Nestlé Professional is proud to announce the finalists of this year’s Toque d'Or Competition.
After a fantastic Heat, which saw a massive 112 Back and Front of House students, apprentices and young professionals from across the country battle it out in a virtual competition, the field has been narrowed to just 12 finalists.
Three Back of House students; three Back of House apprentices/young professionals; three Front of House students and three Front of House apprentices/young professionals are heading into the Grand Finals which will be hosted during the last week of June. Over the course of the Finals, finalists will be put through their paces with a host of exciting challenges and opportunities to develop a variety of skills, and each day will contain a different challenge, allowing finalists to put their newly gained skills to use in an exciting and fun way.
It is hoped that the Grand Finals can be performed in person, however the team at Toque d'Or is following government guidelines.
Katya Simmons, Managing Director of Nestlé Professional UK&I says: “We were overwhelmed by the standard of competition in the heats, and I would like to congratulate everyone who has taken part. You are a credit to our industry.
I am delighted for our 12 finalists and I’m sure they are excited about what awaits them during the Finals. Good luck to all!”
The Grand Finals will take place from 28 June – 2 July, with the winners announced during the live Awards presentation on YouTube on Friday 30th July. The competition will be judged by MasterChef: The Professionals, The Festive Knockout winner Louisa Ellis, educator and drinks expert Alison Taffs, Robert Smith from Shuttersmith as well as guest judges who are yet to be announced.
The 12 finalists are:
Back of House Students
Rebecca Bourne, University College Birmingham
Sarah Morton, New City College London (Hackney)
Liam Hanson, Blackpool and the Fylde College
Back of House Apprentices/Young Professionals
Amy Bilton, Sparrow Lewisham
Dipen Patel, Just a bite
Kenny Markham, Burnt Lemon Chefs
Front of House Students
Sophie Taylor, Edinburgh College
Jessica Nicholson, Sheffield College
Marc Barker, Isle of Wight College
Front of House Apprentices/Young Professionals
Georgia Wheatley, University College Birmingham
Bryn Williams, Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa
Jess Metcalf, The Isle of Wight College
Notes to editors:
Launched in 1989, the competition was born out of a passion for hospitality excellence, to inspire the next generation and to provide opportunities to further their knowledge in the hospitality industry. The competition aims to educate and test entrants in both practical, service-based and business focused tasks, concentrating on key areas such as social media promotion, business management and sustainable food and drink.
For more information, follow Toque d’Or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram - @nestletoquedor as well as LinkedIn @Nestlé Professional.
Nestlé Professional
At Nestlé Professional, Hospitality is more than just a business. It is our business. For the Hospitality Industry, this means inspiring the next generation of culinary talent through Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or; striving in the field in Nutrition, Health and Wellness; and collaborating with the Industry for a more sustainable future. From coffee to cocoa, and from food waste to water, we work with farmers, chefs and operators continually to help make strides towards sustainability.
After all, for our partners and for the Industry, Hospitality is our business...