THE chef behind St Andrews restaurant Haar is making a move on the capital as part of a new collaboration with the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.
Described as “high-end yet relaxed”, Dean Banks at The Pompadour will open on 9th June, offering tasting menu experiences five evenings a week from Wednesday to Sunday.
Dean, who trained and worked in Edinburgh earlier in his career, described the move as his “greatest achievement”.
“I have built my reputation in St Andrews but I lived in Edinburgh for four years and trained there so always saw myself having a restaurant there,” he said.
“It is something I dreamed about in the younger years of my career especially when I worked at No 1.
“The opportunity to come into Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh and be part of the story is massive in itself; it’s almost ‘is this real?’.
“The point is I came home and started my business two years ago and one of those years has been a pandemic. So to now be in one of the best restaurants in Scotland is incredible; my team and myself have worked so hard in such a short time to achieve massive goals and this is a huge moment for us all.
“It feels like I am ticking off a life goal achievement but, like opening Haar for the first time, there are of course massive nerves.
“I really want to push myself and Edinburgh is the main stage, a huge stage in the Capital in one of the best locations in Scotland, and I will give it my all.”
Dale MacPhee, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming such a charismatic and driven Scottish chef who shares not only a passion for showcasing the best of local produce but also a mutual appreciation of this very remarkable venue – a venue that holds such a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.”
