Nestlé Professional has revealed Tom Booton, executive chef of The Grill by Tom Booton (At The Dorchester), and Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop, winner of the 2023 Gold Service Scholarship and footman at The Royal Household, as the latest judges for Toque d’Or 2024.
Tom Booton is considered one of London’s most exciting young talents. In 2019, at the age of 26, he became the youngest chef to head up the kitchen at The Grill having previously worked at restaurants including Le Talbooth in Essex, the Michelin-starred Alyn Williams at The Westbury and L’Autre Pied. From his pot washing days at the age of 15 to now having his name above the door at the Park Lane hotel restaurant, Tom’s creative flair, attention to detail and extensive knowledge in modern British cuisine will help inspire the budding chefs and restaurateurs competing.
Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop is another coup for the competition and rounds off the 10-strong team of expert judges. An incredibly strong passion and enthusiasm for hospitality saw Jupiter become the 2023 Gold Service Scholarship’s Scholar at the tender age of 23. As well as scooping industry accolades at the start of her career, Jupiter is recognised in her current role at The Royal Household, and as a future leader of the industry with her position on the Institute of Hospitality Youth Council.
Tom and Jupiter join an incredibly talented judging panel including award-winning chef and restaurateur Tommy Banks; Creed Foodservice executive development chef Rob Owen; Nestlé’s senior confectioner John Costello; Nestlé Professional’s global executive chef Emmanuel Lorieux and coffee trainers Aaron Dunn and Jo Walsh. This year’s competition will also see the return of former Toque d’Or competitors – both winners and finalists – including 2021 FOH winner Sophie Taylor, 2018 FOH winner Antonia McFarlane, 2023 FOH winner Joshua Kerr and 2023 BOH finalist Emily Simkins.
Tom said: “For me, a combination of passion, hard work and determination is absolutely key in helping you achieve your career goals. My aspiration is to continue evolving as a chef in the industry and this includes joining a prestigious industry competition in Toque d’Or as back of house judge, where I look forward to giving back by inspiring others to follow their passion for food.”
Jupiter said: “My journey began in hospitality aged 15 and immediately lit a spark of passion for the industry. I realised early on in my career why I fell in love with hospitality; it’s all about making others happy and creating unforgettable memories through delivering impeccable levels of service. I’m so pleased to have joined the Toque d’Or judging panel. Firstly, it’s a privilege to be alongside such talented judges who are pushing the boundaries – they’re an inspiration to me. But I also look forward to meeting the competitors and being able to share my industry knowledge and passion with them at such an important and exciting time in their careers.”
Katya Simmons, managing director Nestlé Professional UK&I says, “We’re delighted to welcome both Tom and Jupiter to the 2024 Toque d’Or judging panel. Their youthfulness and energy, together with their incredible talent and outstanding industry knowledge, will really resonate and inspire our 2024 cohort.
“With our diverse, young range of highly talented industry experts, this year’s Toque d’Or is set to be one to remember.”