Dean Banks: "The government has the ability to stop this"
Former Gordon Ramsay chef closes first solo venture after seven months for 'next chapter'
Dan Ashmore, the former executive chef of Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, has closed the doors of his first solo venture ASKR.
Dan only opened the Edinburgh restaurant in March of this year, but seven months on has confirmed he is starting the "next chapter”.
From next month, Dan will be taking on a role as executive chef at countryside hotel Schloss Roxburghe.
ASKR was backed by the Dean Banks restaurant group, the pair previously working together on ventures such as Pompadour. But now Dan is leaving the group, and with it ASKR.
In 2018, Dean reached the final of Masterchef: The Professionals.
Taking to Instagram, Dan wrote: “All good things must come to an end.
“After an incredible 3ish years with Dean Banks, the time has come for me to move on to my next adventure.
“We’ve cooked for some incredible guests and in some wonderful places together, opened six restaurants in three years and achieved nine rosettes and four of those restaurants a space in the Michelin Guide, as well as many other awards.
“I look forward to seeing the group continue to grow and will be a keen supporter of them from afar.
“My proudest moment over these past few years has been to watch the young chefs in the group grow to be leaders in their respective kitchens and have the autonomy to make decisions and create wonderful dishes.
“I’m taking a few weeks off before starting my next chapter that I’m very excited to begin. Stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted.”
As well as previously working for Gordon Ramsay, Dan had spells at Gleneagles and Waldorf Astoria, before linking up with Dean and then opening ASKR, which has succumbed to financial pressures in the industry.
Based in Leith, ASKR showcased Scottish produce, cooking it over coals.
Discussing his move to Schloss Roxburghe, Dan wrote via Instagram: "I look forward to putting my stamp on the culinary offering in the iconic property."
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Former Gordon Ramsay chef closes first solo venture after seven months for 'next chapter'
