There’s many a watering hole in St Andrews, but if you’re looking for a pub with good craic and tasty food, The Courier Food and Drink team has you covered.
While St Andrews is certainly the home of golf in Scotland, many people also visit to enjoy the thriving food and drink scene.
For those looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink, look no further than our list of venues below.
From trendier bars to traditional pubs, these businesses are a huge part of the local community, all while servicing the wants and desires of tourists, too.
The Keys Bar
Founded in 1858, The Keys Bar has been an institution in St Andrews for centuries.
This independent family-run bar and has won many awards in its time. It originally started as a hotel called Stewarts in the mid 19th century and was named The Cross Keys in 1858. In its latter years it was owned and run by Carol and Stuart Gordon before being taken over by their daughter Claire.
Offering everything from national to local brands for their whisky, gins, beers, larger and spirits, there’s plenty to whet your palate with. Although it is one of the smaller pubs in town.
If you’re hungry though, I’ve heard the toasties are a must.
Address: 87 Market Street, St Andrews KY16 9NX
The Criterion
Another family-run independent business is The Criterion.
Established in 1874 it has become one of the go-to places for cask ale and whisky in St Andrews. It actually boasts more than 160 whiskies and has 80 plus gins for you to work your way through.
Be sure to order a Cri Pie when you visit. There are rave reviews from happy punters on every review site describing them as “amazing”.
Address: 99 South Street, St Andrews KY16 9QW
The Dunvegan
If you’re a lover of golf then be sure to pay this pub a visit.
The Golfers Corner inside The Dunvegan Hotel is a sight to behold, covered from floor to ceiling with pictures and memorabilia of world famous golfers and celebrities that have visited the bar for the past few decades. There’s even a picture of the first man on the moon that sits alongside many of the photographs of locals and tourists who are now decorated around the room.
When the season is in full swing pop past this bar as you never know who may be visiting.
Address: 7 Pilmour Place, St Andrews KY16 9HZ
Central Bar
While this is a Belhaven pub, Central Bar is, as it says in the name, central as it is located in the heart of St Andrews.
Serving food from 9am to 9pm you’ll never go without at Central Bar. From small plates which feature haggis fritters and chicken wings, to bigger plates like nachos, platters and pub favourites gammon and eggs and fish and chips, there’s something for everyone.
Traditional in its look, it also boasts a pretty traditional offering and when it is sunny, you can also venture outside for a seat in the beer garden.
Address: 77 Market Street, St Andrews KY16 9NU
The Jigger Inn
This gem is part of The Old Course Hotel, however is situated just beside the main hotel building.
It is also ideally situated with stunning views of The Old Course green.
Home to plenty golfing memorabilia, too, the historic building dates back to the 1850s and has a great selection of drinks available – with some local brands also featuring on the back bar.
Similarly to the hotel, the food is outstanding with the pub’s dishes up there with some of the best in the town. Be sure to order a pint of Jigger ale – its the pub’s own brew and can only be enjoyed at the venue.
And if you want a seat in the beer garden, get there early as you’ll struggle to get one otherwise.
Address: Old Station Road, St Andrews KY16 9SP
Whey Pat Tavern
Another Belhaven owned pub, the Whey Pay Tavern is traditional with a bit of a modern twist. There’s comfortable booth seating, as well as high stools to pull up a chair at the bar.
The building the pub is in dates from 1902 but there’s been an inn or a pub at the location since 1580 according to the company.
For grub, expect the usual pub classics like burgers, steak, nachos and toasties. It is also dog friendly, so be sure to bring your pooch along for a pint.
It is also situated directly across from the West Port which was built in 1587.
Address: 1 Bridge Street, St Andrews KY16 9EX
The New Inn
Traditional in its look, don’t let its exterior fool you. For those who haven’t visited, there’s a beer garden out back with plenty of seats for you to get the drinks in.
It is believed to be American professional golfer Tom Watson’s favourite pub in St Andrews and is frequented by students, tourists and locals alike throughout the year.
You’ll find your household staples available as well as plenty of local options that are sure to quench your thirst.
Address: 23 St Mary Street, St Andrews KY16 8AZ
One Under Bar
Live music? Check. Good drinks list? Check. Tasty food? Check. What more can you ask for at your local boozer?
You’ll find the One Under Bar on the basement floor of the Rusacks Hotel Building, which dates back to 1887.
It is incredibly trendy and a very Instagrammable pub for one, too. Being one of the newest pubs in St Andrews, it benefits from a gorgeous fit out that is both comfortable and relaxing all at once. That said, it is also a great place to meet up with friends for a bite to eat and some drinks.
This is probably one of the only more traditional pubs in St Andrews that you’ll find bespoke cocktails in which are great for washing down the smashing pub food they offer too.
Address: Rusacks, Pilmour Links, St Andrews KY16 9JQ
Hams Hame Pub & Grill
Last but certainly not least is Hams Hame Pub and Grill. This venue is owned and operated by the team at The Old Course Hotel. It is right behind the 18th green of the Old Course and while it is a pub, it is a little away from a traditional one at that.
Think an upmarket version with what one can only presume has been a lot of money thrown at it.
However, if you think you’re going to be watching the golfers play on the course, think again. The bar sits below the road which means it had a darker, more relaxed feel to it.
We also reckon they are serving up the biggest portion of fish and chips in a pub.
Address: 21 Golf Place, St Andrews KY16 9JA
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