What is The Peat Inn?

The Peat Inn is a Selected hotel located in St. Andrews, United Kingdom. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does The Peat Inn have?

The Peat Inn has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is The Peat Inn located?

The Peat Inn is located in St. Andrews, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book The Peat Inn?

You can view more details and booking information for The Peat Inn through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

The Peat Inn | Selected in St. Andrews, United Kingdom

Name: The Peat Inn
Address: By Cupar, St Andrews, St. Andrews, Europe, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: The Peat Inn

The Peat Inn, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the picturesque Fife countryside near St. Andrews, consistently garners high praise for its exceptional dining and luxurious accommodations. Operated by chef-proprietor Geoffrey Smeddle and his wife Katherine since 2006, the inn, originally a 17th-century coaching inn, offers a blend of historical charm and modern elegance.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guests widely regard The Peat Inn as an exceptional establishment, with an average rating of 9.6 out of 10 on Booking.com. Reviews frequently use terms such as "fantastic," "fabulous," "outstanding," and "phenomenal" to describe their experiences. Many consider it a perfect destination for special occasions, promising a relaxing and unforgettable stay.

Key Highlights

The most celebrated aspects of The Peat Inn are its Michelin-starred restaurant, the luxurious and spacious suites, and the impeccable, attentive service from the staff. The tranquil, rural setting also contributes significantly to its appeal, offering a peaceful retreat. Guests particularly appreciate the unique touch of breakfast being served in their rooms. The presence of welcoming open fires in the lounge adds to the relaxed ambiance.

Room Quality

The Peat Inn offers eight generous suites, described as "5-star comfort" and located in "The Residence" behind the main house. These accommodations are spacious, often split-level, and feature comfortable beds. They are elegantly furnished with soft tones and smart tweed sofas, boasting modern amenities, garden views, and deep baths. Guests have praised the rooms as "cozy and modern," "extremely well appointed and comfortable," and providing a peaceful night's sleep. Each suite includes a lounge area, enhancing the sense of luxury and space.

Dining Experience

The heart and soul of The Peat Inn is its Michelin-starred restaurant, a distinction it has held since 2010, along with 3 AA Rosettes. Chef Geoffrey Smeddle is celebrated for his modern Scottish cuisine, which emphasizes seasonal and local produce, delivered with skill and originality. The dining room is described as civilized, well-spaced, and featuring tastefully ironed white tablecloths.

The menu offers à la carte options, a tasting menu, and shorter fixed menus for both lunch and dinner. Diners consistently rave about the quality, complexity, and exquisite flavors of the dishes, citing examples like cured salmon with potato crust, lobster with peanut sauce, perfectly cooked turbot, and exceptional soufflés. The wine list is extensive, with over 400 bins, and the staff are knowledgeable in providing recommendations.

Breakfast, a "superb" continental selection, is served in the comfort of guests' rooms, allowing for a truly relaxing start to the day. This in-room service is highly appreciated by guests.

Service & Staff

The service at The Peat Inn is consistently described as professional, friendly, attentive, and expert. Guests report feeling "like royalty" due to the high-quality service and warm, genuine hospitality. The staff's welcoming nature and helpful tips about the local area are frequently highlighted.

Location & Accessibility

The Peat Inn is situated in the small village of Peat Inn, approximately five to six miles southwest of St. Andrews and southeast of Cupar. This rural location provides a peaceful and beautiful setting. While offering tranquility, guests should note that their own transport is essential as the inn is not on a bus route. Free on-site parking is available.

The property offers good accessibility for public areas, with level access to the restaurant and accommodation, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. One room in The Residence is on a single level with ramp access, suitable for those with limited mobility. Main attractions and shops in St. Andrews are within a 20-minute drive.

Value & Pricing

While The Peat Inn is considered an expensive establishment, particularly for special occasions, many guests believe it offers "exceptional value" for the luxurious experience and outstanding quality of food and service. Dinner for two can range around £140, with a six-course tasting menu priced at £125 per person. Lunch menus are available for £70 for three courses or £80 for four courses.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted by guests. One reviewer mentioned a "musty smell" in their room upon arrival, which dissipated after opening windows. An isolated incident involved a large party feeling poorly treated when advised not to occupy the lounge during a specific event, leading to an elderly guest standing. One reviewer also noted the absence of an alcohol-free wine list, which they considered a strange omission for a restaurant of this caliber. Some described the room decor as "a little plain" in one instance, despite being functional and featuring lovely textiles. The distance from St. Andrews is also a practical consideration for some, rather than a direct complaint.