Loughborough Hospitality and Catering Students Head to National Competition Semi Finals

Three students from the Hospitality and Catering course based at Loughborough College have proven they’re worth their salt as they have reached the National Heats of the prestigious Toque d’Or competition.

Level 3 Diploma in Professional Patisserie and Confectionery student Josh Trott beat out nearly 400 applicants to reach the shortlist, with just 12 other Colleges from across the country competing in the Front of House section of the competition. Joining him in the Back of House competition are fellow Level 3 Patisserie student Lewis McLeman and Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cooking student, Felix Barratt-Jones.

The Toque d’Or, hosted by Nestlé Professional, allows students from across the country to gain invaluable insights from leading industry professionals, developing skills and knowledge for their careers ahead. The chance to compete is also a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of the culinary world through creative and thoughtful challenges.

Curriculum Head for Hospitality, Travel and Aviation, Darren Creed shared: “Josh, Lewis, and Felix are outstanding students and to get this far in such a distinguished competition is an incredible achievement. We have every faith they’ll do the entire Radmoor Restaurant and Loughborough College Group community proud.”

The nail-biting finals are being held at the Grand Cookery School in York, where Josh, Lewis, and Felix will be put to the test, learning the art of customer service over two action-packed days of competition. Judges from the industry, Nestlé Professional, and former Toque d’Or winners will be on hand to provide support and knowledge to this year’s cohort.

This isn’t the first time learners have flown the flag for Loughborough College at Toque d’or. Last year, Level 3 Professional Cookery student Tom Brassington was named Back of House champion at the competition, earning an all expenses paid culinary trip to Italy. Tom was also on the winning Zest Quest Asia team with classmate Lewis, who will be hoping for back-to-back victories over his most recent competitions.

All three of our competitors are hoping to make it to the competition’s Grand Final in May. This year’s first prize includes an exciting trip across Scandinavia, offering the winners the chance to learn from world-renowned industry professionals, and experience unique international culinary cultures.