Dale Dewsbury leaves Restaurant Andrew Fairlie after 23 years

General manager Dale Dewsbury has left his role at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, after 23 years with the company.

Dale was a big part of the team that launched the restaurant in 2001, initially as restaurant manager, before becoming general manager in 2012.

Dale worked alongside head chef Stephen McLaughlin at the helm of the establishment in Gleneagles Hotel since 2019, following the death of founder Andrew Fairlie.

Restaurant Andrew Fairlie was awarded a Michelin star in 2002, adding a second in 2006 and has since been listed in a host of prestigious guides and lists.

In a message posted via Instagram, Dale wrote: “After 23 years attached to the restaurant, I’ll be leaving my role as Director and General Manager at the end of the month.

“Not an easy decision, and one that has been carefully taken over the last year as I will of course miss everything that is Restaurant Andrew Fairlie – especially the great team and of course you, our wonderful guests.

“Having seen the restaurant grow from an idea into a reality and from a reality to an established point on the gastronomic map, obviously a huge part of my heart will remain with the restaurant and Andrew’s legacy.

“With the restaurant performing as strongly as it ever has, and with a team of real quality, longevity and ability, I feel happy and ready to hand over the baton and confident that they will take the restaurant forward in exciting ways.

“It’s been my privilege to be a part of Andrew’s vison for the restaurant and I will always be immensely proud of my small contribution to what has become a leading light of the Scottish restaurant scene. From here though, I’ll be joining you as a fan of the restaurant and look forward to following its continued success as a diner.

“This is my 40th year in hospitality and over half of it spent at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, and whilst I’m not quite ready to retire (although my beard may tell a different story) I am ready to slow the pace a little.

“Thank you personally for your support, and I know that together we can continue to enjoy more brilliant food and service from Team AF.”