LOCATION: QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Alastair McLeod is a chef, TV personality, ambassador, and corporate host with a big passion for food. Known for his quick wit and lively personality, he’s a sought-after MC and guest speaker who brings humour and professionalism to every event. He’s best recognized for his work on Channel Seven’s Great Day Out and Network 10’s Ready Steady Cook, as well as his food column in Brisbane News. His Irish accent is also a familiar sound on ABC and 4BC radio.

He travels across Australia hosting major corporate events, food festivals, and outdoor shows. For over a decade, Alastair was the national MC for the Good Food and Wine Show and continues to appear at top events like the Noosa Food and Wine Festival, Bundy Flavours, Regional Flavours, and Good Food Month. He has a long partnership with the Lockyer Valley region—hosting media events and promoting the area known as “The Salad Bowl of Queensland.”

Alastair’s Instagram showcases his beautiful dishes, his family, and the causes close to his heart.

He has deep roots in far north Queensland. His grandfather was from Erub Island in the Torres Strait, and his mother, Faye McLeod, grew up on a remote cane farm before becoming a successful jazz performer and actress. Born in Belfast to a Northern Irish father, Alastair spent his childhood during “The Troubles.”

Growing up in such a multicultural family inspired his love for different cuisines and led him to a career as a chef. His cooking background is extensive—he’s worked in Michelin-recognized restaurants around the world, including Roscoff in Belfast, Da Giovanni in Torino, La Fregate in Collioure, and The Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow. After training in Europe, he moved to Queensland to continue his family’s connection to the region.

In Australia, he’s held top positions such as executive chef at Baguette in Brisbane, where he helped the restaurant win multiple awards and enter the hall of fame. He also led Brett’s Wharf and later founded Tank Restaurant and Bar in Brisbane’s CBD, which earned national acclaim and multiple awards. More recently, he launched his own catering company, Al’FreshCo, offering catering services for both private and corporate clients.