The general manager at the Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles has been honoured with a special award for best service in Great Britain and Ireland in the 2022 Michelin star ceremony.
Dale Dewsbury was named as the winner of the Michelin Guide Service Award at a digital event on February 15 as part of the prestigious Michelin Guide prize ceremony.
Taking place over two days, the second day of the event also saw the restaurant retain its two Michelin star status for the 17th consecutive year.
The Michelin feedback describes how Dale has “the ability not only to serve his guests to the highest standard but also to simultaneously be on hand whenever his staff need him.”
It recognised how for 20 years, Dale has “not only led by example but has supported, encouraged, coached, and shared his knowledge and experience with his wonderful team”.
The full service team was celebrated as part of the win, with Michelin reporting: “Huge smiles, a passion for their craft and a skill for anticipating guests’ every need create an exceptional service experience at Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles.
“From the warm welcome to the heartfelt goodbye, every guest is made to feel special, and the whole experience runs like clockwork.”
The award is one of five new special awards which were established last year to demonstrate the Michelin Guide’s appreciation for the entire restaurant ecosystem.
The other awards include chef-mentor, sommelier, young chef and newcomer, in recognition that there is more to consider than the quality of food in creating unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
Dale has been general manager at the restaurant since 2012, and was a core part of the team that launched Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in 2001, when he was restaurant manager.
The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2002, within a year of opening. The second star was added in 2006.
In 2017, the restaurant became the first Scottish establishment included in Les Grandes Tables du Monde, a guide listing 170 of the most distinguished restaurants in the world.
Dale and head chef Stevie McLaughlin continue to work together at the helm of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie following the loss of founder Andrew Fairlie in January 2019.
These accolades come after a positive start to the year for the restaurant, which reopened after its January closure with a refurbishment and a new 10-year lease with Gleneagles.
A delighted Dale said: “I’m extremely humbled to have been recognised with this award.
“I’m proud of the offering we have and the exceptional food that we serve, and – as with all the team – I’m dedicated to making chef Andrew proud and continuing his legacy.
“I’m thrilled that this passion, pride and commitment is visible to guests.
“We’ve had a fantastic start to 2022 and this incredible honour – along with retaining our two Michelin stars – has made it better than we could have imagined.
“The superb Restaurant Andrew Fairlie team works hard to make the experience of our guests the best it can possibly be, and we all play a vital part in this.
“I’m sure Andrew would be raising a dram to us this week as we are to him.”
Head chef Stevie McLaughlin added: “This award is a testament to the fact that we are not just a chef-led restaurant, but a strong and talented team that creates an unforgettable experience for our guests.
“Anyone who has dined with us will appreciate the next level of excellence in service that Dale provides and we’re all extremely proud of him.
“While 2022 marks our 17th year of attaining two Michelin stars, each year feels like the first.
“We never take it for granted and we’re over the moon.”
