There are changes afoot at the Galvin restaurants at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.
Chris and Jeff Galvin have appointed Fraser Allan as the new Executive Chef. Fraser will oversee the kitchens of Galvin Brasserie de Luxe and The Pompadour by Galvin, both within the 5-star Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.
Fraser previously held the role of Head Chef at Galvin Brasserie de Luxe, from its opening in 2012 until 2014 when he left to pursue another role.
Michelin Bib Gourmand
During his time at the Brasserie, Fraser led the team to win a Michelin Bib Gourmand in the 2013/14 guide, the only new award issued by Michelin in Scotland that year. He was also instrumental in the Brasserie being awarded Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2014.
Jeff Galvin commented: ‘I am thrilled to welcome Fraser back to the Galvin restaurants in Scotland. We worked particularly well together in the past when Fraser opened Galvin Brasserie de Luxe for us in Edinburgh in 2012, achieving a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Fraser will be at the helm of The Pompadour by Galvin where we are looking forward to welcoming our loyal guests back after our winter break.’
Fraser began his career in 2005 working for David Wilson at The Peat Inn in Fife before it was taken over by Geoffrey Smeddle and remained there for a further two years. It was during this time that Fraser first met Chris and Jeff Galvin, when Geoffrey arranged a stage for Fraser with his former employers in London.
Fraser has also worked for Martin Wishart at Cameron House on Loch Lomond; Willie Deans in Perth and Roy Brett at Ondine. He was Paul Kitching’s Sous Chef at 21212 before becoming head chef at the Galvin Brasserie de Luxe in September 2012.
Craig Sandle, the former Exec Chef at the Galvin restaurants, is leaving to pursue other interests. The 5pm Dining blog would not be astonished were we to hear that he was involved with a well-known hotel at the other end of Princes Street.
We also understand that Peter Adshead, the former sommelier and then Restaurant Manager at The Pompadour, will be helping to run the soon-to-launch Riparian Rooms at the bottom of Broughton Street.
Both Galvin Brasserie de Luxe and The Pompadour by Galvin were formed by Michelin-starred chef brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin as part of the hotel’s £24m refurbishment in 2012.
New winter menu
The Pompadour by Galvin will re-open today following a three-week holiday. They will be unveiling a new winter menu featuring dishes developed by Fraser and the Galvin brothers in London earlier this month.
The a la carte menu, previously costing £58 for three courses, will now offer five choices per course, each priced individually. The seven course menu gourmand (£68) will remain, as will the three course seasonal menu (£29) available on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and until 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Pompadour’s opening times have changed, with the restaurant now open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday only.