Standout Catering Student Tom Wins Prestigious Hospitality Competition
Tuesday 10th June 2025
Level 3 Professional Cookery student, Tom Brassington has earnt a new trophy for the Radmoor Restaurant, being named back-of-house (BoH) champion at this year’s Nestlé Toque d’Or competition.
During an action-packed grand finals week late last month, Tom took part in masterclasses and challenges with world renowned professionals, including those from Pizza Pilgrims, Wyken Vineyards, and the Michelin-starred restaurant, Frog.
For the final fine dining challenge of the competition, held at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, Tom undertook the task of creating and serving a sustainable three-course menu, highlighting seasonal ingredients and minimising environmental impact. Paired with a front-of-house (FoH) contestant, Tom created a menu that included chicken chasseur with seasonal greens, mushrooms, and potato rosti, and a dessert of elderflower panna cotta with strawberry jelly and poached summer berries.
Sharing his excitement, Curriculum Manager for Hospitality and Catering at Loughborough College, Darren Creed said: “We couldn’t be more proud of Tom and everything he has achieved. He is a true ambassador for not only Radmoor Restaurant, but also all of Loughborough College. My colleague Kate Boden and I have mentored him, and it has been a pleasure to see his star rise.”
Having been presented with his trophy, Tom has also been awarded with a prize fund, provided by the Savoy Educational Trust, and will embark on a culinary tour of Italy. Setting off next month, Tom and FoH winner Katie Blundell from Hugh Baird College will explore Italian cuisine, taste regional specialities, and immerse themselves in the country’s gastronomy.
Tom shared: “This win means a lot to me, it’s the first competition I’ve done by myself and I’ve loved the whole experience. It’s been outstanding, and I’m looking forward to the trip to Italy in July.”
This win is the latest title for Tom, who earlier this year took the top prize at Zest Quest Asia with classmates Lewis McLeman, and Cam McGinty. He is also a finalist at the UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year competition, set to be announced later this month.
