Tommy Banks joins Toque d’Or judging panel

Nestlé Professional has announced that chef and restaurateur Tommy Banks will join the panel of judges for its 35th edition of Toque d’Or.

Banks will bring his experience in sustainability and farm-to-fork dining to the panel of judges.

Entries are closing soon, so back and front of house students on Level 2, 3 and 4 courses are being urged to complete their entries today.

Banks, three-time Toqie d'Or winner and veteran judge on BBC1’s Great British Menu, owns two Michelin-starred restaurants in North Yorkshire, a premium food box business and canned wine brand. As a staunch advocate of farm-to-fork dining, he has earned a Michelin green star for his continued pursuit of sustainability. As well as sharing his expertise, he’ll welcome this year's finalists to his sustainable farm, where they’ll learn about farming techniques and have the chance to forage, harvest fruit and vegetables, and see livestock.

Banks joins judges Louisa Ellis, who won Masterchef: The Professionals in its 2020 'Festive Knockout' edition; educator, sommelier and wine expert Raul Diaz; 2021 front of house Toque d’Or winner and chef de partie at the Gleneagles Townhouse Sophie Taylor; Nestlé Professional’s head of training for hot beverages Ryan Burke; and development chef at Nestlé Professional Justin Clarke.

Banks said: “Toque d’Or is a unique opportunity for college students to explore different careers and learn about the latest industry trends. I’m delighted to be involved in this year’s competition, and I'm looking forward to mentoring and meeting the industry’s finest young hospitality talent.”

Katya Simmons, managing director at Nestlé Professional UK&I, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tommy to the Toque d’Or judging panel. He has outstanding experience and knowledge of foodservice and retail – sectors which are converging in many cases, showing the diverse opportunities available in hospitality careers. His farming background and Michelin green star underline Toque d’Or’s continued theme of sustainability, and we’re excited about bringing this knowledge and passion to the table.

“With Tommy on the judging team alongside such a diverse range of highly talented industry experts, this year’s Toque d’Or is set to be one to remember. But with time running out, students need to be in it to win it, so we’re urging lecturers to extend this learning opportunity to their students, registering budding hospitality superstars before time runs out.”

To register and find out more about the competition training, enter today.