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Toque d'or '24 Heats Shortlist Announcement Graphic

Toque d'Or® 2024 competition - shortlist to the National Heats revealed

We’re delighted to announce the shortlist of college students advancing to the Heats of our 2024 Toque d’Or competition, after a competitive entry process which saw almost 400 applications from individual students across the UK.

Taking place at The Grand Cookery School in York during 12-13th March 2024, the Heats will host 48 FOH and BOH students.

Colleges with shortlisted students for the Heats include:

Ayrshire College Kilmarnock Campus Barnsley College Cheshire College South and West
City Of Glasgow College Coleg Cambria Coleg Menai
Exeter College Hugh Baird College Loughborough College
Middlesbrough College Milton Keynes College New City College Chadwell Heath Campus
New City College Redbridge Newcastle College Nottingham College City Hub
Perth College UHI The Sheffield College University College Birmingham
Vision West Nottinghamshire College Warrington Vale Royal College Westminster Kingsway College

 


To see the full list of shortlisted entrants for the Heats, please visit here

Toque d’Or is one of my favourite events in the calendar year. It’s a good reminder of just how much future talent we have to look forward to as an industry. I’m delighted to welcome the 48 shortlisted candidates to the next stage of the competition. This year, the Heats has a fantastic judging panel comprising young industry talent like Chef Tom Booton, experts from within Nestlé Professional, and former Toque d’Or stars. Contestants are set to experience a learning opportunity of a lifetime, and I wish all of them the best of luck!
Katya Simmons
Katya Simmons
Managing Director Nestlé Professional UK&I


What can competitors expect to learn?

During the Heats, BOH competitors will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of plant-based menus while FOH competitors will be able to learn about the art of customer service. The two action-packed days will comprise a mix of judges from the industry, Nestlé Professional, and former Toque d’Or competitors – both finalists and winners – providing a platform for them to continue to develop their knowledge and also pass on their advice to this year’s cohort.

This year’s competition is set to be one to remember with a truly impressive shortlist of candidates moving into the National Heats. It’s not just about the win though; it’s about the journey of growth, learning, and the chance to work with the best in our field. I’m eager to get going and can’t wait to be part of the action.
Tom Booton
Tom Booton
Executive Chef

BOH judges for the Heats include:  

  • Tom Booton, executive chef of The Grill by Tom Booton (At The Dorchester)
  • John Costello, Senior Confectioner, Nestlé
  • Paul Hawkins, Nestlé Professional Development Chef
  • Emily Simkins, 2023 BOH finalist, North Hertfordshire College

 

FOH judges for the Heats include:  

  • Aaron Dunn and Jo Walsh, Nestlé Professional’s coffee trainers
  • Antonia MacFarlane, 2018 FOH winner, City of Glasgow College
  • Sophie Taylor, 2021 FOH winner, Edinburgh College
  • Joshua Kerr, 2023 FOH winner, City of Glasgow College

 

After first competing in 2017 and winning in 2018, I can confidently say that the Toque d’Or experience changes the trajectory of your career. I am thrilled to be involved as a FOH judge this year; it will be fantastic to see familiar faces and relive my own time in the competition.
Antonia Nestle
Antonia MacFarlane
2018 FOH Winner

2024 Toque d'Or Key Dates:  

Heats: 12th – 13th March

Grand Finals Week: 21st – 25th April

Awards: 7th June

Winner's trip: 1st Week of July

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