An Edinburgh restaurant has been awarded three AA Rosettes for its "fabulously indulgent" dishes.
Dean Banks at the Pompadour was one of many plush eateries around the UK that was mentioned in the travel guide's awards on Wednesday (March 2.)
Known as one of the capital's best restaurants, the kitchen headed up by the Masterchef finalist is located inside the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.
One of just a 15 sites around the country to bag three rosettes, the restaurants were announced as winners in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday.
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Describing the Edinburgh city centre spot, an AA Inspector had said it was a “fabulously indulgent location for spot-on seasonal menus."
A review from AA added: "Surely one of Edinburgh’s most splendid places to eat, in one of the most impressive hotels in Britain, the iconic Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.
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"The best tables enjoy views over Lothian Road and up to the castle, and the intricate plasterwork and stunning blue velvet chairs really do make this the perfect setting for Dean Banks’ seasonally evolving tasting menus.
"Expect fantastic local produce and an intensely sensory experience from dishes featuring king scallops, Loch Etive trout, or smoked lobster from St Andrews Bay. There’s a Scottish cheese selection, and wine pairings are available."
And reacting to the award, Dean Banks said he and his hardworking team have been left 'humbled' by the accolade
He told Edinburgh Live: “We are of course thrilled to have received our three AA rosettes for 2022 – it’s all about our amazing team here at The Pompadour and everyone has worked so hard, I’m delighted that work has been recognised with this prestigious accolade.
“To be acknowledged like this is fantastic for me and for the staff, for all the hard work that has been put in to creating an amazing customer experience, like sourcing sensational produce direct from fishermen and farmers, all these things behind the scenes. We are humbled as a team to gain this award after being open for such a short period of time.
“We strive to keep pushing and developing our customer experience and find more and better produce in our country and showcase Scotland’s wonderful larder to both locals and tourists.
“It’s wonderful for the staff and their CVs, to be recognised within the guide is great for them and for the restaurant.
“It’s a huge honour to have our hard work endorsed in this way and we are delighted with the feedback in general on our tasting menu in Scotland’s most stunning traditional dining room.
“Thank you to the team at AA, we’re so glad you appreciate our efforts and enjoy our food and dining experience here at The Pompadour.
“We have just launched a special new nine-course lunch menu at £55 per head, so come see us and explore Scotland’s bountiful larder with a Dean Banks twist.”
Other Scottish sites awarded three rosettes included The Auldgirth Inn in Dumfries, and the Tamburruni and Wishart in West Dumbartonhsire.
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media said: “We are delighted to recognise those restaurants that are achieving the highest levels of gastronomic excellence in our country. Congratulations to all those working at these establishments, who continue to show the breadth and quality of the British culinary landscape.”
