Top Scottish chefs take on ultimate kitchen cook off at food hall Bonnie & Wild

Some of Scotland’s best chefs are sharpening their knives for the ultimate kitchen cook-off at Scottish food hall Bonnie & Wild.

Article Source: Bonnie & Wild
Last Updated: 24 April 2025 13:29

Six chefs will battle it out for the top spot at the Battle of the Chefs event being held at the popular Edinburgh food hall on Sunday May 4th as part of the Edinburgh Seafood Festival, with National Chef of Scotland Gary Maclean and TV chef Jimmy Lee among the competitors.

With each of the chefs tasked with rustling up tasty dishes for 80 invited guests, the pressure will be on to score the most points and impress all the judges, with a dozen of the hot tickets up for grabs.

Joining MasterChef: The Professionals Winner Gary Maclean and TV Chef Jimmy Lee are four chefs well experienced in winning awards and catering to discerning foodies.

Suki Jayaratne and Shehan Fernando of Kochchi won UK and Scottish Street Food awards for their Sri Lankan kitchen Kochchi, Nick Watkins of El Perro Negro has twice won UK Burger of the Year and recently won Burger Chef of the Year, while Ivan Stein co-founded the acclaimed restaurant The Gannet, and more recently launched Chooks at Bonnie & Wild.

Each of the chefs will be cooking dishes designed to delight diners as part of the Edinburgh Seafood Festival at the St James Quarter. Each of the chefs will be hoping to woo guests, score the most points and win the coveted “Bonniest Chef” title.

Gary Maclean said: “One of the very best things about Bonnie & Wild is the collaborative, convivial atmosphere we have here. This Battle of the Chefs event is all about putting on some great food with some great people, and everyone having a bit of fun, friendly competition.”

The six chefs all have kitchens at the award-winning Bonnie & Wild, one of the UK’s best and most popular food halls and known for its diverse and high quality food offer exemplary service and events.

Kochchi’s Shehan Fernando said: “We’ll be whipping up a fresh take on Sri Lankan food, and offering a modern Scottish homage to Sri Lankan comfort food. Expect bold Sri Lankan spice, punchy flavours, and something a little unexpected on the plate. And of course we will be bringing the fire, quite literally. Let’s just say our Roast Pan Stack might steal the show… unless someone brings a blowtorch!”

Nick Watkins of El Perro Negro added: “I can’t wait to go head to head with the other chefs as it gives us a wee opportunity to show off what we can do. As ever, the beef will be front and centre in what we are doing. The heat is on and the pressure is definitely building!”

Battle of the Chefs takes place at Bonnie & Wild on Sunday May 4.

Image: From left: Suki Jayaratne, Shehan Fernando, Gary Maclean, Jimmy Lee, Ivan Stein, Nick Watkins.

Image Credit: Bonnie & Wild/Greg Chalmers

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh

Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.

Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival

Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies

This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Fist Look: Inside new Cafe Calton which offers stunning Panoramic views of Edinburgh

Cafe Calton, located at the top of Calton Hill and offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, has opened in Edinburgh.

Casting announced for the new production of Miss Saigon at Edinburgh Playhouse

Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce the full casting for a major UK and Ireland tour of MISS SAIGON, including a run at Edinburgh Playhouse.

Scottish Legend Dougie MacLean to Lead Opening Weekend Big Singalong at the Edinburgh International Festival

A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme.

East Lothian community revives woodland ecosystem with help from Loganair GreenSkies fund

A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Pride Week in Support of LGBT Health and Wellbeing

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is proud to announce its vibrant celebration of Edinburgh Pride, honouring the city's LGBTQIA+ community.

Free Surf Lessons for Kids at Lost Shore Surf Resort this July

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland’s most exciting new holiday destination, is making waves for families this summer - with free surf lessons and sessions for kids throughout July.

EIFF to present World Premiere of NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab Short Films

Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced that the six short films created as part of the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab will have their World Premieres this year.

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow

Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Houstoun House recognised as one of the top hotels in UK by Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards

Houstoun House in West Lothian has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025 following consistently high ratings from guests.

Paint the town pink this summer

Edinburgh’s first ‘Rosé Wine Trail’ has been launched across the capital this week as part of a summer-long campaign to celebrate the popular pink tipple.

Edinburgh Bar Awards returns for year two

After a sold-out debut last year, The Edinburgh Bar Awards are back for year two and they’re coming in even stronger.

Stumpy the Lemur makes history at Five Sisters Zoo

One of Five Sisters Zoo’s most beloved residents has achieved worldwide recognition as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity, according to Guinness World Records.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces closing night film of Midnight Madness strand

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 announces UK Premiere of eagerly-awaited cult classic remake THE TOXIC AVENGER as closing night film of year’s Midnight Madness strand.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

June at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Masterclasses to Father's Day, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in June!

Teachers warn new school uniforms are too costly for too many families

With many families in Edinburgh finding the cost of purchasing a new school uniform completely unaffordable, The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange.

Young Carers enjoy a break this Carers Week at Edinburgh Zoo

Young carers from across Scotland will enjoy a well-deserved day out at Edinburgh Zoo on Wednesday 12th June, thanks to a partnership between Carers Trust Scotland and the RZSS.

Filmhouse cinema announces opening programme

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse will re-open its doors with a hand-picked programme of the very best films the cinema missed out on playing during its closure.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.

Quebec EdFests showcase presents an exciting and varied programme

Québec’s annual Edinburgh Festivals showcase once again brings the best of circus, comedy, dance and music to the world’s biggest celebration of performing arts in 2025.