The winners of the 2026 Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or® competition have returned from an inspiring prize trip across Denmark, Sweden and Norway, where they explored the people, places and experiences shaping Scandinavian hospitality.
From barista training and knife craftsmanship to meeting the Danish Bocuse d’Or team and visiting some of the region’s standout Michelin-star restaurants, the one-week trip offered the Scottish duo a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop their skills, broaden their perspectives and gain inspiration for their future careers.
Nathan Derek Short, 2026 Back of House Winner, City of Glasgow College, said: “Toque d'Or has taught me that hard work, resilience and a positive attitude can take you much further than you could ever imagine. You're bound to have moments where you don't feel at your best, but you learn to keep going, adapt and never give up.
“The trip showed me just how diverse the hospitality industry is and how many opportunities it offers. Meeting the Danish Bocuse d'Or team and going behind the scenes in some incredible kitchens was hugely inspiring. The organisation, attention to detail and respect they have for their craft are qualities I'll take back into my own career. I also believe experiences like this help show the next generation what modern hospitality is really about – passionate, supportive professionals working together to achieve exceptional standards. The more we can showcase that side of hospitality, the more young people we'll inspire to see it as an exciting and rewarding career".
Declan Sloan, 2026 Front of House Winner, Ayrshire College, said: “My Toque d’Or experience has completely changed the way I think about hospitality and the career opportunities available. Not only through my time competing, but also during our trip across Scandinavia, where I saw just how many different career paths exist within the industry.
“It also highlighted how important it is for the industry to continue creating opportunities for young people to step outside their comfort zones, ask questions and immerse themselves in new experiences, because that’s where confidence and inspiration can grow. I’ve come home with a much broader perspective, greater confidence in my own abilities and a real excitement for where a career in hospitality could take me".
Trip highlights
The trip began with barista training at Zoégas in Helsingborg, Sweden, followed by a visit to Malmö and a unique sensory experience at the Disgusting Food Museum before enjoying an authentic meal at Bullen.
In Copenhagen, the winners took part in a Suba Knives experience and met the Danish Bocuse d’Or team. Further highlights included exploring the streets of Copenhagen, taking part in a canal tour, and enjoying an immersive culinary experience at French-Nordic fusion Michelin-star restaurant, The Samuel.
Nathan and Declan then travelled to Dragsholm Slot, a luxury castle hotel in Denmark, where they enjoyed lunch at The Stable before visiting Søren Wiuff. There, they explored the wide variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs grown for the fine-dining industry, including edible hemp, which later featured in one of their dishes. The visit was followed by a kitchen tour, storytelling session and herb walk with chefs Rasmus and Gustav, before an exquisite fine-dining experience at Michelin-starred restaurant Dragsholm Slot Gourmet.
The final stage of the trip took them to Stavanger, Norway. On Friday, they joined a guided city walk and enjoyed dinner at Grill & Berkel. Saturday brought a thrilling private boat safari through the Fjords, taking in the spectacular landscapes, followed by lunch at the Fish Market. The pair returned to Glasgow on Sunday, bringing an unforgettable Scandinavian adventure to a close.
Lorenzo Viganò, Managing Director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, said: “Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or is about helping emerging hospitality talent build confidence, broaden their horizons and understand the diverse career opportunities available within our industry.
“This year’s winners’ trip gave Nathan and Declan access to exceptional food, drink and hospitality experiences across three countries, from specialist skills training and craftsmanship to Michelin-starred dining and Scandinavian approaches to service.
“They have shown enormous talent and professionalism throughout the competition, and it’s exciting to know their Toque d’Or experience has inspired them to continue learning, challenging themselves and making their mark on the industry".
For more information about this year’s winners’ trip and to receive the latest updates on the 2027 Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or competition, please click here.
