The JEllie Foundation is brining two instalments of the Signature Food Festival to Aberdeen’s Chester Hotel this year.
The first returns in April with Tom Kerridge making his debut, adding to the list of Michelin-starred chef’s taking part. One of Britain’s best-loved chefs, Kerridge holds three Michelin Stars, and is the culinary force behind establishments such as ‘Hand & Flowers’ in Marlow.
He joins Chef Michael O’Hare, the creative genius from ‘The Man Behind the Curtain’ restaurant and Great British Menu ‘Champion of Champions’, Adam Handling MBE, Chef proprietor of the Michelin starred ‘Frog by Adam Handling’ and who opens the 2024 festival.
The Signature Food Festival is the only one of its kind in Scotland, and is the creation of Gillian and Graham Wood, owners of the Chester Hotel. Organised by the JEllie Foundation, a charitable organisation that donates funds to local children’s charities, it has raised over £1.4m since launching in 2017.
Graham Wood said, “The generosity of Signature diners has raised over £1.4 million for local good causes, motivating us to continue attracting the highest calibre of British chefs to Signature. Our goal is to offer diners in Aberdeen the chance to savour the cuisine of these highly respected chefs right here in Aberdeen. We are thrilled to have a line-up of all-new chefs for 2024. Adam Handling, Tom Kerridge and Michael O’Hare have long been on our wish-list for the Signature Food Festival.”
Charities benefiting from The JEllie Foundation donations include Royal Aberdeen Childrens Hospital, The Archie Foundation, SensationALL, Aberdeen Lads Club, Cash for Kids, Aberlour Childrens Charity, Charlie House, Children 1st, Ballater-based A Bear Named Buttony, Homestart Aberdeen, The Leanne Fund, and The Baird Hospital Parents’ Hotel.
The second course of the Signature Food Festival is scheduled for November, along with the JEllie Foundation Sunday Comedy Lunch.
Tickets for the fine-dining events go on general release next on the Signature Food Festival website www.signaturefoodfestival.co.uk.