham and is busy following her dream of becoming a Private Chef – offering dining experiences in clients’ homes. Louisa, 24, has been working professionally as a chef for the past eight years, working in Michelin star kitchens, including Birmingham’s Adams Restaurant and more recently Nottingham’s Restaurant Sat Bains. The modern menu included: crayfish bisque with chervil and apple and a dry aged sirloin with artichoke and aniseed sauce. The trainee chefs helped to prep, cook, plate and serve an impressive five-course gourmet tasting menu which Louisa created especially for the event. ‘Then, hopefully one day, I will be able to achieve my big dream of owning my own restaurant.Nottingham College Hospitality and Catering students got the chance to work alongside MasterChef: The Professionals 2017 finalist Louisa Ellis earlier this month (6 th March) as part of a special restaurant takeover at the College’s commercial training restaurant in the Lace Market. ‘As for what’s next, I will continue to work in the restaurant I do now and I would like to keep learning and pushing myself,’ Alex added. The whole competition has been something I will remember forever.’ ‘It has been hard work and the round with Aktar in the semi-finals was so far out of my comfort zone, but I learnt so much from him.
‘Growing up I loved competitions – the rush, the hype and the challenge! I decided to enter MasterChef because I wanted to see how far I could go getting to the final four is something I will always be very proud of,’ he said. However, a home boy at heart, Alex now works as head chef at the same restaurant he got his first job in as a pot wash. He was later able to work at Michelin-starred restaurants of Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and Roux at Parliament Square.
Alex is now a head chef but will he be the champion? (Picture: BBC)Īlex is born and raised in Great Dunmow and landed an apprenticeship at The Savoy in London after attending college.