Ayrshire College student Declan Sloan has been named the UK's top emerging hospitality professional after winning the Front of House Champion title at the Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or 2026 competition, often referred to as the hospitality industry's 'Oscar'. The prestigious event took place in London, where Declan outperformed students from colleges across the United Kingdom in one of the sector's most respected and competitive development programmes.
Declan's Journey to Victory
Declan, who is currently studying SVQ Food and Beverage Level 5 at Ayrshire College, secured the national title following a demanding week of industry-led challenges in London. Finalists were tested on customer service, hospitality operations, sustainability, teamwork, and professional excellence at some of the country's leading hospitality venues. His success was announced at the Toque d'Or Awards Ceremony at Church House, Westminster, placing him among the most promising young hospitality professionals in the UK.
Reaction from Declan
Speaking after his success, Declan said: “Winning Toque d'Or is an incredible achievement and I’m extremely proud. The competition challenged me in so many ways and gave me the opportunity to learn from some of the best people in the industry. It has strengthened my confidence and confirmed my ambition to build a successful career in hospitality.”
Support from Ayrshire College
Sarah Davidson, Hospitality Lecturer at Ayrshire College, said: “As a lecturer, you hope to inspire your students, but every so often a student comes along who inspires everyone around them. Watching Declan win the competition was a moment of immense pride and real recognition of his talent alongside the hard work he has put in with us at Ayrshire College. He has done us all proud and we are excited to see where this opportunity takes him.”
As part of his prize, Declan will receive a gastronomic study trip to Scandinavia, a £2,000 grant from the Savoy Educational Trust, and additional industry rewards.
Broader Impact
Angela Sheridan, Head of Learning & Skills at Ayrshire College, commented: “We are thrilled to see Declan recognised at a national level. This achievement reflects not only his talent and commitment, but also the value of providing students with opportunities to develop industry-relevant skills through real-world experiences. Hospitality is an important sector for the Ayrshire economy, and Ayrshire College is committed to working with employers to develop the skilled workforce needed both now and in the future. Declan’s success is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through dedication, ambition and industry engagement.”
Declan’s success also highlights the growing reputation of Ayrshire College’s hospitality programmes. Seven students from the College reached this year’s Toque d’Or competition, demonstrating the high calibre of talent being developed for Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sector.
