Pub Guide St. Andrews
For such a small place, St Andrews has plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to drink. The lack of any nightclubs here means that all the pubs are generally always busy every night. If you want to go clubbing then taxis to Dundee are around £20. Or on Tuesdays and Wednesdays London Nightclub run a Bus for £5 that includes return journey and entry to the club. Well worth a look.
Are you looking for a pub or a bar?
Pubs
The Old Castle Tavern – North Street
The Castle is perfect for a quiet pint but don’t expect any wild
parties as it is frankly tiny inside. However, this also makes it really
quite cosy and it is religiously visited on pub crawls. Plans are in
the pipeline for a renovation and a pool table and dartboard should
be in by Christmas.
The Central – Market Street
A square bar in the center of the pub gives The Central a Cheers-type
feel and indeed it is always a cheery place to drink. Great pub food
and the best selection of well-kept ales in St Andrews compliment the
friendly service perfectly. Outside seating in the summer completes
The Central’s status as a real gem.
The Cross Keys – Market Street
Don’t go there unless you have a broad Scottish accent or like
to be made into haggis. A ‘locals only’ pub. You have been
warned.
Drouthy Neebors – South Street
Despite, like many places in St Andrews, being small and cramped, Drouthy
Neebors has an unmatched character. Popular with all types of students,
it serves classic drinks and even has a PS2 tucked away at the back
for customer use. Due for major renovation over the summer, everyone
is excited to see the new layout. And thankfully they’re keeping
the PlayStation!
Aikman’s – Bell Street
With a small main bar and the tiny Cellar Bar downstairs it is no surprise
that Aikman’s is always packed. But great live music and a wide
selection of interesting continental beers ensure that this little hovel
is an ever-popular roost for many of the student population.
The Jigger Inn – By the Old Course Hotel
The old St Andrews train station, it is unknown to many students (and
the staff seem to like it that way). A brief walk along the 17th and
18th fairways will take you to what can only be described as a golf
museum with alcohol. Never anybody’s regular but worth checking
out at least once.
The Whey Pat Tavern – Bridge Street
Striking a fine balance between student and resident custom, The Whey
Pat is popular for its ales, darts, quiz and company. The home pub of
a number of societies it is one of those places where time seems to
disappear and closing time comes too soon (although the ales have been
known to be a smidgen on the warm side).
Bars
Howies – North Street
Modern décor inside and a small terrace on the street make this
a satisfying site for a drink before a visit to the cinema next door.
Not particularly desirable for the regular student but okay for the
odd posh drink.
Lizard Lounge – North Street
Underneath The Oak Rooms (more of a restaurant with character than a
bar), the Lizard is a regular haunt for live music, in particular the
popular open-mic night where students are free to turn up and perform.
However, cleanliness is not a word usually associated with this underground
hovel and with no windows it can often get quite hot and sweaty. Popular
though.
The Raisin – Market Street
The Raisin is a Scream pub, so it’s yellow and cheap! A Yellow
Card, which can be bought for £1 at the bar, gets you some unbelievable
deals on food and drink. Burger-and-Pint for £3.50 is one not
to be missed and The Raisin is everyone’s first port of call for
live sports.
The Victoria Café (Vic) – Market Street
Popular amongst students and locals alike The Vic is the only bar which
regularly boasts queues to get in, which can only be a good sign. With
two spacious bar areas and good daytime food, particularly breakfast,
The Vic has always been busy. A new menu has also been launched over
the summer and may well be worth checking out.
The Union – Market Street
Cheap, cheery and full of life, the union is the place to be pretty
much every night of the week. Always the latest place open, its magnet
attracts all the stragglers from most of the other bars and you’re
guaranteed to meet people you know, either at the Bop, karaoke or by
the pool tables.
The Criterion – South Street
Newly opened in place of Lafferty’s, the Criterion is stylish
and classy but not over-awing. A nice selection of bar food is reasonably
priced for an afternoon snack or a light lunch and a good mix of locals
and students leads to a comfortable atmosphere all round.
The Gin House – South Street
A rarity in St Andrews, The Gin House is open and spacious. Fairly branded
as a ‘locals’ bar’ to be avoided for most of the week
it is transformed every Thursday night when students swarm in to devour
the £1 drinks selection.
The Westport – South Street
A trendy, stylish bar with a massive beer garden in the summer, The
Westport also offers decent food at reasonable restaurant prices. They
don’t offer any student promotions though so you’ll need
a chunky wallet to make this your local.
Ma Bells – The Scores
Sponsor of the University Rugby Club and thus their usual hangout, Ma
Bells is generally busy. During the day they serve cheap pub food and
at night the claustrophobic dance floor consistently accommodates more
than its size should allow.
1 Golf Place – Golf Place!
The place to pick up one of the precious wristbands for London Nightclub
in Dundee, which includes entry to the club and a return bus journey
for just £5! Also the home of the award-winning Crème de
la Crepe sweet and savoury pancake bar. Slightly out of the way of other
bars in the centre but still a popular venue for some students.
The Byre – Abbey Street
The Byre Bar is the reception area for the Byre Theatre. Pleasant for
an occasional drink but few can afford to make it their usual social
due to some extortionate, student-unfriendly prices.
