Welcome to the Toque d’Or Community where you’ll find information about what previous judges had to say, alumni, competitors and much more.
2022 Highlights
Toque d'Or 2022 Highlights
“I won this wonderful competition in 1974 and thanks to this first gold medal I got a job offer at the Dorchester 12 months later. I took over 172 chefs in the kitchen, I was only 28 and it was a fantastic experience. So thank you to Nestlé and thanks to Toque d’Or® I’m here today.”
Anton Mosimann OBE, DL
“The industry more than ever needs young, hungry talent and this competition grabs that, embraces it and puts it out there. I think that’s a wonderful thing and we really need to keep nurturing this.”
James Tanner, Chef and Proprietor, The Kentish Hare
“Toque d’Or is such a great foundation for these chefs to build on for their career. The skills they’ll develop during the competition will stay with them throughout their journey and be something to draw on in interviews, work and beyond.”
Adam Bateman, Group Operations and Development Chef, InterContinental Hotel Group
Find out more from the contestants
Of course, we think Toque d’Or is a fantastic opportunity but don’t take our word for it…
“For anyone thinking of entering next year’s competition, my advice would be to do it! You learn so many new skills and ideas, as well as grow in confidence throughout the whole experience.”
Alex Dick, Front of House student winner 2020
“The toque for 2020 competition tested a different range of skill. As well as testing our culinary skills, in order to run a successful business, it’s vital to be able to present and produce a business plan, so this was a great way to test the competitors! I found it really helpful and an amazing set of skills that will be very useful when I hopefully open my own restaurant! I would 100% encourage anyone who is able to… the people you meet and the experiences throughout the competition are ones not to be missed!“
Lily Stock, Back of House student winner 2020
“Thank you so much for having a competition like this, and providing young people with such great opportunities and experiences throughout.”
Faiha Ahmed, University College Birmingham, 2019 College Winner
“It gives me the confidence to go back in the kitchen and think I am worth what I’m doing. I can make a stand; I can make a difference as a chef.”
Drew Dawson, The Ned, 2019 Apprentice Winner
“If there was somebody wanting to enter Toque d’Or I would say to them absolutely go for it. It’s fantastic, you’re going to have the most incredible experience from start to finish, whether you get all the way through or only a part of it.”
Yasmine Selwood, University College Birmingham, 2019 College Winner
“It’s the first time I’ve ever done any competition so to come here, have such an amazing experience, meet some really good people, enjoy myself and then win at the end? It’s like I’ve won twice.”
Alan Martin, City of Glasgow College College Competition Winner 2018
“You learn a lot about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, where you can improve and how you come across to other people. I’d love to win but it is about the experience and having fun!”
Rebecca Baxter, University of Derby College Competition Finalist 2018
“Toque d’Or is different to every other competition and so different from college. Here you are in at the deep end, working with real customers, in a real kitchen and the pressure is immense. It has given us a stepping stone to our future with contacts, connections and experience.”
Megan Lyke, University College Birmingham, College Winners 2016