This part of Fife contains beautiful coastal and inland villages, architectural and historic gems, some fabulous beaches, and the home of Fife’s fishing fleet at Pittenweem.
Neuk means nook or corner and visitors to this area have a wealth of choices for a day out, including the National Trust for Scotland’s Kellie Castle and gardens, the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Scotland’s Secret Bunker former nuclear command centre near Crail, and the St Monans windmill. In addition there is the natural beauty of some of the most spectacular sections of the Fife Coastal Path, and the opportunity for a boat trip to the rugged Isle of May.
The East Neuk is also an area that’s home to some of the finest chefs in Scotland. In St Monans perched above the harbour, Craig Millar@16 West End attracts rave reviews for its outstanding seafood – and the unbeatable sea views. Further along the coast, Anstruther is the home of the Michelin-starred Cellar Restaurant and inland, James Ferguson’s first solo restaurant has launched at The Kinneuchar Inn. Geoffrey Smeddle’s Michelin starred Peat Inn restaurant with rooms is also within easy reach. These, and places like Pittenweem’s, The Dory Bistro & Gallery focus on the strength of local produce.
It’s also home to some seriously good cafes with chocolate lovers making a beeline for Pittenweem’s Cocoa Tree, with its range of chocolates and hot chocolates made on site. Just a short distance from the coast St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company near Anstruther produces artisan cheeses, and visitors can see the action from a special viewing area in the busy café while they tuck into cheese platters, scones and cakes.
With some stunning coastal scenery to explore, the West End Bar is Pittenweem’s welcoming village pub offering a home-cooked menu showcasing East Neuk produce, and real ale brewed just a couple of miles away. The south-facing beer garden is a hit in the summer.
Those looking for picnic provisions would do well to look into Barnetts Bakery, or pop into award-winning, family-run farm shop Ardross. This little farm shop is based on the family farm and specialise in growing vegetables for the shop and rearing their exceptional beef. They serve an outstanding range of vegetables, and farm-prepared stocks, pies, and preserves. Watch out for their pizza evenings too!
Close by Bowhouse is home to a number of food and drink producers, including Scotland the Bread’s flour mill, Futtle brewery and tap room and The Mill House café. Once a month, Bowhouse opens its doors for its popular Market Weekends.
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Join the Food from Fife Community
Food from Fife is a membership organisation supported by Fife Council. It’s a way of bringing together one of the region’s most exciting and important industries with the aim of supporting it and growing the sector. As a Food From Fife member, you will have the opportunity to shape developments, meet and share experiences of other local businesses, get access to insights, training, marketing and trading opportunities and much more.
The food & drink community at the heart of Fife
