John and Xavier's return marks a new chapter for the restaurant, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.

Former Assistant Restaurant Manager, Xavier previously worked with the team for three years, while John worked in front of house roles at the restaurant for almost 12 years. During this time, they both worked with Andrew Fairlie, Kate Fairlie and Stevie, and played a key role in establishing the restaurant's reputation for exceptional hospitality.

With a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality Management from the Hotel School of Mauritius, new General Manager, Xavier has over 25 years of experience. He has worked in fine dining, Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels, and Relais & Chateaux properties in Mauritius, France, UK and USA. Most recently, Xavier was Experience General Manager/ Resident Manager at five-star hotel with Michelin starred restaurant, Winteringham Fields in North Lincolnshire.

Restaurant Manager, John is a long-standing and very well-known member of the team. He first joined Restaurant Andrew Fairlie as a Commis Waiter in 2013. He progressed through the ranks, becoming Head Waiter in 2018 and Assistant Restaurant Manager in 2022. With a degree in International Business with Modern Languages from the University of Strathclyde, John has almost two decades of experience and has also worked in supervisory roles in the hospitality sector in Glasgow.

In their new roles, Xavier and John will work closely with Stevie and Director, Kate Fairlie. In recognition of this year’s 25th anniversary, the team will be collaborating with friends and partners in the industry to create special events throughout the year.

Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Stevie McLaughlin said: “'Having Xavier and John back at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie means so much to all of us. The team literally leapt out of their seats with joy when we shared the news with them! It’s always been our motto to work hard to be a better restaurant, but to have fun with it, and Xavier and John really understand and embody this. They’re highly skilled and professional – but both have a wicked sense of humour!

“We couldn't be happier to have their support as we continue building on everything Chef Andrew created and all we’ve established over the last 25 years, particularly as we move the restaurant into a new era. It’s a significant moment for us and I’m very much looking forward to seeing where it takes us.”

Commenting on his appointment, Xavier said: “I'm over the moon to be part of the Restaurant Andrew Fairlie team again. With 25 years of fine dining and exceptional hospitality experience, I’m proud of what I've achieved so far, but being back 'home' at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie is just incredible. I'm so happy and thankful to have John with me on this brilliant journey as we both had the privilege and honor to work with Chef Andrew, understand his philosophy and continue his legacy.”

John said: “I couldn’t pass up the chance to come back and work at a place which was such a big part of my life for so long - and getting to work with Xavier again was such a big draw, as he was Assistant Restaurant Manager when I first started. I’m looking forward to developing the team and service, working in the ‘Andrew Fairlie way’ and meeting familiar guests again. We have introduced a slightly new way of working at the restaurant, and this will help to develop a quality team looking to provide the type of service that the restaurant has become renowned for and that our regular guests expect from us. It’s a very exciting time, and it feels fantastic to be back.”

Alternatively, you can email us at reservations@andrewfairlie.co.uk

Many thanks,

Restaurant Andrew Fairlie