Fairlie to move

Andrew Fairlie, executive chef of Glasgow's only Michelin-starred property, One Devonshire Gardens, has signed a deal with Gleneagles to run his own restaurant within the five-AA-red-star Auchterarder hotel.

To be called Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, it is understood that the 60-seat restaurant will be a stand-alone venture, with Fairlie leasing the site for an initial three-year period.

"The possibility of moving to Gleneagles was thrown up in conversation at a dinner table about a year ago, but I only really started discussions with Peter Lederer [managing director of Gleneagles] two months ago," said Fairlie. "From then, it was only a matter of days before we were talking contracts."

Lederer commented: "We've been looking to expand our food and beverage and we're extremely pleased to be able to work with someone like Andrew. He's done a fantastic job in Glasgow, but there's a lot more to come from him as a chef."

Fairlie would not comment on his investment in the venture, but it is understood that his initial capital outlay is in the region of £70,000-£100,000. The cost of refurbishing the existing hotel restaurant will be borne by Gleneagles: about £60,000 has been set aside for this purpose, Lederer confirmed.

The restaurant opens on 1 May and will operate on an evening-only basis. An à la carte and a six-course tasting menu drawn from the former will be on offer and average spend per head is expected to be £70 with wine.

Fairlie will leave his current post at the end of February. It is not yet known who will succeed him at One Devonshire Gardens.

By Joanna Wood