Register Your Students Now For Chance to Gain Experience from Culinary Superstar Sally Abé
Registrations are well underway for Toque d’Or 2026 and while early signs indicate it could be one of the best competitions yet, things have just got a lot more exciting…
If you missed the news, here’s a reminder of the all-important update: We have announced Sally Abé as head judge for next year’s competition!
Joining Sally on the Toque d’Or panel will be respected chef Kate Austen and seasoned hospitality professional Andy Downton.
Meet the Judges
Sally Abé, Chef and Head of Food at The Bull
Having worked at a number of top establishments including The Savoy, The Ledbury and Michelin-starred pub The Harwood Arms, Sally now leads a brigade of chefs at top Cotswolds gastropub The Bull. As well as sharing her expertise, she’ll work closely with next year’s finalists in a bespoke challenge centred around the competition theme of cultural fusion, diversity and innovation.
Andy Downton, Owner & Founder, Burnt Chocolate Consultancy
Bringing more than two decades of high-level hospitality experience, advising restaurants to help them grow and reach their full potential, independent consultant Andy Downton represents the final recruit for the 2026 competition. His 20-year career spans some of the UK’s most prestigious restaurants, including time at The Fat Duck and senior positions at City Social, Park Chinois and The Savoy.
Kate Austen, Private Chef
From working for Gordon Ramsay as senior development chef to becoming the youngest female head chef of a two-Michelin starred restaurant, Kate has honed her skills at the highest level. This was recognised in 2024, when she became the first woman to win the main course on BBC2’s Great British Menu. Kate’s creative flair and refined approach to contemporary European cuisine, influenced heavily by her time in Scandinavia, will help inspire the budding chefs and restaurateurs competing.
The trio will be joined by last year’s winners, Tom Brassington and Katie Blundell, who will share their experience and insight as former competitors turned mentors.
Don’t Miss Out on What Promises to Be a Lifelong Learning Experience
College lecturers have until Thursday 15 January 2026 to register their Level 2, 3, and 4 back and front-of-house students, aged between 18 to 25. To register and find out more about the competition’s format, timeline and full T&Cs, please click here.
