Passport to success: Benz Pluemjai, business manager with Chaophraya, with winner Natalie Hood, and Shona Byrne of Aberdeen Inspired. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Natalie Hood has always been a big fan of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks - and now she loves it even more after winning a £500 Aberdeen Gift Card in the event’s Foodie Passport competition.
The 46-year-old media student from Torry entered the giveaway - part of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, staged by Aberdeen Inspired - after she dined at eight eateries, even though she only needed to visit four to enter the contest.
Natalie said: “I am just amazed and delighted at winning the £500 Aberdeen Gift Card. I took part in the Foodie Passport because I love Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks.
“It’s a good opportunity to get out and about in Aberdeen, to try restaurants that I’ve never tried before and some old favourites, like The Terrace at His Majesty’s and Ferryhill House Hotel.
“Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is also a good opportunity to catch up with family and friends I hadn’t seen in a little while at a reduced cost.”
One of the new venues Natalie tried – and loved – was Chaophraya, the elegant Thai restaurant on the corner of Union Street and Union Terrace.
She returned there to receive her prize – which includes a cooking class for two from Chaophraya - from Shona Byrne, project manager with Aberdeen Inspired.
Natalie recieves her £500 Aberdeen Gift Card from Shona at Chaophraya. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
As well as being a winner herself, Natalie said the whole city was a winner during Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, which ran from September 1 to September 14 on its most recent outing.
She said: “I think it brings more people into the city centre, or certainly that was my impression of it when we were out and about. Normally, restaurants can be a little bit quiet at that time of the years and they were certainly a lot busier than normal. So, it was great to see people celebrate Aberdeen.
“I’m already looking forward to the next Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks.”
Shona said Natalie wouldn’t have too long to wait, as planning was already underway for the next outing of the Foodie Fortnight early next year.
“So many people share Natalie’s enthusiasm for Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks and that includes the venues who take part as it really lifts their footfall, boosts business and helps them find new customers,” said Shona.
“The work starts now to offer up even more tasty treats early in 2026, so watch this space.”