Masterchef finalist Dean Banks to open first restaurant

Dean Banks a finalist in the 2018 series of Masterchef: The Professionals, has announced he is to open his first restaurant, located in St Andrews, Scotland.

The restaurant, named Haar, will open in the town’s five-star Kinnettles Hotel, and span the whole of the ground floor of the hotel, which also houses a spa, and nine all-suite bedrooms.

Haar’s menu will focus on local seasonal produce, with “new and inventive takes on classic dishes”, which will be ordered as a selection of large and small plates which can be shared among diners.

Banks said: “I’m very excited about opening my first restaurant and thrilled that it’s in such an amazing setting like the Kinnettles. The produce that I have been sourcing is some of the best I’ve ever tried and I feel very lucky to be located in the Kingdom of Fife.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming for both locals and tourists to come and try my style of food and dining. I can’t wait to serve fine dining food without the stuffiness of dress codes and tablecloths – it’s going to be a real sensory experience.”

In addition to Banks’ dishes, Haar will offer a curated wine list, with a number of fine wines available by the glass, as well as a selection of local spirits.

Kinnettles Hotel director, Fraser Ogston, added: “We’re delighted that Dean has chosen Kinnettles as the location for his first venture. His talent and creativity with food are exactly what we were looking for with a partner, and he will be a great asset to the hotel, as well as to the town of St. Andrews.”

The restaurant is expected to open on 5th April, and will be open for lunch and dinner service.