Meatopia 2026 is gracing Scotland for the second time this summer with meat and music, renowned as “the world’s best BBQ”.
Food lovers, rejoice! It looks like all of your meaty dreams are coming true this summer, with the UK’s “top food festival” coming to Glasgow. Meatopia is taking over SWG3 this June, bringing world-renowned Chefs, as well as local talent all into one place. Expect open flames, sustainable produce and, of course, one-of-a-kind dishes.
Meatopia is a food festival originating in the USA boasting open-flame cooking, where the best chefs gather together to show off their latest, never-seen-before dishes. Approaching its 12th year in the UK, the event hosted some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Yotam Ottolenghi, the pioneer of “nose-to-tail” dining Fergus Henderson, and Scotland’s youngest Michelin-starred chef, Sam Yorke of Heron.
Meatopia was founded by the late American writer Josh Ozersky and brought to the UK in 2013 by Mat Kemp, Richard Turner and James George. The festival has gained massive recognition ever since, becoming a yearly staple for food lovers.
As a result, it is only fitting Glasgow gets its own Meatopia, with SWG3 hosting the festival between June 12 and 14, 2026. Guests will be able to taste some of the best food of their lives from local and international celebrity chefs, enjoy live music, plenty of drinks, and get immersed in the art of cooking all in one place.
The line-up
The much-loved Scoop group of restaurants will be strongly represented, with Robin Aitken of Margo, Danny Carruthers of Sebb’s, Craig Nelson of Ox and Finch, Thomas Greer of BABA, and Ashley Bennett and Tom Lane of Ka Pao all set to showcase their skills. El Perro Negros’ Nick Watkins is also joining the festival, alongside Dean Parker of Celentano’s.
New chefs this year are Gavin Fitzpatrick, head chef at West Side Tavern; John Molloy of luxury steak and seafood restaurant Gōst, and Lloyd Morse, co-founder and head chef of Michelin-listed Edinburgh restaurant The Palmerston, renowned for its sustainable, nose-to-tail approach.
What is more, music will be at the forefront of the line-up this year, with headliners announced for each day. Friday night is Glasgow-born selector Hayley Zalassi, while Saturday night will be headlined by The Cuban Brothers, led by folk hero Miguel Mantovani, and joined by DJ Kengo San. Sunday will see a headline set from Apache Indian, the British reggae DJ and singer-songwriter.
Apache Indian said: “I’m really excited to be performing at Meatopia in Glasgow this year, celebrating a 35 year legacy that has taken our sound and culture from the UK to Hollywood & Bollywood. Let’s party together and show the world how we do things differently!”
Meatopia Glasgow 2026 full line-up
• Ali Clem, la Barbecue
• Amin Sheikh, Fire and Smoke
• Andrew Manson, Cafe XO
• Ashley Bennett, Ka Pao
• Bobby Gillespie, Margo
• Brad Carter, One Star Döner Bar
• Cai Ap Bryn, Game and Flames
• Craig Nelson, Ox and Finch
• Danny Carruthers, Sebb’s
• Dave Summertime, The Big Taquero
• Dean Parker, Celentano’s
• Dylan Pinder, Moss
• Elliot Cunningham, Lagom
• Finn Steele-Perkins, Corner Shop
• Gavin Fitzpatrick, West Side Tavern
• Gerrard Warrender, The Big Taquero
• Iain Gourlay, Dungeon at Dalhousie
• Johan Åkerberg, Holy Smoke BBQ
• Johan Fritzell, Holy Smoke BBQ
• John Molloy, Gōst
• John-Ross Patrick, The Winged Ox @ Saint Luke’s
• Lap-Fai Lee, Fire + Rice
• Lloyd Morse, The Palmerston
• Nick Nairn, Nick’s at Port of Menteith
• Nick Watkins, El Perro Negro
• Rob Hallas, Bastards Bistro
• Roberta Hall-McCarron, Ardfern
• Ryan Singh, SABZI
• Sam Yorke, Heron
• Terri Mercieca, Happy Endings
• Thomas Greer, BABA
• Tom Lane, Ka Pao
Mat Kemp, Creative Director of Meatopia 2026, said: “Music is a major ingredient of the Meatopia experience, so we’re as serious about curating the vibe as we are about the menu. “We’ve put together a line-up that we think will be as pleasing on the ears as the food is on the tastebuds, with a rich and tasty mix of live bands, DJs and solo performers.”
Mat Kemp, Meatopia’s Creative Director, added: “Glasgow gave Meatopia an incredible welcome last year, and the response from both chefs and the city exceeded everything we hoped for. It was a no-brainer to bring it back.”
“We’re committed to bringing the best chefs from home and abroad to our festivals – the research that goes into making sure that’s the case has been an incredible experience.”
“This first wave reflects what Meatopia is all about: chefs cooking one great dish over fire, using brilliant produce, and doing it properly. We’re excited to be coming back to SWG3 in 2026, and there’s plenty more still to come.”
Ashley Bennett, Head Chef at Michelin Guide restaurant Ka Pao, added: “Last year’s event was incredible, and we’re buzzing to be back. Every day we see how excited the people of Glasgow are about quality food, but this has become the biggest weekend of the year for foodies. I’m so proud to be cooking alongside so many top chefs.
“Glasgow often gets overlooked, but the fact Meatopia is coming back here and the line-up is led by local chefs shows just how much talent there is in this city. While I’ll be very busy cooking I’m hoping to find time to try as many dishes as possible over the weekend.”
Tickets to Meatopia Glasgow 2026 start from £24.85, and you can book them here.
