Bars in St Andrews
One thing St Andrews is not short of is bars. Infact, the bars in St Andrews are all fairly intimate and provide welcoming, fun atmospheres. Most of the bars are located of one of St Andrews main ‘strips’ – North Street, Market Street or South Street, meaning each bar is within a short walking distance of the other should you wish to try out a few in one night.
St Andrews also caters for most preferences – whether you are looking for a ‘locals’ bar, a golfer’s retreat, a cocktail bar or a good fun late night bar, St Andrews will have something for you. As St Andrews does not have a single nightclub to speak of – all the night-time fun happens here. We’ve put together a little guide to help you choose where to start and end.
Cocktail Bars
The Rav
A lovely little Scandinavian restaurant with an equally small bar area – that doesn’t mean the cocktails are not exquisite and the staff are beyond professional. With a little seating bench that overlooks North Street it’s also a good people spotting joint. A good place to start your evening.
The Adamson
In what used to be the old Post Office on South Street, this London-like bar is spacious, has regular DJs, a little pretentious and that’s why it’s a great cocktail bar. The cocktails are delicious and the place feels like it belongs more in a city than little old St Andrews. Start and end your evening here if you fancy.
Rogue
A classic little cocktail bar on South Street, serving up the classics and few modern twists. They even have their own gin still out the back. A little ‘speakeasy’ in the centre of St Andrews.
Best ‘19th hole’ in St Andrews – bars for golfers
Dunvegan Golfers Corner
A stones throw from the Old Course, this bar is stuffed full of golfer’s memorabilia and is a real favourite for golfers looking for a resting spot after their round of golf. You might even see a famous golfer propping up the bar.
The Jigger Inn
A real favourite with golfers, this bar is literally just off the Old Course and dates back to the 1850s. They make their own ale, the Jigger Ale, and have a great selection of Scottish beers and whiskies. Relax by the open fire and soak up the atmosphere.
Chariots Bar
Part of The Scores Hotel, Chariots Bar, opposite the R+A building on The Scores, is an easy spot to meander to and enjoy a pint in their on street outdoor area or enjoy the Scottish themed cosy bar.
Traditional Bars
The Central
With a beautiful circular bar that takes up most of the space in this pub, nestle in around the edges and while away the night. No fancy cocktails here just good honest lager, wine and long drinks. With an outside seating are in the summer, right on Market Street, it’s a good place to people watch.
Aikmans Cellar Bar
Located on Bell Street (joining South Street and Market Street together), this cosy bar has a huge rage of cask ales, it has been listed in the CAMRA “Good Beer Guide” for 31 years. They also boast over 30 malt whiskies to try from.
The Keys
If you’re looking to mix shoulders with St Andreans, The Keys on Market Street is where you need to be. With an outside on pavement drinking area, in summer months The Keys is mobbed with the people who make up the backbone of the town.
The Road Hole
If it’s whisky you are after, then you should head to The Road Hole Bar at The Old Course Hotel, where they have a humungous stock of over 300 whiskies to try! Just don’t try them all at once ….
Fun Bars
The Vic
Chillled vibe by day, where you can play board games or enjoy the upstairs beer garden, by night it’s the closest to a nightclub that St Andrews has – with two separate bar areas and a dance room at the back where you can dance the night away.
The Saint
Typically very busy on Friday and Saturday nights, this place can get quite chocca. Serving traditional drinks and cocktails over 3 floors with a lovely beer garden out the back. A good place for a little wine or a pint during the day too, and it’s very kid friendly which allows you to relax a little too.
