Chef Dean Banks opens new restaurant in St Andrews
Scottish chef Dean Banks has launched a new restaurant in St Andrews - after spending five weeks carrying out the renovation and rebuild himself.
Amber serves up Mediterranean flavours with a South American touch, courtesy of his Brazilian wife Isabela and the couple’s shared love of Portugal.
The new restaurant is aimed at everyone as Dean works to make his food accessible to all - think small plates, big flavours, snacks and nibbles as well as more hearty options, all at reasonable prices.
Dean always designs his venues and uses artworks by Isabela and his niece Charlotte – and this time he let socials followers have an input too.
He joined in with roofing, stripping out, joinery and even building furniture from scratch – no flatpack in sight.
Dean 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.”
Of course doing much of the work himself has saved money in these times of spiralling costs.
With the former Brewdog site needing a total overhaul, meaning they stripped it back and started over, it’s a strategy that played a key part in making the whole project possible.
And the rapid turnaround means they’re open today - while the input of followers on key things like style, colour and even the entire front of the restaurant ensures the look is in keeping with what locals want.
Dean said: “It’s been great having input as we went, so we know that those who spoke up are happy with what we are doing.
“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.
“I designed Amber myself, from the interiors to the menu and format, with input and votes from followers helping shape the final result.
“My business partners and I built and funded it ourselves so it feels special and personal.”
The menu is sensational, built around the food Dean and Isabela love and have discovered together at home and on their travels.
It’s all about fresh summery dishes using superb locally sourced ingredients and bringing Dean’s cuisine to as many people as possible in a relaxed, comfortable room.
“Look out for Clams A La Portuguese, £15, which is our favourite thing to eat on holiday – really beautiful, simple, amazing food.
“Isabela’s Lasagna at £25 is Isabela’s own recipe which she has reluctantly shared with me at last – it’s very good.
“And I love the simple Crab Linguine at £28 and the Beef Croquettes which are £9 – 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 – that means you.
“Amber also has bar bites, charcuterie boards and larger plates so there’s something for everyone and every occasion.
“Greek Salad, Fried Calamari, Olives, Padron Peppers, Manchego, Focaccia and boards with things like Salami, Coppa, Bresaola, Pancetta, Prosciutto, Hummus and so on.
“Come try us – we hope you love the taste of summer we are bringing to Amber.”
Amber is open now amberstandrews.co.uk.
Scottish chef Dean Banks has launched a new restaurant in St Andrews - after spending five weeks carrying out the renovation and rebuild himself.
Amber serves up Mediterranean flavours with a South American touch, courtesy of his Brazilian wife Isabela and the couple’s shared love of Portugal.
The new restaurant is aimed at everyone as Dean works to make his food accessible to all - think small plates, big flavours, snacks and nibbles as well as more hearty options, all at reasonable prices.
Dean always designs his venues and uses artworks by Isabela and his niece Charlotte – and this time he let socials followers have an input too.
He joined in with roofing, stripping out, joinery and even building furniture from scratch – no flatpack in sight.
Dean 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.”
Of course doing much of the work himself has saved money in these times of spiralling costs.
With the former Brewdog site needing a total overhaul, meaning they stripped it back and started over, it’s a strategy that played a key part in making the whole project possible.
And the rapid turnaround means they’re open today - while the input of followers on key things like style, colour and even the entire front of the restaurant ensures the look is in keeping with what locals want.
Dean said: “It’s been great having input as we went, so we know that those who spoke up are happy with what we are doing.
“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.
“I designed Amber myself, from the interiors to the menu and format, with input and votes from followers helping shape the final result.
“My business partners and I built and funded it ourselves so it feels special and personal.”
The menu is sensational, built around the food Dean and Isabela love and have discovered together at home and on their travels.
It’s all about fresh summery dishes using superb locally sourced ingredients and bringing Dean’s cuisine to as many people as possible in a relaxed, comfortable room.
“Look out for Clams A La Portuguese, £15, which is our favourite thing to eat on holiday – really beautiful, simple, amazing food.
“Isabela’s Lasagna at £25 is Isabela’s own recipe which she has reluctantly shared with me at last – it’s very good.
“And I love the simple Crab Linguine at £28 and the Beef Croquettes which are £9 – 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 – that means you.
“Amber also has bar bites, charcuterie boards and larger plates so there’s something for everyone and every occasion.
“Greek Salad, Fried Calamari, Olives, Padron Peppers, Manchego, Focaccia and boards with things like Salami, Coppa, Bresaola, Pancetta, Prosciutto, Hummus and so on.
“Come try us – we hope you love the taste of summer we are bringing to Amber.”
Amber is open now amberstandrews.co.uk.