An award-winning chef has opened a new restaurant in St Andrews after weeks of renovation work to convert a former BrewDog pub.
Dean Banks welcomed his first customers to Amber today, Wednesday, August 8, serving a menu of Mediterranean flavours with a South American twist, inspired by his Brazilian wife Isabela and the couple’s shared love of Portugal.
Having taken a hands-on approach to the refurbishment, he said: "Working on the units myself has always been a big part of how we work, whether on a new spot or maintaining existing venues.
“I design everything, so it makes sense to me that I carry out a lot of the work – the things I can safely do to a good standard, of course.
“For electrics, plumbing, all that, we get the experts. But I’m pretty handy, and I really enjoy creating, whether it’s food or the arrivals desk at Amber, which I am quite proud of.
“I’ve been here every day now for weeks, and I have really enjoyed it – most of the time. However, I am excited to get back to cooking, although the team have been incredible while I’ve been in tradesman mode.”
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With the South Street site needing a total overhaul, Banks asked his social media followers for help to determine the look and style of the new restaurant, ensuring he was creating a space 'in keeping with what locals want'.
“It’s been great having input as we went, so we know that those who spoke up are happy with what we are doing," Banks said.
“It means it feels like a community collaboration in a way, and Amber fits in with what people want locally – those we heard from anyway.
“It’s an interesting way to ensure businesses provide what is needed and wanted locally, I think.
“And it was fun to feel we are all in it together – so I hope everyone loves the result.
“I had a blast creating this site, using everything I've learned from all our other sites in the group.
“I really feel like Amber is taking us in a new direction with more accessible dining in a fresh, beautiful space."
On the menu at Amber is a selection of small plates, snacks and nibbles as well as heartier options, all using locally sourced ingredients.
This includes the likes of Greek salad, fried calamari, olives, padrón peppers and cured meat sharing boards.
“Look out for Clams a la Portuguese, which is our favourite thing to eat on holiday. Really beautiful, simple, amazing food," Banks said of his top picks.
“Isabela’s lasagne is my wife's own recipe, which she has reluctantly shared with me at last. It’s very good.
“And I love the simple crab linguine and the beef croquettes – both things we eat a lot at home or on holiday.
“It really is about fresh, tasty food and bringing dishes like these to St Andrews, our home, to share with our friends and family in the local area."
Amber is located at 159 South Street in St Andrews.
For more information, visit www.amberstandrews.co.uk.
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