As well as some great shops in Crail High Street selling local produce we have farm shops selling a range of fresh produce and only a short drive away from Sandcastle Cottage. When on a self catering holiday sometimes the challenge is finding shops selling locally produced food enough to feed a family for the week. Too many times we find when we get to a place there is only a small convenience shop, the supermarket is miles away and we end up eating in the local hotel which starts to be very expensive. This is not the case in Crail. In fact there is a great choice of food shops in the area allowing you to self cater and entertain the family at a reasonable cost.
Barnsmuir Farm Shop
Barnsmuir is located on the A917 between Crail and Anstruther. This farm shop is the nearest of the four local farm shops to Crail and Sandcastle Cottage. The light blue painted summer house is not too difficult to spot as you drive past. Sometimes the shop is manned but normally they operate an honesty box. They sell mostly fruit and a selection of vegetables but do not carry a huge stock so the best time to go is morning before you go out for the day. Even if you don’t buy anything else during the week be sure to buy some strawberries and raspberries you will not be disappointed.
Ardross Farm Shop
Ardross Farm Shop was one of the first farm shops to open in the area and is now well established, located on the A917 between St Monans and Elie. They sell their own traditionally reared beef from the farm, as well as a good range of fresh fruit and vegetables and ready cooked meals. There is also a great selection of fine wines, spirits, cheeses, free range eggs, luxury jams, handmade chocolates and ice creams. Our kids particularly like the large meringues.
We found that Ardross are suppliers for the “Cook” range of ready cooked meals. They are ideal if you are on holiday, want a restaurant standard meal and don’t want to do much cooking.
There is a car park just off the main road with ample car parking spaces. If you are in the area or planning a day trip to the beach at Elie then it is well worth paying a visit to Ardross
For more details click this link to find the Ardross Website
St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company
St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company was started in 2008 making cheese on the farm using milk from their own herd of Holstein Friesians. From the viewing gallery you can watch the cheese being made. Products include Anster, Red Anster, Mature Anster, Smoked Anster, St Andrews Farmhouse Cheddar.
Getting there is easy as it is only a short drive from Crail and Sandcastle Cottage. Take the B940 from Crail (first on the left driving up St Andrews Road towards Kingsbarns). Then first left again to join the B9171. Cross the St Andrews Anstruther road and keep driving until you come to a sign for St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company on the left.
For more details click this link to find the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company Website
Balgove Larder and Steak Barn
Balgove is situated just outside St Andrews on the A91. If you miss the sign you are already driving too fast! This is well worth a visit as part of a day trip to St Andrews.
Balgove is the largest of the farm shops in the area. A large well stocked butchery provides you with quality meats straight from the farm. There is also a large deli, artisan breads from Barnetts in Anstruther, ready meals, homeware and gifts.
A busy cafe serves light meals. Lunchtimes can be particularly busy. If you arrive around 1.00pm be prepared to queue for a table.
The Steak Barn is separate from Balgove Larder. All food is freshly prepared using home grown, home reared local produce. Beef Burgers and Steaks prepared barbeque-style are a speciality. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are served. There is a children’s menu. The log burning fire in the centre adds great effect. We found the staff very friendly and service excellent.
Balgove Night Market
During the summer months and at Christmas, Balgove stage a Night Market in the Steak Barn providing an outlet for local food producers. There is food off the barbecue and street food style vendors offering up a variety of hot and ready to eat options as well as live music.
For more details click this link to the Balgove Website
Bowhouse Market
Bowhouse Market is located just off the A917 between St Monans and Elie. The market runs at weekends throughout the year. For more details click this link
Stay at Sandcastle Cottage Crail
If you would like to find out more about staying at Sandcastle Cottage then why not take a look inside by clicking this link. Alternatively to check our availability and prices click the Book Now button below.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sandcastle Cottage.
Blog updated January 2024