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The Ship Inn

“Great local seafood overlooking the bay”

LOCATION

ELIE, FIFE

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Awards

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Our View

The Ship Inn was the AA Pub of the Year for Scotland 2016–17. Graham and Rachel Bucknall took over The Ship Inn at the end of 2014 and immediately set about refurbishing it before reopening it in the summer of 2015. Overlooking Elie Bay, the beer garden of this coastal pub is on the beach itself and there is an outside bar and barbecue throughout the summer. With its bay views, the light and airy upstairs restaurant has a seaside feel and a gallery space showcasing Scottish artists. In winter, grab a sofa or armchair next to the open fire, perhaps with a glass of Crail Ale in hand. Scottish produce, particularly local shellfish and seafood, drives the menu. Typical dishes include grilled Queenie scallops with lemon pollen; and Scottish lamb hotpot, and chop, braised red cabbage, roast baby carrots. Time a visit between May and September and you might well see the pub’s cricket team play a match on the beach, all depending on the tide of course.

Awards, accolades & Welcome Schemes

AA Pick of the Pubs

The Ship Inn

The Toft, ELIE, KY9 1DT

Phone: 01333 330246

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About the area

Discover Fife

This 20-mile wide peninsula between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Tay is an ancient kingdom, once the home of Scotland’s kings and saints. Despite its modern bridges it still seems curiously detached from the rest of the country. Travelling along Fife’s grand coastline reveals a fascinating legacy of caves, castles, and ancient fishing ports. Blend coast and countryside by following stretches of the Fife Coastal Path, or take an exhilarating trek in the Fife Regional Park.

St Andrews has a unique place in Scotland’s heritage. According to legend, the city was founded by St Regulus in the 4th century, who was carrying relics of St Andrew, patron saint of Scotland, when his ship was wrecked off the coast. Thereafter, the town grew as an important religious centre, eventually home to the largest church in Scotland, now an attractive ruin, with the powerful bishops wielding great influence over church and state. Today, St Andrews is famous for its university, the oldest in Scotland, and as a world golfing mecca. The Old Course at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club claims to have 15th century origins and to play a round on these hallowed links is many golfers’ dream.