Meet Toby: The New Contestant from Sidmouth

Sidmouth has a new reason to be proud. Toby, the latest contestant to join the line-up of The Great Bristish Bake Off, is bringing both local pride and plenty of personality to the competition. Known for its charm and strong community spirit, Sidmouth is the perfect backdrop for Toby’s story, and it’s no surprise he’s already gaining attention.

Toby’s journey to this stage hasn’t been overnight. Friends describe him as determined, down-to-earth, and full of energy – qualities that will no doubt serve him well in the weeks ahead. Whether he’s drawing on his Devon roots or showing the grit that got him here, Toby is ready to make his mark.

Of course, no story about Sidmouth would be complete without mentioning one of its best-loved traditions: afternoon tea. Devon has long been associated with scones, clotted cream, and jam – a culinary ritual that dates back to the 11th century when monks first made early versions of the scone. Cakes too have a long history in Britain, with recipes evolving over centuries to become the centrepiece of celebrations. Today, they remain a symbol of hospitality and indulgence, something Sidmouth knows how to do exceptionally well.

At the Royal York and Faulkner Hotel, we keep that tradition alive, serving freshly baked scones and cakes as part of our afternoon tea experience. Guests often say it’s one of the highlights of their stay – a reminder that the simplest pleasures can be the most memorable. It feels fitting, then, that Toby – a contestant with Sidmouth roots – is stepping into a competition where creativity, tradition, and a love of good food go hand in hand.

As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on Toby to see how he performs, how he handles the pressure, and what surprises he brings to the stage. Whatever happens, Sidmouth and the Royal York and Faulkner will be cheering him on and has every reason to celebrate his place in the spotlight – ideally with a slice of cake or a scone.