Champ to a ‘tea’ - Raising a glass to Toque d’Or victor Georgia

A former college student who became head waitress at The Ivy in Birmingham at the age of just 19 has won at this year’s Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or national finals.

Georgia Wheatley, who completed Level 2 in Bar, Cocktail and Professional Service and Level 3 in Mixology, Advanced Wine, Supervision and Events at University College Birmingham, was hailed best front of house young professional at the high profile awards after impressing a judging panel of top chefs.

These included Toque d’Or winner turned food writer and influencer Julie Jones and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Louisa Ellis.

Georgia, who won a once-in-a-lifetime experiential foodie tour, was one of nearly 1,000 hospitality students, apprentices and young professionals representing 40 colleges and 40 businesses in the UK to enter the competition, making the final 12 with her flair, knowledge and natural affinity for customer service.

She had to go head-to-head in a week of challenges – performed both virtually and in a Covid-safe environment at the Nestlé Professional Gatwick HQ – which all centred around the creation of a high quality Toque d’Or 2021 recipe book.

The 21-year-old from Halesowen, who worked part-time at Michelin-starred Simpsons during her studies, said: “This has honestly been one of the best moments of my life. It’s such a prestigious competition and to know I’m up there in the hall of fame is amazing.

“The whole thing has been great and I’ve made a good couple of friendships that will last me for a long, long time.” 

Four titles up for grabs

With four titles - back of house and front of house student, and back of house and front of house apprentice/young professional - up for grabs, each day of the finals offered a new challenge, encouraging finalists to develop new and hone existing skills and impress the judges.

Finalists received world-class tuition from judges on all aspects including recipe writing and creation, engaging personal biographies, food photography and social media. Competitors were asked to post about the experience using #Toquedor2021.

While finalists were able to attend the awards ceremony, presented by TV personality Mark Durden-Smith, this year’s awards were streamed virtually amid the ongoing restrictions imposed by Covid-19.