2025 Toque d'Or champions revealed
Each winning college has been awarded an additional £1,000 in prize funds as part of the £21,200 grant provided by the Savoy Educational Trust.
Nestlé Professional has announced the winners of the 37th edition of Toque d’Or. Thomas Brassington from Loughborough College was crowned back-of-house (BOH) champion, while Katie Blundell from Hugh Baird College took home the front-of-house (FOH) title.
Each winning college has been awarded an additional £1,000 in prize funds as part of the £21,200 grant provided by the Savoy Educational Trust, which has been rewarded to all colleges that participated in this year’s National Heats and Grand Finals. The two winners will also embark on a culinary trip to Italy.
‘I’ve loved the whole experience’
Brassington said: “This means a lot to me; it’s the first competition I’ve done by myself. I’ve loved the whole experience; it’s been outstanding and I’m looking forward to the winner’s trip in Italy.”
Blundell added: “It means everything to me, not just winning but the opportunity to improve my skills and learn things I didn’t know I was capable of doing.”
This year’s competition also marked the introduction of the Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award, to recognise two finalists who showcased exceptional levels of commitment to sustainability and environmental practices. Serin Hassan from Westminster Kingsway College scooped the special BOH prize, while Victoria Royer from Coleg Cambria took the FOH award.
Judge Adam Handling MBE said: “It was such a privilege to be part of Toque d’Or this year. The energy, the drive and the commitment these young people showed was seriously impressive. Competitions like this are where careers are made, and I have no doubt we’ll be seeing many of them doing amazing things in the years to come.”
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