Scots chef Dean Banks has joined Scotland rugby team stars, Duhan Van de Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, in a partnership backing the players’ single malt Scotch whisky, Hirundine.
Declaring the rugby stars to be his kindred spirits, Banks is already serving Hirundine in his award-winning restaurants, including Haar and Dune in St Andrews, Dulse, Dulse Leith and 1925 at the Pompadour in Edinburgh, and his Dundee cocktail bar Temple Lane.
Produced by Against The Grain spirits, Banks described Hirundine Whisky as a ‘stunning product which showcases the very best of Scotland’, just as he tries to do with his own restaurants, and his drinks brands Lunun Gin and Mond Vodka.
Banks said: “First and foremost I am a huge fan of Scottish rugby and the guys themselves. We all met some time ago when they came into the restaurant, met my family and we just hit it off.
“It’s all grown from there, we have become good friends and realised we had a lot of similar ideas on entrepreneurship and business, mainly just wanting to shout about and use the amazing produce from Scotland.
“I’m a proud Scot and they are proud adopted Scots who have really embraced our nation so it’s a really good fit. It’s exciting to see what we can do together.”
Rugby players Van de Merwe and Schoeman admitted that they weren’t fans of fine dining in general ahead of their encounter with Dean at his restaurant 1925 at the Pompadour – but trying his food changed all that.
Pierre said: “To be honest we weren’t aware of his food beforehand. Fine dining seems tailored to backline players like Duhan or smaller appetites.
“But Dean’s approach quickly changed that: his generosity and commitment to catering for all appetites won us over. One encounter was all it took to recognise a generous, inclusive spirit.
“His honesty stood out instantly. Dean wears his heart on his sleeve and channels his passion wherever he goes.”
Duhan said: “Dean’s passion for local produce resonates deeply with us. His loud, proud advocacy for Scotland’s exceptional offerings is inspiring and authentic. The image of him diving for lobsters in a wetsuit has its own endearing charm – honesty, humour and heart in one package.”
Dean added: “I discovered Hirundine naturally and immediately wanted to offer it in my restaurants simply because it’s so good.
“I want to offer the very best of land and sea – Hirundine is at the pinnacle on the land side and is so aligned with the values of my businesses.
“The partnership fits perfectly into my group’s offering with Lunun Gin and Mond Vodka, which are all about quality over everything else. Making the very best spirits rather than compromising for a fast buck or bigger numbers,” he said.
“Everything we do is about putting the sensational produce of Scotland in your glass or on your plate. I believe that’s why Haar St Andrews was just awarded a rare fourth AA Rosette, and all the awards and honours the Group has picked up over the years.
“I’m sure we will achieve that and more with Hirundine too.”
