Kingarroch at the Byre

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

Craigrothie’s popular Kingarroch Inn has recently taken over the restaurant at St Andrews’ Byre Theatre, resulting in the aptly named Kingarroch@ the Byre. While the upstairs venue plays host to music, theatre and literary gigs, the downstairs area is a welcome watering hole for both performer and audience member alike. The sleek and airy space is divided into a bar area of comfortable black couches and a more formal dining area at the rear which has a compelling view of the theatre entrance. The lunch, pre-theatre and à la carte menus have a slim selection, but emphasise Scottish ingredients sourced from the surrounding businesses. For starters, curls of Scottish salmon are draped across a bed of dill pickles and salad leaves, and arrive with a lemon crème fraiche. Diced butternut squash is also mixed with marinated mozzarella for a refreshing salad. A seared fillet of sea bass rests atop a creamy tomato broth of mussels and diced vegetables. Desserts are charmingly scribbled on a high blackboard and a flaky apple strudel and ice cream comes drizzled in a pleasantly robust Calvados syrup. Despite busy periods after shows, front of house staff cheerfully maintain the bar and the dining area, keeping both sides agreeably refreshed.

• High point: Buzzing atmosphere
• Low point: Must book during busy times