18th April 2023

Nestlé Professional reveals shortlist for Toque d’Or Heats

Written by: Edward Waddell
Nestlé Professional has announced the shortlist of college students who have made it through into the Toque d’Or Heats, which are taking place at Nestlé HQ from 15-18th May 2023.

With several days crammed with challenges and expert mentoring, every entrant that makes it through is set to ‘enjoy a learning experience of a lifetime’. Open to Back and Front of House students on *Levels 2, 3 or 4, nearly 400 registrations have been received as part of the entry stage of this year’s Toque d’Or. 

To qualify, students had to record and upload a 30-second video to YouTube, explaining their passion for hospitality and reasons for entering Toque d’Or. 

Back of House entrants prepared and cooked a piece of sustainable fish, submitting a menu description and photos of the mise-en-place, fish knife skills and final dish. Front of House students laid up a table inspired by a theme of their choice and created a coffee drink inspired by the same theme. 

Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, said: “Each and every year of the competition, I’m taken aback by the level of passion, skill and commitment shown in people’s entries. It’s a real privilege to see and reaffirms how much future talent we have to look forward to as an industry.  

“I’m delighted to welcome all the shortlisted candidates to the next stage of the competition, the heats. The bar has been set extremely high and exceeded our expectations, so we’re excited to see how the rest of the competition shapes up.

“We hope all the incredible action that unfolds over the coming weeks and months has a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to think differently about the wonderful world of hospitality and the career opportunities available. Good luck to all the 2023 competitors.”

The Heats will feature 48 BOH and FOH students. Colleges with shortlisted students for the Heats include:

  • Edinburgh College
  • University College Birmingham
  • Sheffield College, City Campus
  • Westminster Kingsway College
  • Nottingham College
  • New City College Redbridge
  • Kirklees College
  • Newcastle College
  • Ayrshire College
  • North Hertfordshire College
  • Midkent College
  • New City College
  • MK College
  • Cheshire College South and West
  • Hugh Baird College
  • City of Glasgow College
  • Coleg Cambria
  • Cardiff and Vale College
  • South Cheshire College
  • York College
  • 152 Hardwick Lane
  • West Notts College
  • Middlesbrough College

To see the full list of shortlisted entrants for the Heats, visit: www.nestleprofessional.co.uk/toque-dor/latest-news/2023-competition-heats-shortlist.