Forgan's St Andrews

A building with golf in its bones

The Forgan factory turned out cleeks, the old name for a one-iron, from the 1860s. During building work a contractor's drill jammed in the floor; digging down by hand, he found four original Forgan club heads, which the restaurant planned to put on show. Inside, the high-ceilinged room mixes patterned wallpaper, velvet chairs and golfing and fishing details.

Food and drink

The kitchen builds its menus around seasonal, local ingredients from farmers and small producers who farm sustainably. There's a full bar with Scottish drinks, and private booths with their own fires work well for larger groups. Forgan's is run by the same group as Mitchell's next door and The Bothy. The emphasis on sourcing means the menu shifts through the year rather than staying fixed.

Ceilidhs and nights out

Forgan's has a long tradition of ceilidh nights pitched at beginners, so you don't need to know the steps to join in. It is busier and noisier later in the week. For a quieter visit, come for lunch, then walk to the cathedral or the harbour, both ten minutes away on foot. The bar also suits a single drink if you are passing along Market Street between the shops and the university buildings.

Highlights

• Former 19th-century golf club factory
• Seasonal, locally sourced menu
• Ceilidh nights for beginners
• Private booths for groups
• Sister venue to Mitchell's next door

Good to know

• Private booths suit groups; ask about these when booking.
• Check the venue's own listings for current ceilidh dates before planning around one.

Frequently asked questions