The competition is supported by industry partners including Russums and Savoy Educational Trust, who help champion the development of emerging talent across the hospitality sector.

Led by chef Kate Austen and hospitality professional Andy Downton, the judging panel selected the finalists for showcasing incredible levels of passion, skill and professionalism under pressure.

The Heats welcomed 24 Back-of-House (BOH) and 24 Front-of-house (FOH) competitors, offering each the opportunity to put their skills to the test in challenges designed to reflect real-world hospitality scenarios and the evolving demands of the industry.

Austen tasked BOH competitors to create a main course dish inspired by Scandinavian flavours and food culture. The finalists chose from at least one Maggi foodservice product alongside a larder of fresh ingredients supplied by Creed Foodservice.

BOH competitors also showcased their skills in a dessert challenge led by Country Style Foods, which saw them create a meringue roulade inspired by one of Nestlé’s branded dessert ingredients: KitKat, Aero, Milkybar, Munchies or Rolo. 

The two champions will win the prize of travelling around Scandinavia later this year, exploring the forward-thinking food scenes of Copenhagen in Denmark and Helsingborg in Sweden.

The Front-of-House (FOH) competitors advancing to the Grand Finals in May are:

• Joshua Trott - Loughborough College
• Brittany Juma - Cheshire College South & West
• Cameron S Symon – UHI Perth
• Taya Allen – UHI Perth
• Amelia Osborne - Barnsley College
• Declan Sloan - Ayrshire College

Back-of-House (BOH) finalists joining them are:

• Ioan Duffield - University College Birmingham
• Daniel Horsley - University College Birmingham
• Nathan Derek Short - City of Glasgow College
• Daisy Knight - Westminster Capital City College
• Viacheslav Marynychenko - Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group
• Lewis Mcleman - Loughborough College

Lorenzo Viganò, managing director at Nestlé Professional UK&I, said: “The calibre of competition on show at this year’s Heats has been exceptional. The creativity, skill, and professionalism demonstrated by each competitor highlights the strength and enthusiasm of young talent within our industry.

“Toque d’Or is designed to give students meaningful, real-world experience as well as the confidence to push themselves further. Our 12 finalists have earned their place through hard work and determination, and I look forward to seeing how they build on this success during Finals week.”

The 38th edition of Finals week will take place from 10-14th May 2026, with the winners announced during an Awards Lunch on 12th June 2026.