Marco Pierre White is set to return to the Gold Coast for an exclusive three-day culinary residency

Apr 24, 2025, updated Apr 24, 2025

This winter, the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts (HOTA) will once again welcome one of the most iconic figures in global gastronomy, Marco Pierre White, for an exclusive three-day residency set to captivate food lovers, aspiring chefs and curious culture-seekers. Here’s everything you need to know …

Following his sold-out 2023 appearance, the legendary British chef – who rose to fame as the youngest recipient of three Michelin stars – returns with a program that promises to be bigger, bolder and more immersive than ever. From intimate dining experiences to open-air masterclasses, Marco’s residency will celebrate food as both art and theatre. The culinary festivities will run from June 5–7, bringing together some of south-east Queensland’s most talented chefs for a series of once-in-a-lifetime events.

The program kicks off on Thursday June 5 with an In Conversation event, where Marco swaps chef whites for storytelling as he joins HOTA Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law for a deep-dive Q&A. Audiences can expect candid tales from Marco’s storied career, including his formative years at iconic restaurants like Le Gavroche and Le Manoir.

That same evening, the spotlight shifts outdoors for a live Masterclass on the HOTA Outdoor Stage. Guests will gain insight into Marco’s four-decade reign over the UK restaurant scene, while enjoying a rare combination of cooking demonstration, personal anecdotes and practical tips from one of the culinary world’s most revered figures.

For the true food devotee, an ultra-exclusive dining experience awaits atop the HOTA Gallery on Level 5, where just 30 guests will be treated to a five-course menu inspired by the dishes that cemented Marco’s place in Michelin history.

Also returning by popular demand is the Palette x Marco Pierre White dinner, a highlight of 2023’s calendar. This year, the event begins with a personal Q&A with Marco, followed by a carefully curated five-course menu that showcases the region’s finest seasonal ingredients through Marco’s refined lens. A lucky few will be able to score seats at the Private Table inside Elevate, Palette’s exclusive art lift, where guests enjoy a behind-the-scenes view into the kitchen action.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to HOTA for this exclusive Australian residency. There’s something truly special about the Gold Coast – the energy, the people, the passion for food. Palette is a restaurant that understands the artistry of cuisine and experience. These events are about more than just cooking, they’re about sharing stories, experiences, and creating unforgettable moments together,” said Marco Pierre White.

The weekend concludes with a grand finale under the stars on the HOTA Outdoor Stage Lawn. In a never-before-seen collaboration, Marco will be joined by a star-studded lineup of local culinary heavyweights, including Tim Stewart (The North Room), Koki Anekawa (Anekawa), pastry chef Melanie Day, Dayan Hartill-Law, and of course, the godfather himself. Each chef will present a unique course, paired perfectly by HOTA’s award-winning beverage team in a celebration of the diverse flavours and talents shaping south-east Queensland’s culinary identity.

“Having Marco back in the kitchen with us is an honour. His knowledge, his storytelling, and the way he approaches food is truly inspiring. This time around, we’ve taken it even further – from fire-fuelled outdoor events to the most intimate of dinners – and I can’t wait for guests to experience the incredible lineup of flavours, talent and creativity we’ve curated together,” said Dayan Hartill-Law.

Whether you’re there to dine, learn or simply be inspired, this one-of-a-kind residency promises to be a defining moment on the Gold Coast’s winter events calendar.

Tickets go on sale at 9.00 am, Thursday April 24 via the HOTA website. Don’t miss your chance to experience culinary history in the making.

Image 1 credit: Derek Dsouza
Image 2 and 3 credit: Risen Film Photography