Aberdeen’s award-winning wine bar Grape & Grain and its sister restaurant Mediterranean have appointed Chetan Doonga as General Manager, marking a significant leadership development for the two well-regarded venues.
Doonga, who holds an MSc in International Tourism Management from Robert Gordon University, brings a wealth of local hospitality experience to the role. Before this appointment, he spent two years as Food & Beverage Manager at the Chester Hotel in Aberdeen.
His career began in 2009 at the Marcliffe at Pitfodels, where he worked for over 15 years. Starting as a banqueting waiter, he progressed to training manager and then served as maître d’ for a decade under the late Stewart Spence.
Owned by Aberdeen businesswoman Jeanette Forbes, Grape & Grain and Mediterranean are located opposite each other on Thistle Street, a popular destination for independent hospitality in the city.
Ms Forbes said:
We are very pleased to have someone with Chetan’s background and top level experience join the team at Grape & Grain and Mediterranean. Although each business operates independently of one another, there is great synergy between the two, which is about more than their proximity to one another.
In his new role, Doonga will lead efforts to develop this synergy, overseeing operations across both venues. His focus will include strengthening team leadership, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, maintaining high operational standards, and driving sustainable growth.
Doonga commented:
I’m delighted to be taking on this role and working alongside Jeanette across both Grape & Grain and Mediterranean. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and passion for hospitality, particularly my interest in wine, to both venues and creating distinctive, memorable experiences for our guests.
Grape & Grain opened in 2017 and has since earned numerous local and national awards recognising its wine and gin selections and unique style. Mediterranean launched in January 2025, offering a menu inspired by the diverse cuisines of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.