LC Recommends: A Visit to the Kingdom of Fife

As you cross northwards over the River Forth and head eastwards, past the welcome sign adorned by a sketch of traditional local fisher lass, you enter Fife – or what’s proudly referred to locally as the ‘The Kingdom of Fife’.

Once described asa 'beggar's mantle fringed with gold'by James VI, Fife does indeed feel like a kingdom of its own. With its volcanic Lomond Hills–also known as the "Paps of Fife"–on one side and the vast Firth of Forth that engulfs the iceberg-like Bass Rock on the other, in pretty much every direction the views are breathtaking.

In amongst these stunning landscapes, Fife is busy with thriving fishing ports, artisan craftspeople, food producers, designers and top chefs; a culinary and craft culture and a respect for the land and sea is embedded throughout its community.

Le Chameau travelled to the East Neuk of Fife, a region of Fife that boasts exceptional fishmongers, craftspeople and small-scale producers – many of whom we will meet as we hear their remarkable stories of creation and exploration, deeply intertwined in nature and its elements.

There is a plethora of brilliant locations to eat, shop and explore, a recommended list so good we couldn’t keep it to ourselves. So, if you’re planning a trip to Scotland this year, or you’re in Scotland already and fancy a trip to the East Neuk of Fife, then we have you sorted.

Eat – The Kinneuchar Inn is a multi-award-winning pub and restaurant (they have won so many awards, in fact, that it would take up another page) which champions great food in an intimate setting. In St Andrews, there is a number of places you can dine out at, including Five Acres, The Steak Barn and farm shop, Ondine at Seaton House and Saints Sizzle. Further to the West in Culross is the beautiful Mercat Cafe & Provisions.   

Produce – East Neuk Market Garden (Fruit and Veg), Scotland the Bread (Bread), David Lowrie Fish Shop (Seafood) and Mellis Cheesemongers (artisan cheese).  

Shop – Shop to your heart’s content at Bowhouse, the creative hub that boasts a number of artisan companies and shops like Stocks Kitchen (a divine produce and gift shop with events space founded by Amy and Jack, pictured), Butchery at Bowhouse (organic and pasture fed meat) and Futtle (organic brewery). There is also the brilliant Ardross Farm Shop (organic pasture fed meat and deli).  

Explore – Elie with its charming streets and stunning stretch of sand that ends up at the Ship Inn for fish and chips; Crail and Pittenweem are two picturesque fishing ports; Anstruther boasts many good places to visit like Giddy Gannet (cafe), Bread & Butter (cafe) and Aeble (cider shop), whilst it also has the Scottish Fisheries Museum, worth a visit to learn more about the history of the region.