Careers at Andrew Fairlie

Michelin Guide
Since 2006
AA Rosette
since 2007

Our people

We set our standards extremely high. Amongst many awards, we are the only restaurant in Scotland to hold two Michelin stars and The Michelin Service and Welcome Award. We are renowned not only for exceptional food, but also highly attentive, characterful and charming service. This is all down to the great people we have in our team. We recruit primarily on personality rather the the 'perfect CV' so don't hesitate to get in touch if this working environment appeals.

Dale Dewsbury
Andrew Fairlie chefs having a discussion in the kitchen

We serve dinner only each day, to give our guests an excellent experience, without being so stretched that success is out of reach. We set up to succeed, and consistently so. We may feel like a small restaurant - but it's a team of 34 like minded professionals who all contribute to our success.

Living & working

From the outset, we wanted the team to work in a united way. So there are no split shifts and an atmosphere that is built on success and job satisfaction.Who wouldnt want to work in an environment where winning every day is the norm?

Front of house staff receiving The Michelin Welcome and Service Award
Ready for a wee highland fling - who are the True Scotsmen?

I love the professional atmosphere of the kitchen, and everything we do is so clean and sharp. I love the access to the amazing produce that we cook with every day, and the produce we grow in our Secret Garden especially. I've been cooking professionally for years, but I have learnt a huge amount since joining Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, and feel I'm a stronger Chef for being here. We work in a calm, organised fashion, and the emphasis on quality and consistency is genuine and gives me something to aim for everyday. Knowing I achieve such high standards every day is hugely rewarding for me.

Clem Bubb
Clem Bubb
Senior Chef de Partie, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie

Training

You can expect highly detailed on-the-job training, supplemented by external courses and accreditation. We encourage the cross-fertilisation of jobs within the restaurant so you can better understand your colleagues’ role. We also encourage and organise short work experience ‘stages’ at other establishments of a similar level throughout Europe.

Stevie and Clem
Filleting a Beautiful Wild Seabass

Benefits

  • Competitive salary plus Tronc

  • Staff meals and teas/coffees on duty

  • Straight shifts

  • Discounted rates from selected beverage, food and equipment suppliers

  • Pension scheme

  • 28 days holiday per year

  • Tailored uniform

  • Complementary dinner for two upon completion of 6 months and once annually thereafter

  • Refer a friend Scheme

  • Golf Membership (with acess to Gleneagles 3 championship courses) for £150 per year

  • Seasonal parties and events - Summer and Winter Team Parties annually

  • Huge job satisfaction and a platform to build a career to be proud of

The restaurant

We are set right in the heart of the world-famous Gleneagles Hotel - a 258 bedroom and suite hotel surrounded by lush golf courses and rolling hills.

The best of Scotland on our doorstep and still within easy reach of the cosmopolitan cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The Restaurant
Gleneagles Hotel Resort

Local area

We are located in the heart of stunning Scotland, set in truly beautiful countryside. The nearest town is Auchterarder - just over one mile away, which has a small selection of shops, banks, schools, pubs and restaurants. Most of our staff either own, rent or share accommodation in the village.

Within 20 miles are the much larger historic towns of Perth and Stirling, both with good retail, recreation and hospitality offerings.

Perth town centre, next to the river
Auchterarder under a bright sunny sky

Nearby cities

Scotland's two major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, are within an hour's drive. Packed with great social and cultural activities, and easily accessed by train from Gleneagles station.

Both Glasgow and Edinburgh have large international airports, with many low cost airlines flying directly to numerous destinations throughout Europe and also to the United States and Middle East.

Glasgow city centre, looking down Buchanan Street
View of Edinburgh city centre from Calton hill

I joined the team with no restaurant experience, having completed my degree and working in retail. I applied for the job not expecting to even get a response, but got invited for an interview and secured a place on the team. I've worked my way through the restaurant roles starting as a Commis Waiter and being promoted to my current role as Assistant Restaurant Manager. Its impossible not to learn new things every day when you are working with the best team, produce and wines in what I think is the best restaurant in the country. I think personality, and commitment and a desire to be here overcame my lack of professional experience. I've been able to build a broad spectrum of skills and learn on and off the job with great support and have loved the journey.

John Preston
John Preston
Assistant Manager, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie

Time off

As much as we consider ourselves a committed and dedicated bunch, its never just about work and our down time is important. Don't underestimate the quality of life that living in the slice of heaven that is Scotland can deliver. With drop-dead gorgeous scenery that goes on forever, there's an encouragement to embrace the outdoor life at every turn. Skiing, mountain biking, bagging a Munro or two or just following a river on a leisurely stroll are all in your back yard. Oh, and theres Golf! Who wouldnt be tempted by a round or too in the home of golf, and a swift one in the '19th hole'?

With Scotland's ever growing food and restaurant scene there is every opportunity to indulge your passions. Whether that's a little foraging, enjoying a fine wine tasting or visiting a local distillery, they're all within easy reach. Eating out in one of the 9 Michelin starred restaurants within an hour of our doorstep means you'll never be far from a great dinner.