Amelia serves up success at Nestlé Toque d’Or Grand Finals

Our exceptional Catering and Hospitality student Amelia Jones-Osborne impressed judges at the Grand Finals of the prestigious Nestle Toque d’Or, coming away with the Social Media Award.

Amelia was one of just six competitors from across the country in the Front of House (FOH) category, after success in the National Heats earlier this year.

Mentored by renowned chef Sally Abé and hospitality expert Andy Downton, Amelia competed against other students in four days of immersive challenges. She worked alongside her peers to create and serve sustainably sourced menus, craft signature cocktails and mocktails, and demonstrate knowledge of wine pairings and sustainability in fine dining settings.

While Amelia was unlucky not to win the competition, judges handed her the Social Media Award – a modern twist to the 38-year-old competition which recognises how important social media content is in today’s hospitality industry.

Amelia – who will be familiar to patrons of The Open Kitchen – said: “Throughout our week at the Finals, we had to post on social media everything we did using different methods to engage with others. It was all about how important social media is for attracting customers in the modern day.

“I was celebrated on my creativity in my posts and ability to meet modern day social media needs with attracting customers.

“It’s been a fantastic experience and I am so grateful not just to Nestlé but to my tutors, friends and family who have got me to where I am today.

“The competition has taught me so much about myself and I really feel like I’ve grown not just my skills and knowledge but as a person, and I am so excited to see where my future takes me.”