Just like every other chef and restaurant owner, Scottish restauranteur Dean Banks is facing a struggle to survive in the business with huge increases in utility bills, food costs and everything else.
However instead of making the understandable and traditional move of passing on these running cost increases to customers, Banks is blazing his own trail by offering discount deals across his four sites – Haar St Andrews, Dean Banks at The Pompadour, Dulse Edinburgh and The Forager pub, Dollar.
The offers see hefty reductions on top-tier dining experiences, including a tasting menu experience at Haar St Andrews for just £49 or at Dulse Edinburgh for only £35.
“This is about value for money for our loyal supporters, it’s as simple as that,” said Banks. “Just as we in the trade are struggling, so is everyone at home, so while hiking prices to reflect costs is the standard and understandable solution, we wanted to do it our way.
“So we’re giving people the chance to come in and enjoy our high-end, premium experiences and meals, with top-end produce and service all the way – but at a reduced rate.
“We’re giving back to our customers for their support, trying to make it affordable to still have those all-important breaks and treats from everyday life. And we hope the benefit to us is, we still have a busy restaurant and that balances the books for us, covering our increased costs.”
Banks recently had three of his restaurants endorsed by Michelin Guide recommendations.
“It’s a tough time all round – the wee Michelin boost was a welcome one,” he said. “I hope this initiative helps people and in turn helps our businesses.
“I think the government have to do something or it’s actually frightening to think what sort of damage could be done to hospitality – there may be very few bars and restaurants left in a year’s time if nothing changes.
He added: “The obvious thing would be a VAT cut to 10% – but that’s only obvious to us in the trade, it seems.”
