The Peat Inn, Peat Inn, St Andrews, Fife, KY15 5LH

The Peat Inn is thought to have been built in the mid 1700's. Gradually, the surrounding village grew up around the Inn, taking its name from the Inn itself, creating the unusual address: The Peat Inn, Peat Inn.

The original building has served down the centuries as a coaching Inn, a hotel, a pub and a restaurant. Through these changing incarnations, The Peat Inn has an uninterrupted history of offering hospitality for around 250 years.

Today, it is a Michelin starred restaurant with rooms, owned and run since June 2006 by Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle. Together, they continue to welcome guests who appreciate the very personal experience, excellent cooking and thoughtful service, which are the hallmarks of The Peat Inn. Additionally, in The Residence, the eight suites offer the opportunity for a rather special night away, where the pleasures of the table can extend into an overnight stay.

This modern cuisine, based on classical techniques, has earned numerous awards, including one Michelin star, a grade of 8 out of 10 in The Good Food Guide, as well as a position of 22 in their top 50 UK restaurants with a fine reputation of one of Scotland’s most cherished destinations.

Peat Inn is a hamlet in Fife, Scotland, around seven miles (11 kilometres) southeast of Cupar on the B940 and six miles (10 kilometres) southwest of St Andrews. The hamlet is centred on a Michelin starred restaurant with rooms after which the village takes its name.

Beyond the town itself discover the picturesque harbours of the East Neuk fishing villages, the rolling landscapes and stunning seascapes of Fife. Explore a wealth of historical buildings, an abundance of wildlife and some beautiful walking and cycling routes, all with the clear air of the sea never far away.

Only a bridge away, across the Tay Bridge to the north, or the spectacular Queensferry Crossing to the south, lie Dundee or Edinburgh. Proximity to these exciting cities, as well as unspoilt Angus and its wonderful glens, or idyllic Perthshire, a huge choice and diversity, whether outdoor activity enthusiast or sightseer.

St Andrews remains a wonderful destination for superb short and weekend leisure breaks in Scotland, as well as a home from home, for an extended Scottish vacation. The Peat Inn is your perfect base from which to explore the region.

The restaurant consists of three elegant dining rooms providing an intimate setting for lunch or dinner, with what is thought to be an original fire place in the reception lounge area.

The dining room can be re-arranged to accommodate c.50 covers. Currently it has a mixture of loose tables and upholstered chairs with some areas having upholstered banquette booth seating for a more cosy dining experience.

Toilets are located between the dining rooms, accessed from both sides of the restaurant, with disabled access.

The kitchen is fully equipped with high spec equipment and bespoke Athanor cooking suite, located to the rear of the dining room, with cold rooms and further storage.

The restaurant back of house area also benefits from a modern purpose built extension accommodating a spacious dispense area, cellar, and prep space housing fridges for wines, drinks and bottled products as well as a gantry space for whiskey and spirits.

To the rear of the property there is adequate staff and cloak rooms.

All fixtures and fittings will be included in the sale. Any personal belongings owned by the current owners will be removed before the sale.

The accommodation offers eight beautifully appointed suites. Seven of the suites offer a split level room with bedroom and bathroom on the lower floor plus a separate living room on the upstairs mezzanine level. The eighth room offers similar facilities laid out on one level for guests preferring accommodation without stairs.

Each suite has been individually styled and carefully furnished providing the perfect space to relax.

The accommodation is located to the rear of the property and is separate to the main restaurant, with fantastic views of the landscaped gardens and surrounding countryside beyond. During the summer the beautifully landscaped gardens include outside furniture to relax and enjoy in the summer months.

The property has a large car park located to the side of the restaurant for c.20 vehicles.

To the side of the landscaped gardens, behind the main letting accommodation, is two plots of land that can be utilised further for development or potential additional accommodation with the correct planning permissions.

Included in the sale is a beautiful four bedroom owners' home which is located to the side of the main restaurant. The accommodation is over three floors with livingroom, kitchen/dining room, four double bedrooms and two bathrooms.

This is the family home of the current operators, however, could also generate a rental income if required.

Having acquired and successfully operated the venue for over 20 years, during which time numerous sympathetic refurbishments and improvements have been undertaken, our client is now seeking to dispose of their freehold interest. The owners may also consider leasing the business, subject to negotiation and suitable lease terms.

The Peat Inn presents a rare opportunity for an operator or investor to acquire, or potentially lease, one of Scotland's most celebrated hospitality businesses. While the business enjoys an outstanding reputation and strong trading performance, there remains significant scope to further enhance turnover and profitability, particularly as trading currently operates five days per week.

This renowned property occupies an enviable position close to St Andrews, attracting both a loyal local clientele and visitors who travel from across Scotland and beyond to dine and stay.

There is considerable potential to expand the current offering and potentially develop the accommodation further, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents, benefiting from the extensive site and grounds surrounding the property.

Staff information will be provided to seriously interested parties.

We have been provided with management accounts for the 12 month period ending March 2026 which show a total Net Turnover of c.£1,600,000. delivering a strong EBITDA.

Trading Profit & Loss Accounts will be provided to seriously interested parties after a formal viewing has taken place.

Dining Hours
Tuesday to Saturday (Dinner)
6.00pm - 9.00pm

Friday & Saturday (Lunch)
12.00pm - 1.30pm

Office Hours
Tuesday to Saturday
9.00am - 7.00pm

The Rateable Value as of 1 April 2026 is £118,000

Confirmation of actual rates payable can be obtained from the local Authority.

Premises Licence