Nightlife in St Andrews

One of the coolest joints in town, The Vic is the nearest thing you’ll get to a hipster joint in St Andrews. Drinks-wise, they offer up killer cocktails, craft ales, boutique gin and sharing punch bowls, while the entertainment is next level, including board games, ping pong sessions and DJs at the weekend.

Running it close for its chic design is The Adamson. An excellent restaurant that opened in 2015, the bar is a destination in its own right thanks to its imaginative cocktail list (all dry ice, infused syrups and clever twists). Grab a stool at the swanky bar and work your way down the six shelves stocked with high-end spirits or put your faith in the bartender and enjoy one of the best cocktails in Scotland.

Previously known as West Port, The Saint recently underwent a big renovation and is now a modern lounge bar with a large beer garden, just a few minutes’ walk from our St Andrews hotel. With an extensive whisky collection, a strong bar food menu and a clean, trendy interior, it’s a wonderful place for a quiet drink.

Just off Market Street, The Central lives up to its name, as it’s in the heart of St Andrews. Open until midnight at the weekend, they serve classic pub grub including a mouth-watering range of burgers, sharing plates and pies daily until 9pm.

A legend amongst students and locals alike, Drouthy Neebors (drouthy means thirsty) is a traditional Scottish boozer. From the bar food to the endless rows of single malts and from the nightly entertainment to the warm welcome, it’s a favourite pub and a great place to quench your thirst.

The other supremely popular pub in town is the Whey Pat Tavern. This is a simple, uncomplicated watering hole that dishes up an impressive range of real ales and craft beers, regular live folk music sessions and a solid range of pub grub (including regular food and drink deals). On the edge of the town centre, it’s a short stumble from our St Andrews hotel.

If you’re a beer purist, the St Andrews Brewing Company have 18 taps offering a hangover-inducing range of ales, beers, ciders, lagers and a gin, whisky and bourbon collection that would take years to work your way through. The food, supplied by local businesses, is just as good, and with clever lighting illuminating the trendy benches and stools, it looks as good as it tastes.

Lastly, The Criterion is yet another rock-solid St Andrews pub that puts its faith in good food, good drinks and a lively atmosphere. First opened in 1854, they have over 160 single malts, 50 gins and six cask ales to choose from, while the highlight from their cracking food menu is their range of Cri’Pies – the macaroni and cheese pie with excellent haggis proves a firm favourite.