City of Liverpool College graduate appears on Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef

City of Liverpool College student Toby Caswell-Jones, 22, from Chester, has been showcasing his cookery skills on new ITV show Next Level Chef, with mentors Gordon Ramsay, Paul Ainsworth and Nyesha Arrington.

Toby learned his trade at The City of Liverpool College, graduating last year with a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery. He then went on to become Sous Chef at the two-rosette restaurant Mustard and Co. in Crosby.

Dubbed ‘the world’s biggest cooking contest’, Next Level Chef, sees contestants compete across three floors of kitchen space, each testing their creativity, agility, flare, and expertise, as they vie to progress to the next level. The winner receives a life changing cash prize of £100k and a one-year mentorship with all three celebrity chefs. Continue watching Next Level Chef, Wednesdays at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Tobias said:

“Having the opportunity to compete and participate in Next Level Chef was an opportunity I will never forget or take for granted. I learned so much on my journey, from going into the competition with a lot of imposter syndrome, to coming out with a new sense of confidence in my ability; it’s transformed me as a chef and as a person.

“There’s a reason why I am where I am in such a short period of time, and that’s in part thanks to the College, along with a lot of determination. The passion the tutors have for the next generation of chefs is admirable, they really want to see us succeed.”

Toby is the latest in a series of success stories from the College’s school of culinary arts. In recent years, its students have gone on to win a range of prestigious awards, national competitions, Michelin stars, and have opened their own restaurants.

Philip Rowlands, Head of School for Hospitality Tourism & Retail at The City of Liverpool College, said:

“We are so proud of Toby. He’s super talented and deserves the opportunity to showcase his abilities in front of top chefs. I’m confident that he will have a successful career in the industry.”

In 2020, The City of Liverpool College invested £300,000 in a full refurbishment of the student-run Academy Restaurant, in its commitment to providing students with a first-class learning experience. The restaurant, which is open to the public, provides modern facilities that reflect the same level of quality found in high calibre restaurants.

Students have also benefited from masterclasses from leading chefs, including Paul Askew, Chef Patron of The Art School, as well as Liam Trotman and Eddie Kilty – both of whom are former students.

To find out more about The City of Liverpool College and to apply for 2023 courses, click here: www.liv-coll.ac.uk