Peat Inn, Fife
Peter Mcdonald savours a little piece of paradise in central Fife
Nestled in the sleepy Fife hamlet with which it shares its name, the Michelin-starred Peat Inn offers a tour de force of refined, modern cuisine. My visit was less a lunchtime drop-in, and more an exquisite fine-dining experience that indulgently spread itself out over three unforgettable hours. Time takes a back seat when at the mercy of such culinary excellence. A warm welcome by staff on arrival was followed by an invitation to savour an aperitif, ham hock canapé and fish skin amuse-bouche in the reception lounge. How could I possibly refuse? From there, it was to my seat and starter – poached sea trout with marinated cucumber, caviar crème fraîche and a seaweed butter sauce. Poached to feather-light perfection, the subtle flavours of the fish mingled expertly with the other elements, each joyful mouthful concluding with a piquant caviar pop. The main was just as complex – a herb-roasted supreme of guinea fowl, dainty girolles, walnut purée, endive and Romanesco broccoli, all bobbing delightfully in roasting juices. Every morsel of this heady haute cuisine redux of a classic roast dinner was there to be savoured. For dessert, gingery meringue splinters elegantly played off vanilla mousse, a compote of Fife apples and the most vibrant blackberry sorbet imaginable. Coffee and petits fours back in the lounge put a most satisfying cap on what was a truly transcendent afternoon. 10/10
Flawless. The patient staff were the very definition of polite attentiveness. 10/10
Once a coaching inn, the building has been gracefully transformed into a relaxing lounge area and contemporary dining space. 8/10
A set lunch menu of three courses – plus accompaniments – cost just £25, which is exceptional value given the quality on offer. 9/10
The toilets were a little cramped but that’s a minor quibble. 9/10