We were awarded two AA rosettes and featured in the Michelin Guide
In recent months, the Dean Banks Group has been incredibly fortunate to receive recognition from highly esteemed organisations in the food industry.
We are delighted to share that several of our venues, including Dulse, Haar, The Pompadour, and Forager, have been fortunate enough to receive accolades from both the AA and Michelin for their exceptional culinary endeavours. It is a testament to the dedication and talent of our team, and we are truly grateful for the acknowledgement bestowed upon us.
Michelin-recommended
Every year, the Michelin Guide goes on a mission to find the absolute best in the world of gastronomy, giving well-deserved recognition to top-notch restaurants and their incredible chefs.
Being featured in the guide is a true honour and a testament to the outstanding quality of these dining establishments. It's like a seal of approval that puts them among the culinary elites. Our teams couldn't be prouder to be mentioned and associated alongside such esteemed company.
Dean Banks at the Pompadour
“The Pompadour is one of the city’s most famous restaurant names, and it sits within one of its best-known hotels, The Caledonian – if you’re lucky, you may get one of the tables that look up to the castle. The tasting menu makes creative use of prime Scottish produce but with a noticeable Asian influence; contrasts in flavours, textures, and temperatures all feature.”
The Forager
“A rural village in Clackmannanshire is the setting for this warm, unfussy pub. Set over two floors, The Forager’s place as the local pub has not been forgotten, despite a stylish renovation. A short menu showcases pub classics and a few more creative dishes. At the heart of it all is good produce, which is brought to life with care and attention, in dishes that have plenty of flavour.”
Dulse
“Make it an occasion by starting with a cocktail in the ground floor wine bar before heading upstairs to enjoy terrific Scottish seafood. Traditional flavours, in dishes like Arbroath smokie tart and St Andrews lobster thermidor, sit alongside those boasting more of an Asian accent, such as banana leaf steamed hake with a coconut and coriander sauce; whichever style you prefer, the quality of the fish and shellfish really comes through.”
Haar
“An appealing restaurant with a modern, Nordic edge; ask for a table on the more characterful first floor, with a view of the open kitchen. The tasting menu reflects the owner’s travels and offers some bold and powerful flavour combinations. Try the signature smoked lobster – and don’t miss Nana's banoffee.”
AA Rosette Awarded
The esteemed AA Rosette Awards have long been at the forefront of recognising culinary excellence. Established in 1956, this pioneering nationwide scheme assesses the outstanding quality of food served at restaurants and hotels.
Led by a team of highly experienced inspectors, the AA Rosette Award carries immense prestige in the gastronomic world. It symbolises a remarkable achievement, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the recipients.
Earning a coveted AA Rosette places establishments in the esteemed company of industry trailblazers. It serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Haar
“Haar Rooms is located just 50 meters from the world-famous Old Course in St. Andrews; Dean Banks who was one of the finalists in the 2018 MasterChef has opened a stunning restaurant with rooms which really does impress. The top suites have views of the golf course as well as the Long Sands and the North Sea. Bedrooms are of excellent quality with many thoughtful luxury extras provided as standard with bedrooms differing in size from Cosy to a Master King Room.
A wonderful location to allow you to sample the locally sourced food that Haar Restaurant has to offer. Breakfast provides a perfect start to your day as you work out how and where you are going to spend your day.”
Awards
Five-stars – Restaurant with Rooms.
Three-rosette award for culinary excellence.
Dulse
Full AA review – coming soon.
Awards
Two-rosette award for culinary excellence.
Dean Banks at the Pompadour
“One of the grande dames of Scottish hospitality, Waldorf Astoria - The Caledonian still offers a genuine 'wow' factor after more than a century. Dean Banks at The Pompadour is the fine dining option on the mezzanine floor of the hotel, the in-demand tables overlooking Lothian Road and up to the castle. High ceilings, intricate plasterwork and walls of striking artwork makes for a grand setting for the modern Scottish cooking with an Asian influence. A fresh and vibrant starter of North Sea hake, Thai basil and coconut might lead on to grass-fed beef cheek, gochujang, ponzu and black sesame.”
Awards
Three-rosette award for culinary excellence.
Award for notable wine list.
The teams across all our venues could not be prouder of these momentous achievements. This really goes to show that hard work and dedication do pay off.
Take a bow folks; you all deserve it.