Former back and front-of-house champions Lily Stock and Tara Humphrey have both gone on to do ‘incredible things’ in the industry since winning the competition.

Looking back at their own Toque d’Or experiences, the duo bring to life how the competition has impacted their own career development, in a bid to inspire the 2025 cohort. 

After winning the 2020 BOH competition, Lily has successfully set up a cake business, landed a role as head pastry chef at the age of 21 and is now embarking on a third season in France working as a private chalet chef.

Lily said: “Toque d’Or opened my eyes up to the many sectors within hospitality and the diverse career paths available. Collaborating with other talented chefs during the competition taught me to see challenges and scenarios from different perspectives, inspiring me to learn new skills.

“I competed virtually due to Covid, and so I used this as an opportunity to optimise my professional social media profile, which has since become a valuable tool for my career, such as promoting my cake business. Winning Toque d’Or not only gave me a huge sense of accomplishment but it also set me apart in the industry, creating opportunities I never thought were possible.” 

2022 FOH winner, Tara is about to start a new role as junior head waitress at a luxury hotel after gaining invaluable experience in one of Glasgow’s two Michelin-starred restaurants.

Tara commented: “Hospitality can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Before Toque d’Or I was too nervous to pour wine at a table, as I was worried I’d spill it. By the final, I was confidently serving everything from red wine to sparkling – like I’d done it for years.

“The competition pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, enabling me to learn and grow so much, from understanding service flow to working as part of a team under pressure. Now, working in a luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel, I carry those lessons with me every day. For anyone considering this journey, just be yourself, get stuck in, and enjoy it.” 

College lecturers can register and find out more about the competition’s format and timeline, by visiting: Toque d’Or® Hospitality Competition | Nestlé Professional.