Toque d'Or® 2027: the UK hospitality competition shaping Tomorrow's Table

Toque d'Or 2027
Toque d'Or® 2027
The UK hospitality competition shaping Tomorrow's Table

Nestlé Professional's Toque d'Or® paves the way for the next generation of hospitality pioneers. Now in its 39th year, the competition gives ambitious front of house and back of house college students the chance to learn from leading industry experts, build real-world skills and show what they can do.

Our 2027 theme: Tomorrow's Table

This year, students will use today's food and drink trends to shape the menus, drinks, service and guest experiences of tomorrow.  

Hospitality is changing fast. What and when guests eat is shifting, and diners expect more than a great plate of food. Sustainability now matters in every decision too. Tomorrow's Table gives students the skills employers need right now: 

  • Future menus and drinks: turning trends into dishes and drinks guests will want to order 
  • Sustainable hospitality: plant-forward thinking, less waste and knowing where ingredients come from 
  • Memorable experiences: service, storytelling and presentation that make the whole occasion stand out 

Win a trip to the Netherlands

Our 2027 winners will travel to the Netherlands, a living laboratory for Tomorrow's Table, for an unforgettable end to their Toque d'Or® journey. They'll see the future of food service up close through food science and technology, innovative farming, sustainable seafood and design-led hospitality. Along the way, they'll meet inspiring producers and hospitality experts, taste delicious food and drink, discover vibrant cities and Dutch culture, and have plenty of fun together. They'll return with new ideas, new connections and memories to last a lifetime as they take the next step in their careers.

Toque d'Or 2026 Highlights
Toque d'Or 2023 finalists jumping for joy at the farm

Why enter the Toque d'Or® hospitality competition?

Lesson Nestle
Once-in-a-lifetime Opportunity
Take on exciting challenges built around the trends shaping hospitality.
Toque Dor-2024
Learn from industry leaders
Gain front and back of house experience alongside leading professionals.
Heats kitchen
Real-world experience
Bridge the gap between the classroom and the industry.

Hear from our 2026 Champions

Toque d'Or has taught me that hard work, resilience and a positive attitude can take you much further than you could ever imagine. The winners' trip was the cherry on the cake – an absolutely fantastic experience I will never forget.

Nathan Derek Short, Back of House Winner 2026, City of Glasgow College

My Toque d'Or experience has completely changed the way I think about hospitality and the career opportunities available… 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.

Declan Sloan, Front of House Winner 2026, Ayrshire College

The history of Toque d'Or®

Launched in 1989, Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or® is one of the UK's most prestigious hospitality competitions. It was born out of a passion for innovation, and for 39 years it has inspired and trained ambitious college students alongside influential supporters, judges and businesses. 

 

Toque d'Or 2027 logo

The challenges change every year to reflect the latest trends, so the experience stays fresh and relevant. Teamwork is at the heart of the competition. Role reversal tasks give front and back of house students a taste of each other's roles and build real understanding between the two. 

Through practical, business-focused tasks, students develop the technical, commercial and soft skills they need to succeed. That's why Toque d'Or® is still recognised for its influential training and its focus on sustainability and hospitality trends.

News from Toque d'Or®

Toque d’Or® 2026 Winners Return Inspired Following Scandinavian Prize Trip

Our 2026 champions Nathan Derek Short and Declan Sloan have returned from an unforgettable prize trip across Denmark, Sweden and Norway, where they explored the people, places and experiences shaping Scandinavian hospitality. 

Meet the Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or® 2026 Champions

We’re proud to present the winners of the 38th-anniversary edition of Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or. Following an exhilarating Grand Finals Week, which saw our final 12 go head-to-head in a series of intense challenges, we have crowned our two deserving champions.

2025 Toque d'Or Winners Urge Industry to Nurture Young Hospitality Talent

The 2025 Toque d’Or winners have urged operators to nurture young talent and create better career opportunities in hospitality, after returning from their culinary trip prize to Italy.