Aberdeen is set for a spectacular spring celebration of fine dining and live entertainment as The Chester Hotel announces an outstanding month-long programme of Michelin-starred dinners and world-class music in support of The JEllie Foundation.
Bringing together some of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs and one of Britain’s most exciting contemporary performers, the series begins with the return of the Signature Food Festival before culminating in a glittering charity finale – the JEllie Foundation Music Evening, headlined by Tom Grennan, on Friday 20 March 2026.
Michelin Stars Return to Aberdeen
The Signature Food Festival, a firm fixture in Aberdeen’s culinary calendar, runs throughout early and mid-March, showcasing a stellar line-up of chefs from across the UK. Guests will enjoy intimate, chef-led dining experiences that combine technical brilliance with creative flair – all in aid of local children’s charities.
Among the 2026 line-up are some of the biggest names in British dining:
- Adam Byatt, chef-patron of London’s Michelin-starred Trinity, brings his modern British cuisine to The Chester Hotel on 6 and 7 March. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ingredient-focused approach, Byatt also oversees food and beverage across Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair.
- Claude Bosi, two-Michelin-starred Head Chef at Brooklands at The Peninsula London, returns to Aberdeen on 10 and 11 March. Famed for his expressive modern French cooking, Bosi’s mastery has earned him acclaim as one of the UK’s culinary greats.
- Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Executive Chef of Northcote in Lancashire and a beloved face from Great British Menu and MasterChef: The Professionals, joins the line-up on 13 and 14 March with her refined, seasonal take on modern British dishes.
Tickets for the festival are now available at www.signaturefoodfestival.co.uk.
Tom Grennan Takes Centre Stage
The month-long programme draws to a close with a show-stopping night of live entertainment at the JEllie Foundation Music Evening on Friday 20 March.
Headlining the event is Tom Grennan, the chart-topping singer-songwriter whose platinum-selling hits and powerhouse performances have cemented him as one of the UK’s most distinctive musical talents. With multiple UK Number One albums and a reputation for electrifying live shows, Grennan promises to deliver a fitting finale to the month’s celebrations.
Joining him on the night are crowd favourites Madhen, often dubbed the UK’s ultimate party band, and the internationally renowned Gypsy Queens, known for their high-energy performances of classic hits and star-studded collaborations.
Guests will be welcomed with champagne and treated to a bespoke three-course dinner created by The Chester Hotel’s Head Chef, Chris Gray, inspired by standout dishes from past Signature Food Festivals. Tables are priced at £2,000 for ten guests, with limited availability via www.signaturefoodfestival.co.uk.
A Legacy of Giving
Since its inception in 2017, The Signature Food Festival – founded by Gillian and Graham Wood of The Chester Hotel – has raised over £2.25 million for children’s charities across the North-East of Scotland through The JEllie Foundation.
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The foundation continues to support a host of vital causes, including A Bear Named Buttony, Homestart Aberdeen, The Leanne Fund, The Baird Family Hospital Parents’ Hotel, The Archie Foundation, and SensationALL.
Reflecting on this year’s events, Graham Wood said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support that makes these world-class experiences in Aberdeen possible. From Michelin-starred dining to a show-stopping live music finale headlined by Tom Grennan, every event helps us raise essential funds for local children’s charities.”
As music and gastronomy once again meet for a month of unforgettable moments, The Chester Hotel looks set to reaffirm its position as one of the North-East’s most exceptional destinations for both fine dining and philanthropy.
