From pubs offering iconic pies to golf-themed bars and cosy, dog-friendly cubby holes, there’s a haunt for everyone in St Andrews.
I often visit the famous Fife town – usually to swim at East Sands, devour a toastie from the Cheesy Toast Shack, or to indulge in a bit of shopping.
But recently, I popped along for an evening to check out some of the top bars and pubs.
I was keen to find out a few things. So which were the most dog-friendly? Which offered the best food?
Which ones were most popular among celebrities? And which were, quite simply, just really fantastic places to hang out?
The Keys Bar – dog-friendly and welcoming
My first stop was the oldest pub in St Andrews – The Keys Bar. It’s been welcoming customers since 1858.
The bar was busy with locals, and I chatted to Leven couple Andy and Sue Graham who regularly come along with their gorgeous Labradoodle Mollie.
“We pop in once a week,” said Sue. “Folk are just so friendly. It’s a small bar but really lively.”
I also chatted to Brian Cowan. He’s in The Keys “three or four times a week” after work as a golf starter at the Old Course.
“This is a favourite with locals but it also attracts some tourists,” Brian told me. “It’s one of the only true local pubs left, in my opinion.”
If you’re a fan of whisky, then The Keys will be right up your street as it offers more than 300 malts.
Gin lovers will be equally in paradise here, too. There are more than 150 different types of gin to sample.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at The Keys, and friendly staff are happy to offer your four-legged friends bowls of water and biscuits.
Next time I’ll bring my Labrador puppy!
The pub also runs darts and domino nights, plus gin and whisky tastings.
The Criterion Bar – delicious pies
My belly was rumbling as I approached The Criterion Bar on South Street.
I’d heard a great deal about the pub’s legendary Cri Pies, and I couldn’t wait to try one.
I found a cosy corner, sat down, and chatted to the super-friendly owner, Hazel Latto.
When I told her I was a gin fan, she asked if I’d liked to try the special Criterion Gin, launched in April 2024 to mark the historic pub’s 150th anniversary.
The pub teamed up with Tayport Distillery to produce the new blackcurrant-inspired gin, infused with local berries.
It tastes amazing – zesty, bursting with berry flavours, and complemented by citrus and base notes of juniper.
Hazel told me there’s a spiced rum, called 100 Chimes, coming soon, too.
But what about the Cri Pies? There are four on the menu: steak and ale; macaroni cheese; chicken, chorizo and sun-dried tomato; and butternut squash, goat’s cheese and spinach.
A special Christmas pie, boasting turkey and all the trimmings, is also on offer over the festive period.
I opted for the chicken, chorizo and sun-dried tomato, and boy, I wasn’t disappointed!
It was HUGE! And yes, it was absolutely delicious.
There are other choices on the menu, of course, including burgers, salads, nachos, and pub classics.
And yes, The Criterion is dog-friendly.
Golfers Corner at The Dunvegan Hotel
Other than caddying for my dad when I was a teenager, I haven’t had much insight into golf.
But it would almost be a crime to go to St Andrews – the home of golf – and not to visit The Dunvegan Hotel’s famous Golfers Corner Lounge Bar.
The walls and ceilings are plastered with amazing golf memorabilia, and photographs of top golfers and celebrities – including Clint Eastwood – who’ve had a drink or two here over the years.
Other big names to drop in by include Michael Douglas, Sean Connery, Jack Nicholson, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Arnold Palmer.
And Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, visited the Dunvegan multiple times
Inside the bar, I was welcomed with open arms by friendly staff and offered – you guessed it – another gin and tonic.
They pointed out the banknotes in different currencies pinned behind the bar. They’ve been left by tourists from across the globe.
I also chatted to a group of students who were enjoying a few pints.
Most of them liked golf, but said they absolutely loved the ambience of the bar, and visit often.
Alas, no dogs are allowed in The Dunvegan, which is a shame.
Central Bar – great cocktails and mocktails
It’s no surprise to find that Central Bar is slap, bang in the heart of St Andrews.
The bar has a lot going for it – it’s dog-friendly, it has a beer garden, and it’s a great place to watch live sport, whether rugby, football or darts.
It’s beautifully decorated – check out the ornate ceiling – and has a really nice traditional feel about it.
It wasn’t too busy when I popped in for a mocktail – a Pink Berry Spritz – but the staff were friendly and attentive.
I’ve heard reports that the food is good here, too, but having consumed the enormous Cri Pie earlier, I wasn’t fit to sample even the tiniest of morsels!
One Under Bar
Billed as one of St Andrews’ “best-kept secrets”, One Under Bar can be found within the iconic Rusacks on Pilmour Links.
It’s a mere minute from the golf course, and boasts an extensive drinks menu including local brews, fine ales, world-class whiskies, and bespoke cocktails.
Hunger pangs can be tamed here, too, with traditional pub food classics and light bar snacks on offer.
Being so close to the famous links, it’s no surprise to find that One Under Bar has a golf theme going on, with photos of famous faces plastered all over the walls.
There’s an intimate feel about this underground basement bar. It would make a fantastic choice for a post-golf dinner or any sort of celebration.
And yes, it’s dog-friendly.
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