Hollywood A-listers were so impressed with their meals at a newly-opened St Andrews restaurant they gave the chef a round of applause
The cast of HBO’s Succession visited Haar in the Kinnettles Hotel on Thursday evening after filming the show’s second series in Dundee.
The restaurant was opened by Arbroath-raised MasterChef finalist Dean Banks in April.
The chef said receiving praise from the TV stars was “100%” among his proudest achievements to date.
Dundonian actor Brian Cox – who plays central character Logan Roy in Succession – was so taken with his food that he asked to speak with Mr Banks and told him it was the best meal he’d ever had.
Mr Cox is said to have been joined by co-stars Danny Huston, Holly Hunter, Kieran Culkin, James Cromwell, Nicholas Braun, Jeremy Strong and Peter Friedman at Haar after filming wrapped on Succession at the V&A.
Hiam Abbass, Matthew Macfadyen and Alan Rusk were also among the actors in Dundee as filming took place at the £80million design museum from Sunday evening until Thursday morning.
Holly Hunter won an Oscar for her performance in The Piano and is the voice of Elastigirl in The Incredibles. Kieran Culkin is the younger brother of Macaulay Culkin and the star of films including Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Igby Goes Down.
However Mr Banks said he was most starstruck by local lad Cox and by Cromwell, who is the star of such films as The Green Mile, Babe, LA Confidential and Star Trek: First Contact.
“Brian Cox was super happy with his dinner,” said Mr Banks.
“They asked to speak to the chef. I was stood next to Brian and he introduced me to everyone. Everyone gave me a round of applause.
“They all came and had a picture with me and I had an individual chat with most of them.
“One said it was the best dessert he’d ever tried. Brian Cox said it was the best meal he’d ever had.
“These sort of quotes are positive for the whole staff and crew working so hard here. It was a nice little achievement.
“It was such an empowering thing, and it shows we are doing the right thing. These people travel all around the world.”
He said nerves hadn’t affected him in the kitchen.
Mr Banks said: “It is more of an enjoyment. We knew Brian was coming. I thought it was just going to be Brian Cox but I walked into the restaurant and saw a crew of A-list celebrities.
“They were totally normal folk, very humble.”
Mr Banks said business had been “very good” at Haar since its opening.
He said: “We’re getting busier. It is taking off.”
Commenting on Succession’s filming at V&A Dundee, a museum spokesman said: “V&A Dundee tells a global story so it’s both exciting and fitting to welcome the cast and crew of HBO’s Succession to film in our museum.”
