The Peat Inn, near St Andrews, is a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms run by Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle. Set in a 300-year-old inn in the Fife countryside, it offers impeccably sourced and cooked Scottish cuisine. The combination of fine food, tranquil rural setting, and personal service makes it one of Scotland's finest dining destinations.
The Peat Inn is a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms in the small hamlet of the same name near Cupar in Fife, approximately six miles from St Andrews. The original inn on this site dates to the 18th century, and the restaurant has operated under Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle since 2006, building a reputation as one of Scotland's finest rural dining destinations. Geoffrey Smeddle's cooking is rooted in classical French technique but draws on Scottish produce with genuine commitment: hand-dived scallops, locally shot game, Fife estate venison, and Scottish farmhouse cheeses appear across the seasonal menu. The tasting menu runs five or six courses and changes with the rhythm of the Scottish seasons; a shorter set menu is available at both lunch and dinner. Service is personal and unhurried — the scale of the restaurant (around eight guest rooms and a modest number of dining covers) ensures that visits feel genuinely private and calm rather than operationally stretched. The dining room is warmly traditional: inglenook fireplace, antique furnishings, and a character that feels authentically rural without being rustic. The wine programme is one of the most serious in Scotland for a restaurant of this size, with considerable depth in classic French regions. The Peat Inn holds a Michelin star and is a natural choice for golfers visiting St Andrews, for whom a long dinner at The Peat Inn is a well-established tradition.
Location
Peat Inn, Cupar, Fife KY15 5LH
Highlights
- Michelin-starred country restaurant near St Andrews in the Fife countryside — a classic Scottish destination dinner
- Tasting menu built around locally shot game, hand-dived scallops, and Fife estate venison
- Intimate scale with personal service — a genuine rural retreat rather than a large hotel dining room
- Historic inn setting with inglenook fireplace and genuinely warm country-house atmosphere
- Exceptional wine programme with deep French cellar — remarkable for a restaurant of its scale
Tips for visiting
- Staying overnight in the inn's rooms transforms the Peat Inn from a dinner destination into a true Highland retreat
- Golfers visiting St Andrews should plan dinner at The Peat Inn as the natural complement to a day on the Old Course
- The Saturday lunch menu is a relaxed and slightly less formal alternative to dinner
- Book well ahead — particularly for weekend dinner, which fills weeks in advance
- The cheese course is one of the best in Scotland for farmhouse Scottish varieties; do not skip it
Accessibility
The Peat Inn is a historic rural inn. The dining rooms are on the ground floor and largely accessible. The rural setting requires a car or taxi to reach. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the inn before booking to discuss the most suitable arrangements given the building's historic character.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Peat Inn far from St Andrews?
The inn is approximately six miles south-west of St Andrews, a ten-minute drive. It is a standard pairing with a golf trip to the Old Course and nearby links.
Does The Peat Inn have accommodation?
Yes, the restaurant operates eight suites within the historic building. Staying overnight allows guests to relax fully through a long dinner without transport concerns.
What type of cooking should guests expect?
The cooking is classical French technique applied with great care to Scottish seasonal produce. It is refined and accomplished without being experimental or fashion-driven.
Is The Peat Inn suitable for vegetarians?
The kitchen accommodates vegetarian guests with advance notice. Dietary requirements should be communicated when booking so the tasting menu can be adapted appropriately.