Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or reveals winners of 35th competition

Amber Clay and Joshua Kerr have been announced as the winners of the 35th Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or competition.

Clay, from University College Birmingham, received the back of house (BOH) award, while Kerr, from City of Glasgow College, won front of house (FOH).

The results were announced in a glamorous ceremony at Landing 42 in the City of London, which was attended by over 200 people.

The twelve finalists, aged between 18 and 25, took part in a rigorous Grand Finals Week on 5-9 June, which involved creating sustainably sourced menus, foraging for food, producing latte art and designing Brazilian-inspired vodka cocktails.

Highlights included a trip to Borough Castle, which is part of farmer-owner dairy cooperative First Milk; a chocolate masterclass from Nestlé’s Senior Confectioner, John Costello; and a visit to Ellers Farm Distillery.

Finals week culminated in the Fine Dining Challenge at the Grand, York, where competitors had to recreate Tommy Banks’ menu to partners, sponsors and hospitality leaders.

Banks, chef-owner of the Michelin-starred Black Swan in Oldstead and a judge on the Toque d’Or competition, said: “The Fine Dining Challenge was the perfect culmination of their journey, allowing them to showcase their talent and creativity to esteemed partners and influential leaders across the hospitality industry. It was an incredible experience, and I’m proud to have been able to play my part.”

Banks was joined by fellow judges MasterChef Festive knockout winner Louisa Ellis; sommelier Raul Diaz; and 2021 FOH Toque d’Or winner Sophie Taylor.

BOH winner Clay said: “It’s an incredible feeling to win the back of house competition. I’ve been thrown into the deep end, met some amazing people and learnt to not let fear hold me back.

FOH winner Kerr added: “I’m really proud of myself. To get to the final and be up against such talented people, who I now call friends, is a real privilege.”

As part of their victory, the pair will be flying out to Brazil to learn about sustainable coffee in Espirito Santo, as well as enjoy the sights of Rio de Janeiro.

Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, commented: “The competition epitomises our commitment to working closely with industry to support the next generation of hospitality professionals, providing them with the platform to really showcase their skills and creative flair. As part of this, it’s been a real pleasure to see so many pioneering businesses championing sustainability in our industry.”

Watch the Fine Dining Challenge at the Grand, York on our Instagram