‘World’s best BBQ’ festival coming to Scotland for the first time – here’s everything you need to know  | Scotsman Food and Drink

Food lovers are sure to be fired up as it’s been announced that one of the UK’s top food festivals is coming to Scotland for the first time.

Meatopia, taking place at SWG3 in Glasgow from June 6 to 8 next year, will showcase renowned chefs from around the world, along with local culinary talents, crafting unique dishes over open flames, as well as drinks and live music.

For the past 12 years, some of the biggest names in cooking – including household names like Yotam Ottolenghi, the pioneer of “nose-to-tail” dining Fergus Henderson, and Scotland’s youngest chef from a Michelin-starred restaurant, Sam Yorke of Heron – have gathered at Tobacco Dock in London to cook to their hearts’ content,  using nothing but sustainable wood, charcoal, and responsibly sourced, quality meat, fish, and vegetables.

Over the course of the year, chefs hold multiple tasting sessions, refining each dish before unveiling their creations to the public during the festival.

Meatopia, which is built around sustainability, top-quality ingredients, and unforgettable flavours, was founded in the US by the late American writer Josh Ozersky. 

The concept was brought to the UK in 2013 by Mat Kemp, Richard Turner and James George, and a marker was firmly placed in London’s culinary calendar.

Creative Director Mat Kemp believes Glasgow is the “perfect next step” for the festival of food and fire cooking.

He said: “Our festival is all about world class chefs creating one dish each, with knowledge and influence from global fire-cooking culture, but using the best locally-sourced ingredients – and Scotland’s larder is a dream come true for any cook. The cooks will have so much to play with. 

“The success of Meatopia has been overwhelming.  It sells out every year because it really is a one-of-a-kind experience, founded to champion the use of naturally raised and produced , ethically sourced meat and fish and vegetables, cooked using only fire or smoke. It really is the world’s best BBQ. 

“Since taking Meatopia to Dublin in 2017, 18 and 19 we’ve been looking up and down the UK for a place to take it next, and Glasgow was the perfect fit. 

“This is about hero-ing hands-on cooks, age-old techniques and natural food, and Glasgow has that in abundance. It has such an incredible food scene. As much as anything else, I wanted Meatopia to be in Glasgow to give me an excuse to explore it more.”

Last year’s event celebrated 10 years of Meatopia, welcoming over 100 renowned chefs and 16,000 visitors. Previous lineups have included chefs such as former Pujol and El Bulli chef 

Adriana Cavita, and “The Professor” of BBQ,  six-time pit-master Tuffy Stone.

How to get Meatopia tickets – and prices

A limited run of early bird tickets (starting at £10)  are now available for Meatopia Glasgow, which will take place at SWG3 from 6-8 June 2025. A line-up of chefs will be announced in the coming months.

To learn more and to book your tickets, visit Meatopia.co.uk.