Toque d'Or announces 2021 finalists

Nestlé Professional has announced the 12 finalists of this year’s Toque d'Or competition, following a heat that saw 112 back- and front-of-house  students, apprentices and young professionals from across the UK compete in a virtual competition.

Three back-of-house students; three back-of-house apprentices/young professionals; three front-of-house students and three front-of-house apprentices/young professionals are heading to the grand finals.

The grand finals will take place from 28 June to 2 July, with the winners announced during the live awards presentation on YouTube on Friday 30 July. 

The competition will be judged by MasterChef: The Professionals, The Festive Knockout winner Louisa Ellis, educator and drinks expert Alison Taffs, Robert Smith from Shuttersmith as well as guest judges who are yet to be announced.

It is hoped that the grand finals can be performed in person, however the team at Toque d'Or will follow government guidelines. 

“We were overwhelmed by the standard of competition in the heats, and I would like to congratulate everyone who has taken part," comments Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I. "You are a credit to our industry."

"I am delighted for our 12 finalists and I’m sure they are excited about what awaits them during the finals. Good luck to all!”

The 12 finalists are:

Back-of-house students

Rebecca Bourne, University College Birmingham
Sarah Morton, New City College London (Hackney)
Liam Hanson, Blackpool and the Fylde College

Back-of-house apprentices/young professionals

Amy Bilton, Sparrow Lewisham
Dipen Patel, Just a bite
Kenny Markham, Burnt Lemon Chefs

Front-of-house students

Sophie Taylor, Edinburgh College
Jessica Nicholson, Sheffield College
Marc Barker, Isle of Wight College

Front-of-house apprentices/young professionals

Georgia Wheatley, University College Birmingham
Bryn Williams, Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa
Jess Metcalf, The Isle of Wight College

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