Amber Clay and Joshua Kerr win 35th edition of Toque d’Or competition

They were among 12 finalists aged between 18 and 25 competing in the 35th-anniversary edition of the competition, run by Nestlé Professional, in the Grand Finals Week on 5 to 9 June.

The four-day final saw participants create sustainably sourced menus, forage for food, undertake a confectionery challenge, create Brazilian-inspired vodka cocktails, and learn about sustainable farming and production.

Throughout the week, competitors received mentorship and advice from the judging panel as well as a number of guest judges and partners, led chef Tommy Banks; MasterChef Festive Knockout winner, Louisa Ellis; educator, sommelier and wine expert, Raul Diaz; and 2021 front of house (FOH) Toque d’Or winner, Sophie Taylor.

Kerr, who was named FOH winner says: “To get to the final and be up against such talented people, who I now call friends, is a real privilege. Standing here as the winner of the front of house competition is the icing on the cake to what has been an incredible experience. It means so much and has given me an extra boost of confidence to really push myself in my career.”

Clay was named back of house (BOH) winner. She says: “It’s an incredible feeling to win the back of house competition. I’ve been thrown into the deep end, met some amazing people and learnt to not let fear hold me back. From meeting and cooking with Tommy Banks to learning about sustainable dairy farming, I've been able to develop a variety of new skills which will help me in my future career in hospitality.”