The Peat Inn, By Cupar, Fife

The Peat Inn lies tucked in deepest Fife, but only an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and easily accessible from the M90. It is housed in the hamlet of Peat Inn, which has grown up around this historic inn. The seaside villages of Lower Largo and St. Monans are just a short drive away to the south.

Legendary Restaurant with Rooms

The food is the main attraction at this legendary ‘restaurant with rooms’. Run by welcoming husband and wife team Geoffrey Smeddle and Katherine Smeddle it is Geoffrey himself who excels in the kitchen. The Peat Inn is one of Scotland’s finest restaurants, drawing heavily on the nation’s rich culinary larder. The Residence meanwhile offers luxury accommodation in eight individual suites.

Luxurious Suites at The Peat Inn

The eight suites are set away from the historic inn in a sympathetic newer annex. They gaze out over the inn’s trim garden and further out over unspoilt countryside. Seven are split-level, while we found the single level one is the best for families with young children in tow. The décor is different in all of the rooms, but one constant is that all suites have a luxurious feel. Chic toiletries come from the White Company, while a range of Scottish teas and excellent Colombian coffee are also on hand.

Michelin Starred Dining at The Peat Inn

Diners come from all over to sample the superb Michelin one star experience here. Dinner is the main attraction with three menus – the cheapest is the menu of the day. Then there is the extensive a la carte and the multi-course tasting menu, the latter the only choice for visiting gastronomes.

Local produce is key with the likes of lobster and langoustine landed at the local fishing port of Anstruther. Desserts are equally sublime with one of the best chocolate puddings I have ever tasted. Petit fours and coffees await back in the lounge by the log fire in a seamless dining experience that is surely one of Scotland’s finest.

The restaurant is enough for most visitors, though note breakfasts are served in the bedrooms. There is also a small and cosy lounge at the entrance to the Residence with its own roaring fire. The Peat Inn boasts a little garden that offers views out across fields and woodland towards distant hills, as well as benches to sit and relax on. Suites also have traditional games such as wooden skittles, chess and dominoes.

Explore the Fife Coast

The Fife coast tempts just a couple of miles to the south. The East Neuk villages are gorgeous, all whitewashed houses, first-rate chippies, sandy beaches and sweeping sea views. The highlight for many is picture postcard pretty Crail, but we were big fans of even closer St. Monans. Here you can enjoy the culinary charms of the Craig Millar @ 16 West End just in case you had not savoured enough first rate cooking and local seafood already! For something simpler the award winning Anstruther Fish Bar is world famous, but we preferred the Wee Chippy a little further west along the Anstruther waterfront.

The Peat Inn, By Cupar, Fife, KY15 5LH. Tel: +44 (0)1334-840206. www.thepeatinn.co.uk

InsiderScotland Rating

For Families 6/10

For a Romantic Break 8/10

For Food 9/10

For Business People 6/10

InsiderScotland Rating 8/10