A renowned Fife chef is turning his new venture into the ‘people’s restaurant’ - by getting fans to vote on everything from the menu to the colour of paint on the walls.

Dean Banks used social media it to build his Haar At Home business in St Andrews, but now he is taking it to a whole new level for Amber, his new venue which opens in town on August 5.

Dean has taken on a prime unit in the seaside town, previously occupied by Brewdog. Everything from paint colours to furnishings, plates to chairs, the entire exterior look and even what is on the menu is being decided with the help of his followers.

He said: “I love St Andrews and it’s been very good to us – a lot of our business is here from Haar to Dune and the lobster shack, we live locally and of course our suppliers are all here or very close by.

Dean Banks is opening Amber in St Andrews (Pic: Contributed)

placeholder image — Dean Banks is opening Amber in St Andrews (Pic: Contributed)

“We are part of this place and we always feel that way from customers and just people we meet in the street. So giving that voice to followers feels like the right thing in terms of what we create for the community here.

“With that in mind it’s not going to be super high end, this is an affordable accessible take on my food – I hope so anyway. We want to do something different and keep it interesting, fresh and fun for ourselves and for everyone here.”

The chef has always been vocal on socials, often even to his own detriment when speaking up for the hospitality trade and trying to explain the issues.

He said: “It really is the ultimate people’s restaurant – I love the communication social media can bring and it felt like a nice way to take that on a step further. We get lots of comments and opinions good and bad anyway, so actually letting people have a say in how the restaurant turns out appealed to me.

“The response has been overwhelming. People were maybe sceptical at first but they’ve realised I mean it and we’re taking their opinion on board. Also it helps settle lots of arguments among the team here - it shows us what the public want rather than what we personally prefer.

“It’s exciting and I am looking forward to reactions when people see elements they have played a part in choosing.

“We’ve gone with the public vote for the colour and style of the hallway at the rear and for the whole outside look. Some of the team are not too happy - but the people have spoken, so tough.”

A sample menu created with that input is live on the website now, with bookings open – go to https://www.amberstandrews.co.uk/menu.

Offerings include bar bites/table bites such as Charcuterie, Padron Peppers, Manchego Cheese, Fried Calamari, Scallops in Shell, Patatas Bravas and Grilled Octopus. Mains include Lemon Baked Cod, King Prawn Saganaki, Clams a la Portuguese, Steak Frites, Piri Piri ½ Roast Chicken & Chips, Vodka Rigatoni, Isabela’s Lasagna and Crab Linguine.