All around Scotland’s coast, there are cosy restaurants and inns that serve up mouthwatering seafood.
One of the most renowned in the entire country is the award-winning Ship Inn in Elie. The Fife pub has previously won the Scottish AA Pub of the Year prize and the Pub Excellence Award, and is a hit amongst tourists as well.
The inn is located next to the picturesque Elie Beach, with stunning views out across the water. It is home to both a cosy bar and a separate restaurant.
The Ship Inn’s most popular dish is its fish and chips, which consists of Belhaven beer battered haddock, homemade tartare, and crushed peas. Other top choices include Fife beef burgers, Scottish wild mushroom stroganoff, and local shellfish and Scottish seafood.
The bar area features an open fire and wood-burning stoves, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. With Scotland battered by wind and rain in recent weeks, it is the perfect escape from the harsh winter weather.
In addition to its various whiskies and ales, the inn offers a range of signature cocktails. These include the Filbert Express that contains Vodka, espresso, and Frangelico, and The Gone Sailor—made with Deadman Finger Mango, lime, and sugar.
If you are with a large group, the standout area of The Ship Inn has to be The Ship’s Cabin. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and fitting up to 36 guests, it is the perfect spot for a scenic party overlooking Elie Beach.
For those looking to stay the night, the inn also features six guest rooms that all benefit from sweeping views out across the beach. The largest is The Admiral Room, which includes a roll top bath and a walk-in shower.
As well as being popular amongst critics and award bodies, The Ship Inn has earned acclaim from visitors. It currently has an average rating of 4.5 out of five on Google based on 1,769 reviews.
One customer shared: “Stopped by The Ship Inn with family for lunch and had a fantastic experience. The menu offered a great selection, the service was top-notch, and the view was absolutely breathtaking.
“A must-visit for a memorable meal with a view.”
A second posted: “Absolutely delicious. Pricey but very very good. The haddock was sublime.
“Perfectly cooked with a crispy batter. Lovely chips complimented by crushed peas and the freshest tartar sauce I’ve ever tasted.”
Meanwhile, a third Google review reads: “Friendly staff and good food with great vibe. Leisurely lunch in the bar area but the restaurant area is great as well on ground level or upstairs.”