Handling joins Toque d'Or judging panel

Nestlé Professional has announced its judging panel for the upcoming 37th edition of the Toque d’Or competition. The line-up features some of the UK’s most influential chefs and culinary leaders, including Adam Handling, whose portfolio includes the acclaimed restaurants Frog and Ugly Butterfly.

Chef Tom Booton also joins the panel for 2025, alongside George Hersey, Handling’s front-of-house restaurant director, and Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop, winner of the 2023 Gold Service Scholarship and footman at The Royal Household. The experts will be joined by Geraldine Sierra Torres from Westminster Kingsway College, the 2024 Toque d'Or back-of-house winner, alongside Jasmine Ferdinando, the front-of-house winner from York College. 

A wealth of expertise

Handling brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to sustainability, having established a reputation for his distinctive approach to modern British cuisine. Booton, executive chef of The Grill at The Dorchester, returns to the panel after this year's stint, sharing his knowledge of contemporary British flavours. 

“Toque d'Or is such an incredible platform for celebrating the passion and potential of young creatives in our industry, and I’m looking forward to being part of it for 2025," said Handling. "Hospitality changed my life when I chose to pursue an apprenticeship at Gleneagles when I was 16, and I never looked back.

"For anyone willing to work hard and stay resilient through challenges, this industry offers incredible opportunities and room to grow. These students have been given the opportunity to explore the industry through this competition – they will be the ones shaping the next generation of hospitality, and it’s exciting to be a part of that process.”

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