WITH a record-breaking 290,000 fans set to attend the 150th Open in St Andrews, there will be ravenous appetites to sate. Here are some places to eat.
QUALITY
FOR those looking to treat themselves, Fife boasts nine Michelin star restaurants, such as the Peat Inn. The region is also rich with venues awarded two or more AA rosettes, including the restful Rufflets hotel in St Andrews.
Originally built in 1924 for a Dundee jute baron, Rufflets is set in 10 acres of land, complete with its own kitchen garden. Marco Truffelli, partner and managing director says: “There is always a huge amount of excitement within the team at Rufflets as we build up to The Open. This year we have the addition of Scott Cameron our new head chef who will be creating an array of delicious dishes featuring produce from our kitchen gardens.”
FRESH
IF you appreciate the field-to-fork approach embraced by Rufflets, The Dory seafood restaurant in Pittenweem not only does a mean line in langoustines, scallops and oysters, but also has a small garden space, growing its own salads, fruit and veg and creating cordial from summer berries.
Another green-fingered foodie pitstop is Cambo Gardens and its Parlour Caf, renowned for vegetarian and vegan fare. Much of the produce comes fresh from the 3.5 acres of walled garden and edible garden where the gardeners harvest an array of cucumbers, peas, kale, chard, tomatoes, squash, bok choi, radish, sweetcorn and more.
Gillian Veal, the cafe’s owner said: “The atmosphere is building day by day. Our team wil provide a week of menus to showcase the local produce. The edible garden will be at its prime during The Open so we’re creating a picnic box inspired by the harvest, including seasonal bakes, salads, tarts, tortilla, dips, and homemade cordials. We also look forward to welcoming many new visitors.”
For a mix of local produce, nip to the extensive Bowhouse market in St Monans, which brings together a varied host of independent suppliers including Scotland the Bread, Futtle drinks, and Baern bakery. Another option is Balgove Larder in St Andrews. Drop by the farm shop, get carnivorous in the Steak Barn or grab a bite in the pizza hut with its wood-fired stoves, sourdough pizza bases, and toppings featuring Great Glen venison salami, Anster and Corra Linn cheeses, and Buffalo Farm mozzarella.
RELAXED AND INFORMAL
FOR those wishing to keep things low key, Fife is home to fantastic casual yet delicious eateries, often tucked away in stunning locations. First up is the Cheese Shack, with its signature macaroni cheese toastie, set on the sweeping sands of Kingsbarns beach.
Or head to The Tailend chipper in St Andrews. The fish bar does great traditional takeaway, but dine in to savour Arbroath smokies, tiger prawns and scallops. For something informal yet meaty head to The Ship Inn at Elie. Chill out as the barbecue crew get the coals fired up for burgers by the beach.
TEMPTATION
Cocktail fans could try an “1873”, devised especially for The Open at Rusacks’ bar 18. Combining vodka, pineapple, lime, ginger, falernum and rum, the 1873 pays homage to the first time The Open was held at St Andrews’ famous Old Course.
For sweet treats, St Andrews has several ice cream shops, such as Jannetta’s on South Street.
But for a chocolate fix make a beeline to The Cocoa Tree in Pittenweem. Try rich candied orange peel chocolates, the thickest of hot chocolate or lighter quinoa and harissa chocolate bites. Children can tuck into vanilla ice cream slathered with chocolate sauce and with a chocolate spoon.
Owner Sophie Latini said: “The Open is an exciting event for our area and we love to share our chocolate-laced cafe menu. The signature chocolate cake is always a favourite, and our shop offers visitors an opportunity to take home a unique, edible souvenir. Our single malt whisky liqueurs celebrate the spirit of Scotland.”
SHOPPING AND SELF-CATERING
Self catering visitors can whip up their own fare at the Madeira in Fife cottages.
Guests visit the chicken coop for fresh eggs each morning, hang out in The Bothy, complete with pizza ovens and homemade juices and jellies for sale, or cook al fresco over an open fire at The Dell.
Pick up further supplies from St Andrews Cheese Shop, East Pier Smokehouse and Ardross Farm Shop.
For more local info visit welcometofife.com
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here