Under the 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 challenges for a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ culinary adventure in Italy this July.
The heats welcomed 24 back-of-house (BOH) and 24 front-of-house (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.
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.”
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.
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.
The students advancing to the Grand Finals in May are:
- North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College: Bobby Bendle
- North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College: 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
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 11-15th May 2025, with the winners announced during the Awards Lunch on 6th June 2025.