Nestlé Professional® reveals Toque d’Or® 2025 finalists where winners will battle it out for an unforgettable trip to Italy
Nestlé Professional has announced the 12 lucky students advancing into the Finals of its prestigious Toque d’Or competition after a competitive and inspiring round of action at the National Heats in York.
Under the watchful eye of expert judges, including chef Tom Booton, the finalists have been selected to advance to the Grand Finals where they will compete across four days of exciting challenges for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure in Italy this July.
The back-of-house (BOH) and front-of-house (FOH) students advancing to the Grand Finals in May are:
- North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College: Bobby Bendle & Leigh Flashman
- West Nottinghamshire College: Cody Wragg
- North Hertfordshire College: Erin Rose Coates
- Hugh Baird College: Katie Blundell
- Coleg Cambria: Victoria Royer
- North Hertfordshire College: Freddie McCreath
- Cheshire College South & West: Noah Richards-Layfield
- The Sheffield College: Olivia Cartlidge
- East Riding College: Ruby Goodens
- Westminster Kingsway College: Serin Hassan
- Loughborough College: Thomas Brassington
Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, said:
“By providing real-world experiences that highlight the skills and creativity needed to be able to flourish in hospitality, Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or continues to inspire young talent, serving as a platform for learning, growth and development.
“The calibre of competition at the Heats was outstanding. I want to congratulate all the competitors for their hard work, enthusiasm, and passion. Our final 12 should be incredibly proud of their achievement – I look forward to seeing them in the Finals where they take the next step in their Toque d’Or journey.”
The Heats welcomed 24 BOH and 24 FOH competitors, offering each the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skill in sustainability-inspired challenges set by Nestlé Professional’s team of experts and industry leaders. BOH competitors were tasked with creating an exceptional plant-forward main course using Maggi® and Garden Gourmet® products alongside a larder of fresh ingredients supplied by competition partner Woods Foodservice, as well as producing a perfectly baked chocolate brownie dessert using Nestlé Branded Dessert Ingredients.
Led by chef Tom Booton, the BOH judging panel included Sharkbait & Swim’s chef patron Steve McClarty, Nestlé Professional’s development chef Paul Hawkins and channel manager James Candy, Cherrytree Bakery’s new product development manager Martin Hargreaves, and 2024 BOH Toque d’Or winner now guest judge Geraldine, who supported the students throughout the challenges.
BOH judge Tom Booton, head chef at The Grill by Tom Booton, The Dorchester Hotel, said:
“The passion, energy and determination on display during the Heats was incredible. I enjoyed watching the competitors step up to the challenge and bring their own style and creativity to the competition. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each competitor; whether you made it through to the Finals or not, you should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. To those advancing into the Finals, this is your chance to showcase your learnings and skills even further.”
FOH competitors served these dishes to up to 50 community and charity guests during lunch service across the two-day challenge. Supporting the competitors in a wine and customer service masterclass was Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop. Competitors also learned all about coffee in a creative challenge led by Nestlé Professional’s coffee training specialist Jo Walsh, which saw them invent and create their own hot or iced coffee beverage using Seattle’s Best Coffee beans. These key learnings enabled the competitors to perfectly pair the main course and dessert with the appropriate beverage. Joining Jupiter and Jo on the FOH judging panel was Nestlé Professional’s coffee trainer Emilia Flajszer and 2024 FOH Toque d’Or winner now guest judge Jasmine.
FOH judge Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop, winner of the 2023 Gold Service Scholarship and footman at The Royal Household, said:
“It was inspiring to see the competitors embrace each challenge with confidence, and to see their passion for service shine through. The level of creativity and precision they brought to the competition was exceptional, and I have no doubt that all of them will go on to achieve great things in their careers if they apply the right mindset, enthusiasm and determination. Congratulations to all of the candidates, it takes courage to step out of your comfort zone, you’ve all demonstrated incredible talent. Refine your skills, stay focused and know that anything is possible. I look forward to seeing what the finalists will bring to the next stage of the competition.”
Joining the judging panel for Finals Week will be award-winning chef Adam Handling and his restaurant director George Hersey. As well as having the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of some of the industry’s most recognisable names, the 12 finalists will embrace the principles of sustainability and learn about how hospitality plays an important role in supporting local communities. Finals Week will take place from 11 to 15 May 2025, with the winners announced during the Awards Lunch on 6 June 2025.
To stay updated and see the full list of finalists, visit: www.nestleprofessional.co.uk/toque-dor
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