Scotland’s longest-standing two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, has appointed James Ashton to the role of restaurant manager. Originally from Santa Cruz, California, he has worked in managerial positions for a wide range of highly regarded fine dining restaurants, including Ängsbacka, a yoga retreat in Sweden, Horváth in Berlin and under Jean-George Vongerichten in New York City.
Chef Director at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Stephen McLaughlin, said: ‘James [pictured] brings with him a lot of diverse experience, fantastic energy and new perspective. He’s ready to lead the team in a positive way, while remaining respectful of what we’ve built here over the last 25 years. He really gets the importance of motivating and nurturing the team, while ensuring that every guest that dines with us receives the very best experience.’
James added: ‘The restaurant has clearly been so well managed over the years and we now have a group of very skilled and curious individuals who are all so excited to be here and to learn and carry this project along. It’s a thoroughly warm, friendly, considerate experience.
In 2017, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie became the first Scottish establishment included in Les Grandes Tables du Monde, a guide listing 170 of the most distinguished restaurants in the world. In 2023, it was named as the UK’s top restaurant in Harden’s Top 100 Best UK Restaurants, an influential guide which ranks the UK’s best dining destinations as chosen by diners.