Nathan Derek Short from City of Glasgow College was crowned back-of-house (BOH) champion and Declan Sloan from Ayrshire College took home the front-of-house (FOH) title.
The 38th edition of the hospitality competition also saw the return of the Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award, which recognises finalists who demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible hospitality practices. Lewis Mclemen from Loughborough College received the BOH award, while Joshua Trott from Loughborough College was awarded the FOH accolade.
Mentored by a distinguished panel of judges, led by chef Sally Abé and hospitality expert Andy Downton, the 12 finalists competed across four days of industry challenges. Designed to reflect the realities and future of hospitality, Grand Finals Week, which took place from 11-14 May, focused on sustainability, English provenance, innovation and guest experience.
Challenges included working in BOH and FOH pairs to prepare and serve a seasonal two-course lunch, demonstrating an understanding of sustainable sourcing, wine pairing and guest engagement; making two signature cocktails and an original mocktail, including one drink featuring Nescafé Espresso Concentrate, and creating an innovative pizza dough dish suitable for Flight Club or Electric Shuffle; and again working in BOH and FOH pairs to serve a three-course modern British menu with competitors also challenged to replicate a dessert from Abé’s own recipe.
“Cooking is something I’m really passionate about, and this experience has given me the chance to explore different styles of cheffing and food cultures – there’s so much out there to learn,” says Short of his victory.
“Hospitality means everything to me, and I chose this career to see how far I could go. I’d like to thank my lecturers, my friends, my family and everyone who has supported and taught me along the way. This is such an amazing moment.”
Sloan adds: “Winning FOH means a huge amount to me. From the Heats through to the Finals, the whole experience has been incredible and has given me a really clear sense of the path I want to take in hospitality.
“I always hoped for the best, but to come away with the win is something I’m really proud of. It’s been an amazing journey and one I’ll never forget.”