Doors open to Dean Banks’ new St Andrews restaurant after complete makeover

Scots superchef Dean Banks launches Amber after transforming the premises in South Street once occupied by Brewdog.

He carried out the massive renovation and rebuild himself over five weeks. Amber opened on Wednesday (August 5), serving Mediterranean flavours with a South American touch, courtesy of his Brazilian wife Isabela and the couple’s shared love of Portugal.

Dean always designs his venues and uses artworks by Isabela and his niece Charlotte – and this time he let his social media followers have an input as he got to work on the joinery, roofing, stripping out the building and building furniture from scratch.

He said: “Working on the units myself has always been a big part of how we work, whether on a new spot or maintaining existing venues. I design everything so it makes sense to me that I carry out a lot of the work – the things I can safely do to a good standard of course.

“For electrics, plumbing, we get the experts, but I’m pretty handy and I really enjoy creating, whether it’s food or the arrivals desk at Amber which I am quite proud of.

“I’ve been here every day now for weeks and I have really enjoyed it – most of the time. However I am excited to get back to cooking.

The former Brewdog site needed a total overhaul. It was stripped it back and started over, while the input of followers on key things like style, colour and even the entire front of the restaurant ensures the look is in keeping with what locals want.

Dean said: “It’s been great having input as we went, so we know that those who spoke up are happy with what we are doing. It means it feels like a community collaboration in a way and Amber fits in with what people want locally – those we heard from anyway.

“It’s an interesting way to ensure businesses provide what is needed and wanted locally I think.

“And it was fun to feel we are all in it together – so I hope everyone loves the result.

“I had a blast creating this site, using everything I've learned from all our other sites in the group. I really feel like Amber is taking us in a new direction with more accessible dining in a fresh, beautiful space.

“I designed Amber myself, from the interiors to the menu and format, with input and votes from followers helping shape the final result.

“My business partners and I built and funded it ourselves so it feels special and personal.”