10 Best Brunch And Late Breakfast Spots In St Andrews, Scotland

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 beanroom makes 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, 4B Bell Street, St Andrews, United Kingdom, +44 01334 461177

the beanroom | © Sarah Ross/Flickr

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.