Road Hole Restaurant

There’s plenty to see and do in the charming town of St Andrews, from the castle to the cathedral ruins and the ancient university buildings. And of course it’s home to what could reasonably be argued is the most famous golf course in Britain, if not the world, The Old Course, aka ‘the home of golf’. It’s said the game has been played here for six hundred-odd years. The Road Hole is the beating heart of the hotel here, up on the fourth floor with commanding views of the clubhouse and the course, as well as the impressive coastline and the almost equally well-known West Sands beach, (one of the locations for the film Chariots of Fire). If you have less interest in golf or sea views, you can fix your attention instead on the open kitchen, where the team bustle about efficiently and prepare modern Scottish menus of a suitably high standard, making good use of the very best produce the local area can provide and paying attention to seasonal changes. Cooking is on point, with accurate, direct flavours and a sense of reassuring competence, nothing too flashy or showy. The dining room is comfortable and elegant with clothed tables and carved wood chairs. The wine list is robust and well chosen to complement the menus, with a reasonable choice by the glass. Tee off perhaps with perfectly timed roast West Coast scallops, served with cauliflower pannacotta, hazelnut butter, sherry gel and sourdough crumble. A main course of loin of Highland venison is tender, the strong flavours contrasting nicely with the sweetness of a beetroot granola and pommes Anna, and served with a rich, robust juniper jus. Bring things to an impressive finale with a beautifully well-timed chocolate and orange fondant, the hit of bitter chocolate cutting effectively with the refreshing sweetness of blood orange.

Awards, accolades & Welcome Schemes

3 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence