Restaurant Andrew Fairlie (R.A.F), one of only a pair of two-Michelin-Starred restaurants in Scotland, has welcomed back Xavier Brette as General Manager and John Preston as Restaurant Manager.
The famous establishment, based at Gleneagles, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and according to head chef Stevie McLaughlin, their return marks a new chapter for the award-winning restaurant.
With more than 25 years’ experience, Xavier (pictured above right) had previously worked with the R.A.F. team for three years, latterly as Assistant Restaurant Manager, and played a key role in establishing the restaurant’s global reputation for excellence. John, meanwhile, worked with the team in front of house roles for almost 12 years, having first joined as a Commis Waiter in 2013. With a degree in International Business with Modern Languages from the University of Strathclyde, John has almost two decades of experience and has also worked in supervisory roles in the hospitality sector in Glasgow.
In their new roles, Xavier and John will work closely with Stevie and Director, Kate Fairlie to collaborate with friends and industry partners to create special events throughout the year.
Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Stevie McLaughlin, said: ‘Having Xavier and John back at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie means so much to all of us. It’s always been our motto to be a better restaurant and to have fun with it, and Xavier and John really understand and embody this. They’re professional and highly skilled, and we couldn’t be happier to have their support as we continue building on everything Andrew created and as we move the restaurant into a new era. It’s a significant moment for us.’
Xavier Brette added: ‘Being back at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie is just incredible. I’m so happy and thankful to have John with me on this brilliant journey as we both look forward to honouring Chef Andrew and continue his legacy.’
John Preston said: ‘It’s a very exciting time, and it feels fantastic to be back. Getting to work with Xavier again was such a big draw and I’m looking forward to working in the ‘Andrew Fairlie way’ and meeting familiar guests again.’
Based inside The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie is widely regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the UK. It was awarded a Michelin star in 2002, within a year of opening, and the second star was added in 2006. This year, the restaurant retained two Michelin stars for the 21st consecutive year.