General manager Dale Dewsbury to leave Restaurant Andrew Fairlie after 23 years

Dale Dewsbury has announced his departure from Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles after a total of 23 years at the restaurant.

Dewsbury, a well-known industry figure, met chef Andrew Fairlie while working at One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow.

He then moved to Gleneagles with the chef in the role of restaurant manager, becoming part of the team that launched Restaurant Andrew Fairlie 2001. The venue won its first Michelin star in 2002 followed by a second in 2006 and has topped the Hardens Best 100 UK Restaurants list.

Dewsbury was named general manager in 2012 following a short break and has worked with head chef Stephen McLaughlin at the helm of the restaurant following the death of Fairlie in January 2019.

In 2022 he received the Michelin Guide Service Award, which recognises the importance of front of house in the restaurant experience.

His earlier career included time working at Middlethorpe Halll in York, Llangoed Hall in the Brecon Beacons, which was named the AA Hotel of the Year, and the Georgian Room on Loch Lomond.

Dewsbury’s last service will be in December, after which he has no future plans, but is understood to want a change of pace after 40 years in the industry.

The front of house team at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie will continue to be led by Ross Hunter, who has been restaurant manager for 10 years.

Dewsbury said: “This has not been an easy decision, but it has been carefully taken over the last year. I will miss everything that is Restaurant Andrew Fairlie – especially the great team and 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, a huge part of my heart will remain with the restaurant and Andrew’s legacy.

“However, 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. I’m confident that they will take the restaurant forward in exciting ways.

“It’s been my privilege to be a part of Andrew’s vision 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 look forward to following its continued success as a diner.”

McLaughlin said there would be a “Dale-shaped space” left behind, but the culture Dewsbury established would live on at the restaurant.

Kate Fairlie, director at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, said: “Dale’s commitment to excellence has hugely inspired me, and I hope he takes this same energy into his new journey, bringing adventure, joy and the relaxation he so richly deserves. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”