Harden's survey result
Summary
“Hidden away along a narrow country road” a short drive out of St Andrews, Geoffrey & Katherine Smeddle’s famous and “comfortable” country inn (which underwent a contemporary refurb a few years ago) is “the kind of establishment that creates a sense of secure well being, with moments of gastronomic grace providing the excitement!” (the cuisine is amongst the best in Scotland). Top Tip: “one of the best cheese boards ever and all Scottish cheeses”.
Summary
“A winner on so many levels!” This well-known country inn a short drive outside of St Andrews, has been a culinary destination for decades, and run by Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle since 2006. It had a contemporary refurb a couple of years ago, and nowadays offers a “relaxed” yet “first class experience that is hard to surpass” with classically-rooted, ingredient-led cuisine that’s “exceptional”. “We moved to Fife from London last summer – this is as good as anything we had in town with none of the pretentiousness: we count ourselves very lucky to live so close!”
Summary
“For a special occasion, one of the best Scotland has to offer!” – Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle’s “marvellously relaxed and most comfortable” country inn (refurbished last year) may be “hard to find, but it’s well worth the effort”. Service is highly “professional”, and the cooking – “using the freshest local ingredients” – is “superbly crafted”. “Serious wine list”, too, “with some real gems at reasonable prices”.
Summary
“What a splendid establishment!” – Geoffrey & Katherine Smeddles’ classic country inn has long been known as a source of “Michelin magic just outside St Andrews”, with “excellent, locally sourced ingredients (especially meat) perfectly cooked, appetisingly presented and professionally served”; and “recent renovations mean that it now has less of an olde-worlde feel”.
Owner's description
The Peat Inn is believed to have been built in the mid-1700s as a coaching inn and today is a luxury 5 Star Restaurant with Rooms. Renowned for its warm welcome and casual elegance, guests can enjoy exquisite and contemporary cooking in a setting full of character.
The peaceful rural setting and nearby coast are all reflected in dishes created by Michelin Starred Chef Proprietor, Geoffrey Smeddle. The finest Scottish ingredients are further complimented by an award winning Wine List of over four hundred specially selected wines.
The Residence provides luxurious accommodation with views overlooking the picturesque gardens and countryside. The ultimate blend of comfort and luxury, The Peat Inn is the perfect setting for a Scottish escape for anyone who appreciates exceptional food, fine wines and tranquillity.
Restaurant details
The chef
Geoffrey Smeddle is the chef proprietor of The Peat Inn restaurant with rooms, by St Andrews, but his route into the hospitality industry had unorthodox beginnings, starting when he discovered a fascination for cooking while studying history at university. Upon completing his degree, he took his first kitchen position as a commis chef, working for a summer season in the famous wine village of Sauternes, France, in a small hotel then owned and run by his uncle and aunt. This experience confirmed his determination to become a chef.
Returning to London, he began training at Westminster college while also working in the hectic bustle of The Oriel Brasserie (now Colbert, operated by Chris Corbin and Jeremy King) and the five star surroundings of The Lanesborough Hotel. The experience taught him early on that his preference was for fine dining. He spent a further two years under Herbert Berger in the very classical surroundings of The Grill Room at The Café Royal while also cooking for the Forte family. There were contemporary influences later, under Chris Galvin at The Orrery, where Geoffrey was part of the team that won a first Michelin star for Conran Restaurants.
Geoffrey then joined Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, working in London, Prague, Berlin and Chicago, as one of the company’s youngest Executive Sous Chefs. He left in order to re-join Conran restaurants, opening Etain in Glasgow, the company’s first restaurant outside London. It went on to be awarded The AA Restaurant of the year 2005
In June 2006, Geoffrey and his wife Katherine took over The Peat Inn. His classically based cooking, presented in an uncomplicated, contemporary fashion, has seen The Peat Inn gain a Michelin star and 7 out of 10 in The Good Food Guide. It is ranked number 20 in the Good Food Guide’s Top 50 UK restaurants.
Cupar, KY15 5LH
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Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12:30 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9 pm |
| Friday | 12:30 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
