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History and culture abound in St Andrews, the home of golf and the oldest university in Scotland, the University of St Andrews. With the students and golfers regularly passing through, it’s only right that good brunch spots are everywhere. Here are the 10 best places.

St Andrews

The Cottage Kitchen

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, British

This adorable family-owned cafe and bakeshop is tucked away in an alley and, true to name, is a white-washed stone cottage— complete with flowers in the window boxes. Choose from the extensive tea menu, and peruse the reasonably priced brunch menu, which is available until noon. Don’t forget to check out the specialty teas and other caffeinated beverages written on the blackboard by the register.

Northpoint Café

Cafe, Tea Room, British, Tea

With the tongue-in-cheek slogan, ‘Where Kate Met Wills… For Coffee,’ Northpoint is located just opposite the university library. It is also across from St Salvator’s Hall, the accommodation where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met in their first year at St Andrews. This cozy and bustling cafe is popular among students for its delightfully fluffy American pancakes, which are a hit with international students missing home. There’s always a queue, but rest assured — the tables turn over quickly.

Balgove Larder

Cafe, Restaurant, Butcher, Farm Shop, British

Just outside the town proper is Balgove Larder, a farm shop and cafe on the grounds of the verdant Strathtyrum Farm. Pop in to the cafe for tea, coffee, and scones at any hour, or arrive before 11.30am to order from the breakfast menu. All of the ingredients at Balgove are locally sourced and fresh as can be. After their meals, diners can stroll the grounds to see the farm animals.

Forgan's

Restaurant, Market, British

Housed in a converted golf-club factory, Forgan’s is now a lively and atmospheric farm-to-table restaurant popular with students and locals. If you’re a big group, book ahead to snag a ‘boothy,’ one of the nook-like rooms for private meal parties. The hearty and fresh brunch food is made even better with the addition of one of Forgan’s specialty ‘cockt-ales’: fun brunch cocktails infused with cask ales.

Mitchell's Deli

Deli, Market, Pastries, British

Adjacent to Forgan’s and under the same ownership, Mitchell’s shares its ambiance yet retains its own quirky charm— and does Sunday brunch until 4pm to accommodate late risers. In a savoury mood? Go for the eggs Benedict, Royale, or Florentine depending on your taste. Cap off the meal with an assortment of fresh home-baked pastries.

VIC Pub/Kitchen

Bar, Restaurant, Pub, British

The VIC may well be the most versatile venue in St Andrews, hosting family-friendly activities and comfort food in the afternoon, providing loud music and stiff cocktails to students at night, and dishing up delicious, greasy-spoon, brunch in the late morning. Eradicate even the worst hangover with a cheesy tomato omelette, copious toast, and a strong Bloody Mary.

Bibi's Café

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, British

This charming cafe not far from the Old Course serves up everything from exemplary chai lattes to pancakes to huevos rancheros to baked goods in a delightful and relaxing setting. The scones, tray-bakes, and famous cupcakes are all made in-house, and the cafe recently added a selection of smoothies and shakes to the menu. These range from a fortifying green smoothie to the most decadent of ice-cream milkshakes.

Zest Café on South Street

Bar, Cafe, Market, Smoothie Bar, Coffee, British

Zest has another location, a takeaway juice, smoothie, and salad bar on Market Street, but the South Street location has a more extensive food menu and plenty of seating. Keep it light with a green juice, a fruit and yoghurt smoothie, freshly-squeezed OJ, or a coffee— or order from the brief but tasty breakfast menu. Show a student ID and receive a large smoothie for the price of a medium.

the beanroom

With a breakfast deal (meal and coffee for £3.50), free wifi, and an abundance of comfortable sofas, the beanroommakes a popular study spot for students. From lattes to smoothies to bagels to eggs, this welcoming and casual café has something for everyone. the beanroom | © Sarah Ross/Flickr

Gorgeous Café

Bakery, Cafe, British, Australian, Dessert, Vegetarian

Passerbys on Bell Street can never help but stop to peek in the front window to gaze at the ever-changing selection of scones on offer at this tearoom and bakery. The cheerful staff is always up for a chat, and the vintage-style decor is inviting and homey. If scones don’t appeal, breakfasters can also order egg or sausage rolls to munch on.

About the author

Maddy is in her second year reading English at the University of St Andrews. Born and bred in Washington, DC, she retains an affinity for political intrigue, urban green space, and Ethiopian cuisine despite newly appreciating the British traditions of queueing, apologising, and Wimbledon. Maddy's freelance writing has been published in media such as Matador Network and Thistle Magazine as well as in St Andrews-based publications. She'll travel anywhere, just give her a moment to lace up her Adidas.

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