The Peat Inn

A dream destination for golfing gourmets, Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle’s restaurant-with-rooms offers Michelin-starred cooking just a 12-minute drive from St Andrews. Whitewash and window boxes at this former Georgian coaching inn seem to speak of a traditional pub, but the interior is smart and contemporary, with modern artwork that complements the decor. Geoffrey brings classical training to his creative cooking of seasonal Scottish ingredients, and has had Michelin’s seal of approval every year since 2010. Returning readers concur that the food continues to be 'excellent'. A typical dinner might include orzo risotto with crispy egg yolk, pancetta and black truffle, or roast loin with braised cheek of Black Isle pork, potato purée, red cabbage and spiced cognac jus. In The Residence, all but one of the suites are split level, with views over the neat garden to fields, have walk-in or over-bath showers, fridges, tea and coffee, and are decorated in taupe, turquoise and teal. 'Our room was lovely and very comfortable.' A mezzanine lounge offers a terrific continental breakfast, delivered by the ‘lovely, friendly staff’. (Andy and Sally Mehalko)