Hulstone is the chef patron of The Elephant in Torquay, where he has held a Michelin star since 2004. In 2003, he won the coveted Roux Scholarship, further cementing his place among the UK’s top culinary talents.

He has represented the UK twice at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, and captained both the British Culinary Olympics team and the English team at the Culinary World Cup in 2010 and 2012.

Carrieanne Vaughan, competition director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Simon to this year’s competition. He brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the judging panel, with a strong focus on sustainable seafood.

“His role as an ambassador for Seafood from Norway has been instrumental in his involvement with the competition. I'm excited to see his passion and insight as he helps inspire the next generation of trainee chefs at the grand finals.”

Hulstone will be joined alongside judges Nikki Hawkins, independent seafood consultant, and Jake Stansfield, sous chef at the Healing Manor hotel and former National Seafood Chef of the Year winner.