Hugh Baird College student earns place in National finals

Nestlé Professional has announced Hugh Baird College L20 Hotel School student Joshua McCafferty as one of this year’s Toque d’Or competition finalists.

Competitors across the United Kingdom and Ireland took part in the National Heats for this year’s Toque d’Or Competition, showing the judges everything they had learned about balanced cuisines. 

The Toque d’Or is a prestigious Hospitality and Catering competition run by Nestlé Professional. The event is to encourage college students and apprentices, the future of the hospitality industry and to further their knowledge and experience in the industry. The competition focuses on practical, service-based and business tasks.

The competition is now narrowed down to its nine finalists, consisting of Back of House and Front of House contestants, including Joshua McCaffery of the L20 Hotel School at Hugh Baird College. 

Joshua showed his talent and skills throughout the competition, making it to the final 3 out of 500 competitors for the Front of House heats. 

Katya Simmons, Managing Director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, said:

“We were delighted this year to have a live Heat stage of the competition and again the standard was incredible. The talent the competitors displayed was overwhelming and everyone who has taken part should be very proud. They are all a credit to the hospitality industry.”

Stephen Otty, Curriculum Manager at Hugh Baird College, said:

“Joshua has excelled in the competition so far and we are incredibly proud and delighted that he has reached the Grand Finals. It’s a testament to his passion for the hospitality industry and his hard work with his College studies.”

“At the L20 Hotel School of Hugh Baird College, we strive to raise the aspirations of our learners so they one day reach the pinnacle of the industry. This experience for Joshua will help him toward his future career, which will no doubt be very successful.”

“The whole teaching team, and the whole College, wish Josua the best of luck during the Grand Finals.”

The Grand Finals take place from 25-29 April in London, with the winners announced on Friday 29 April. The Winners of this year’s competition will attend the World chefs Congress in Abu Dhabi and a food trip to Dubai. This year’s Toque d’Or Competition judges are MasterChef: The Professionals, Festive Knockout winner Louisa Ellis and wine expert Raul Diaz.