Dean Banks counters rising costs by cutting prices in his restaurants

Alex South

Editor

Dean Banks is facing crippling costs and a struggle to survive in the hospitality business with huge increases in utility bills, food costs and everything else.

Dean is reducing prices, offering massive discount deals across his four beautiful sites – Haar St Andrews, Dean Banks at The Pompadour, Dulse Edinburgh and The Forager pub, Dollar.

The offers see huge reductions on top-tier premium dining experiences, including tasting menu experience at Haar St Andrews for just £49 or at Dulse Edinburgh for only £35.

Commenting on the new initiative, Dean said: "This is about value for money for our loyal supporters, it’s as simple as that. Just as we in the trade are struggling, so is everyone at home, so while hiking prices to reflect costs is the standard and understandable solution, we wanted to do it our way. So we’re giving people the chance to come in and enjoy our high-end, premium experiences and meals, with top-end produce and service all the way – but at a reduced rate."

He added: "We’re giving back to our customers for their support, trying to make it affordable to still have those all-important breaks and treats from everyday life and we hope the benefit to us is, we still have a busy restaurant and that balances the books for us, covering our increased costs."

Talking about the situation hospitality finds itself in, Dean said: "It’s a tough time all round – the wee Michelin boost was a welcome one.I hope this initiative helps people and in turn helps our businesses. I think the government have to do something or it’s actually frightening to think what sort of damage could be done to hospitality – there may be very few bars and restaurants left in a year’s time if nothing changes."

Discussing what measures he would like to see introduced to help struggling businesses, Dean said: "The obvious thing would be a VAT cut to 10 per cent – but that’s only obvious to us in the trade, it seems."

Offers at Dean Banks group through April

Haar St Andrews tasting menu £49 for April
5 star bedrooms at Haar St Andrews £199
Pompadour £59 tasting menu for April
Dulse tasting menu £35 Tuesdays and Sundays
Forager Fish and chips Friday and a pint for £14.95
Lunch menu from £19 at Forager through April.

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