Chef Derek Johnstone, winner of the inaugural Masterchef the Professionals competition in 2008, has departed Borthwick Castle to lead the kitchens in three brand new dining concepts at luxury hotel Rusacks in St Andrews opening in July – ‘18’, The Bridge, and One Under Bar.
They will be developed and operated by White Rabbit Projects, whose hospitality portfolio includes Lina Stores, Kricket and Island Poké. It is part of the Marine & Lawn collection, which is owned by Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners
The 120-room hotel, which overlooks the 18th green at the Old Course, is undergoing a major renovation of its accommodation including a new addition to the property and a transformation of its food and beverage offerings.
18 is a destination rooftop and Scottish restaurant on the fourth floor of the new extension with a full glass wall offering panoramic view across the Old Course, West Sands and the North Sea. The ground floor will house The Bridge, a more casual all-day dining option. Completing the trio is the One Under Bar, an ‘intimate, underground bar’.
Derek has worked with chefs including Michel Roux Jr. and Albert Roux, and in Michelin-starred kitchens around Europe including Le Gavroche in London, De Karmeliet in Belgium, and DO near Milan.