Having triumphed at the regional heats, the colleges now go through to the grand final in May when teams will have to participate in an intensive four day long competition, designed to be a fun learning experience at the same time as putting the students through their paces with a wide range of hospitality-related challenges and tasks.

Previous grand final challenges have included cooking and serving lunch at the Armed Forces culinary training centre in Winchester using basic equipment under a military mess tent, and getting involved in the catering preparations for the VIP suites at the O2 Arena for the opening night of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s 2012 UK tour.

Nestlé Professional managing director, Neil Stephens, said: “We like to think that the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition has become renowned for really testing the mettle of the students and challenging them in all areas, from top-line business planning to exceptional cooking and customer services skills, often in pretty radical settings.

“This year’s grand final will be no different and if anything, to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’ll be looking to push the boundaries even further.”

The winning team will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime work experience placement with renowned chef Anton Mosimann, while all finalists are being offered a week-long paid placement with contract caterer CH&Co as part of the Nestlé Toque d’Or ‘Take One’ work placement initiative.

For more information about the competition visit www.nestle-toquedor.co.uk