Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is proud to be supported by a group of ambassadors who each bring something unique to the table. From passionate food lovers and creative content makers to local voices with deep community ties, these individuals help shine a spotlight on the flavours, stories, and people that make Aberdeen’s food scene so special.
Whether they’re uncovering hidden gems, celebrating small businesses, or sharing their favourite dishes, our ambassadors offer fresh perspectives and genuine enthusiasm for everything the city has to offer. Their content is full of personality, insight, and inspiration, it's perfect for anyone looking to explore Aberdeen’s culinary landscape in a new way.
Follow them on Instagram to stay up to date with their latest recommendations, foodie finds, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Scroll down to meet them.
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks Ambassadors
Adebayo Winsala
@beewinz
Ben Carron
@theaberben
Becca Freestone
@lunchesandlatenights
Catriona Swan
@cat.anurseonadayoff
Claire Jessiman
@foodiequine
Dej Ekundayo
@wolfofaberdeen
Emma Black
@emmab_rollwithme
Frankie Armstrong
@_frankie_eats
Holly Da Silva
@hollydasilva_
Janice Hopper
@scots2travel
Jenni Lawson
@whatjennieats
Julia Bryce
@juliabryce92
Justin Mackland
@justinmackland
Kelsey Crehan
@aber.dreamy
Laura McIntosh
@_laura.lives
Lesley-Ann MacGregor
@tokofthedeen
Madiha Iqbal
@madiha_iqbal
Mollie Hayes
@a_la_mol
Morven and Darren
@wafflingonaboutfood
Mya Linklater
@myalinklater
Nikki Morris-Laing
@nikkieatstheworld
Sammy MacDonald
@s.a.m.m.y.m.a.c
Sarah Gillanders
@sarahgillanders_x
Shaunee Hepburn
@scrumptious_scotland
The Johnstone Family
@johnstonefamilylife
VisitAberdeenshire
@visitabdn
Adebayo Winsala
Adebayo Winsala, known on Instagram as Beewinz. Adebayo is a Nigerian-born creative based in Aberdeen, known for his work as a photographer, videographer, and creative director. As co-founder of Raven Afrikulture, he celebrates Afro arts and culture through visual storytelling, immersive experiences, and community-led events. With a passion for connecting people through culture, food, and shared experiences, Adebayo brings fresh energy to Aberdeen’s creative scene. A proud supporter of local talent and diversity, he’s delighted to be part of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks spotlighting the city’s vibrant food culture and its power to bring communities together, one plate and one story at a time.
Follow Adebayo Winsala.
Ben Carron
An Aberdeen-based content creator originally from Mintlaw, Ben Carron got into marketing and content creation over the last couple of years and discovered a passion for covering the city’s evolving food and hospitality scene.
He cares deeply about championing local businesses and has built a loyal following by sharing honest reviews, highlighting new openings, and uncovering hidden gems across the North East.
Ben wholeheartedly believes that Aberdeen punches well above its weight when it comes to cafés and dining, and remains strongly committed to supporting venues, particularly during challenging times.
As an official Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks Ambassador for 2026, he will proudly help showcase the people, plates and places that make the city’s food scene so special, while always keeping his opinions genuine and transparent.
Follow Ben Carron.
Becca Freestone
A full-time social media specialist and part-time snack enthusiast, content creator Becca Freestone brings humour, honesty, and a whole lot of personality to everything she shares. Whether she’s filming spontaneous moments in public (cocktail in hand, of course) or reviewing the latest vegetarian food spots, her content is a playful mix of bold ideas, easy home recipes, and unapologetically fun fashion. Known for embracing the unexpected and never turning down a portion of fries, she’s built a relatable, feel-good space where food, laughter, and a few questionable outfit choices always take centre stage. Expect chaos, charm, and plenty of snacks.
Follow Becca Freestone.
Catriona Swan
Cat is a full-time nurse and proud Aberdeenshire local, originally from a small farming town where her love for fresh, locally sourced produce first took root. As an Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks ambassador, she brings together her passion for great food and her genuine enthusiasm for supporting the local community.
With a deep appreciation for everything from traditional family butchers to artisan bakeries and innovative independents, Cat spends her well-earned days off exploring the Granite City’s ever-evolving culinary scene. She’s passionate about championing the businesses that make Aberdeen’s food landscape so special and is excited to continue sharing her favourite finds, one delicious bite at a time.
Follow Catriona Swan.
Claire Jessiman
Claire is a Scottish food, travel, and lifestyle content creator based in Aberdeenshire, known online as Foodie Quine. Since 2012, she has been sharing her “Edible Scottish Adventures” through her blog and social media, championing Scotland’s incredible larder, producers, and hospitality scene. Originally from the Black Isle and now rooted in Aberdeenshire, Claire is a passionate ambassador for Aberdeen City and Shire, showcasing the region’s vibrant food, drink, and cultural offerings. She also owns Bayview Apartments, two beachfront holiday rentals in Stonehaven, giving visitors a true taste of coastal life. A proud volunteer and arts lover, Claire brings authenticity, warmth, and local insight to everything she does and has been a dedicated Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks Ambassador since 2018.
Follow Claire Jessiman.
Dej Ekundayo
Dej Ekundayo, more commonly known as Wolf of Aberdeen, is a travel and lifestyle creator who shares meaningful experiences through honest, relatable storytelling. Whether he’s collaborating with trusted brands or capturing the beauty in everyday moments, his content strikes a balance between creativity, authenticity, and emotional connection. Driven by a deep love for discovery, his work blends adventure, culture, and personal insight – always delivered with a distinct and thoughtful voice. Music is a constant source of inspiration; often shaping the rhythm and feel of the journeys he shares. At his core, Wolf of Aberdeen is about building connections, sparking curiosity, and bringing people closer to the world through creativity. This will be Dej's first Restaurant Weeks, and he cannot wait to get tucked in!
Follow Dej Ekundayo.
Emma Black
Emma is a new Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks ambassador and a passionate foodie who loves cooking, dining out, and supporting local businesses wherever she can. Having spent most of her life in and around Aberdeen, she feels incredibly fortunate to enjoy the fantastic variety of eateries in the Granite City. Always keen to try new flavours and discover hidden gems, Emma is excited to champion the city’s vibrant food scene and celebrate everything Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks has to offer.
Follow Emma Black.
Frankie Armstrong
Meet Frankie – a pint-sized Scottish-Italian with a big appetite and a love for bold, comforting food. Raised between two kitchens – her own and Nonna’s in Italy - it's no surprise that food became her passion. Her Instagram, @_frankie_eats, started as a personal food diary and quickly grew into a space to champion Aberdeen’s local food scene. From hidden gems to late-night bakery runs, she’s all about celebrating small businesses and great grub. A returning Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks ambassador, Frankie is ready to eat her way through the city once again by sharing flavour, fun, and a few forkfuls along the way.
Follow Frankie Armstrong.
Holly Da Silva
Bringing the flavour to ARW is Holly – food lover, flavour chaser, and proud member of the “just one more bite” club. For Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, she’s on a mission to uncover the city’s best eats – from hidden gems to cult favourites – with honest reviews, drool-worthy snaps, and no-nonsense recommendations. Whether it's a casual bite or something worth booking ahead for, Holly helps cut through the noise and heads straight to the good stuff. Expect carbs. Expect snacks. Expect real food worth shouting about. Follow along as she celebrates Aberdeen’s vibrant food scene, one delicious bite at a time. Let’s eat!
Follow Holly Da Silva.
Janice Hopper
Janice from Scots2Travel is a vibrant voice in the world of family travel, food, and lifestyle, sharing her adventures across Aberdeen, Scotland, and beyond. As a contributor to BBC Good Food and The Telegraph, she brings a well-honed palate and a playful spirit to every review, once even taking on four afternoon teas in just two days! Janice blends her love of exploring with a knack for storytelling, whether she’s dining out with her kids or sneaking in a peaceful meal with her husband. Her content is all about celebrating great food, memorable moments, and the joy of discovering something new.
Follow Janice Hopper.
Jenni Lawson
Jenni Lawson is the creator behind @whatjennieats, a popular food-focused Instagram account where she shares her own recipes alongside honest reviews of restaurants near and far. With a genuine love for all things food and a strong passion for supporting local, Jenni’s content celebrates flavour, creativity, and community. Whether she’s cooking up something new in the kitchen or exploring Aberdeen’s ever-growing food scene, she’s always on the lookout for standout dishes and hidden gems. Jenni is delighted to be part of Aberdeen Inspired’s Restaurant Weeks, using her platform to spotlight the incredible talent and tastes the city has to offer.
Follow Jenni Lawson.
Julia Bryce
Julia is an established food writer and a proud ambassador for Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks since its launch in 2018. With a keen eye for culinary trends and a passion for supporting local, she’s often found (phone in hand) sampling the latest openings or uncovering hidden gems across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Her social media channels are a go-to source for honest, insightful recommendations, whether you’re in the mood for casual street food or an elegant fine dining experience. With her finger always on the pulse of the local food scene, Julia is trusted, knowledgeable, and never far from her next delicious discovery.
Follow Julia Bryce.
Justin Mackland
Bringing the glamour, Justin Mackland is a hairstylist, creative soul, and proud ambassador for Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks. With a flair for style and a passion for food, Justin brings his signature energy and charm to everything he does. By day, he’s creating stunning looks in the salon, and by night, he’s out discovering Aberdeen’s best food spots from trendy new openings to hidden local gems. On Instagram, you’ll find a colourful mix of behind-the-scenes glam, foodie finds, and everyday inspiration. Whether he’s serving up style or sampling a new menu, Justin is all about celebrating the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving dining scene.
Follow Justin Mackland.
Kelsey Crehan
Aberdeen-based content creator, Kelsey - known to her followers as @aber.dreamy - is passionate about local lifestyle, food, and independent culture. Over the past few years, she's curated a platform that celebrates the people, places, and stories that make the city shine. From showcasing hidden gems to championing community initiatives, their content is rooted in connection and creativity. Whether collaborating with local businesses, organisations, or grassroots groups, they love crafting campaigns that inspire pride and support Aberdeen’s vibrant scene. With an eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Kelsey is all about sharing the spark that makes the Granite City so unique.
Follow Kelsey Crehan.
Laura McIntosh
Laura is an Aberdeen-based content creator with a passion for Scottish food, travel, and finding joy in the everyday. Her Instagram is a warm and welcoming space where she shares everything from local eats and hidden gem cafés to foodie adventures across the city and further afield. With a focus on authenticity and connection, Laura loves celebrating not just great food, but also the people and places that bring it to life. Whether it’s a cosy coffee spot or a memorable meal, she’s always on the lookout for moments worth sharing.
Follow Laura McIntosh.
Lesley-Ann MacGregor
Lesley-Ann is the face behind Tok of the Deen, a platform dedicated to celebrating Aberdeen’s people, places and stories. She love shining a light on the businesses and independents that quietly make this city brilliant. From hidden history to new restaurant openings, I’m all about encouraging people to look again at what’s right on their doorstep. Aberdeen has more flavour than we give it credit for and I’m here to prove it.
Follow Lesley-Ann MacGregor.
Madiha Iqbal
Food has always been at the heart of Madiha’s life. Growing up in Aberdeen, she developed a deep connection to the local food scene through her family’s longstanding involvement in the catering industry. Her parents have owned and operated takeaways, restaurants and dessert shops across the city, giving her firsthand insight into what it takes to run successful food businesses.
Being surrounded by hospitality from such a young age shaped her understanding of customer service, quality and the importance of community within Aberdeen’s vibrant and diverse food culture. Having experienced the achievement of winning restaurant and takeaway awards, she has seen how passion and hard work bring people together through food.
Follow Madiha Iqbal.
Mollie Hayes
Mollie, known as @a_la_mol, moved to Scotland just over three years ago and quickly turned to Instagram to uncover the best local food and coffee spots in Aberdeen. Being new to the city and self-employed, she found joy in discovering hidden gems and sharing them with others, especially those who, like her, are new in town or simply craving something different. Alongside her partner, she also documents their “ad’van’tures” in their converted VW, seeking out great eats wherever the road takes them. Passionate about supporting small businesses, Mollie’s content is a warm, welcoming guide to good food and great local finds.
Follow Mollie Hayes.
Morven and Darren
Morven and Darren are a food-loving duo with a passion for discovering new places, flavours, and experiences. Whether they’re trying out the latest restaurant, hunting down hidden gems, or mapping out their next foodie adventure, they do it all with enthusiasm and usually a coffee or matcha in hand. Their shared love of great food, local spots, and quality time together shines through in everything they do. From spontaneous lunches to carefully planned dinners, Morven and Darren turn every outing into a delicious journey, sharing their discoveries along the way and inspiring others to explore what Aberdeen’s vibrant food scene has to offer.
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Mya Linklater
Mya is proudly returning for her third year as an Aberdeen Restaurant Week ambassador and is widely known as the TikTok Food Queen. With a sharp eye for trending dishes and viral foodie moments, she’s always on the lookout for the next must-try spot. Her content is a lively mix of restaurant reviews, trend-testing, and honest reactions – all delivered with her signature energy and charm. Whether she’s trying the latest TikTok sensation or discovering a hidden gem in the city, Mya brings fun, flavour, and fresh perspective to everything she shares. Follow along as she dishes up another delicious year with ARW.
Follow Mya Linklater.
Nikki Morris-Laing
Meet Nikki, the foodie behind the lens at @nikkieatstheworld. With a passion for everything from indulgent street eats to Michelin-star dining, she’s tasted her way around the globe by sharing delicious moments from America to New Zealand and everywhere in between. Back home in Aberdeen, Nikki is a proud supporter of the local food scene, always on the hunt for her next bite (usually with a cocktail in hand). Her content is a vibrant mix of global flavours and hometown favourites, served with a side of fun and flair. If you’re hungry for inspiration, Nikki’s world of food is one to follow.
Follow Nikki Morris-Laing.
Sammy MacDonald
Sammy is a multi-business owner based in the North East, celebrated for her entrepreneurial drive and genuine love of great food. As a returning ambassador for the incredible Aberdeen Restaurant Week, she’s passionate about spotlighting the local talent and flavours that make the city’s food scene truly stand out. With a keen eye for hidden gems and a strong belief in supporting small businesses, Sammy uses her platform to champion the people and places behind the plates. Whether she’s trying new menus or revisiting old favourites, she’s excited to share the best of Aberdeen’s culinary offerings with fellow food lovers.
Follow Sammy MacDonald.
Sarah Gillanders
Sarah is a full-time Recruitment Consultant who once famously married a stranger on national television. She’s an extremely passionate foodie and a familiar face around Aberdeen’s restaurants, cafés, bars and hidden gems, always on the lookout for new places to try.
She loves supporting local businesses and sharing her favourite finds from across the city. With Aberdeen’s food scene bursting with creativity and flavour, Sarah is excited to celebrate and showcase it during Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks.
Follow Sarah Gillanders.
Shaunee Hepburn
Shaunee, known to many as @Scrumptious_Scotland, is a passionate foodie whose Instagram journey began in 2021 after her camera roll became filled with mouth-watering food photos she couldn’t keep to herself. With a degree in nutrition and health and a career as a home economics teacher, Shaunee brings a unique blend of knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to everything she shares. Food is truly at the heart of her life – whether she’s cooking, teaching, or exploring new dining spots. She’s absolutely thrilled to return as an Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks ambassador and can’t wait to shine a light on the city’s incredible culinary scene.
Follow Shaunee Hepburn.
The Johnstone Family
Meet Gary, Zoe and Freya — the family behind Johnstonefamilylife. Based in Aberdeenshire, we share the best family-friendly days out and places to eat in and around Aberdeen.
With a lively toddler leading the way, they highlight welcoming restaurants where little ones are embraced, the chaos is understood, and parents can relax too. Our goal is simple — helping families choose with confidence.
Follow The Johnstone Family.
