Dean Banks’ flagship restaurant Haar in St Andrews has joined an elite group of just seven Scottish venues recognised with four or more AA Rosettes, following a awards ceremony in London last month.
The accolade places Haar among the highest rated restaurants in the country and makes it the only venue in Fife to hold four rosettes. It was also the only Scottish restaurant to be newly awarded at this level in 2025.
Banks, whose hospitality group Dean Banks Group also operates Dulse and Dulse Leith, 1925 at The Pompadour, and Temple Lane in Dundee, as well as drinks brands Mond and Lunun Gin, and home dining ventures Haar at Home and Waagyu Burger, described the recognition as “the fulfilment of a dream,” particularly as Haar represents what he calls his most personal expression of food and hospitality.
“Haar is special so being awarded four rosettes there means so much to the team and I, although of course I’m proud of the entire group,” said Dean.
“Haar is my baby, the flagship, the one that defines and sums up everything about me and my approach to all of this. It’s the absolute expression of me as a chef.”
The restaurant, which offers rooms and artwork by Banks’ family, has operated as a tasting menu-only concept since 2021, but recently introduced a set à la carte-style menu.
“That’s why I wanted rooms there – the idea I had was people are coming to my house for dinner and staying overnight. They’re guests in my home.
“I designed it all, my wife Isabela and son Felix have created a lot of the artworks there, my son Francisco and I did a lot of the physical work together on the renovations and changes. It’s a very special place and I think it’s a different kind of restaurant, so seeing it recognised in this way means the world.”
Banks credited his core team for helping bring his vision to life at Haar, naming Executive Chef George Sharp and Head Chef Tasso Neofitos as instrumental to the restaurant’s continued excellence. He said, “ I am incredibly lucky to have an amazing team around me now more so than ever – George Sharp the executive chef has really helped us push and refine the true vision of Haar since he joined us. Tasso Neofitos our head chef is at Haar every day, developing dishes, maintaining the consistency and quality – he’s a star.
“This achievement belongs to all of us. I want to push my team forward, give them the spotlight and help them reach their own dreams too. So this is a very special moment for all of us together. It says it all that I know if I am elsewhere in the group, Haar is still Haar.”
For Banks, the award is also a celebration of Scottish provenance and the wider food ecosystem. “This award also showcases the premium quality produce we have in Scotland and even more so in Fife. Showcasing that amazing produce is my whole philosophy so thank you to our brave fishermen and farmers who tirelessly head out through rain or shine for being absolute legends and making my country great.”
Picture: Dean with head chef Tasso