Who’s Who in 2022, Media & Influencers: Alastair McLeod

As a well-known chef, television personality and food ambassador, Alastair McLeod is passionate about shining a spotlight on the many local farmers, producers and growers who are transforming the culinary and hospitality industry, as evident during the 2022 Tastes of Moreton Bay Feastival.

Alastair was one of the headline chefs at this year’s Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival, spending three days spruiking the region’s finest fresh produce, meat, seafood and wine in front of thousands of visitors by hosting numerous cooking displays, and plating up scrumptious dishes during his three-course dining experience.

About Alastair McLeod

Born in Belfast into a multicultural family, Alastair was encouraged from an early age to experience a broad range of cuisines, which sparked his love of cooking.

His experience in the kitchen is extensive, having worked at several Michelin-listed restaurants across the world such as Roscoff in Belfast, the United Kingdom and Da Giovanni in Torino, Italy.

Alastair has also worked at La Fregate in Collioure, France, and one of Scotland’s finest restaurants -The Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow.

Following his training in Europe, Alastair moved to Queensland to follow in the footsteps of his forefathers.

He worked as the executive chef at the Brisbane Stalwart Baguette, which won back-to-back Restaurant and Caterer Awards and saw the restaurant inducted into the Hall of Fame.

His tenures in Brisbane include roles as executive chef at Brett’s Wharf, as well as having established Tank Restaurant and Bar in the Brisbane CBD.

Alastair has also been a familiar face on television, having appeared on Network 10’s Ready, Steady Cook, as well as presenting Channel Seven’s Queensland Weekender.

Alastair has lived in Samford with his family for almost 10 years, and hosts Samford Harvest dinners every quarter, showcasing the change of flavours and produce in conjunction with the change of seasons.

Alastair has also started up his own catering company – Alfreshco Catering Company – that provides catering, markets and his own product line.

The venture is in keeping with Alastair’s ardent support of all things local. He believes the closer you are to the source of your food, the better it will taste and the smaller the carbon footprint you will create.

Not only does the Samford Harvest create a fine-dining experience bursting with top quality ingredients sourced locally in and around the Samford Valley, but it also treats visitors to an authentic paddock-to-plate experience.