The winning team from the college was made up of Megan Lyke, Katie Lewis and Jack Gameson.
Amongst the guests at the awards luncheon were Simon Hulstone, chef patron of The Elephant Restaurant in Devon, James Tanner, restaurateur and TV Personality, and Graham Hornigold, who is currently executive pastry chef for the Michelin-starred Hakkasan Group.
Speaking after the event, James Tanner, chairman of Judges, highlighted the importance of the competition and the role it plays in nurturing skills and inspiring talented youngsters: “This year, I have been completely bowled over by the passion, commitment and sheer talent that has shone through at every stage of the competition. It has been truly awe-inspiring. We may be in the midst of a talent crisis, but the level of passion and commitment demonstrated by these youngsters has been unquestionable.”
For Megan Lyke, a member of the winning team from University College Birmingham, the whole Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or experience has been truly inspirational: “Toque is different to every other competition. It is life changing, we know people will look at us differently. It has given us a stepping stone to our future with contacts, connections and experience.”
University College Birmingham saw off competition from of Glasgow College, Gloucestershire College, Sheffield City College, University of Derby Buxton and York College, who all faced a week of twists, turns and challenges at the four-day Grand Finals in March. This included creating and serving a three course menu at a Fine Dining Dinner in London for 48 VIP guests with front of house training from renowned London pub and restaurant chain ETM Group, covering a lunch and dinner service at Bill’s Restaurants across London, taking part in a Nutrition masterclass with Footprint Media and writer and Nutritionist Amanda Ursell, and a desserts masterclass led by Development Pastry Chef and former Toque d’Or® contestant, Thomas Leatherbarrow.
The winning team will now receive a ‘once in a lifetime’ prize, including a range of money-can’t-buy experiences to further enhance their CV’s and increase their employability, delivered over the course of the coming year.
In a surprise twist, this year, for the very first time, Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or is also breaking new ground with the unveiling of a new competition: Toque d’Or Apprentice. More details to follow.